Chef David Burke Photo: Courtesy of David Burke Hospitality Management
Openings:
The Station Tavern, Bernardsville
Celebrity chef and restaurateur David Burke is taking over operations at the beloved-but-shuttered Station in Bernardsville, located across the street from the town’s train station. Slated to relaunch Saturday, April 18, under his restaurant group’s management as the newly dubbed Station Tavern, it will feature a refreshed tavern-style menu and a redesigned interior.
Following the debut, the restaurant will be serving an all-day menu from noon to 9 pm on weekdays and until 9:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Weekend brunch specials are expected to follow. The move comes a few years after Burke opened Red Horse by David Burke at the Bernards Inn, joining his large portfolio that includes Red Horse in Rumson, Orchard Park in East Brunswick, and Dixie Lee Bakery in Keansburg.
Massa Pasta, Tenafly
Massa Pasta was founded by a husband-and-wife team driven by a shared dream of opening a neighborhood pasta kitchen. Their focus is simple: fresh handmade ingredients and familiar flavors, with bold departures. Cofounder and chef Yosif Bulbuloglu graduated top of his class at Le Cordon Bleu and has worked as a chef for Turkish Airlines and Google. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday.
High Grounds Lounge, Carneys Point
New Jersey’s first and only craft brewery/coffee roastery, Death of a Fox, opened High Grounds in Carneys Point on April 13. Co-located with the Frosted Nug, a licensed cannabis dispensary, the space will feature an on-site coffee roastery and a wellness-focused menu of matcha, mushroom coffee, kombucha, protein shake and more, alongside its signature espresso drinks.
The Thai Mex Station, East Rutherford
Family recipes, scratch-made sauces and fresh ingredients define this new North Jersey spot. A married culinary duo brings together Thailand’s vibrant street food and the warmth of Mexican home cooking under one roof. The restaurant is now open daily from 11 am to 10 pm.
Closings:
The Brookdale, Bloomfield
After six years in Bloomfield, The Brookdale—a neighborhood staple known for its comforting American fare with a creative twist—has announced it is closing its doors. In a message shared on social media, the team reflected on “memories, late nights, celebrations, and a sense of community we’ll never forget.” The restaurant final day of service is set for Sunday, April 19.
Uno Mas, Allendale
After four years in business, this contemporary Mexican restaurant in North Jersey will close its doors. It was known for Mexican-inspired cuisine, from tacos to non-alcoholic beverages. The last day of operation will be Saturday, April 18. Its sister ventures—the Allendale Social and Charlie’s Place—will remain open.
Dining news:
— On Saturday, April 18, Manhattan’s Carmine’s crosses the Hudson for a one-night event in East Rutherford at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment. The restaurant—founded in 1990 on NYC’s Upper West Side and known for its oversized, family-style platters—helped popularize the “Italian American wedding feast” approach to dining, complete with a lively, high-energy atmosphere. This takeover event will serve as a tribute to the restaurant’s namesake, the late Carmine Abbatiello. In addition to guest speakers and photo opportunities, guests can expect a buffet of Carmine’s classics: spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, chicken parm and tiramisu. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program. Tickets can be reserved here.
— NJ-based Gogo Grocer has launched a weekly grocery shop on wheels at an AvalonBay Communities residential property in Maplewood. Every Tuesday evening, the truck brings fresh produce, pantry staples and specialty goods directly to residents. Shoppers have the option to browse in person or order ahead via app, with no delivery fees. The truck is stocked in partnership with local vendors, including the Mini Market Zoyatla, Lakay Deli and Grocery, and the Ahkils Autism Foundation. After launching last month and seeing growing interest, the service is already eyeing expansion to additional multifamily communities across the state.
— Asbury Park native and educator Basia Newman is set to compete on season 16 of MasterChef: Global Gauntlet. Her husband, Michael Newman, previously appeared on MasterChef: Legends, and the pair now runs the popular Instagram account @jerseystyle. This season, judges Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Tiffany Derry are drawing inspiration from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, dividing contestants into four global regions. Newman will compete on Team Europe, where she plans to highlight her Polish heritage as she vies for the title and grand prize.
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