Dining news:
—Leonardo Argoti Rubio, the executive pastry chef for Faubourg and Bijoux French Pastry in Montclair, was reportedly detained on Monday at a federal immigration detention center in Buffalo, New York, while on vacation. His niece and friends told Montclair Local that he has a work permit, a Social Security number and a pending asylum case. The arrest of the Ecuadorian chef has sparked an outpouring of support and fundraising efforts across the community.
—Two New Jersey pizzerias have been named among the best in the United States by the Italian food guide 50 Top Pizza. Jersey City’s Razza—which made NJM‘s 2025 list of the best restaurants in New Jersey—and Bricco’s in Haddon Township both secured spots on the prestigious list, emphasizing the state’s international reputation as a destination for exceptional pizza.
Openings:
Tatte Bakery & Cafe, Maywood
The third New Jersey location of Boston-based Tatte Bakery & Cafe opened last month at Bergen Town Center. The café serves an all-day menu of Israeli, Mediterranean and European-inspired dishes, alongside a well-known pastry selection and its signature shakshuka. The other NJ locations are in Ridgewood and Morristown.
Throttle Racing Club, Denville
This racing-themed coffee shop is set to open Saturday, June 7, despite smoke damage caused by a fire at neighboring Cafe Crevier earlier this week. The shop will serve coffee beverages made with beans sourced directly from Colombia, along with light bites. Guests will also be able to experience immersive racing simulators.
Joe Thai Kitchen, Allendale
The team behind Wyckoff Thai in North Jersey has announced this sister restaurant coming to Allendale in July. Menu details and operating hours have not yet been released.
Closings:
Cafe Crevier, Denville
Early in the morning on Tuesday, June 2, this popular bar-style pizza spot caught fire, sustaining heavy interior and structural damage, including a partial roof collapse. Nearby businesses, including the soon-to-open coffee shop Throttle Racing Club and French pastry shop Chocolatine, also sustained damage in the blaze. Operations have closed at both Cafe Crevier and Chocolatine until further notice.
Lubrano’s 36, Middletown
The Lubrano family, a longtime staple on the Bayshore’s restaurant scene, has announced their retirement. Their restaurant’s final day of service will be Saturday, June 6. In a social media post, they announced that they will be passing the space on to a new team. “We know the restaurant is heading into great hands, and we cannot wait to see what’s next for the space that has meant so much to us,” they wrote.
Village Tea Shop, Ridgewood
At the end of June, the Village Tea Shop in Ridgewood will close after 12 years in business. Before closing its doors, the shop is inviting patrons to redeem any remaining gift cards or to stop in for one last tea of choice. “Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives, your routines, your celebrations, and your everyday moments,” the owners wrote in a social media post.
Millington Station Cafe, Millington
After 33 years in business, Millington Station Cafe—which served breakfast and lunch daily inside the old Millington train station building—has closed. In a social media post, owners Gus and Dawn wrote, “The outpouring of love, visits, stories, and support during these final weeks has meant more to us than words can express.”
Crêperie de la Mer & French Café, Beach Haven
wners John and Nadia Albright announced that they will be closing their popular LBI eatery at the end of the summer. “We hope to see you throughout this last season so we can celebrate these wonderful years together before we close our doors,” the couple wrote on their website. Until then, they’ll continue serving their sweet and savory French creations made from fresh ingredients.
