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.
I'll go to one of these places instead of the Nobama bash.