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Pond
When you follow the storybook bridge that leads to Pond, you'll pass through a starburst of flowers. But be sure to look for swans. On most days, you can usually see a pair of them cruising the tranquil waters there.
Pond Restaurant and Cassis Bistro serve cuisine from the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Seconds from the Route 476 and Route 30, their newly renovated dining rooms set in a four season landscape create the feeling of stepping away from the ordinary.
Abde Dahrouch, backed by his wife, Maria, and their partners, Raelyn Harman and Gopal Subramanian, have done a superb job at Pond Restaurant and Cassis Bistro. They've laced the gardens with elaborate four-season blooms and replaced Passerelle's intensely preppy pastels with warmer earth tones. Cinnamon walls and saffron-gold curtains add a luster to the chateaulike main dining room, with its iron chandeliers, rafters and stone fireplace. Casual sea-blues soften the less-expensive bistro and bar called Cassis across the vestibule.
The two venues, plus large private rooms and a grand outdoor terrace beside the pond, offer enough options for a number of occasions - whether a midweek bistro meal (mostly less than $20 an entree) or a special-occasion weekend splurge. And it's especially nice to have the option of either menu no matter where you sit.
If there is a difference between the two, other than about $10 an entree (and both menus are constantly changing), the bistro offerings are slightly more traditionally French.
Chef Dahrouch grew up in southwest France and learned to cook in French kitchens around Washington, D.C., and Wayne, where he worked at Taquet alongside brother Larbi before eventually taking over as executive chef.
Pond and Cassis Bistro will delight any palette and are certain to become an instant favorite for casual diners and fine food and wine connoisseurs alike. Reservations are recommended.
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