New Montclair Eatery Offers Creative, Local-Food Take on Southern Cuisine

Have you tried Montclair's newest restaurant, Escape?

The bring-your-own-bottle eatery, at 345 Bloomfield Ave., offers upscale Southern cuisine and is getting a rave review from NJ.com, which declared it a delightful surprise. 

Chef Bryan Gregg, who is also the business' owner, puts his "untraditional cooking techniques" to the test against the gastronomic traditions from below the Mason-Dixon line. The result is something both creative yet authentic, said NJ.com.

Part of the delight, according to the reviewer, comes from Gregg's commitment to using locally sourced ingredients in the dishes he prepares. Among the recommended items from an oft-changed menu are appetizers such as duck rillettes and artisanal cured meats and cheeses, side dishes including chiffonade of kale and desserts like homemade profiteroles. Special praise was reserved for the restaurant's cornmeal Madeleine.

Escape offers menus for lunch and dinner, a tasting menu and one for vegetarians. It's open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and from 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For information or to make a reservation, call 973-744-0712.

Have you tried Escape yet? Patch wants to know your opinion of the two-month-old restaurant. Share your review in the comments.