16 minute read
Bon Appetit
New England Comes to Bloomfield Avenue
By Dan Epstein H ere’s exciting news for seafood fans. Jack’s Seafood Shack in Montclair has not just captured the spirit of New England Style seafood, their food is simply as good as it gets. Owner Jack Tabibian fell in love with lobster shacks while vacationing in Maine with his wife, Aline. Noticing that there was nothing like them outside of the seaside tourist areas, he acted.
Jack and co-owner/manager Greg Markarian will happily tell you that local folks have fallen in love with Maine-style seafood, just as Jack did. In fact, Greg mentions that in addition to the many
50 Suburban Essex frequent customers, people finding them through the internet come from as far away as Princeton or Staten Island, finding that the service is so warm and friendly that as first-time visitors they immediately feel like regulars.
Most New England shacks are merely stands, though at Jack’s Seafood Shack there are plenty of tables, the atmosphere is comfortable and casual. Maine Lobsters are delivered twice a week and are on display in the two large tanks in one of the dining rooms. Jack’s Seafood Shack menu goes far beyond the basic New England shack. At the heart of it: lobster. Whole Maine Steamed Lobster arrives at your table cracked for you and ready to eat accompanied by corn on the cob, homemade Cole Slaw, and melted butter. It’s worth noting that for those who do not want the traditional approach, they will happily serve the lobster completely removed from the shell. Those who want a little red meat in addition should opt for the Steak and Lobster Tails—two 4oz Maine lobster tails are served with an 8oz. filet mignon along with French fries and a House Salad.
New England Comes to Bloomfield Avenue
The Lobster Mac and Cheese, a generous serving of lobster, macaroni, white cheddar and topped with a dusting of breadcrumbs, is one of their most popular dishes. Norwegian Salmon and Sea Scallops with sautéed vegetables features a thick slice of salmon and a couple of tender sea scallops. Both are perfectly grilled with Butternut Squash and Brussel Sprouts on the side. Pasta gets a seafood spin here in their Linguine in Garlic Sauce which is rich with shrimp, mussels, and lobster. The Lobster Bomb is almost just that— an individual toasted round sourdough loaf, hollowed out and filled with a 1/2 lb. of lobster meat, and topped with their homemade Lobster Bisque. It is the bomb. Lovers of crab legs are not overlooked when it comes to the Crab Pot—a 1/2 lb. each of Snow and Dungeness Crab legs served with mussels, clams, shrimp, potatoes, corn, Calabasas sausage and seasoned with Old Bay. Jack’s Seafood Shack has faithfully brought the very essence of the New England seaside fare to Essex County. And they have not only done it really well but have blown past it with many seashores inspired offerings. And, it is worth noting that in warm weather there is outdoor seating and plenty of parking at the MAM parking lot across the street.
Jack’s Seafood Shack 718 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair 973-893-5283 jacksseafoodshacknj.com
BGR–Burgers Grilled Right 56 Broad Street, Bloomfield | 973-337-5783 9 West South Orange Ave, South Orange 973-762-0050 | www.BGRtheburgerjoint.com Committed to providing every customer with the unique dining experience of havving their food grilled to temperature, and cooked to order, on an open flame
CALDWELL
Il Vecchio Cafe 234 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell 973-226-8889 | www.ilvecchiocafe.com Offering high-quality Italian dishes in an open-concept dining room perfect for large groups and families alike. Our menu features a delicious selection of homemade pastas, entrees, panini sandwiches, burgers, and salads in addition to pizzas, flatbreads, and calzones all made with natural, whole grain semolina flour in our stone deck, wood-burning oven.
La Famiglia Ristorante & Pizzeria 359 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell | 973 226-3049 www.caldwellrestaurant.com Italian restaurant
Cloverleaf Tavern 395 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell | 973-226-9812 www.cloverleaftavern.com American cuisine in a family dining atmosphere. Offering 24 beers on draft and over 75 bottled beers.
Divina Ristorante 461 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell | 973-228-5228 www.divinaristorante.com Offering only the best tasting and highest quality Italian food. With it’s stylish and warm atmosphere, you will feel cozy and comfortable.
