Agricola Pears (agricolaeatery.com)
About Agricola
Agricola, a Princeton based farm-to-plate restaurant, has been here for about a year, and tonight was my first opportunity to visit. Agricola’s own site says “Using fresh local ingredients from our very own Great Road Farm as well as from other neighboring providers, we serve food that brings people together to laugh, share and celebrate. Good food translates to memorable moments and we encourage you to delight in both as we build on the traditions of community, farming and breaking bread with friendly faces.” – See more at: http://www.agricolaeatery.com/about#sthash.GjY5qtT3.dpuf
Atmosphere and vibe
When you walk into the restaurant, it is inviting and uses natural elements in the architecture to remind you that artificiality isn’t welcomed. You are greeted by bare wooden beams, masonry, and other natural elements that show the naturalistic and holistic approach to the food. It’s warm, the atmosphere is friendly, and the vibe is communal. You are invited to sit among other diners to enjoy your meal.
Service
Every person you speak to on staff is knowledgeable, kind, and service-oriented. I did not ask a question that was not answered in a rewarding way. This is not the only place that this happens in Princeton, as we are blessed with great service in this town, as might be expected. However, it did not disappoint.
What we had
I planned to visit with a friend, and we decided to have drinks and dinner on a relatively warm summer day. It was cool upon entry, and had adequate spaces for gathering a party. I was quickly welcomed upon entry and invited to sit while I waited. When my friend arrived, we were seated quickly. The choices were a single page of delicious descriptions, filled with real food, local choices, and great variety, despite brevity. The menu for dinner follows:
Kale salad
We shared a kale salad with carrot ribbons, radishes, toasted pumpkin seed vinaigrette. It tasted distinctly of parmesan, and had great texture and freshness.
Grits with Salsa Verde
The Castle Valley Mills Creamy Grits with Salsa Verde was delicious, creamy, and had a great mouthfeel. Not very sweet or overly salty, as it is too often served. The Salsa verde added a nice break to the potentially heavy bowl.
Summer Squash Flatbread
The main dish was a wood-fired piazzetta with purple potatoes, wild garlic salsa verde, house-made ricotta. The vegetables, as throughout the meal, were al dente and allowed to have some resistance. The ricotta bordered on feta in its bite, but was crumbled and certainly not overwhelming.
Drinks
Agricola has a full bar, which is uncommon in Princeton. More importantly, they have very good beer in bottles and on tap. Tonight, we had Lagunitas IPA and Left Hand’s Stout. It’s hard to go wrong in pairing with choices like those.
Conclusion
To be perfectly honest, I had heard some less-than-praise comments about the food at Agricola, but I found none of it to be true. I would recommend it to anyone who appreciates real food, and I consider it a new favorite not only in Princeton, but in general. Well done.
Details
Agricola Community Eatery
Eleven Witherspoon Street
Princeton, New Jersey 08542
– See more at:
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