H2OCEAN SEAFOOD & RAW BAR, CEDAR KNOLLS
We felt so welcomed at H2Ocean, we felt that I could have been Salacia, the female divinity of the sea, worshipped as the goddess of saltwater. Lowell could have been Neptune, Salacia’s husband, god of the sea and water. While there were some service gaffs the staff tried very hard to provide hospitality which, after all, is what the restaurant industry should be all about.
The décor is soaked in ocean themes. The front door with a porthole is reminiscent of a ship. Blue and white colors dominate the restaurant with white tablecloths, blue napkins, blue under lighting by the bar and raw bar and blue and white carpet. Nautical themes include framed starfish and sand dollars, fish-themed pictures and lights that reminded us of jellyfish and sea urchins, all added to the ambiance. The waiters wore nifty ties with the H2Ocean trademark and a picture of an octopus. The restaurant is under the directions of executive chef Jarrett Bennett, a CIA graduate who has previously worked for Michael Mina in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
We were impressed by the very approachable and user-friendly wine list with its whimsical headings such as white waters (white wines); dark waters (red wines); and undertow (wines under $20). There were also white squall blends, chartered whites, reef and riptide reds and port of call for Vintage ports.
Let me tell you about our entrees first, as they rocked. A whole black sea bass was an impressive and substantial piece of mild-flavored fish that tasted as if it truly was from the hook to the plate, as the restaurant’s maxim states. It was served with fresh, perfectly cooked yellow and green zucchini, tomatoes, eggplant, and onion mélange. It was a pleasure to see that the vegetables were given as much respect as the fish. Tuna with red peppers, edamame, string beans and almonds served over rice needed the scrumptious sesame dressing to give the fish some gusto. This sesame dressing popped with so much flavor that we asked for a second serving, which we also poured over the sea bass.
Not as successful was the signature appetizer of octopus which, while beautifully plated, was on the verge of mushiness. New England clam chowder had a thin broth and needed more clams and vegetables. A bread basket with two uninteresting rolls was served with a trio of accompaniments, hummus, olive oil and olives, in little glass dishes that reminded us of sea glass; a nice touch.
Be sure to have dessert, all made in-house, especially the creatively presented Off the Hook S’mores, a graham cracker, shaved chocolate, s’mores gelato served with torched marshmallows suspended on a skewer over the bowl. Grilled peaches, with vincotto and both local honey and Greek yogurt were topped with pistachios; we gobbled it up.
Owners of H2Ocean, Sylvia Lasalandra Frodella and her brother John Lasalandra are committed to supporting local fisheries and farms. They co-owned Bacchus Chophouse and Wine Bar in Fairfield and Frodella also owned and operated Bruschetta in Fairfield. The main dining room seats 150 and there is an intimate private loft for up to 40 guests, and a banquet room that can accommodate up to 100 guests. Omnivores are not forgotten here as prime beef cuts, lamb, chicken, and pasta are also on the menu. A gluten-free menu is available upon request.
Whole black sea bass.
Off the Hook S’mores,
Photos courtesy of Lowell Saferstein
H2Ocean Seafood & Raw Bar “From Hook to Plate”
41 Ridgedale Avenue
Cedar Knolls
973-984-9594
OTHER OPENINGS
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza with 47 locations throughout Florida, Delaware, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, has opened at 8119 Town Center Way, Livingston Town Center, Livingston. (973-992-2625); full bar. Weekly specials include “Coal Fired & Craft Beer” every Monday and Tuesday, featuring half-off craft beers from local brewers. Guests will also enjoy $5 martinis every Wednesday from 5 PM to closing. Signature menu items include traditional and specialty pizzas; coal-oven roasted-chicken wings; large homemade meatballs; a classic Italian salad; and broccoli rabe and sausage
Birravino, (the combined Italian words for beer and wine), a casual, authentic Italian restaurant, has opened at 183 Riverside Ave, Red Bank. (732-842-5990). Owner Vic Rallo, host of Eat! Drink! Italy! on Create TV and owner of Undici Taverna Restaurant located in Rumson, which recently received the coveted three-star award from The World of Fine Wines annual World’s Best Wine List 2014. The restaurant is designed as an open, industrial-era inspired space, and the menu consists of portions similar to those found in Italy, allowing customers to experience more of the flavors of Italy at a reasonable price. The Birravino wine list contains over 100 selections from the major wine producing regions of Italy, all priced under $50. It is Vic’s belief that wine should be on every table, as it is in Italy.
Cups Frozen Yogurt Towne Pointe Shopping Center, 357 Rt 9, Manalapan (732-851-4386).
Delvina, featuring Northern Italian food and a full bar, has opened at 172 Piermont Road, Cresskill (201-816-0239).
Dream Dessert, offering 24 flavors and over 50 toppings of frozen yogurt has opened at 700 Broadway, Westwood (201-497-8808).
Ichiban 18 Asian Cuisine 1020 A Rt 18, East Brunswick (732-390-0077).
Killer Vegan Diner and Delicatessen 996 Stuyvesant Ave, Union (908-964-8600).
Laboratorio Kitchen 615 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair has reopened (973-746-6100). New chef/owner is James DeSisto; BYO.
Le Malt, Brown Spirits and Wine Lounge featuring a small-plates menu, has opened at 1021 St Georges Ave, Colonia (732-510-7700).
Mr. Chung’s, an Asian fusion restaurant, has opened at 78 Speedwell Ave, Morristown (862)-260-9558); BYO.
Novo Mediterranean Restaurant, offering contemporary Mediterranean cuisine of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, has opened at 37 Chestnut St, Ridgewood (201-444-4910); BYO. Menu items include crispy falafel shrimp; slow-roasted cauliflower with currants, pine nuts and a green tahini sauce; seafood couscous; and duck bisteeya of sugar-dusted filo pie of duck legs confit, raisins, pecans, caramelized onions and a medley of Moroccan spices.
Redz, offering American fare for lunch and dinner, has opened at the Doubletree Suites, 515 Fellowship Road North, Mount Laurel (856-222-0335).
Zi Zia Pizzeria & Trattoria, has opened at 80 Bay Ave, Bloomfield (973-743-3333); BYO.
CLOSINGS
Berkeley Restaurant and Fish Market, South Seaside Park has closed. The restaurant will be demolished as it has been sold to the state to extend Island Beach State Park.
Bistro Rylo, Ocean
Blue Star Burgers, Tenafly
Il Fornetto, Marlboro
Piccolo’s Restaurant, Kinnelon
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