Openings:
Olive & Oak, Oceanport
Olive & Oak, a charcuterie and catering business that launched in 2020, is opening its first café concept later this month in Oceanport. The brand is known for its charcuterie boxes, grazing tables and event catering.
In a recent social media video, owner Felicia Aschettino said the new storefront was designed to serve the Oceanport community while also accommodating the influx of workers expected with the new Netflix Studios being developed at nearby Fort Monmouth. She said she wanted a place where construction workers building the studio over the next couple of years can quickly grab something before or after their shifts or during their lunch breaks—and later, when the studio opens, a spot for actors and other employees to do the same. She added that the café will also feature a unique drink menu and highlight products from local vendors.
“[…T]he goal is for actors and workers and builders that are building the sound stages for the next couple of years to be able to come in and quickly grab something on their lunch break or take something before or after their shift home,” she said, adding that the café will also feature a unique drink menu and highlight products from local vendors.
While the exact daily menu has not yet been announced, it is expected to include sandwiches, salads, light bites, coffee and matcha. The grand opening and ribbon-cutting is scheduled for Saturday, March 28.
Sunset Seafood of Tuckerton
The family-owned-and-operated Sunset Seafood opened a new bayfront location at Tuckerton Cove today. The ocean-to-table restaurant will serve crab cakes, shrimp scampi, coconut shrimp, fried clam strips and more. It will be open for lunch and dinner. BYOB.
The Bridge House, Phillipsburg
Phillipsburg’s newest sports bar, located in the former Gnarly Brews space, soft-opened last month and will hold its grand opening on Friday, March 20. Local band Whiskey Mansion will perform later in the evening. The menu features pub fare such as wings, starters, sandwiches, salads and desserts, along with craft and bottled beers, wine and cocktails.
Bar Tacconelli, Maple Shade
This new cocktail bar is serving small plates like oysters (fresh or broiled), calamari and arancini. The drink menu includes classics like the Hugo spritz and espresso martini, as well as unique, Italian-inspired cocktails. It’s open until 11 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays—perfect for night owls fond of long chats and good eats.
Marée, Spring Lake
A neighborhood bistro/bar inspired by East Coast character is coming to downtown Spring Lake this year. Marée, French for “tide,” was founded by Jersey Shore locals Marilyn Schlossbach and Bret Morgan. Schlossbach—a restaurateur behind favorites including Whitechapel Projects and Pop’s Garage—brings decades of culinary experience, while Morgan, an entrepreneur and developer, has been a key visionary for the new space.
While Marée is designed to operate as a public restaurant and bar, the owners are also offering 12 private, climate-controlled lockers with engraved nameplates, exclusive wine pricing and concierge service.
Dining news:
Sunbeams smiled through New Jersey this week as temperatures reached the 70s. With the first official day of spring and more warm days on the horizon, seasonal ice cream shops across the state are reopening their doors to welcome swarms of eager eaters.
US Mr Ice Cream in Lawrence Township, known for its creative ice cream creations, reopened last month. The Custard Hut‘s locations in Somers Point and Ocean View kicked off their 49th season last week. And Van Dyk’s in Ridgewood, known throughout Bergen County for its handmade ice cream in a no-frills atmosphere, reopened as well.
Closings:
Gotham City Diner, Ridgefield
After 34 years on Bergen Boulevard in Ridgefield, Gotham City Diner closed on March 1. The building has been sold and will be converted into an unaffiliated Mediterranean-style restaurant. Its Fair Lawn location will remain open.
MJ’s Restaurant, Bar & Grill, Tinton Falls
MJ’s in Tinton Falls has closed after 16 years in business. The restaurant served a casual American menu for lunch and dinner. Its other locations in Bayville, Brick, Long Branch, Matawan, Middletown, Neptune and Spotswood remain open.
Bistro La Source, Jersey City
This French-Bulgarian restaurant in Jersey City was known for its classic dishes rooted in traditional techniques. After 18 years in business, it closed on March 7.
The Wild Fox Cafe, North Wildwood
The Wild Fox Cafe was a popular stop for locals and tourists alike, offering coffee, juice, pastries and sandwiches. It abruptly closed this week after nearly a decade in business.
Plus: Tito’s Burritos delays statewide closures by a week, while Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg gets a new executive chef.
Plus: A beloved Keyport restaurant suddenly shutters, while a unique coffee lounge is coming to Caldwell.
