3 October 2019 Chef Bryan Gregg Back in New jersey

Chef Bryan Gregg Back in New jersey

October 3, 2019 By

I was thrilled to learn that Bryan Gregg is the new Executive Chef and Partner of Café Chameleon located in Bloomingdale, New Jersey.

Chef Gregg, who gained a loyal clientele as the Chef/Owner of Escape Montclair, is further refining Café Chameleon’s menus to take advantage of the freshest ingredients at the markets, the docks and the farms in New Jersey. “I’m excited to once again lead a team of talented professionals in the kitchen and to have the opportunity to partner with the Civitano family, who I share a culinary vision with, to create something really special at Café Chameleon,” says Chef Gregg. “My loyal customers had been asking for me to return to New Jersey and I love the fact that Bloomingdale is so easy for guests to get to from all over the area. I’m already so proud of what my partners and I are creating at Café Chameleon and I look forward to some enjoyable liquor, beer and wine-pairing dinners,” continues Gregg.   

Café Chameleon offers a seasonal dinner menu in its main dining room and a bar menu in its lounge area that includes Chef Gregg’s award-winning burger. Social hour specials are available from 4PM – 6PM Tuesday – Friday and on Sunday. Note that lunch and brunch are coming soon.

Hours of Operation:

Restaurant: Tuesday – Thursday: 5PM – 9PM; Friday – Saturday: 5PM – 10PM and Sunday: 4PM – 9PM.

Lounge: Tuesday – Thursday: 4PM – 9PM; Friday – Saturday: 4PM – 10PM and Sunday: 4PM – 9PM. 60 Main Street |

Bloomingdale, NJ 07403 | Phone: 973-850-6969. www.cafe-chameleon.com

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Chef Todd Villani Joins Vesta Wood Fired

April 25, 2019 By

Beginning Mother’s Day with brunch and new Spring menu mid-May, Todd Villani, one of New Jersey’s most celebrated farm-to-table chefs, joins East Rutherford’s Vesta Wood Fired, as Executive Chef. Chef Villani reached notoriety for his locally sourced New American cuisine as Chef Owner of Terre à Terre. His farm-to-table ethos is a perfect match for Vesta, which focuses on Italian and contemporary American dishes created with local and seasonal ingredients – and prepared over a wood fired grille & hearth.

Chef Villani

Vesta Wood Fired has been creatively preparing wood-fired dishes for almost a decade with chef/owner Frank Giampa at the helm. With the addition and take-over of Chef Villani in the kitchen, the restaurant will look to expand and elevate its menu further to include Chef Villani’s signature dishes cooked over the restaurant’s recently expanded wood-fired concept, rather than just a wood-fired pizzeria.

“This is really a fantastic opportunity for me to experiment with new flavors that only a wood-fired hearth or grill can give you,” said Chef Villani. “We can marry seasonal ingredients with the wood-fired heat and flavor to create distinctive flavors.  We intend to bring this romantic, rustic method of cooking to ordinary dishes and combine them with my fine dining technique to create a special experience.  I’m looking forward to charring, smoking, even burning some of our dishes to bring out new flavors.”

“The time was right for Chef Villani to join us,” said Frank Giampa, Chef Owner at Vesta Wood-Fired and local to East Rutherford. “We’ve been a local neighborhood mainstay for those who want a comfortable trattoria ambiance, and we’ve grown leaps and bounds to the point where we’re now ready for someone like Todd to step in.  More importantly, I think adding a local guy who lives walking distance, who is also super talented to lead our team is really going to further cement our reputation for serving local jersey flavor and hospitality.  If you want the genuine local pulse of Jersey, with the uniqueness of the wood-fired experience then we are certainly dishing it up unapologetically here…at Vesta Wood Fired.”

Vesta Wood Fired – 64 Hoboken Rd., East Rutherford, NJ 07073.

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13 November 2018 OMG Burger & Brew Opens in Long Valley

OMG Burger & Brew Opens in Long Valley

November 13, 2018 By

OMG Burger & Brew is the newest mountaintop destination for foodies and beer connoisseurs alike. From the owners of the Long Valley Pub & Brewery, OMG Burger & Brew features both national and local taps, including taps from its very own brewery, premium burgers, vegetarian options, adult ice cream shakes and more. The new restaurant includes outdoor seating with firepits, live entertainment on select nights and a takeout window for meals on the go. The restaurant opened yesterday, November 13, 2018.

