RESTAURANT OPENINGS
The Baked Bear • Long Branch
This ice cream sandwich shop is the first business to open in phase three of Pier Village. Owners Elly and Tyler Hess introduced the Shore to this San Diego–based chain in May. The menu is full of options to create custom ice cream sandwiches, with cookies like M&M and Funfetti, ice cream flavors including Espresso Bean and Salted Caramel Fudge, and toppings like Heath Bar Bits, Almonds and Oreo Crumbs. Brownies are also available. Get your sandwich served warm for a fresh-baked feel. Open weekdays at noon, weekends at 11 am.
The Baked Bear, 15 Morris Ave., Long Branch; 732-903-8940
Foodies Diner • Hackensack
Another old school–style diner comes to Jersey. The extensive menu features omelettes, disco fries, melts, charbroiled burgers, sandwiches and wraps. Milkshakes come with whipped cream and a cherry on top, in flavors such as the Nut Job Shake (Nutella mixed with chocolate ice cream), Curious George (vanilla ice cream with honey and bananas) and Peanut Butter and Jelly (strawberry syrup, peanut butter and vanilla ice cream). Open daily, 7 am–3 pm.
Foodies Diner, 582 Huyler St., South Hackensack; 201-440-1116
Fazzio’s Pasta Company • Salem
Owner Matthew Fazzio will run this new pasta shop in downtown Salem with his fiancé. Offerings will include housemade ravioli, fettuccine, gnocchi and more, as well as biscotti, cookies and a special dessert ravioli made with chocolate and hazelnut tossed in a raspberry sauce. Fazzio’s will offer dine-in and takeout; frozen family dinners and pasta packages will be available. Location and opening date to come.
Fazzio’s Pasta Company, Salem
The Butter Chicken Factory • Westfield
This new eatery has a menu featuring traditional and creative takes on Indian cuisine. Dishes include Butter Chicken cooked in a luscious butter and tomato gravy, Fish Coconut Curry, Chicken Tikka, Lamb Saag and more. Open daily at 11:30 am for takeout and delivery; closed Tuesday.
The Butter Chicken Factory, 261 South Ave., Westfield; 908-854-3750