et al fine food & events — Restaurant in Highlands

BUYER BEWARE!!

After being a customer of Et Al for years, starting with their original shop in Allenhurst including private dinner parties at my home with a well developed relationship with the owner, I was stunned at my last experience. I had planned my third dinner party with them but due to unexpected circumstances I needed to cancel. I canceled more than 10 days ahead and since all of their foods are "fresh" there shouldn't have been a problem, especially since my signed contract mentions NOTHING about cancelation fees. I foolishly gave them the ENTIRE fee on signing the contract which is never the case that I know of for a catering event, but because of my long-standing relationship with the owner, I wasn't concerned. Upon cancelation, I was told that they were keeping 1/2 of my charges (about $870) even though nothing had been purchased for the event. When I brought up that there is nothing in their contract stating that, I was told they would refund my credit card the full amount. Well, that never happened. The owner claimed that she credited my card but she then was told that her bank "canceled" the refund (hmm!) so she would send me a check. That was at the end of September. Then I was told she was keeping abut $250 of it for "administrative fees!" I tried calling the numbers I had for them but they were disconnected. I called the number on their website and the only phone number listed was the owner's personal cell phone. Numerous calls and texts went unanswered until I left a message that I was filing a "small claims court" file. Again I was told the check was in the mail though it was coming "post-dated." In the end, I received two checks over a period of time the first week in November. Six weeks of constant badgering on my part, so many unanswered calls, so many unanswered texts, post-dated checks and having to fill out court papers, I finally received my money. I would suggest that you think twice before booking a...

HIGHLANDS: The town’s culinary gem is undoubtedly et al fine food & events, a charming restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a beautifully designed space. With an exceptional menu, warm service, and an inviting ambiance, every visit is a memorable experience. Plus, leashed and friendly dogs are welcome!

There are two pet-friendly areas:

Indoors, the dining room exudes European charm with French-inspired decor, cozy colors, eclectic furnishings, and curated artwork. It features a few tables and a small bar.

Outdoors, a covered patio and a garden section provide ample seating and a larger bar, perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal or cocktail in the fresh air.

Open year-round, the indoor and outdoor spaces make this a great spot in any season.

The menu is thoughtfully crafted with high-quality ingredients, reflecting a spirit of diversity and inclusion. Whether you are grabbing coffee or savoring a full meal with loved ones, there is something for everyone.

The staff is outstanding: professional, attentive, and welcoming. We were lucky enough to meet the owner, Kim, whose vision and dedication shine through in every detail. In addition to the restaurant and bar, she has created a marketplace for fresh, grab-and-go items like coffee, juice, and gourmet bites. They also offer catering and host private events on-site.

Hours: Open Tuesday–Saturday, starting at 8 AM for breakfast, with continued service through lunch, dinner,...

I want to love this place, I want to come here 3 times a week. If you want charge 14 dollars for a ham sandwich I'll pay it. But load it up. My recent purchase had 3 pieces of dry ham a single slice of brie cheese and a sprig of arugula or some sort of lettuce or spinach. It was too small an amount to know what it even was.

The knife width of a mustard stain on the bread was useless added nothing but frustration.

This place has wall to wall Fresh bread and my roll tasted.like.it was in and out of a refrigerator countless times.

I basically took both halves of the sandwich put all the meat and cheese on one half threw away 3 pieces of bread and ate an open face pile of ham on a dried out piece of bread.

Inconsistent in the packaging as well. Last sandwich got a small handful of chips. And I mean small. Again store is wall to wall with bags of homemade chips and my box contains about 8 of them.... today's sandwich had none.

Please get back in the game, your menu has such great offerings but you continue to phone it in...