Some of the hottest trends in dining can be found at new restaurants that recently opened or will be opening in the very near future.
For instance, two of Philly’s finest chefs, crossed the Delaware to open Hearthside at 801 Haddon Avenue in Collingswood. Dominic Piperno and chef Aaron Gottesman’s restaurant, which debuted last week, spotlights wood-fired cookery with whole fishes and dry-aged steaks on the menu, as well as mab shanks, wood-grilled chicken, skate wing, charred octopus, smoked celery root agnolotti and roasted eggplant. BYO. Open daily for dinner, except Sundays. 856-240-1164; hearthsidebyob.com.
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All foods smoked and many things BBQ seem to have been peaking for years—and showing no signs of fading. So here comes Smoke BBQ, which is putting the finishing touches on its soon-to-open home at 34 West Merchant Avenue in Audubon. You’ll note, if you’re in the ‘hood, that a jaunty sign sporting a pig and a cow dancing snout-to-snout is hanging at the site of the former Crux Cafe in the Camden County town. This one’s from chef Aaron Clark, who is spearheading a family-run enterprise that will feature brisket, St. Louis-style ribs, pulled pork and lots of Southern specialties. An early-October opening is anticipated. For more information, call 856-672-0007 or visit smokebbqnj.com.
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Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free—modern-day buzzwords in the edibles world of the 21st century. Alternative daytime dining? Definitely on the upswing. Combine “clean” with breakfast/lunch and you’ve got the concept that many embrace—including the folks patronizing the new JUS Organic, located at 135 First Avenue in Atlantic Highlands. It’s owned by Renee Dorski, who describes JUS as “offering mindfully sourced food and beverage products with the intention of supporting local farms.” The style of the open-space eatery, as well as its menu, have been culled from Dorski’s far-ranging travels as an international high-fashion model. There’s a large custom-made community table, a corner devoted to kids, and a bohemian vibe. The menu lists breakfasts bowls and toasts, smoothies and house-made juices, teas and coffees. JUS specialties range from raw vegan cheesecake to gluten-free energy balls. Planned: cooking classes, outdoor dining and a take-out window. JUS is open from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday and from 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 848-254-4686 or visit jusorganic.com.
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In the works:
Chef Zod Arifai, late of Blu and Next Door in Montclair, is planning a new project in the former Martinsville Taverna in the Martinsville section of Bridgewater. According to the chef’s representatives, he is partnering with Benny Mavraj, who owns Cafe Azzurro in Peapack, to renovate the space.
The plan is to serve lunch and dinner daily. The old tavern has a liquor license, so libations will be sold. No name yet for the restaurant.