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"In the evening, the lights of the city resemble so many
sparkling diamond necklaces. Sweethearts will be hard put to find more breathtaking views
in a restaurant anywhere," said Rita Edelman in The Star-Ledger. Built in 1909 on the Reservation's spectacular overlook, the Florentine - style building had been enjoyed by visitors for many years as a scenic overlook and refreshment stand. During World War I, West Orange resident Thomas Edison worked in the upstairs rooms of the pavilion on various top-secret Navy projects. Only a few years ago, the historic pavilion at the peak of Eagle Rock Reservation was a place most Essex County residents avoided. Covered with graffiti and suffering from years of structural deterioration, the building was described as "an eyesore in an otherwise beautiful park." When the opportunity presented itself to restore the turn-of-the-century pavilion, the Knowles family welcomed the challenge. After operating The Manor as a family business for more than 30
years, Harry Knowles was ready for the challenge. He and his sons, Wade and Kurt, set out
to refurbish the building. In December of 1985 Harry and Wade went to northern Italy to
look at countryside villas. Based on their research, Wade selected colors reminiscent of
Italy's famous frescoes - muted corals and terra cottas for the walls and ceilings, and
antique blue-greens for the carpeting. While in Italy, they acquired a set of 400-year-old Venetian lanterns for the bar and wine cellar, and 15th- and 16th century furniture for the "courtyard" lobby.
Highlawn Pavilion opened its doors on December 29, 1986. Serving American Fare with European Flair, it soon attracted a steady and loyal clientele. Its French rotisserie, wood-burning Italian brick oven and char-grill are put to good use to serve such items as roasted baby chicken, honey-glazed duckling, and - in the Piano Bar - gourmet pizzas and focaccia sandwiches. A la Carte Luncheon A la Carte Dinner |
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HIGHLAWN PAVILION has become one of the
area's most exciting restaurants. The Star-Ledger states that "the food here is
blessedly good" and awarded it four stars. Restaurant critic Larry Lazar, in listing
his "personal favorites from a decade of reviewing," states that "the place
for fine simple fare and an outstanding view is Highlawn Pavilion." Bob Lape,
restaurant reviewer for Crain's New York Business, included the restaurant in "The
Best of Lape," giving it three stars. Calling it "a mountain vista with food to
match," Mr. Lape rated Highlawn Pavilion "among the very best overall dining
experiences in the East." Joan Hamburg of WOR-AM says
that "it's romantic ... the food is perfectly nice". New Jersey Monthly readers
voted it "most romantic."
"The Knowles
family rescued the past when they restored the historic pavilion to a grandeur that would
be perfectly at home in Europe," added Cody Kendall in The Star-Ledger's four-star
rating. The Record also bestowed four stars on Highlawn Pavilion, citing it for its
"heart-stopping views of Manhattan." Gourmet readers listed Highlawn Pavilion as
among their top 20 favorites in New Jersey.
These colors were chosen to
give a feeling of comfortable intimacy to the large, high-ceilinged rooms.
