Looking for a new place to dine? This week our food editor Rosalie Saferstein tells us about the recently opened Tabor Road Tavern in Parsippany.

Many years ago we stood in line to dine at Restaurant 28 in Montclair. They didn’t take reservations and their chef Bruce Johnson was creating a lot of buzz in culinary circles. Johnson is now is the executive chef at Tabor Road Tavern and reservations are thankfully accepted.

Tabor Road Tavern is the latest restaurant to be added to the Harvest Restaurant Group (www.harvestrestaurants.com ), which owns five other New Jersey eating places: Trap Rock, Ciao, 3 West, Huntley Taverne, and Roots Steakhouse — quite an impressive list.

We found some typical tavern fare on the menu such as crispy calamari salad, burger with fries, and Asian BBQ baby back ribs — as  well as some “Let’s try these” like mini monkfish tacos, grilled jumbo shrimp with creamy grits, and seared breast of duck with cauliflower and goat cheese gratin.

If you are unsure what to order try the “Tavern Plate Sampler,” which includes Maryland crab cakes, tuna tartar, and vegetable spring roll with assorted sauces. There is an extensive wine list with wines by the glass starting at $7.50. Beer lovers can opt for the brews crafted at Trap Rock Brewery.

Dessert? Of course! We chose the cookie platter consisting of walnut and chocolate cookies and cherry and pistachio biscotti, a perfect meal closer with coffee or loose tea that is freshly brewed at the table.

The towering barn-like ceiling, brick fireplace that soars to the roof, open kitchen, inviting bar, and friendly well informed staff all make Tabor Road Tavern a welcome addition to the New Jersey dining scene.

Know of any new restaurants that Rosie should try? E-mail Rosalie at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it