Harvest Table (Halsey Street just above Raymond Blvd.) was hopping on a recent Wednesday afternoon. Office workers lined up along the counter to place their orders for wraps, pressed sandwiches, burgers, salads, smoothies, muffins and soups.
Carissa Borraggine, age 32 (though she looks 24) opened Harvest Table two years ago, but many are discovering this jewel for the first time. “We’re a good alternative to expensive business lunches,” says her boyfriend, financial consultant Daniel Patak. Office workers who are economizing are finding that Harvest Table can provide them with sophisticated food made with fresh ingredients at a reasonable price (the sandwiches and wraps are quite large at an average price of about $7.25). Borraggine concurs, “Every week, every day now, we have someone coming by and saying, ‘I didn’t know you were here!’”
Borriggine chose her location two years ago when she was working as a food distribution sales rep. She had several clients in Newark, including 27 Mix. Though she had been looking at spaces in Montclair to open her own restaurant, she saw the potential in Newark – and she liked the rents. The rest is history.
Though the suit and pantyhose set from nearby office buildings are the regulars, Harvest Table attracts customers from as far away as One Washington to the north and the courthouse to the south. Harvest Table also delivers, though you may want to eat in and enjoy the free WiFi.
On this visit, my dining partner and I split a #1 (Balsamico) and a #5 (Fat Nick). We were told that these were the most popular sandwiches. I preferred the Balsamico ($6.50) with its melted mozzarella over chicken, tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette pressed in a delicious, rich and warm Panini bread. The Fat Nick ($7.25) was lighter with its turkey, pepperjack, red pepper, and cucumber in a grilled honey-wheat wrap. My companion loved both but particularly raved about the side salad – an afterthought at many eateries, but not at Harvest Table. The greens were sweet, not bitter, and the salad was enlivened with fresh corn and carrot shavings plus a tasty vinaigrette dressing.
Harvest Table diners, by the way, aren’t restricted to the ten sandwiches on the menu. You can build your own sandwich by choosing your own ingredients. Harvest Table has also just introduced a “Get Fresh” meal program where you can pre-order your lunch for the entire week and have it delivered.
Next time, we’re stopping in for breakfast. I’m craving some banana pancakes and homemade granola. My eating buddy wants a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich in a wrap. Anybody have a favorite Harvest Table breakfast or lunch item they want to share with our readers?
Harvest Table Fresh Food Eatery
127 Halsey Street, Newark, NJ
973-494-8183
March 30th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Mary,
Great writing and we’re especially glad you has such a great experience at the cafe….thanks so much and come back soon!!
Carissa and Daniel
May 24th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
I work in the area and I like the food there, but my one nitpick is that service tends to be slow.
September 10th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Harvest Table is great. Finally a place to eat delicious, healthy food in Newark. Certainly not your standard lunch fair. The wraps, sandwiches and salads are amazing. I go there whenever I can escape from the office (which isn’t nearly enough).
November 17th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Love this place!