The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/1369261
P rinceton encapsulates the old-world charm of the ivy league, cobblestone architecture within one quaint town. Close your eyes. The lush green ivy hugging the sides of Tudor-style buildings lined up like the homes in a model snow globe. Students dressed in tiger orange and black, flood the streets while visitors stroll past the downtown sector. A tight-knit community of families, friends, and school- aged children call the picturesque town tucked within the company of winding trees home. But less than a mile from the downtown district, facing the Witherspoon-Jackson Neighborhood stands a unique community of its own. The Meeting House Princeton is a rising star where elegance is simplicity, family and friends become a bonded community, and the infectious laughs, unexpected conversations, and a lifetime of memories meet over the joys of refined food and refreshing cocktails. Owners Amanda Maher and Amar Gautam imagined a common ground for anyone to meet for the simple, yet elegant stylistic choices in both design and cuisine. Three and a half years ago, the former New York professionals moved their three young kids from the Manhattan hustle and bustle to the charming Princeton suburbs. And two years later, Maher and Gautam officially opened The Meeting House Princeton to warmly invite the same community that welcomed their family. Drawing culinary inspiration from the exciting flavors from Maher and Gautam's favorite spots around New York, The Meeting House brings fine dining in a casual atmosphere to life. Maher and Gautam enlisted the help of restaurant consultant and award-winning chef Carmen González. Maher imagined beautifully plated food inspired by seasonal ingredients that were family-friendly and affordable. "We wanted to create an accessible place where there's something for everyone. A fresh, light fish dish to a classic, quality burger with house-made French fries, this is a meeting place for everyone," said Maher, the creative side of The Meeting House pair, envisioning a piece of home in New York brought to Princeton. The Meeting House represents a new Princeton of its own, assembling an elite team while championing community. Somewhere among the hasty orchestration of welcoming hosts, cocktail-shaking bartenders, and food-knowledgeable waiters is Maher and Gautam seamlessly gliding through the restaurant, planning private events, meeting old friends or colleagues, or just greeting guests with their favorite bottle of Pinot Noir. Chef Fito Belteton valiantly runs the kitchen while expert GM Dago Villanueva smoothly directs the whole show. Star baker Kathia Castro from The Pink Little Cake provides all the confectionary creations including the perfectly balanced and moist carrot cake, the best cap to any meal. V U E N J .C O M 129