Published with permission from LuxuryWeb Magazine
Nestled in the Northern New Jersey township of Park Ridge, That Supper Club is an unassuming yet remarkable dining destination. Located in Park Ridge, New Jersey, this quirky spot offers an unexpected culinary adventure. Veteran restaurateur Tommy Greco and his cousin, Chef Nicolas Pescatore, have returned to their New Jersey roots with a unique concept: during the workweek, the space operates as Pop Empanada, a casual eatery.
However, from Thursday to Saturday, it transforms into That Supper Club — formerly known as Pop! Pasta Club — a fine dining experience where Chef Nick showcases his culinary expertise. The intimate, six-course prix-fixe menu highlights locally sourced ingredients, changing monthly to keep each visit exciting. The early winter menu that Barbara and I experienced was nothing short of impressive, evoking memories of exquisite tasting menus I’ve enjoyed in Barcelona, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Venice.
An intimate and exclusive dining experience
Just a few steps from the NJ Transit commuter train station, That Supper Club is a small, unpretentious space. With only nine double tables (36 seats total), the restaurant has the feel of a funky luncheonette—but don’t be deceived by appearances. The food here is exceptional.
Reservations are essential and must be booked well in advance, as the restaurant only operates three nights a week. We dined on a Thursday and noticed only two empty seats, while Friday and Saturday were fully booked. The following week was already sold out, proving that this hidden gem is no longer a well-kept secret.
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Tommy and his wife manage the front-of-house with warmth and efficiency, while Nick commands the kitchen. Both bring years of experience from their former Manhattan restaurants, which were forced to close due to COVID-19 lockdowns. Following the pandemic, Tommy transitioned from New York City and opened a pop art gallery near his Park Ridge home. This space later evolved into Pop Empanada, and remnants of its artistic origins remain, with vibrant prints and posters adorning the walls.
A well-priced gourmet experience
For the quality of the offerings, the price is quite reasonable. The restaurant accommodates vegetarian requests, but these must be noted at the time of reservation. Additionally, a few à la carte items are available for an extra charge, including East Coast Oysters (six or twelve) and 45-day Dry-Aged Filet Mignon.
The first thing brought to the table was a fresh boule of bread from a bakery across the street, accompanied by house-made herbed butter. As a bread enthusiast, I often judge a restaurant’s quality by its bread and house wine. While That Supper Club is a BYOB establishment with no house wine, the bread was an excellent indicator of the culinary experience to come. The butter, infused with kimchi, was an unexpected but delightful touch.
Knowing the evening’s menu in advance, I brought along a bottle of FIOL Prosecco—a slightly off-dry sparkler with crisp acidity and lively fruit notes. Its floral aroma, persistent bubbles, and delicate finish paired beautifully with our meal. A Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Sancerre, or Sicilian Grillo would have also complemented the flavors nicely.
The starters: a symphony of flavors
Barbara started with six East Coast oysters, served with gooseberry and fermented ramp mignonette. While I prefer clams on the half-shell, Barbara, an oyster lover, was thrilled. The mignonette had a unique, intriguing taste, and the oysters themselves were of exceptional quality.
Next came an appetizer trio featuring a Lobster Croquette, Salmon Yakitori on skewers, and Shrimp Toast. The presentation had an Asian influence, and while the portions were small, the freshness, execution, and balance of flavors were flawless.
The Poached Pear Salad followed, with Cabernet Sauvignon-poached pears elegantly layered over baby kale, crisp prosciutto, and crumbled Gorgonzola, all drizzled with a Honey Walnut Vinaigrette. This dish was perfectly balanced, offering a mix of sweetness, saltiness, and crunch.
Pasta and a surprising take on empanadas
Next, we were served Agnolotti del Plin, delicate pasta pillows in a roasted duck consommé, stuffed with celery root and foie gras, and sprinkled with Parmigiano Reggiano. This dish reminded me of a spectacular version I once had in Udine, Italy—then and now, it left a lasting impression.
Following the pasta, Oxtail Empanadas arrived, featuring braised oxtail and parsnips in a red wine demi-glace, topped with chimichurri and red cabbage slaw. While the dish was flavorful, I wouldn’t technically call it an empanada. Traditionally, empanadas are sealed dough pockets, either baked or fried. This preparation, with phyllo dough layers, resembled a Cretan Bougatsa more than an empanada. A delicious dish, but the naming felt slightly misleading.
The Berkshire Pork Ragu Bianco was a standout dish. Featuring spinach lumache pasta, slow-cooked Berkshire pork shoulder, fresh fennel, and smoked ricotta salata, the sauce was infused with saffron threads for added depth. It was a rich, comforting winter dish, reminiscent of flavors I first encountered during my travels through Tuscany—best enjoyed with a glass of Sangiovese.
A decadent finale
Dessert was a masterpiece: Chocolate Cake layered with Warm Chocolate Mousse, Frangelico Cream, Toasted Hazelnuts, and Candied Orange. This was an outstanding chocolate lover’s dream. If you visit, be sure to save a final sip of wine before indulging, as the rich flavors deserve a refreshed palate.
To close the meal, the only available coffee options were single or double espressos—no other varieties. A double espresso, however, was the perfect pairing for the indulgent dessert.
All in all, That Supper Club is an unforgettable dining experience with a unique, rotating menu that makes every visit a new adventure. While the space may be unassuming, the food is extraordinary. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience in New Jersey, this hidden gem should be at the top of your list. Just be sure to book well in advance—this place won’t stay a secret for long.
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That Supper Club
7 Hawthorne Ave
Park Ridge, NJ 07656
Tel: (201) 746-0000
