Closings
The Mehtani Restaurant Group is closing its Morristown properties, Mehndi (an Indian restaurant and one of our favorite spots in town), Ming II (a Pan-Asian restaurant) and SM23 (a cocktail bar). The Mehtani family has had a major presence in Morristown since 1994, when matriarch and trailblazing Indian restaurateur Sneh Mehtani opened the original Moghul restaurant.
Sneh’s son, Shaun Mehtani, now the group’s second-generation owner, made the tough decision to close the restaurants, which are located in the Hyatt Regency hotel; the last day will be Saturday, January 4.
“Our lease is coming to an end, and instead of renewing, it’s time for a new concept,” Shaun said in a statement. “Everything about dining out has changed post-pandemic. In an era of Grubhub and Uber Eats, restaurants can no longer be situated deep within the walls of a hotel and movie complex. Drivers need easy access and easy getaways.”
The family’s Edison properties, which include the recently renovated Moghul and Ming, will remain open.
With liquor licenses at a premium, Shaun is convinced his next concept will be a BYO restaurant.
Openings
Fluffy Fluffy, Jersey City
Tiramisu soufflé pancakes. Photo: Courtesy of Fluffy Fluffy
A dessert cafe renowned for its cloud-like soufflé pancakes will soon celebrate the grand opening of its new location in Jersey City, which will be the cafe’s first grab-and-go model. The extensive menu will include katsu sando (a Japanese sandwich) and soft-serve ice cream with pancakes.
Café Tati, Hoboken
A new café from the team behind Hoboken’s Barbès serves French and Mediterranean food.
Bobabucks, Hoboken
This café and creamery serves treats and delicious drinks, including milkshakes, coffee and teas.
Miznon Kosher at Bell Works, Holmdel
Miznon Kosher at Bell Works, featuring Michelin-starred head chef Eyal Shani, opens today. Shani is renowned as one of the world’s leading Mediterranean chefs; he oversees more than 40 restaurants globally, including the famed HaSalon in Manhattan. He’s also a TV personality, known for starring in Food for Thought and serving as a judge on MasterChef Israel for 11 seasons.
Edge Pizza and Pasta, Fort Lee
This new spot serves pizza, appetizers, salads and more. They also serve vegan and create-your-own New York-style pies.
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