LOOKING AHEAD
RAILS STEAKHOUSE, TOWACO
The trolley was not going clang, clang, clang. It was the workman at Rails Steakhouse, 10 White Hall Road, Towaco, busy constructing the 15,000 square foot, three-floor restaurant that will be opening soon. Along with Rails, there will be six retail stores and apartments, in total a 45,000-square-foot building. Lowell and I were there for a hardhat tour and were wowed with scope of this restaurant.
Outside of Rails Steakhouse.
When we walked into this timber-framed restaurant, we were transported out west by the beautiful 150-plus years old, giant Douglas Fir from Oregon that soars from the first to the second floor. It is not a surprise that they call this area the Timber Bar/Lounge. It has a two story high brick wall that has a fireplace as well as a floating fireplace15 feet higher with niches for candles. The living room/bar area will feature a brick wood-fire oven for flatbreads and appetizers, raw bar and large communal table.
Couches and comfy seating will all add to the cozy ambiance. Televisions disguised as mirrors, when not in use, are scattered throughout the restaurant. Outside on the first-floor patio, facing the train station, a cascading waterfall will be viewed from the front of the restaurant. Have a drink by the fireplace and watch passing trains. There is also an 85-seat dining room on the first floor facing an open kitchen and another room that can be used for overflow dining or events.
Rails soaring two-story fireplace.
A dramatic glass staircase called the Da Vinci, as a company of that name designed it in Italy, will take you to the second floor, where the Rafters Lounge is located. A snaking walkway leads to the Mosaic room, which will be used for private dining and meetings. Be sure to check out the dramatic, jigsaw-shaped floor created with 5,000 pieces of wood. There is also an outdoor dining area with a fireplace and dramatic views of the mountains.
Working on the second floor of Rails Steakhouse.
Secrecy looms in the basement where a 1920’s/1930’s prohibition style speakeasy is found call Thirty 3, the year prohibition ended. A separate entrance has a sliding window which can be used for private events allowing entrance via a password. Another secret passageway accessible to members allows admittance via face recognition. How do you become a member? Just ask and have your picture taken. A beef aging room, wine cellar, cheese and party rooms are also located here as well as the prep kitchen which can be reserved for private events.
Yes, the ambiance will be impressive but what about the food and drink? The menu will feature something for everyone whether you want a small plate, burger, seafood, pasta, or dry aged prime steak. Both a Tavern and seasonal farm to table menu will be offered. Sunday brunch will be buffet style and family style meals meant for sharing are also planned for this day. Executive chef is Frank Falivene, whose impressive credentials include opening Ora in Morristown, executive chef at Moonshine in Millburn and Taste Bar & Bistro in Randolph.
The wine list ranges from Cune Crianza, Rioja, Spain for $32 to a Joseph Phelps, Meritage "Insignia", Napa Valley for $360 with many in the $50 to $60 range. A few horizontal and vertical selections, half bottles and magnums will be available along with beers and wines by the glass. A few of the many cocktails that will be offered are the South Bound Train (Milagro Silver Tequila, Agave Nectar, Fresh Lime Juice); the Rails Reborn Aviation, a hit during the prohibition era (Hendricks Gin, Crème de Voilette, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Lemon Juice, Lemon Twist); and the Trackside Gimlet (Absolut Vodka, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Basil Leaves, Lime Wheel). A shout out to Sea Breeze, a premium beverage company also in Towaco, who will be supplying beverages on tap. Expect to find their new product line of iced teas (Toshimi Green with Ginseng and Honey, diet Cranberry Pomegranate and Peach Passion with Ginger) and hard teas (Whiskey Sweet, Sour Puss and Peach Pirate) and more to be used in cocktails.
Desserts will be made in house. On the rooftop, plans are for a chef’s vegetable and herb garden with flower planters and trees surrounding the garden allowing for a seasonal ingredients to be available during the growing season.
Watch Table Hopping With Rosie for the opening dates.
Rails Steakhouse
10 White Hall Road
Towaco
973-335-0006
OPENINGS
Angie’s Place, offering soul food and West Indian cuisine, has opened at 234 Maywood Ave, Maywood (201-546-7768); BYO.
ASA Japanese Restaurant, 1014 South Maple Ave, Glen Rock (201-689-1388); BYO.
Benny’s Bakery & Ice Cream Shoppe, 11-08 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn (201-773-4916)
Carpaccio, 75 A Brighton Ave, Long Branch (732-222-2275); BYO.
Cha-Ma-Gu-Dao, offering fine teas, artisanal tea cookies and tea wares has opened at 17 Church St, Montclair (973-744-3076).
House of Thai, Meadtown Shopping Center, 1483 Rt 23, Kinnelon (973-750-1600); BYO.
The Palace, offering Mediterranean cuisine, has opened at 590 Lexington Ave, Clifton (973-772-0666); BYO. Menu items include hummus, labneh, tabbouleh, kebabs, and baklava. Open daily.
Santorini Greek Cuisine, 650 E Newmans Spring Road, Lincroft (732-933-4800); BYO.
Scallopini Bar & Restaurant, 831 Rt 10 (Pine Plaza), Whippany (973-581-1449).
Stuffed Burgers, offering 100% grass-fed burgers stuffed with cheeses ranging from gouda to blue, has opened at 150 Valley Road, Upper Montclair (973-893-5805). All burgers are served on a bun from Balthazar bakery with a side of coleslaw.
Yalo & Me, a European Bistro/Creperie, has opened at 49 Church St, Montclair (973-744-4296). Menu offerings include crepes, salads, sandwiches and 16 flavors of gelato. Open daily from 9 AM.
CLOSINGS
Goldie’s, a vegan restaurant in Asbury Park has closed.
Highland Place, Maplewood
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