Mocha Bleu Patisserie, Bistro + Mixology Bar: Casual Kosher Dairy Restaurant in Teaneck, New Jersey
Kosher dairy restaurant in Teaneck, New Jersey ✈
During a recent outing with friends in Teaneck, New Jersey, we visited Mocha Bleu Patisserie, Bistro + Mixology Bar, located at 1399 Queen Anne Road. This casual, kosher dairy restaurant is a mere ten-minute drive from Manhattan via the George Washington Bridge, making it an accessible escape from the busy city to a quiet tree-lined suburb in New Jersey.
Teaneck, New Jersey, is known for having a significant and vibrant Jewish community. It's one of the most prominent and well-established Jewish neighborhoods in the state, with a rich tapestry of Jewish life. The town boasts an array of synagogues representing a broad spectrum of Jewish denominations, including Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform traditions.
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“Mocha Bleu Patisserie, Bistro + Mixology Bar in Teaneck, New Jersey, offers a refreshing take on kosher dairy dining, with a broad menu that promises and delivers a high-quality culinary experience. The blend of modern atmosphere, diverse menu options, and excellent service makes it a worthy destination for those in and around Teaneck or for New Yorkers looking for a culinary adventure just across the George Washington Bridge.”
The community is characterized by a strong sense of camaraderie and shared values, and it is well-supported by a variety of Jewish institutions and businesses. These include yeshivas and day schools, kosher restaurants and supermarkets, and community centers. Teaneck is also known for its activism and involvement in both Jewish and Israeli causes.
The Jewish community in Teaneck is active in cultural and educational endeavors, hosting a variety of lectures, classes, and social events that cater to all ages. The town's proximity to New York City makes it an attractive location for those who wish to be near the metropolitan area while enjoying a close-knit community vibe.
Mocha Bleu presents itself as a modern eatery inspired by flavors from around the globe, offering a unique blend of culinary experiences. The restaurant boasts a variety of international cuisine, including specialty pizzas fired in a cherry wood-burning kosher oven, alongside calzones, strombolis, appetizers, salads, paninis, open-faced toast, pastas, and fresh seafood entrees. Notably, their sushi bar comes highly recommended.
Upon arrival, the atmosphere of Mocha Bleu exuded a trendy and eclectic charm. With a mix of modern and colorful elements, the ambiance was both inviting and dynamic. There’s a large, glossy, silver sculpture that immediately caught my eye, serving as both a contemporary art piece and a unique focal point. This, combined with the backdrop of lush tropical greenery and the playful neon sign stating, "Good Vibes Only," set a lively and upbeat tone.
The décor takes a whimsical turn with a graffiti-style mural featuring colorful and animated characters. This artistic expression added a burst of energy and creativity to the space. The presence of hanging greenery above and clear ghost chairs gave the space a touch of freshness and modernity, suggesting a casual yet fashionable dining experience.
Overall, the restaurant is a blend of chic décor, artistic touches, and a comfortable yet stylish environment, perfect for social gatherings and enjoying a variety of foods in a setting that's both casual and trendy.
The menu at Mocha Bleu offers an expansive selection of international kosher dairy dishes. My friends and I opted to sample a broad spectrum of their menu, including the Three Cheese Lasagna, Penne a la Vodka Pasta and Fish and Chips.
For traditionalists, the American Pie with marinara and mozzarella or the Margherita Pizza with San Marzano sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil are go-to options. The French Onion Soup with a French baguette and cheese is a comforting classic.
Breakfast enthusiasts can indulge in the French Toast Vegas-Style, which promises to be a decadent experience with Henry’s huge brioche, Canadian maple syrup, fresh berries, and whipped butter. The Shakshouka Rouge and Mocha Power are savory morning choices that incorporate fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
The appetizer section features an assortment of unique items, from Avocado Spring Rolls and Edamame in various preparations to Guacamole & Chips, Hummus Platter, and Mozzarella Puffs. The Trio Tartare and Tusa Mocha Sushi Roll are must-tries for seafood aficionados, while vegetarian options like the Bruschetta Artichoke and a variety of Cauliflower preparations provide plenty of choices.
