Blu Grotto Brings Stacked Roster to Oceanport

The restaurant, which will serve modern and classic Italian food, has an all glass conservatory dining room, three large decks, and an open air beer garden.

COMING SOON
Blu Grotto will be opening soon at 200 Port Au Peck Avenue (Monmouth Park, Oceanport (732-571-7900). On the impressive roster are general manager Chris James, former bar director of Jockey Hollow and executive chef James Corona, previously from Thyme Square and Sogno, both in Red Bank and Bocca in New York City. The restaurant, which will serve modern and classic Italian food, has an all-glass conservatory dining room, three large decks, and an open-air beer garden.

GROUND CONNECTION OPENS IN JERSEY CITY
Ground Connection, a modern day coffee shop serving specialty small-batch roasted coffee and espresso drinks and a casual menu of daily fresh, prepared from scratch, sandwiches, salads, flat-bread pizzas, baked goods and more, has opened at Harborside Plaza 10, 3 Second Street, Jersey City (201 515-2240). Open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM.

OTHER NJ RESTAURANT OPENINGS

Buck Hill Brewery & Restaurant, featuring a farm to table, locally sourced seasonal menu has opened at 45 Rt 94, Blairstown (908-854-5300). Menu items include poutine (house-made fries with cheese curds, garlic and rosemary sauce); beer, butter and garlic grilled shrimp; sandwiches, burgers, pasta, fish, chicken and steak frites.

Café Trois, a bakery and brunch establishment, has opened at 211 Livingston Street, Northvale (201-660-7686).

Bubble tea, chicken wings and desserts are featured at Q Tea Tapas, 242 Main Street, Fort Lee (201-363-8833).

Rocktown Café, offering breakfast and lunch, has opened at 160 West Union Turnpike, Wharton (862-244-9800).

T-Swirl, featuring Japanese sweet and savory crepes, has opened at 244 Main Street, Fort Lee (201-363-8838). Open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM.

CLOSINGS
The Draper, previously Park & Sixth Gastropub, which opened in March in Jersey City, has closed.

Please send press releases and restaurant news, including information on staff changes, wine tastings, and cooking classes, to [email protected].

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