Located on Schooley’s Mountain, a historic mountain ridge that overlooks the beautiful town of Long Valley, locals know the area for its long winding roads, familiar buildings and wooded landscape. OMG Burger & Brew brings the mountain a restaurant and an experience fused into one. The custom-designed building features a high timber ceiling and vintage panel fans, concrete flooring and six-foot custom Sputnik chandeliers that bring everything full circle for a modern touch. The atmosphere sets the scene for family fun, romantic evenings and relaxation.

“As much as we love Schooley Mountain, we felt it could use something new,” said owner Andrea Maletta-Bussel. “We see OMG Burger & Brew as the ultimate farm-to-mountain destination, whether it be catching up with friends over a beer at our outdoor firepits or grabbing a quick bite to eat for the family. OMG is whatever you want it to be. But one thing’s for sure: we know you will absolutely love our burgers and brews!”

Conveniently located across the street from Rock Spring Park, the OMG Burger & Brew takeout window is the solution for a fast and delicious meal. Customers can use the online ordering app instead of calling the restaurant and everything will be ready upon arrival.

OMG Burger & Brew is also available as an event space for a surprise birthday party, kid parties, corporate event, bridal shower and more. The room upstairs hosts up to 40 people for private parties and events that can include a custom menu tailored for guests.

OMG Burger & Brew is located at 141 Schooley’s Mountain Road, Long Valley, NJ and is open 7 days a week. Visit OMGBurgerandBrew.com to find out more.

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Redz Restaurant Brings the Best Cuts at the Best Prices

August 28, 2018 By

Redz Restaurant (http://redzrestaurant.com), known for its American inspired fare, is excited to introduce a new menu of beef-centric specials focused on top-of-line selections at mouthwatering prices. The Mount Laurel, NJ restaurant is connected to the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton and is committed to a philosophy of incorporating local, seasonal fare with the freedom to innovate within their independently run kitchen.

Image may contain: food and indoor

The latest specials are done well, but never well done (unless the customer requests, of course!):

  • Tomahawk Steak Tuesdays – two pounds of bone-in, perfectly marbled ribeye at the best price in town: $105.
  • Weekend Prime Rib Lovers Special – every Thursday through Sunday evening diners can get this superior cut at an incredible price: 12-oz. cut for $24 or a 16-oz. cut for $32. The roasts are cooked slowly until succulent and tender and served with a loaded potato, seasonal veggies and horseradish cream.

About Redz Restaurant

Located in Mount Laurel, NJ connected to the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton, Redz Restaurant was started three years ago by owner Mitchell Davis. He chose the name Redz in honor of all the red-haired women who have had such an influence in his life. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxed lunch, a memorable dinner, or a casual bite in the bar, you’ll appreciate our passionate attention to every detail. Offering American inspired fare, Redz only uses the freshest and closest-to-the-source ingredients. The restaurant offers an extensive beverage program that includes domestic and craft beer, domestic wines, and a selection of specialty cocktails. For more information about the restaurant visit redzrestaurant.com.

Redz Restaurant – 515 Fellowship Road, Mt Laurel, NJ 08054.

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31 May 2018 Brunch Launches at Ani Ramen Jersey City

Brunch Launches at Ani Ramen Jersey City

May 31, 2018 By

As if one couldn’t love Ani Ramen more, it launches brunch – my favorite meal of the week! The Jersey City location is offering a new brunch menu and tempting brunch drinks.

Tamago Kurobuta Sausage Buns

Tamago Kurobuta Sausage Buns. Photo: Rob Yaskovic

Some of the highlights are:

Yaki Salmon Mazemen ($17) – Grilled marinated salmon on brothless noodles with a soy sesame base, fried egg, cabbage, spinach, menma, scallion, and pickled root vegetables.

Tamago Kurobuta Sausage Buns ($10) Berkshire pork sausage featuring a Japanese style omelette, lettuce, mustard mayo, and a spicy/sweet sauce.

Chicken Kaarage Don ($17) Japanese style marinated fried chicken, panko potato croquette, fried egg, and pickled root vegetables served in a bento box.

