Paul Lustbader, previously at Cent’Anni, Maplewood, and Trattoria Fresco, Caldwell, is the executive chef at Above, 1 South Orange Ave (second floor of Eden Gourmet), South Orange (973-762-5900).
David Gary Ryan, a graduate of Johnson & Wales, is the chef at Toast, 700 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair (973-509-8099); BYO. The restaurant plans to open for dinner in mid-August.
Kevin Sbraga is the chef at Rat’s, 16 Fairgrounds Rd, Hamilton (609-584-7800). The restaurant was recently taken over by Stephen Starr, a restaurateur with properties in Philadelphia, Atlantic City, New York City, and Fort Lauderdale.
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