Despite the pandemic, a new restaurant has blossomed, taking over the space formerly occupied by long-standing Clifton/CUF favorite Cilantro Vietnamese Bistro.
Good Plates Eatery officially opened its doors on Aug. 12 with co-owners and husband-and-wife Jamie and Andrew Schlanser at the helm.
Good Plates focuses on simple foods and bold flavors, offering a variety of sandwiches and bowls (of the quinoa and salad variety) for both meat-eaters and vegetarians.
"One big aspect of it is the different sauces/flavors that go into each dish. We wanted to take things that may be simple but add a little bit to it and make it something that you may not be able to get anywhere else," Jamie says in an email interview.
She highlights several of their menu stand-outs, including the brisket and cheese sandwich, which features braised brisket in an adobo red wine sauce; their meatball sub, made with chorizo and beef, complemented by a sweet red sauce (there's also a vegetarian version); as well as the Smashed Chickpea Salad, which is made with chickpeas instead of chicken. Jamie says that all bowls and salads come vegetarian, but patrons have the option to add meat.
In addition to eats, they currently have a smattering of atypical non-alcoholic beverages to choose from, including Yoo-hoo and grape soda, with wine and beer on the way once their license comes through.
Photos by Hailey Bollinger
