LOCAL: Birthday Dinner at A Toute Heure

A few weekends ago, we celebrated my mother-in-law’s birthday at A Toute Heure in Cranford, New Jersey. I had been DYING to go there for over a year! We drove by one day and it just looked like the cutest little spot. Once I had a chance to stalk them online a little bit, I knew we HAD to go! Their farm to table menu is right up our alley! E made a reservation online using OpenTable.  It is BY FAR the easiest way to make a reservation. And you can earn points too!

We arrived promptly at 5:30PM for our reservation – we are part of the early bird crowd now because of Nathan’s 7:00PM bedtime. The restaurant was beautifully decorated. Each of the tables had a single rose in a vase, as well as a tealight candle burning. I could not wait to try the food. Everything smelled so delicious! Everyone dove head first into the dinner menu. There were so many interesting dishes. The two appetizers that popped out at me were the M.S.C (Mexican Street Corn) and Tuna Tartare. We couldn’t decide between the two, so we ordered both! And they both were AHMAZING!

The M.S.C. was off the cob, making it SO much easier to eat. The corn was crunchy and sweet, the sauce was slightly spicy, and the cheese was just a little salty. It hit on every single flavor! Such a perfect dish. The Tuna Tartare was also delicious. The tuna was fresh, perfectly cubed and marinated in a Thai chili sauce that had a little kick. The panko breadcrumbs on top added a nice crunch. E and his father ordered the Mussels with Chorizo. He really loved how the brineyness of the mussels contrasted with the spiciness of the sausage. The sauce had a nice kick to it as well. They were dipping french fries and crusty bread until there was nothing left!

For our main course, E ordered the Soft Shell Crab and I ordered the Pan Seared Hake with heirloom tomatoes, jersey corn, and pickled shallots. Whenever I see soft shell crabs on a menu I KNOW that E is going to order them. They are his favorite! He really enjoyed how the legs and claws were crispy. Unfortunately, the body was a little too soft but, thankfully, still tasty! I ordered the Hake because the vegetables paired with it sounded too good to pass up. They are some of New Jersey/s best summer produce! And I can’t resist a piece of well cooked pan seared fish. The crispy outer shell. TO DIE FOR. The heirloom tomato puree that sat underneath the fish had a nice acidity that really worked well with the meatiness of the fish. The corn was sweet and had a nice bite. I also really loved the pickled shallot, which added a nice vinegar note to the dish.

After the ridiculous dinner that we ate, you are probably wondering how we could think about eating anything else. After they cleared the last plate, the waitress brought over the dessert menu and we just couldn’t resist. We HAD to order the house made chocolate ice cream!

To see A Toute Heure‘s specials and other interesting dishes you should follow them on Instagram or pop in for an early dinner one night! You will not regret it!

A Toute Heure, 232 Centennial Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016

M.S.C – Mexican Street Corn

Tuna Tartare Marinated in a Thai Chili Sauce with Panko Breadcrumbs on Top

Mussels with Chorizo

Soft Shell Crab

Pan Seared Hake atop Heirloom Tomatoes, Jersey Corn and Pickled Shallots