Chef Leia Gaccione, who runs South + Pine in Morristown and previously competed on Top Chef, has a new venture coming soon. Photo: Courtesy of Ira L. Black
Openings
The Saint Clair, Montclair
Replacing Scala del Nonna, the Saint Clair is a new restaurant from Top Chef contestant and South + Pine owner Leia Gaccione. Featuring brunch, lunch and dinner, the menu will be “a celebration of the seasons, inspired by nature’s bounty,” Gaccione says. “We source our ingredients mindfully, sustainably and locally. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted, balancing nourishing, wholesome flavors and ingredients with indulgent touches….I truly cook the way I like to eat. Everything in moderation.” The Saint Clair is currently slated to open in June.
Tatte Bakery & Café, Morristown
Tatte Bakery & Café, a popular chain in Boston, Maryland and Washington, D.C., is opening its first New Jersey location in Morristown, tentatively scheduled for May. Serving elegant comfort food such as pastries, croissant breakfast sandwiches and shakshuka, it will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Kimchi Smoke, Westwood
This popular barbecue spot serving Korean flavors has reopened in Westwood. It closed in 2023 so that chef Robert Austin Cho could open a new spot in Hackensack, and fans clamored for more. The new Westwood location will be on Kinderkamack Road.
Morning Bloom, Allendale
Serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, this new restaurant features outdoor courtyard seating and a blooming tree inside. It’s run by the Veseli family, who also own nearby Mezza Luna Bistro and Allendale Steakhouse.
Closings
Brain Freeze, New Milford
This beloved ice cream spot in New Milford will close after 15 years. Owner Bob Kovanes wrote on social media that the decision was not an easy one, but that it was time for him to step into a new life chapter.
Roadside Diner, Wall
New owners are slated to take over soon, but this iconic diner is closing in its current form after 27 years in business. Chef/owner Dimitri Gerakaris posted on social media: “Thank you for sharing your countless special diner moments with us!”
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