On Friday, Westfield Garden State Plaza will celebrate the grand opening of Pinstripes, an Italian-American restaurant with bowling and bocce under the same roof. “Sophistication meets fun” here, its website teases. The menu—wood-fired pizzas, pasta dishes, gelato, cocktails, beer and an extensive wine list—can be enjoyed on its own or while bowling and playing bocce, a classic Italian ball sport.
One Garden State Plaza Parkway
Verona’s Umai Sushi & Steak House has expanded its high-end sushi endeavor with its latest concept, Grande Buddha Izakaya. The new restaurant similarly serves a vast collection of sushi, plus cocktails, wines and spirits. Grande Buddha also offers a bottle keep program, where members can store their purchased bottles of wine in a personally engraved locker.
11 Bloomfield Avenue
This new restaurant/bar serves seasonal and produce-driven dishes from its Italian- and Mediterranean-inspired menu. Many of its ingredients come from local vendors in New Jersey. The menu changes daily but consists of items like fresh salads, pastas, duck confit, desserts, cocktails, beers and wines. The majority of FiNNBAR’s profits will go to Studio Route 29, an art studio in Frenchtown for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Artwork from the studio is hung around the restaurant.
7 Bridge Street
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Located in Menlo Park Mall’s Dining Pavilion, this premium French fry chain is known for its loaded fries and poutine. Some fry offerings include pulled pork poutine, flamin’ bacon, nacho, chili and veggie. The same toppings can be loaded onto hot dogs. (Plain old fries are available, too.) Dipping sauces come on the side. This is Jersey’s first location; a second location, in Jersey City, is on the way.
55 Parsonage Road
This fast-casual chicken eatery opened last month, specializing in spicy chicken dishes like sandwiches, wings and tenders. Also on the menu: chicken and waffles, salads, appetizers and sides of dipping sauces. The eatery’s walls are covered with colorful, neon paintings of Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton, city streets and, fittingly, chicken sandwiches.
1861 Route 35
The popular Louisiana-based chicken-finger chain has opened its second Garden State location, shortly after setting up shop in Burlington Township last month. The fast-food hotspot specializes in box combos, comprised of chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, coleslaw, a fountain beverage and the famous Cane’s sauce. Cherry Hill and Deptford locations will open in the coming months.
800 Route 70 West
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