A lovely garden leads the way into the this America Bistro, on a main corner in the quaint town of Scotch Plains (conveniently situated close to public transportation and Route 22), I was drawn in by the beautiful flower garden that leads the way inside. \r
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Once inside the bistro look is evident and the atmosphere is conducive to conversation, which is something I can?t find a lot of when dining out these days in busy, loud restaurants. \r
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On this day I was greeted by the owner Tom (of The Garlic Rose fame you may know it there is one in Cranford and one in Madison) he seated us right away and our culinary experience was about to begin. \r
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The fresh lemonade was hand squeezed and boy did it show, on this warm day the cool drink was as refreshing as it was perfectly sweetened. \r
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For an appetizer we dined on the Baba ghanoush, although it was billed as an appetizer the portion was large enough to eat as a main course. The smoky eggplant was whipped until light and fluffy. The drizzle of oil and toasted pita wedges made the plate and I was sad to eat the last bite. \r
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Next I took a chance on the salmon crepes. Having been disappointed by crepes before in other restaurants I was unsure, but I took a gamble and boy did it pay off. Not only was the crepe done spot on but the salmon was flaky and the tarragon sauce was to die for. \r
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I could not leave without tasting the warm shrimp salad, stir-fried shrimp, asparagus, mushrooms and peppers over a mesclun salad, what?s not to love. The best part was how perfectly the shrimp were cooked; the crisp bite to them made the salad an experience to eat. \r
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My only disappointment was that I did not have room for desert, oh well there is always next time! \r
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Between the variety on the menu, the comfortable atmosphere, the very reasonable prices and the large portions I can say without a doubt I?ll be back very soon and I hope you?ll try it out too, for a meal or for your next event, you won?t be disappointed. \r
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Pros: large portions, great prices, BYOB, free parking, ambience, fresh food made to order
Cons: no room for dessert after my meal
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