Keeping up with the always-changing Baristaville dining scene -- here's what's new
Greek Taverna, sister to the GT in Edgewater, opened at 292 Bloomfield Avenue a few weeks ago in the former Noodle Shop. The large menu will have you salivating (especially the Greek fries with oregano and kefalotyri cheese). Open for lunch (specials!) and dinner every day.
Coming soon to Broad Street in Bloomfield, a French Bakery across from Stamna; in Montclair, Halcyon, a fish brasserie and raw bar, next door to Egan's on Walnut; Maaidah Cafe, serving "indigenous Mediterranean comfort food" including weekend breakfast at 71 Pine Street; and a new breakfast/lunch hangout - Witches' Brew Cafe on Midland Avenue.
Over the summer, Plaza Shoppe at 121 Watchung Avenue sold to new owners who've re-christened the deli Cafe Clair, brightened things up inside, and added a new breakfast menu and specialty sandwiches. The Arsheed family - Plaza Shoppe's former owners - consolidated forces at their UPMO eatery, Jackie's Grillette. Mom Tina is celebrating her success and one-year anniversary with new old country menu items from her native Israel such as zahtar and chicken sumac.
Speaking of Middle Eastern fare, there's more hummus among us since Falafel Hut opened around the corner on Bellevue, across from Middle Eastern eatery Flatbread Grill, with a menu that includes wraps, kebabs, salads, smoothies.
Two sweet spots closed in Baristaville -- Cafe Tartufo in Bloomfield and Meema's Country Desserts on Montclair's Pine Street. Real estate problems forced Meema to moved out this summer. Thankfully, there's still Marzullo's for sidewalk servings of espresso, gelati and dolci (they're now serving breakfast, lunch, and dinners.)
Of interest: Toro is offering a great Sunday night deal: 30% off select a la carte sushi and sashimi. Restaurant Passionné, of Montclair, was voted winner of AOL’s 2008 City’s Best award for the best date spot in Northern New Jersey. Calandra's Italian Village a one-stop-Italian-shopping center recently opened in Caldwell - you'll find a bakery, restaurant, market, wine store, and gelateria.
For the fall, Samantha's Pies, Montclair's British emporium of take-out foods, is introducing homemade soups, a special lunch menu of curry and rice or pocket pies & soup. Sam's savory pie menu features roast chicken, lamb, rosemary and mint, steak and kidney, toad in the hole with onion gravy. Other holiday delights: sweet potato, blue cheese and onion pasties. For dessert, try her seasonal faves - pumpkin spiced swirl cheesecake, treacle tart, and chocolate mousse pie. (If you ask, she'll "Americanize" with a bottom crust.) She still offers the large sugar-free fruit pies. Call ahead: 973-744-4424. 100 Watchung Avenue.
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Comments (17)
I'll go to one of these places instead of the Nobama bash.
Don't forget the new Thai place, Joey Thai on Bloomfield ave. Best thai food in Montclair. Not that that is saying much, but it is very good.
I plan on checking out Fawa this weekend.
I've been doing the Toro Sunday night scene with the family for a while - pretty good deal. I like the owners and the food, but given the lack of crowds I fear that the restaurant may not last very long. I hope their takeout business is brisk.
I can't wait to see how the folks at Egan's decide to ruin fish. I have very low expectations for that joint.
Spicoli, I agree with you. I try to eat there whenever I can. The reviews re: FAWA have been mixed. Apparantly they don't supply rice with the meals which are already quite scant.
Except for Chris Egan's place, the rest is "Grand Opening, Grand Closing"
Yes, jerseygurl, I recall reading that review here on Baristanet. It struck me as funny, too, because it was the first negative review of a restaurant I've ever read on this site. Most reviews are either neutral or complimentary.
Obviously the problem is the comments on the reviews.
If, say, Grabowski were to open a restaurant, Barista wouldn't allow comments (owing to his 'protected' status) and the restaurant would stand a chance.
Witches' Brew Cafe
I wonder if this is at all related to the Witches' Brew that is in Long Island. If it is half as cool (and if the food is at least 3/4 as good), then Cafe Eclectic may finally have some competition in town in the "cool hangout" category.
GNM, I've been wondering the same thing... I spent many a saturday night at the Witch's Brew during my high school years... as endearing as Cafe Eclectic is, it just can't compare to TWB!
Pinata, the Mexican restaurant on Bloomfield Ave., also closed. High Montclair rents strike again.
Greek Taverna is DELICIOUS - we had Greek Salads and Grilled Octopus - all excellent.
Pinata had awful food Mujer - high rent has absolutely no bearing.
And ROC why would any potential restaurant owner want to expose themselves to you band of naysayers? I sure wouldn't.
ROCtm, sometimes your humor is dry enough to have dust particles on your font. :)
I thought the lack of comments on the Grabowsky wedding item was an unintended error, but now I see it was intentional.
Lame.
Yeah Walleroo, Grabowsky really should've asked to be skewered on his wedding day, which is really a private event...can you blame the guy for not wanting to be subjected to this? I can't.
Anyone know if Halcyon is open yet?
I'd love to have a good raw bar in town...