DISTRITO, MOORESTOWN
Distrito, a Mexican restaurant, has opened at Moorestown Mall, 400 Rt 38, Moorestown (856-252-0300). Owned by James Beard and Iron Chef winner, chef Jose Garces, menu items to be offered in the 7,500-square-foot, 200-seat cantina include coconut habanero chicken, fish tacos, grilled Spanish octopus, pork belly tamales, tequilas and house-made margaritas. Garces also has a Distrito in Philadelphia and Scottsdale, AZ, a Distrito Cantina in Atlantic City and a Distrito Truck in Philadelphia.
MARTORANO’S OPENS AT HARRAH’S ATLANTIC CITY
Martorano’s, an Italian-American restaurant, has opened at Harrah’s Resort, 777 Harrah’s Boulevard, Atlantic City (609-441-5000). Owner, Steve Martorano, a Philadelphia native, has locations in Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, and Hollywood (Florida) and is planning a fifth in Las Vegas later this year. He just released season two of his culinary DVD, “The Italian-American Cook,” on Amazon.com and a new cookbook is in the works. The menu will include eggplant stack, South Philly cheesesteak, rigatoni with Sunday pork gravy, bucatini carbonara, and homemade meatballs, which were named best in the world by Jimmy Kimmel and Al Pacino.
AL FRESCO DINING AVAILABLE AT CRYSTAL SPRINGS, HAMBURG
The chef’s organic vegetable and herb garden is now open at Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg. Other al fresco options at the resort are the Springs Bistro, offering Tuscan-inspired cuisine and sunset views, and the Tiki Bar or Kites Terrace at Minerals for a casual poolside bar and grill experience. Outdoor seating is based on availability. Chef’s Garden dining is first come, first serve. Info: http://crystalgolfresort.com
MAXWELL’S TAVERN
Maxwell’s Tavern, previously known as Maxwell’s (a rock club), has reopened as a family friendly restaurant at 1039 Washington St, Hoboken (201-798-0406). Appetizers, pizza, salads, and sandwiches are offered.
CHEF FREDY’S TABLE
It’s just a name change but Tim Schafer’s Cuisine, 82 Speedwell Ave, Morristown, is now called Chef Fredy’s Table (973-538-3330); BYO. The restaurant is named for executive chef/co- Fredy Umanzor. The following note came from chef and original owner Tim Schafer: “After almost 20 years of success TSC is changing names. When I sold the restaurant 8 years ago to Nestor Bedoya and Fredy Umanzor, both employees for many years, I knew they would continue the success by keeping the consistency of great food and service! I wish them all the best in the future with Chef Fredy’s Table!”
OTHER OPENINGS
Quality, all-natural meats, fine cheeses, imported condiments, GMO and gluten-free breads and products, certified-organic local produce and dairy are a few of the items offered at the newly opened Denville Meat Shop, 28 Diamond Spring Road, Denville (862-209-4088).
Along with baked items, the newly opened Dolce & Salato Bakery at 102 West Palisade Ave, Englewood (201-898-3246) also offers tartas, empanadas and personal pizzas.
Firehouse Subs has opened at 205 Rt 46 W. Totowa (973-837-8022).
Golden Cantonese Seafood and Dim Sum Restaurant, 19 Rt 22, Green Brook (732-752-2100).
Overlooking the beaches and boardwalk, Guy Fieri’s Chophouse at Bally’s, has opened at Bally’s Atlantic City, 1900 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. Menu items include: java-rubbed ribeye chop, filet with roasted-garlic and brown butter, spicy bloody Mary jumbo shrimp cocktail, Jersey Shore clams casino, Jersey tomato Salad and Cape May fried flounder. The main bar spans the length of the entire restaurant and offers California-sourced wines, craft beers on tap, and spirits from a small batch distillery. For more information, visit www.ballysac.com.
Jersey Mike’s has opened at 254C Livingston Street, Northvale (201-767-4121) and 3528 Rt. 9 South, Freehold (732-431-2400).
Just Salad, a fast, casual eatery featuring salads, wraps soups and snacks has opened at 775 Bloomfield Ave, Broadway Square Shopping Center, West Caldwell (973-403-6790).
Noches De Colombia, 19 Elm St, Montclair (973-744-3363).
Spring, a Korean restaurant in Closter, has moved to 221 Closter Dock Road, Closter (201-767-8830); BYO.
Syros Taverna, 51 East Palisades Ave, Englewood (201-731-3556), has opened offering Greek cuisine. While seafood is a specialty here with menu items such as grilled branzino, sardines, octopus, calamari, swordfish, there are also meat entrees, including grilled quail, pork chops, steak, and lamb chops. The restaurant will have a liquor license in a few months.
CLOSINGS
Basil, an Indian restaurant, Englewood.
Surv Kitchen & Lounge, Manalpan
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