Opening:
Amayar Kitchen, Maywood
Husband and wife Aung Myint and Lynn Thyway opened this Burmese restaurant in early December. The Asian-inspired menu includes items like coconut chicken noodle soup, mohinga (peppered fish soup), and curry dishes with chicken, egg and mixed veggies. The eatery is currently open Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, and Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 9 pm. Closed Sunday. Check their Facebook page for updates and to see what rare Burmese dishes they are serving each week.
Amayar Kitchen, 111 East Passaic Street, Maywood; 201-881-0588
Temporary Closing:
Central+Main American Eatery, Madison
Announced in an Instagram post, this Madison hotspot has decided to temporarily close its doors on January 1. In what owner/chef Leia Gaccione and executive chef Nicole Musante described as the hardest year of their lives, they have decided it’s best for their staff and business to close for the time being. An assistance fund has been set up for fans and guests who want to help the business gear up again in the future. The chefs hope to reopen in February after the expected next round of government stimulus.
Central + Main American Eatery, 3 Central Avenue, Madison; 973-845-6622
Permanent Closings:
Luca Trattoria, Oakland
This authentic Italian restaurant, operating for more than 20 years, served their last dishes on Christmas Day. The building will be converted into a City MD, which spurred the restaurant’s decision to sell the spot and close. On their last day of operation, Luca thanked their customers and friends who have supported them throughout the years.
Luca Trattoria, 20 West Oakland Avenue, Oakland
Watchung Deli, Montclair
Watchung Deli, a small business operating since 1926, offering prepared foods including many based on passed-down recipes, struggled this year and decided to close its doors. In their announcement, the owners encouraged the community to continue supporting the small businesses of Montclair as the backbone of the community.
Watchung Deli, 117 Watchung Avenue, Montclair