Grain & Cane at The Park, Berkeley Heights
The Connell Co. has just recently announced their expansion plan for The Park, a work-life campus located near Route 78 in Berkeley Heights. This new renovation includes new restaurants and a new team of culinary experts. Chef Brian Bistrong has been appointed the corporate executive chef and culinary director of The Park’s catering and hospitality group, Table & Banter, as well as Ashley Davis, who will serve as the director of pastry and baking. Louis Bayla will be the new executive chef at Grain & Cane Bar & Table, the complex’s restaurant serving American cuisine, including pizza, pasta, chicken sandwiches, and house made cocktails. Other new dining spots include a taco stand, brewery and beer garden, and 1950s-inspired hamburger restaurant, with renovations being set for completion in 2023.
The Park (Connell Development), Plainfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights; 908-464-2700
Crab Du Jour, Piscataway
This popular Cajun seafood restaurant added another New Jersey location to its list. Opened last week, the Crab Du Jour XPress location is in Piscataway and is open for grab-and-go dining. Seafood options include snow crab legs, shrimp, crawfish, clams, and mussels, all of which can come individually or served on platters. Fried favorites are also on the menu, like onion rings, hush puppies, fried calamari and special fried seafood baskets. Open from daily at 11:30 am.
Crab Du Jour, 1306 Centennial Avenue, Piscataway; 732-529-5975
Flour on First, Atlantic Highlands
Opening in the same location that held The Flaky Tart, which closed last fall, is a brand new bakery serving baked goods and savory items. Flour on First was opened by co-owner of The Flaky Tart, Laura Martello, and offers seasonal cakes, French macarons, breakfast baked items, and fresh-baked cookies. The addition of a lunch menu gives customers the option of a savory meal, including chicken pot pie, seasonal salads, and sandwiches made daily on house bread. Open Tuesday-Saturday 8:30 am-2:30 pm.
Flour on First, 145 First Avenue, Atlantic Highland; 732-366-9622
Gaia + Loki, Jersey City
A brand new vegan restaurant is coming to Jersey City and it seems to be the spot’s first location. The Instagram account and restaurant’s website are still under construction, but it seems the menu will have plenty of veggie and plant-based options based on its logo-which features a woman with an artichoke on her head. Gaia + Loki will be one of many vegan options in Jersey City, and will hopefully be opening in the near future.
Gaia + Loki, 346 Grove Street, Jersey City