Looking for a new dessert spot or a restaurant to find a home-cooked meal? Then you’re in luck. Bergen County’s brownie-centered food truck Brownie Bar is opening a brick-and-mortar outpost, while Berkeley Heights and Howell Township have both recently welcomed family-owned eateries with homemade dishes.
RESTAURANT OPENINGS
Brownie Bar Cafe • Ridgefield Park
Owners LaiHing and Gustavo Barboni have opened their first storefront. After operating a local food truck, the Brownie Bar, they announced in March they were moving to their own brick-and-mortar. The eatery features coffee and, of course, fresh-baked brownies, made from the highest-quality ingredients with no preservatives or anything artificial. The menu features flavors such as Bananas Foster, Apple Crisp Blondie, S’mores and Caramel Sea Salt, as well as a flavor of the month. Open daily.
Brownie Bar Cafe, 423 Main St., Ridgefield Park; 201-983-0003
Patria Station Cafe • Berkeley Heights
Buenos Aires natives Diego Di Falco and Carolina Zokalski are bringing their Argentinian culture and flavors to New Jersey. This new family-owned restaurant is committed to supporting Argentinian artists, and welcomes them to perform and enjoy the cafe. Items include empanadas, quiches, Spanish tapas, sausages and stews, as well as tea, coffee and Spanish hot chocolate. Open Tuesday-Sunday. Closed Mondays.
Patria Station Cafe, 128 Station St., Berkeley Heights; 908-219-4482
Ava Barsoum Mediterranean Food • Howell Township
Enjoy an authentic Mediterranean meal at this new eatery. The menu includes an array of dishes from salads to seafood to Mediterranean classics like Stuffed Grape Leaves, Kibbeh, Shawarma and more. Open Monday-Saturday from noon until 10 p.m. and Sunday until 9 p.m.
Ava Barsoum Mediterranean Food, 4224 Rte 9 S., Howell Township; 848-222-4491