NEW Brunch Cocktails

Yaki Salmon Mazemen

Yaki Salmon Mazemen. Photo: Rob Yaskovic

Ani Bloody Mary vodka, tomato, togarashi, ginger, celery ($8) *add Ani Garnish: ajitama, pork belly, kimchi / $2

Ani Spritz Aperol, grapefruit liqueur, Yuzushu, soda ($10)

Ani Sangria red wine, plum wine, apple brandy, orange, lemon ($9)

 

You had me at egg and sausage steamed buns!!

Ani Ramen – 218 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ. www.aniramen.com

Cheers,

Veronique

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9 February 2018 daPesca Opens with Chef Craig Polignano at the Helm

daPesca Opens with Chef Craig Polignano at the Helm

February 9, 2018 By

Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen

Photo: Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen

The upstairs dining room at Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen has been re-imagined and opened as daPesca on February 6th. The new space, as the name indicates, is now a “sparklingly fresh, locally sourced, seafood-centric restaurant”.

I’m excited about this new concept primarily because ultra-talented Chef Craig Polignano is at the helm in the kitchen. The menu is nearly exclusively-sourced from off the coast of New Jersey, with captains out of Point Pleasant and Barnegat Light providing daPesca much of their catch.

Chef Polignano offers a four-course $86 prix fixe experience, in addition to a seasonal $116 chef’s tasting menu for the entire table as well. From Tuesday through Friday the daPesca menu is also available a la carte. Saturday nights, the restaurant offers either the four course or the six course prix fixe menu only.

Is it wrong that I already know what I want to order when I visit? Calamari a la Plancha, Squid Ink Cavatelli, NJ Skate Wing and the Caputo Brothers Ricotta Salata!

HOURS

Tuesday & Wednesday from 5pm – 9pm

Thursday 5pm – 9:30pm

Friday and Saturday from 5pm – 10:30pm

Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen – 110 South St, Morristown, NJ 07960. 973-644-3180.

Let me know what you think once you try it!

Cheers,

Veronique

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4 January 2018 Grazie Bivio Panificio

Grazie Bivio Panificio

January 4, 2018 By

bivio panificio pizza

Lemon and Soppressata Pizza

When Bivio closed its doors in 2015 in Little Falls, the general consensus was that it was a major loss for its loyal pizza-loving fans. Owner, Tomasso Colao had actually garnered a cult following who waited in a line out the door on most nights at his tiny restaurant.

To the delight of us devotees of Tomasso’s pizza, he opened a small storefront in Montclair where he’s been selling the best breads New Jersey offers. While breads are nice and exposed Bivio to a larger audience, let’s face it, what we all wanted was that perfect, dreamy pizza.

The Space

One thing that didn’t change with the Montclair location from the former restaurant in Little Falls is the size. The space is still….quaint. On one hand, I enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the new Bivio but on the other, I foresee the giant queue that’s certain to form outside once people outside the inner sanctum discover this gem. The wood-fired pizza oven stays ablaze all evening with Tomasso crafting each pie to order on a small work bench.

The Food

To say the menu is concise would be an understatement. Starters are a salumi plate and an arugula salad. The salumi plate is worth ordering as it has high quality Pecorino, charcuterie and olives. A nice way to make the time pass as we watched Tomasso painstakingly create our pizza. It borders on torture to have an open view into the mock kitchen and pizzas going in and out of the oven.

bivio panificio salumi plate

Salumi Plate

The pizza options are limited to the best, most perfect topping options there are. We’ve enjoyed the margherita and wild mushroom pizzas but what the must-order pie is, if available on the specials menu, is the lemon and Soppressata pizza. Lemon on a pizza? Yes, yes, yes. The sweet lemons are sliced paper thin and layered on the pizza with slightly funky Soppressata. The combination is brilliant and causes me to pause, close my eyes and emit the smallest of whimper each time I have it. The thing that’s even more exceptional than the toppings is the best pizza crust I’ve ever had. It’s charred is certain places, chewy and tangy/salty – pure perfection. Tomasso creates the incredible dough from a natural yeast starter. If, god forbid, the lemon Sopressata pizza isn’t available, the sausage and peppers is a close runner up.

Bivio is a BYOB so grab that bottle of Italian wine and make your way to Montclair. Note that I reluctantly wrote this recap as I’d prefer to keep Bivio a bit under the radar for now.

Bivio Panificio – 107 Pine Street, Montclair, New Jersey 07042.