Fat Fish Taco 291 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell 973-228-6825 | www.fatfishtaco.com Featuring coastal inspired Mexican cuisine.
La Taverna 234 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell 973-226-8889 www.calandrasitalianvillage.com/la-taverna/ La Taverna bar and lounge offers the perfect atmosphere for everything from a working lunch to a great night out. Their beautifully appointed lounge features six large high definition flat panel televisions for your viewing pleasure. On Friday and Saturday evenings, we often feature live entertainment!
Kyoto Sushi III 577B Pompton Ave, Cedar Grove 973-239-8880 | www.cedargrovekyoto.com Providing customers with high quality sushi, sashimi, and good services. The restaurant is a peaceful and pleasant place to dine in.
LuNello 182 Stevens Ave, Cedar Grove | 973-837-1660 www.LuNello.com Since LuNello opened in 1990, Chef Seger’s modern Italian flair mixed with traditional culinary skills has created a whirlwind of praise. Enticing presentation and courteous staff are integral to LuNello’s success. The elegant setting is the perfect compliment to the menu. Whether dining in the Dining Room or enjoying a cocktail in the handsome bar, LuNello works to create the ultimate experience.
CLIFTON
Skopos Hospitality 1296 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton | 862-336- 7070 www.skoposhospitality.com A new hospitality group centered round exceptional service that is set in spaces that offer escapes from daily life while complementing the unique food and beverage programs at each venue—The Barrow House, Cowan’s Pubic, The Vanguard and Franklin Social.
VERONA’S ORIGINAL # 1 BAGEL SHOP
Suburban Essex
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CALL FOR DETAILS: 973-276-1688 Suburban Essex ADVERTISE YOUR RESTAURANT IN
East Hanover Diner 275 NJ State Highway 10, East Hanover 973-884-8840 www.EastHanoverDiner.com Soup, salad, pasta, omelets, burgers and more. Whatever the fare, they do it right. Bring the whole family to this delicious, neighborhood restaurant.
EuropeanDeli.com 888-335-4007 | europeandeli. com EuropeanDeli.com is a leading importer of specialties from Germany and throughout Europe, providing items, which are hard to find at local markets, available to consumers who seek the foods they enjoyed while living and traveling in Europe.
FAIRFIELD
Cucina Calandra 216 US Highway 46 East, Fairfield 973-575-7720 The “family kitchen” of Cucina Calandra provides classic Italian cuisine in a family-friendly environment. The menu centers on southern Italian cooking in a dining room reminiscent of an Italian courtyard. The dining room features a stone deck wood-burning oven and children can shape and decorate their own pizza. Pasta Night is featured on Tuesdays with pasta dishes and bottles of wines offered at half price.
Calandras Mediterranean Grill 118 US Highway 46 East, Fairfield 973-575-6500 | www.calandrasmedgrill.com A family-friendly restaurant offering Northern Italian dishes with a Mediterranean flair. Our restaurant features an open kitchen, dining room, lobby bar, fireside lobby dining in the winter months. enjoy fresh homemade pasta, seafood, Mediterranean specialties, and authentic pizza from our stone deck wood-burning oven. Our enticing dessert tray is full of delicious pastries and desserts from Calandra’s Bakery. ive piano entertainment in our lobby on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
LITTLE FALLS
Rare, The Steakhouse 440 Main St, Little Falls 973-256-6699 www.RareSTK.com Serving award winning steaks cooked to every customer’s liking. Rare also serves an array of seafood, lamb, veal, poultry, fish, and pasta. Relax at the spacious bar before or after dinner. Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-7 with Tapas bar menu. Two rooms are available for private parties.