Salads range from the sweet and savory Roasted Candied Sweet Potato Salad to the traditional Caesar and Greek varieties. The Mocha Bleu Salad and Burrata & Tomato Salad offer fresh and creative combinations of ingredients.
The Mocha Burger selection includes a Beyond Burger & Frites for plant-based diners, a Salmon Burger, and the McMocha Mac Fish Burger, each served with a distinctive set of toppings and sauces.
Their pizzas, including the Al Funghi and Spicy Eggplant, offer adventurous toppings alongside classics like the Margherita and American Pie. Pasta options range from Fettuccine Alfredo to Spicy Rigatoni Secret Recipe and traditional favorites like Lasagna.
For those with a preference for seafood, the Scales & Fins section showcases dishes such as the Bronzino Mediterranean Filet, Baja Chipotle Fish Tacos, and Pan Seared Halibut, among others.
A variety of sides including Crispy Fries and Grilled Vegetables complement any meal, while the kids’ menu features simpler versions of the main dishes, ensuring there's something for the younger guests.
Dessert options are a highlight with choices like the Lava Cake and Tiramisu, and for those looking for a sweet drink, their Milkshakes and Smoothies, in a multitude of flavors, are sure to delight. The variety of French pastries, cookies, cakes, and challahs were a testament to their commitment to quality and freshness. Paired with Nespresso coffee, it provided a perfect end to our meal.
The beverages range from a simple House Coffee to a variety of Hot & Iced Teas, and signature Mocha Blends that feature creative combinations of espresso and flavorings. The cocktail list, though concise, offers refreshing classics like the Mojito and Pina Colada.
In essence, Mocha Bleu offers a comprehensive menu that seems to pride itself on delivering a breadth of flavors that can appeal to a wide audience, whether you're looking for a hearty meal, a light bite, or a sweet treat to round off the dining experience.
The service at Mocha Bleu was friendly, which contributed to the overall positive experience. The staff was knowledgeable about the menu, offering recommendations.
The restaurant also boasts an event space, capable of accommodating up to 150 people, indicating its versatility and readiness to host everything from corporate lunches to memorable celebrations. Though my visit was for a casual lunch, the potential for hosting larger events was evident in the thoughtful layout and elegant design of the space.
Following the success of Mocha Bleu in Teaneck, the brand expanded its culinary reach into the heart of New York City with three new ventures, each bringing its unique twist to the dining scene:
Mocha Red Steakhouse And Mixology Bar
Located in the pulsating Union Square Area of New York City, Mocha Red Steakhouse and Mixology Bar combines the sizzle of Miami's energy with Manhattan's cosmopolitan vibe. This kosher steakhouse promises an unforgettable dining experience, merging the high standards of kashrut with an eclectic and modern mixology program, all in a vibrant and stylish setting.
Mocha Burger Soho
Mocha Burger Soho harkens back to the classic American burger joint with a commitment to quality that's anything but ordinary. Only the freshest, grass-fed, hormone- and antibiotic-free beef is used here, ensuring that each burger is both ethically sourced and delicious. Patrons can customize their burgers to their liking and elevate the meal into a combo experience, perhaps with the addition of home-smoked lamb bacon. The experience is sweetened by the option of a famous dessert in a jar, perfect for rounding out a quintessential kosher burger and fries meal in the trendy Soho neighborhood.
Mocha Burger Times Square
The Times Square location echoes the SOHO branch's dedication to quality and freshness but does so amid the non-stop action of one of the city's most iconic neighborhoods. Mocha Burger Times Square is more than just a place to eat; it's an immersion in the art of burger crafting, with a focus on the meticulous selection of ingredients and a passion for creating the perfect bite. The modern industrial interior is matched by an atmosphere brimming with energy, making it an ideal spot for all—from a lunch break with coworkers to a lively family dinner.
Mocha Bleu Patisserie, Bistro + Mixology Bar in Teaneck, New Jersey, offers a refreshing take on kosher dairy dining, with a broad menu that promises and delivers a high-quality culinary experience. The blend of modern atmosphere, diverse menu options, and excellent service makes it a worthy destination for those in and around Teaneck or for New Yorkers looking for a culinary adventure just across the George Washington Bridge. Whether you’re in the mood for sushi, pizza, or a sweet treat from their bakery, Mocha Bleu has something to offer for every palate.
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