RESTAURANT CLOSING
Samba • Montclair
Montclair’s beloved Brazilian and gluten-free restaurant was flooded by Hurricane Ida and is closed until further notice. All food and supplies that were stored in the basement were destroyed. Just a couple months ago, Samba renovated and expanded the dining rooms, which also suffered serious damage. The community of Montclair and lovers of the restaurant organized a fundraiser to help Samba recover; owner Ilson Goncalves vows to reopen despite the long road ahead. You can donate here.
Samba Montclair, 7 Park St., Montclair; 973-744-6764
RESTAURANT OPENINGS
Aurora • Old Tappan
The former location of Charlie Brown’s has been renovated with a new bar and expanded patio. Aurora, a Mediterranean restaurant, is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, with a daily happy hour from 4–7 pm. The lunch and dinner menus include steak, seafood, fresh, house-made pasta and more.
Aurora, 203 Old Tappan Rd., Old Tappan; 201-497-3658
Pancho • Little Silver
Monmouth County has added a Mexican kitchen. Pancho opened in early August, serving tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more. Every order comes with chips and salsa. Chef Ryan Levy offers weekly specials, including pork belly tacos with cinnamon sugar, jalapeño tacos and more. Open noon–8 pm Tuesday to Saturday.
Pancho, 521 Prospect Ave., Little Silver; 732-268-8117
Cream Ridge Hometown Restaurant • Cream Ridge
Cream Ridge opened earlier this summer, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The focus is farm-to-table and fresh ingredients from local farmers. Pizza specials are announced weekly, with flavors including Chicken Finger and Honey Mustard, Philly Cheesesteak and the memorable Ballpark Special (hotdog, French fries, sauerkraut, mustard and cheese). Open daily from 7 am–10 pm.
Cream Ridge Hometown Restaurant, 776 Monmouth Rd., Cream Ridge; 609-758-1600