Six places to enjoy a decadent Easter brunch in North Jersey
The groundhog said there were only six more weeks of winter, but you don't care — because every day is dark and gloomy when you give up meat, desserts, sugar or carbs for a month and a half.
Don't worry, Lenters. Easter is coming.
So, the next time you have to say no to that chocolate bar, smashburger or one-pound mozzarella stick, just hold your breath and envision the decadent spreads of deviled eggs, glazed ham and fresh-baked carrot cake to come.
And then, of course, book your reservation for the place in which that dream is going to come true.
Here are six great local Easter brunches to visit in the area this year.
Blu on the Hudson, Weehawken
Blu on the Hudson is a gorgeous fine dining restaurant with sweeping views of Manhattan. From its high-end decor to its extensive wine list, the riverside spot is an ideal venue to splurge on a special occasion meal, and — for Easter — its team is pulling out all the stops.
On the bunny's big day, the restaurant will be offering a special, curated brunch menu of all things delicious. Some highlights include ricotta and strawberry-stuffed pancakes, an avocado toast tasting trio and a breakfast martini with Bulleit Bourbon, orange marmalade and lemon.
Though the eats may not be cheap, the photo-ops (in one of Jersey's most picturesque waterfront culinary destinations) come free.
Cost: A la carte.
When/where: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1200 Harbor Blvd., Weehawken; 201-636-1200, bluonthehudson.com.
Ho-Ho-Kus Inn, Ho-Ho-Kus
Holidays are all about tradition, and it's hard not to feel like you're in on centuries of Jersey tradition at the historic Ho-Ho-Kus Inn. Built in the state in the late 1700s, the rustic tavern has been hosting diners since 1890. At one point, it was even a favored dinner spot of Richard Nixon.
This Easter, celebrate like your ancestors — and years of locals — in the Inn's cozy digs. To acknowledge the day, the restaurant will be serving a limited edition menu of holiday-inspired dishes and chef's specialties.
And, though the team hasn't announced yet what exactly those dishes will be, we're sure they'll be served with a side of nostalgia.
Cost: A la carte.
When/where: Brunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (with dinner to follow) at 1 E Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus; 201-445-4115, hohokusinn.com.
Crystal Springs Resort, Hamburg
Nothing says Easter brunch like a massive, lavish buffet — of which Crystal Springs Resort will be offering three.
The first, in its Canyon Ballroom, will feature a full carving station, made-to-order omelets, pan-seared swordfish and more. Over near the resort's Black Bear Golf Course, the second will include hot dishes from teriyaki flank steak to stuffed flounder, as well as a shrimp station, various salads and decadent desserts. The last, in the Emerald Ballroom, teases a luxurious spread of hot seafood, artisanal pastries and tender leg of lamb.
Oh, and in addition to the gourmet eats? All include a visit from the Easter Bunny.
Cost: $26-35/child (4-11), $65-75/adult.
When/where: Times vary from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (depending which buffet is selected) at 1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg; 844-837-2990, crystalgolfresort.com.
Winberie's Restaurant, Summit
Another buffet option, Winberie's Restaurant and Bar in Summit is gearing up to serve the local community an Easter meal to remember. With the menu already live, the grand spread is set to include seven "salad and appetizer" stations, nine breakfast items, multiple entrées and two tender meats carved to order.
And, after all that is done? They've got seven desserts to choose from, too.
(Yes, carrot cake is one of them).
Cost: $32/child (5-11), $68/adult.
When/where: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2 Kent Place Blvd., Summit; 908-277-4224, summit.winberies.com.
The Capital Grille, Parsippany and Paramus
The upscale food at The Capital Grille always makes the restaurant one of our go-to special occasion dining destinations. On Easter, however, the already-fancy place is about to get even fancier with an opulent menu of holiday brunch dishes.
To celebrate, diners will enjoy lobster frittatas with truffle hollandaise, crab cakes benedict over white cheddar hash browns, a tasty play on steak and eggs (made with a 14-ounce NY strip) and more.
If ordering something besides the spot's incredible filet mignon makes you squeamish, however, fear not. The Grille's standard menu will still be available all day.
Cost: A la carte; approximately $20/child and $50/adult for entrées.
When/where: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 10 Dryden Way in Parsippany or 1 Garden State Plaza Blvd. in Paramus; thecapitalgrille.com.
Hunan Taste, Denville
Because Christian holidays are iconically known for being days to get Chinese food.
And Easter 2024 should be no different.
Cost: A la carte.
When/where: Opens at noon at 67 Bloomfield Ave., Denville; 973-625-2782, hunantaste.com/denville.
Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can't find her in Jersey's best restaurants, she's probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram: @karanicolev & @northjerseyeats, and sign up for her North Jersey Eats newsletter.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Easter brunch in North Jersey: Six places to enjoy a decadent one
