RESTAURANT OPENINGS
The Cookie & Crumb • Atlantic Highlands
A made-from-scratch bakery is coming to Monmouth County, with a grand opening Saturday, June 19, from 8 am–4 pm. Owner Valerie Mangan will offer crumb cakes, scones, pies, cakes and cookies in flavors like chocolate chunk, lemon sugar and chocolate sugar. In addition to sweets, Mangan hopes to add breads, croissants and chicken pot pie to the bakery’s lineup. Open Thursday to Monday, 8 am–4 pm.
The Cookie & Crumb, 1 W Ave., Atlantic Highlands; 732-872-4329
American Bar & Grille at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa • Atlantic City
Occupying what was Wolfgang Puck American Grille, this new restaurant is owned and operated by MGM Resorts International and Borgata. American Bar & Grille’s menu will feature dishes such as Big Eye Tuna Crudo (with cucumber salad), Oven-Roasted Chicken Breast (with goat cheese and garlic-rosemary sauce), Sautéed Atlantic Salmon and more. Jersey staples like corn and tomatoes will also find their way onto the menu, as well as wood-fired pizzas and plenty of drinks. Opening Saturday, June 19; open Friday to Tuesday starting at 5 pm. Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays.
American Bar & Grille, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City; 609-317-1000
Brown Dog Café • Audubon
John Gordon and Kate Powell returned to their hometown to open a new coffee shop in the space previously home to Treehouse Coffee Shop. The new owners repainted, installed new counters and plan to add lounge seating and bars along the windows. Brown Dog plans to open in early July, offering outdoor seating, as well as a water bowl and treats for those with dogs.
Brown Dog Café, 120 W Merchant St., Audubon
RESTAURANT CLOSINGS
Villalobos • Montclair
After a temporary suspension of service in May, owner and chef Adam Rose has decided to close Villalobos after seven years of operation. Rose says he will focus on a new concept on the same block, partnering with Montclair Hospitality Group and the creators of Ani Ramen House. Follow Villalobos’ Instagram for updates.
Villalobos, 6 S Fullerton Ave., Montclair