The Diving Horse, 2109 Dune Drive, Avalon (BYO), has reopened for the season with new executive chef Paul Carrier, a Maryland native, who previously cooked at their 70-seat, seafood-focused restaurant. The Diving Horse, which features ample outdoor seating, a modern farmhouse interior with reclaimed fixtures and bright, oversize windows, serves dinner nightly beginning at 5 PM and will remain open through Labor Day.
Items on the New American menu, which changes almost daily based upon availability, may include: the Diving Horse wedge salad with jumbo lump crap meat, prosciutto, red onion, tomato and fried herbs served with a Seven-Mile Island dressing; heirloom tomato and strawberry, with house-made ricotta and basil; calamari with pickled ramps and paprika; and Barnegat Light bay scallops, with farro risotto, English peas and fennel pesto. Dishes range in price from $8 to $36.
Sunday Suppers, a seasonally inspired prix-fixe menu served family-style will be offered and plans are in the works for a variety of special events throughout the season, including a week-long celebration leading up to the Fourth of July weekend and cooking classes on their outdoor patio. Reservations: 609-368-5000.
OTHER RECENT NJ OPENINGS
GUS & CO SEAFOOD, MONTCLAIR
Owner Paul Gustavsen, who worked as a fishmonger at New York’s Fulton Fish Market for the past 25 years, has opened Gus & Co Seafood at 626 Valley Road, Montclair (973-783-3474). Along with flounder, gulf shrimp, local day-boat scallops, and wild salmon and much more some prepared items that are available are crab cakes, house-made chowder and lobster rolls. Open daily, except Monday.
MELODY’S CAFÉ, MIDDLETOWN
Melody’s Café, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner has opened at 650 E. Newman Springs Road, Middletown. The extensive menu features both traditional and specialty options from both American and Greek cultures with items such as omelets, waffles, pancakes, French toast, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, gyros, souvlaki, gyros, and much more. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 AM to 10 PM. Live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings. Breakfast is served all day, and take-out is also available. Phone: 732-933-4800; BYO.
SOUTH + PINE AMERICAN EATERY, MORRISTOWN
South + Pine American Eatery, 90 South Street, Morristown (862-260-9700); BYO. Menu items include: white bean fritters; kale salad;; fried chicken with sweet potato waffles; grilled salmon with coconut quinoa; and lamb porterhouse chops.
CLOSINGS
None this week.
If you hear of a restaurant opening or closing e-mail me at [email protected].