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The Cloverleaf Tavern is a casual family restaurant know for the best burgers and beer selection in Northern NJ. You’ll find 25 beers on draft and over 65 bottled beers at the bar. Cloverleaf Tavern 395 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell | 973-226-9812 www.cloverleaftavern.com
STUNNING SKYLINE VIEWS FROM OUR MAIN DINING ROOM & OUTDOOR PATIO
EXQUISITE CUISINE AND REFINED SERVICE IN OUR MAIN DINING ROOM
AN UPSCALE-CASUAL BAR MENU IN OUR LIVELY BAR & PIANO ROOM
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OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK FOR DINNER LUNCH + DINNER + PRIVATE EVENTS
LIVINGSTON
Assado Portuguese Steakhouse 222 N Livingston Avenue, Livingston 973-422-0501 | www.assadonj.com Their rustic yet modern decor provides the perfect setting for a Portuguese steakhouse experience
Thavma Mediterranean Grill 6230 Town Center Way, 2nd Fl., Livingston 973-992-8999 | www.ThavmaGrill.com Thavma offers the very best of the Mediterranean by combining Greek and Middle Eastern specialties to create an unforgettable dining experience. All preparations and cooking are done fresh daily on the premises to give you the freshest seafood and grilled meat dishes. Lunch and dinner are served daily with takeout and limited delivery service for dinner only. Call for details.
Mezza Mediterranean 277 Eisenhower Pkwy, Livingston 973-992-9300 | www.mezzalivingston.com Mezza prepares authentic Mediterranean cuisine with a modern touch in their new spacious and attractive dining space.
MILLBURN
Ms. Lin Chinese Cuisine 59 Main St, Millburn | 973-912-8838 www.MsLinMillburn.com Ms. Lin Chinese provides convenient take-out and delivery for lunch and dinner and specializes in off-premise catering.
Umi Sushi 339 Millburn Ave, Millburn | 973-921-2848 www.MillburnUmi.com Traditional and Fusion sushi and sashimi. Also find teriyaki, tempura, udon and soba noodle dinners. Most fish is wild-caught. Free delivery all day. Mon-Thu 11:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-11pm, Sun 12:30pm-9:30pm.
MONTCLAIR
Aozora 407 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair | 973-233- 9400 www.aozoramontclair.com Offering fresh, creative, high-quality sushi and European cuisine with warm, elegant and relaxed ambiance.
Ani Ramen House 401 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair | 973-744-3960 www.aniramen.com Whether you visit as a group, family or a single person – our mission is to provide a relaxed and comfortable experience that you can enjoy. This all comes together as a modern, casual interpretation of our favorite Tokyo experiences, here in New Jersey. Authentic food, a real city-feel and bustling energy. This is all for family, all the Ani’s across the globe – near and far... slurp. sip. repeat.
Corso 98 98 Walnut St, Montclair | 973-746-0789 www.corso98.com Classic, simple, consistent, comfortable, with a whole lot of love, Corso 98 offers a unique dining experience than your everyday Italian restaurant.
Suburban Essex
Gold Winner 2019
Voted Best Full Service Restaurant
INVENTIVE ITALIAN CUISINE CHEF OWNED & OPERATED FOR 24 YEARS Live Piano! Wednesday through Saturday
11 S. Fullerton Avenue • Montclair 973-746-6778 • WWW.PALAZZONJ.COM Parking garage located across street Online Ordering & Delivery On & Off Premise Catering Gift Certificates Available
FARM TO TABLE CUISINE AT ITS FINEST LuNello’s menu features decadent Italian dishes composed with the finest and freshest ingredients. This season, indulge in fresh fish dishes including halibut and bronzino. FARM TO TABLE CUISINE AT ITS FINEST LuNello’s menu features decadent Italian dishes composed with the finest and freshest ingredients. This season, indulge in fresh fish dishes including halibut and bronzino. FARM TO TABLE CUISINE AT ITS FINEST LuNello’s menu features decadent Italian dishes composed with the finest and freshest ingredients. This season, indulge in fresh fish dishes including halibut and bronzino. FARM TO TABLE CUISINE AT ITS FINEST LuNello’s menu features decadent Italian dishes composed with the finest and freshest ingredients. This season, indulge in fresh fish dishes including halibut and bronzino.
