Mare Monte Haddonfield

Categories: Italian, South

A new addition to crowded Italian restaurant scene in Haddonfield. Location is totally upgraded offering a warm romantic feel. Visited on a slow Monday, service was very attentive. Our starter was a special offering for the day Roasted brussel sprouts with pancetta and a balsamic drizzle. Nice sized portion allowed us to share. Sprouts were halved and roasted perfectly, remaining firm. Good balance with pancetta. Balsamic glaze perfectly used. Delicious starter.

POLLO FONTINA - Chicken breast sauteed with asparagus, peppers, sun-dried tomatoes. Topped with smoked Fontina cheese in a light marinara. Overall a good flavor on the plate. Fontina cheese was not part of the chicken portion of the dish. Sided with thinly cut russet potatoes that had an excellent sauce. Could that have been where the cheese was? Potatoes were very good, would have preferred a pasta.

MARE MONTE - Homemade fettuccine with calamari, shrimp, crab meat, asparagus, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes in a saffron white wine sauce. Sauce was very mild and saffron was not noticeable. Calamari a standout. Tender pieces that offered good flavor. Shrimp and crab were perfectly cooked. Nice balance of rest of the ingredients. A good dish that was also a hearty serving.

Closed with Tiramisu and a Cappuccino. Nicely presented the dessert missed the mark. Coming off bland with no distinct cocoa and espresso flavor. Also cake was not of the traditional lady finger style which most are familiar. We were given a complimentary glass of Chocolate Cello that was excellent.

Mare Monte new to the scene we found them good.
Will they have enough to survive the crowded Italian segment in Haddonfield?

Some refining needs to be done.