Ted's on Main - Medford, NJ

What a great night to celebrate a special birthday at Ted's on Main. No, it wasn't one of our birthdays! We haven't been to Ted's on Main since our rehearsal dinner, and there really is no good explanation to as of why. The different times we have eaten there, the food and service have been excellent, so it was very exciting to be heading back there again tonight.

We walked in tonight and there were a few other tables dining, so it was great to see that their business is still doing well in this unstable economy. Just like the last time we were in, the place looked gorgeous, with dim lighting, and great color. Our hostess/waitress greeted us, and brought us right to our table.

First thing I saw was the $30 tasting menu. We see them popping up more and more, and I think that it is such a great idea. Hopefully this continues to catch on, and spreads like wildfire, although, $30 is a little much for a weeknight meal...at least in our household.

The appetizer choices ranged anywhere from the "Main Street Salad," to "Cape May Clam Chowder," to "LBI" Clams, to Chicken and Andouille sausage. I opted for the short braised rib with melted cheese on crostini. This was absolutely fabulous. The rib was nice and tender, and there were very healthy portion of meet. The bread was toasted perfectly, and the cheese that topped the dish was absolutely delightful. Zelda opted for the chowder, and it looked gorgeous. The dinner courses ranged from "Sautéed Barnegat Scallops" with a butternut squash risotto and caramelized lemon butter, to "Skillet Roasted Chicken Breast" with apple wood bacon, fall squash gratin and dried cherry jus, to Blackened Mahi Mahi with smoked tomato orzo and a creole mustard sauce. I opted for the "Jerk Grilled Flat Iron Steak" with garlic spinach, yucca fries, and island steak sauce. The steak was cooked as medium as medium could be, and was gorgeous. When I cut into the steak, there was a nice pink center, oozing with juices as the knife floated right though. There was zero fat on this steak, and was 100% edible. The meat was seasoned perfectly, and the sauce, although delicious, was actually overkill and not needed. I would have been happy with the steak plain as can be, but the sauce had a nice, tangy taste to it, with hints of apple chutney. The spinach was delicious and served in a small cast iron skillet that made for nice presentation, and this coming from someone who is not a big fan at spinach. The garlic definitely made this enjoyable for me, and gave it great flavor. I think I would actually eat spinach again if it were cooked like this. The yucca fries were there more for garnish that anything as there were only 4, but they had a nice meatiness to them, and were nice and hot.

Zelda's Mom opted for the scallops, and they looked great as well. I thought about ordering them, but wasn't in the mood for something sweet, as this was served with a mango risotto. Zelda opted for the herb crusted salmon over lentils, and said it was delicious. Unfortunately, I never got around to trying it as I was saving room for dessert. Her father also opted for the flat iron steak.

Dessert brought me to Banana's Foster, as this has been a favorite of mine since I worked at the old Prairie Rock Brewing Company. Unfortunately, due to the fire codes, they cannot flambe tableside, but our server assured me that the chef does indeed flambe it in the back. It was delicious, with great flavor in the caramelized sauce and vanilla ice cream. Zelda opted for the Chocolate Chip Cookie Meltdown, which had a great doughy texture, and was to die for. I could not get enough of this, and probably ate 1/2 of it myself. It too was served with vanilla ice cream, and a chocolate and caramel sauce. Divine! Other desserts at the table included and apple cobbler, served in a small cast iron pan that was a nice touch. Although I didn't try this, it looked awesome, and something I would definitely try in the future.

In summary, another great meal, and I am sorry that it has taken us so long to revisit Ted's on Main. It is good to see them thriving, and great to see that the food is only getting better! It was a true joy, and a great evening celebrating a birthday with family! Keep up the good work Ted, and we look forward to revisiting soon! Cheers!

BYOB Friendly!

20 South Main Street Medford NJ 08055 609-654-7011

E-Mail: info@tedsonmain.net

http://www.tedsonmain.net/