182 STEVENS AVENUE, CEDAR GROVE, NJ • (973) 837-1660 • WWW.LUNELLO.COM GOLD PRIZE Best Full Service Restaurant SILVER PRIZE Best Italian Restaurant FINE DINING | PRIVATE EVENT CATERING | HANDSOME BAR & LOUNGE 182 STEVENS AVENUE, CEDAR GROVE, NJ • (973) 837-1660 • WWW.LUNELLO.COM GOLD PRIZE Best Full Service Restaurant SILVER PRIZE Best Italian Restaurant FINE DINING | PRIVATE EVENT CATERING | HANDSOME BAR & LOUNGE 182 STEVENS AVENUE, CEDAR GROVE, NJ • (973) 837-1660 • WWW.LUNELLO.COM GOLD PRIZE Best Full Service Restaurant SILVER PRIZE Best Italian Restaurant FINE DINING | PRIVATE EVENT CATERING | HANDSOME BAR & LOUNGE Suburban Essex Gold Winner Suburban Essex Gold Winner 2018
182 STEVENS AVENUE, CEDAR GROVE, NJ • (973) 837-1660 • WWW.LUNELLO.COM GOLD PRIZE Best Full Service Restaurant SILVER PRIZE Best Italian Restaurant FINE DINING | PRIVATE EVENT CATERING | HANDSOME BAR & LOUNGE
Hours: Sun-Thur 6am-1am, Fri-Sat 6am-2am 275 NJ State Hwy 10, East Hanover FOR PICK-UP ORDERS CALL 973-884-8840 WE DELIVER through DeliveryNow.com www.EastHanoverDiner.com
Jack’s Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar 718 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair 973-893-5283 JacksSeafoodShackNJ.com Jack’s brings Maine to Montclair with the absolutely freshest live Maine Lobsters and two different kinds of Lobster Rolls (Maine and Connecticut.) Lobster lovers can also indulge themselves with a Seafood Steam Pot, Lobster Grilled Cheese or a Lobster Bomb—8 ounces of Lobster in a bread bowl covered with Lobster Bisque. The full menu of fish and seafood also includes dishes for the landlubbers in your party. BYO Beer and Wine, free parking at the MAM lot.
Le Salbuen Cafe 97 Walnut St, Montclair 201-622-8473 | www.lesalbuen. com Eclectic restaurant. Comfy European-inspired eatery serving locally sourced, health-conscious meat & vegan dishes.
Plum on Park 14 Park St, Montclair | 973- 744-7100 Seasonal New American cuisine & gluten-free baked goods in a renovated classic 1929 diner car.
Zeugma Grill 44 S. Park St, Montclair | 973- 744-0074 www.zeugmagrill.com Zeugma makes Mediterranean magic by combing the flavors of Turkey, the Middle East and Europe. Their menu features the fusion of traditional dishes served with a fresh modern twist. Open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
Laboratorio Kitchen 615 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair 973-746-6100 www.thelaboratoriokitchen.com Chef James De Sisto creates satisfying and succulent dishes that represent regional, progressive meals. The ingredients locally sourced, and they use only grass fed meat, and the freshest seafood in the market. The restaurant is a BYO, features a small plate menu Tue-Thur, and offers seasonal specials. Hours: Tue-Sat 5-10pm, Sun 4-9pm
Laurel & Sage 33 Walnut Street, Montclair 973-783-1133 www.laurelandsage.com American restaurant. Imaginative New American cuisine is artfully plated in a contemporary setting with a BYOB policy.
ORANGE
Hat City Kitchen 459 Valley Street, Orange | 973- 677-8000 www.hatcitykitchennj.com Southern comfort style food.
TOTOWA
Robert Scratch Kitchen 400 Minnisink Road, Totowa | 973-885-3093 www.robertscratchkitchen.com Their modern spacious dining room is finely detailed, cozy and relaxing, with a trendy classic feel. Serving Continental cuisine for lunch and dinner. The restaurant is BYO and all meals are ready-made prepared foods—from scratch. Gluten free options available.