Ciao!

Veronique

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Adieu Redux

December 27, 2017 By

Redux is closing.

I come home from Quebec where I had wonderful holidays and the first restaurant announcement I read is about the upcoming closing of one of my very favorite local restaurants – Redux. I’m incredibly bummed by this news as Redux serves food I truly love and the staff, including owners Rob and Danielle Ubhaus, is amazing.

Note from the Ubhaus:

“First, we want to wish all of you very happy holidays and a new year filled with much love, happiness and health.

Then, it is with heavy hearts, ones filled with great memories, that our last service will be Sunday, January 14th.  
Over the past 9 years, from Resto to Rob’s Bistro to Redux, we have had the pleasure of meeting new people, making countless friends and sharing with you our gastronomic concepts.  For the past 2 1/2 years, we have done so at Redux.  Redux has had great success and we have enjoyed every moment of it.  We have had great staff who helped our vision come to life and amazing guests who have supported us throughout the years.

And in those years, we have also grown as a family.  From the arrival of our daughter in November 2015, just a few short months after we opened, to the much anticipated arrival of our second child in January 2018.

As much as we love what we do and love being here with you for a casual night out or to celebrate a special occasion, we have decided to spend our days growing with our family and pursue other opportunities that have arisen.  

We hope you can join us for one (or maybe, two) more meals between now and January 14th.
 
With love,
Rob, Danielle & Kayleigh Ubhaus”

Yet another wonderful North Jersey restaurant shuttering. It’s a sad day.

Veronique

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1 November 2017 Bryan Gregg Appointed New Executive Chef at Orama

Bryan Gregg Appointed New Executive Chef at Orama

November 1, 2017 By

Really excited that one of the very best chefs in the NYC metro has found a new home! Bryan Gregg is the new Executive Chef of Orama located in Edgewater, New Jersey. 

Chef Gregg, who gained a loyal clientele as the Chef/Owner of Escape Montclair, is redefining Orama’s menus to take advantage of the freshest ingredients at the markets, the docks and the farms in New Jersey. “I’m excited to be back in the kitchen after a couple of fun consulting projects,” says Chef Gregg. “My customers have been asking when they’d be able to enjoy my food again in a restaurant setting, and I know they’ll be impressed with the setting at Orama. Orama has one of the best wine programs in the area and I look forward to some enjoyable wine-pairing dinners,” continues Gregg.   

Hours of Operation: Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 5PM -10PM; Friday – Saturday: 5PM – 11PM.

Orama – 595 River Road, Edgewater, NJ 07020. www.orama.com.  

Current Dinner Menu: http://www.orama.com/dinner-menu

About Chef Bryan Gregg

Chef Bryan Gregg is a native of Pittsburgh and a graduate of the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts. Early in his career, he staged at Michelin-starred restaurants in France and England. He then continued to hone his culinary skills at some of the most highly-regarded restaurants, and with world class chefs, in New York and New Jersey.

Chef Gregg, whose résumé features Escape Montclair, his southern fine cuisine restaurant, and Executive Chef roles at Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Michael Anthony’s in New Jersey, is a crusader for local New Jersey food producers.

Chef Gregg is the Executive Chef of Orama in Edgewater, New Jersey. At Orama, his New American menu features inventive dishes showcasing pristine local ingredients. Orama, situated on the banks of the Hudson River, offers an elegant setting with exceptional Manhattan views.

The serial entrepreneur is the founder of Think Local Foods, a leading restaurant consulting firm that formulates groundbreaking strategies and drives concepts to help clients enjoy enhanced bottom-line profits.

The award-winning Chef has been a repeat Featured Chef at the prestigious James Beard House. He was named Best Jersey Seafood Chef at the 2015 Jersey Seafood Challenge and as a result, represented the Garden State at the 2015 Great American Seafood Cook Off in New Orleans where he won the Seafood Showdown.

Cheers,

Veronique

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31 October 2017 Vanillamore Dessert Kitchen

Vanillamore Dessert Kitchen

October 31, 2017 By

Happy Halloween!

I recently visited Vanillamore Dessert Kitchen in Montclair, New Jersey and it’s THE perfect place for some adult trick or treating with delectable sweet and savory dishes.

Here’s a link to my full review of this fun new spot!

Enjoy,

Veronique 

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