One of the Shore’s preeminent restaurateurs is back in business.
Joe Amiel has opened Joe’s Bay Pointe Inn (1 Willow Street, Highlands). Located in the town known as the “gateway to the Shore,” Amiel’s restaurant, cafe and bar overlooks Sandy Hook Bay and sports indoor and outdoor spaces for dining and imbibing. It will be open year-round.
Currently dinner-only, the Bay Pointe Inn will add lunch and brunch sometime next month.
Amiel’s last restaurant, Sallee Tee’s, in Monmouth Beach, was a casualty of Superstorm Sandy. He’s been plotting his return to the coastal restaurant scene ever since. The former owner of the landmark Old Mill Inn, Spring Lake Heights, as well as the 20th-century seafood stalwart Evelyn’s in Belmar, Amiel started his career in New York City at the Rainbow Room.
The menu is seafood-strong and includes raw bar selections. 732-629-8000. joesbaypointinn.com.
Farther down the coast a new breakfast spot opens in Seaside Heights. The Cranberry Cafe (421 Bayside Terrace) offers an extensive menu of classics as well as dressed-up, creative morning fare. The cafe opened for weekend service last month and is seguing into extended summertime hours. For more information, call 732-793-0737.
Other new options:
South Mountain Tavern (19 Valley Street, South Orange): American fare and a bar in the former home of Ricalton’s Village Tavern. Lunch and dinner. 973-736-1006. southmountaintavern.com.
Desi Wok (769 Newark Avenue, Jersey City): Indo-Chinese takeout and delivery. Lunch and dinner. 201-963-7642. desiwok2.eat24hour.com.
Coming soon:
Cargot (98 Union Place, Princeton): A brasserie from the folks behind Agricola and the Dinky Bar and Kitchen. Information will be forthcoming at cargotbrasserie.com.
Uncle Momo (289 Grove Street, Jersey City): If you know Uncle Momo’s French-Lebanese fare from its flagship in Montclair, you’ll be familiar with the fare here. 973-233-8500. unclemomo.com.
Morals Village Hot Pot (Rutgers Plaza at intersection of Easton Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard, Franklin Township): Cook-at-table hot pot specialties.