Shanghai Ribs
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• Only Fresh Vegetables and Ingredients • Gluten-Free Dishes Offered • Cooked with Cholesterol-Free, Trans Fat-Free Canola Oil • Only Fresh Vegetables and Ingredients • Gluten-Free Dishes Offered • Cooked with Cholesterol-Free, Trans Fat-Free Canola Oil
199 Bellevue Avenue, Upper Montclair • 973.509.8878 VISIT OUR 2ND LOCATION: 637 WYCKOFF AVENUE, WYCKOFF, NJ • 201.891.8878 199 Bellevue Avenue, Upper Montclair • 973.509.8878 VISIT OUR 2ND LOCATION: 637 WYCKOFF AVENUE, WYCKOFF, NJ • 201.891.8878
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10% OFF YOUR ENTIRE BILL Dining room only. Must present this ad. Offer expires 3/31/2020.
973-780-4572 350 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ 07052 www.grill350.com
Uptown 596 Bistro 596 Valley Rd, Montclair | 973-744-0915 www.uptown596montclair.com American small plates & entrees are on offer for brunch & dinner at this bright, casual cafe.
TS Ma Chinese Cuisine 199 Bellevue Ave, Upper Montclair 973-509-8878 www.TSMAChineseCuisine.com T.S. Ma presents a menu that features top-notch Chinese fare that focuses on serving the freshest, healthiest, and most authentic Chinese cuisine available. They only cook with fresh vegetables and cholesterol and trans fat free canola oil. Eighttime winner of Best Chinese Restaurant and Best Chinese Take-Out. They feature a warm dining room, as well as a website with online ordering and delivery. They specialize in catering for special occasions.
VERONA
Ariane Kitchen & Bar 706 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona 973-744-0533 | www.arianekb.com Seasonal. Delicious. Savory. Comfort food.
Tia’s Food of Love 638 Bloomfield Ave., Verona | 973-744-0008 www.tiasfoodof love.com Tia’s is a boutique, full-service catering and event company. They offer personalized planning for each client and ensure each menu item is delicious and the presentation is picture perfect. They handle all size parties from intimate get-togethers to lavish weddings. Trust them to cater your holiday party this year.
P.F. Seafood Restaurant 1090 Bloomfield Avenue, West Caldwell 973-277-1007 www.pfseafoodrestaurant.com Bringing the freshest ingredients from wild-caught, organic and exotic fish and seafood to each and every plate. Open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, closed Sunday.
Prime Steak...Seafood... Pasta
WEST ORANGE
Suburban Essex
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440 MAIN STREET • LITTLE FALLS 973-256-6699 • WWW.RARESTK.COM OPEN 7 DAYS BEST STEAK 2012 & 2013 NJ Monthly Magazine Suburban Essex Gold Winner Suburban Essex Gold Winner 2018 BEST STEAK Gold 2010, 2016, 2017, 2018 Silver 2011, 2013 & 2014 Suburban Essex Readers’ Choice Awards
718 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair | 973.893.5283 www.JacksSeafoodShackNJ.com Follow us on
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“Summer Never Ends at Jacks” Highlawn Pavilion Eagle Rock Reservation, West Orange 973-731-3463 www.highlawn.com Characterized by panoramic views of the New York City skyline, Highlawn Pavilion on Eagle Rock Reservation offers scenic dining at its finest. The exceptional French-infused American fare is equally matched by the restaurant’s world-class service. Highlawn is increasingly becoming the venue of choice for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and other special occasions. Live music is offered every Friday and Saturday in the Piano Room. Kim’s Sushi 458 Eagle Rock Ave, West Orange 973-669-2800 | kimssushinj.com Kim’s sushi has been on the vanguard and regarded as one of the premier sushi and Japanese restaurants in the West Orange since 2006. Primavera 500 Pleasant Valley Way | West Orange 973-669-0966 www.primaverawestorange.com Feel the charm of the ambience, the aroma of italian spices and the smell of the homemade cooking that fills the air. Enjoy age old traditional and timeless recipes that have been passed down through generations. Wonderful cuisine is about honest flavors, fresh ingredients with a touch of simplicity. SuzyQue’s BBQ & Bar 34 South Valley Road, West Orange 973-736-7899 www.suzyques.com This full service restaurant and bar uses a unique blend of southern BBQ that creates their own special delicacies. Using only the finest premium meats, slow smoked in state-of-the art smokers, with their own exclusive house blend of rubs made from scratch.
