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Openings
Maxwell Alley, Jersey City
This new neighborhood restaurant from Mark Censits (founder of the Jersey City-based wine shop CoolVines), and chef Alex Tronstad (formerly of Rivertown Lodge in Hudson, New York) has opened in downtown Jersey City. A seasonally rotating menu highlights local produce and ingredients, with vegetable-forward small plates, housemade pastas, and more. The cocktail program is led by Matt Colvin, former owner of Hudson’s popular cocktail bar Lawrence Park. The wine program is curated by CoolVines wine director Tim Farrell, boasting a natural-leaning wine list with a focus on small-scale producers.
Shucked by Local 130 Seafood, Asbury Park
This seafood restaurant/raw bar will replace Asbury Oyster Bar inside the Grand Arcade at Convention Hall. It will be led by chef Ryan Bush, previously of Brothers Daley in Sea Bright and La Mondina in Brielle. Local 130 Seafood is a company that connects East Coast fishermen with New Jersey chefs and restaurateurs.
Michael Coastal Italian Grille, Collingswood
Chef Michael DeLone is revamping his former restaurant, Nunzio in Collingswood. The new spot, Michael Coastal Italian Grille, will focus on fresh seafood, handmade pasta and scratch-made sauces.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, Old Bridge
This award-winning fast-casual restaurant brand, which serves fresh takes on classic Mediterranean cuisine, has opened a new location in Old Bridge. The menu is built on family recipes handed down through generations. Menu selections include the Great Greek Gyro, souvlaki plates and rice bowls that can be customized with proteins like lamb, steak, chicken or shrimp. They pair perfectly with the restaurant’s crisp Greek salads and signature house-made dips, including hummus, tzatziki, melitzanosalata (eggplant dip) and tirokafteri (feta and spicy roasted red pepper). Also offered are feta fries and sweet desserts (baklava, rice pudding and baklava ice cream, made in-house).
The 130 Shop, Tenafly
This high-end sandwich shop and butchery is courtesy of chef Geoff Taylor, who’s behind The 130 Club and The 130 Social, also in Tenafly. The menu includes handcrafted burgers and sandwiches.
