Donna R.

Easter was coming so I decided to book a reservation for brunch for my daughter and myself.The reservationist named Gabriella was very friendly. What I liked was that she didn't rush through our phone call and she confirmed everything back. A couple days before Easter I received a phone call reconfirming my reservation. The Vita Restaurant is located in the Dolce Hotel which is at 300 N. Maple Ave Basking Ridge, NJ. There are multiple parking lots to park in for free. Just follow the signs for the restaurant . I came through the main lobby of the hotel so I wasn't quite sure where to go once inside but the staff was so friendly that one of the chefs walked me to where I had to check-in. I gave my name and we were immediately seated. The gentleman who confirmed my reservation and seated us took our drink order and he was kind enough to tell me the mimosa I ordered was included in my brunch. He also got me hot delicious coffee. A few minutes later a waiter came over to make sure our drink order was taken and pointed out where the buffet is. All of the food was beautifully displayed from the fresh cold seafood with dipping sauces, bread selections, salads, pasta station, meat and carving station, homemade Waffle Station, and Omelet Station.The chafing dishes looked lovely too. All the food was neatly labeled. It was nice that they included Chicken Fingers and Mac & Cheese for kids. I started with the fresh Shrimp , Oysters, and Stone Crab. I loved the cocktail sauce, and the mustard, lemon cream sauce for the Stone Crabs. I could have just eaten this it was so yummy! I then went to the Omelet station. I ordered a Spinach, Onion, Tomato, Feta Omelet which was cooked in front of me. I added Maple Bacon, which was cooked perfectly and breakfast Pork Sausage. My Omelet had plenty of filling and it turned out just right. There were many different fillings and cheese to choose from. I was already full by this time but decided to go up again. I put some salad w/ Blackberries, and Raspberries & a nice Balsamic Dressing on my plate along w/ a piece of freshly marinated, and seared Skirt Steak. U could also top the Steak w/ a Mushroom Demi- Glaze which I tried. My steak was juicy and tender. The Demi- Glaze was amazing! One of the chefs was grilling it in front of us. There was Chicken Breast too. By this point I was on my 3rd cup of coffee. The Dessert Bar was located in another room just outside the entrance. What a beautiful display. The Vita Restaurant used a Grand Piano which played soft music to display most of the Mini Desserts. I choose Cheesecake with a Raspberry on top, gluten free Carrot Cake, and walked over to the table that had warm Banana Bread Pudding. ( yum) My daughter wanted to go to the Ice Cream Bar. It was serve yourself style either Vanilla or Chocolate Ice Cream and again there was a toppings bar loaded w/ sprinkles, M&M's,Nuts, Hot Fudge,freshly made Whipped Cream. By this time I felt like an ompa lumpa. Our waiter Roman was so sweet and curtious. He took several pics of my daughter and me. I never felt rushed or hurried. The decor was modern and simple , and there was beautiful chandeliers in the dining room. There is also an outside patio so after Brunch or Dinner you can sit outside and have a drink . Our day was very enjoyable and I would highly recommend The Vita Restaurant for Brunch. I would have given them 5 stars but they didn't serve any Salmon, Lox or Fresh Poached Fish. I would have also liked grilled fresh Veggie Platter.