Openings:
BarBacoa, Summit
A new Mexican smokehouse and taqueria has made its way to Summit. Although BarBacoa isn’t planning to open for full service for a few more weeks, executive chef Justin Antiorio has begun a weekly Taco Tuesday event, making use of their window bar where customers can come up to order. Their special menu includes Mexican street corn (pictured above), Beef Tacos (cooked slow and low) and smoked chicken wings. Don’t forget to add a drink to your order—BarBacoa is serving up blue agave frozen Mmargaritas, Oaxaca Old-Fashioneds (made with tequila and orange peels), and an assortment of beer and wine. Begins at 4 pm on Tuesdays and goes until 8:30 pm, or until they run out of food.
BarBacoa, 10 Maple Street, Summit; 908-273-6006
Mexican Spice, Chatham
Jennifer Alarcon was born and raised in Mexico City and brought her love for authentic Mexican food to New Jersey. Originally starting in catering, Alarcon has grown her business to start a local food truck, and just recently added a new restaurant in Chatham called Mexican Spice. The menu is chock full of Mexican flavor, including chilaquiles (crispy tortillas with enchilada sauce, melted cheese, and cilantro), tacos (pork carnitas, carne asada, chipotle garlic shrimp) and a layered enchilada casserole. Available for takeout and delivery.
Mexican Spice, 149 Main Street, Chatham; 973-822-0504
Wright Taste, Belmar
Andre Wright, owner and founder of Wright Taste, is serving up food for the soul. With a collection of meals ranging from Italian, Caribbean, Hispanic and more, this new spot by the Jersey Shore will reinstate your passion for diverse food. The menu has countless options, from seafood (like broiled salmon and baked flounder), Caribbean dishes (jerk chicken and curry shrimp), and southern classics (like meatloaf and baby back ribs). BYO and enjoy a nice meal on Wright Taste’s private outdoor courtyard.
Wright Taste, 1006 Main Street, Belmar; 732-556-6412
Closings:
Café Fiori, Randolph
After 11 years, Café Fiori is closing its doors. Due to the struggling losses they have faced from the onset of Covid-19, the small Italian cafe made the decision to halt their ongoing family business. Because of the community’s support and orders from loyal customers, Café Fiori was able to stay open until late summer. Since opening in 2009, the café’s goal was to create a space where families can feel comfort in eating the freshest food with their loved ones—they will be missed.
Café Fiori, 477 College Plaza, Route 10 East, Randolph