There’s a host of restaurants in the works around the state.
—Before the end of the year, Joe Italiano’s Maplewood and Hash A Go Go will be joining retailers Five Below and HomeSense in the former home of Macy’s at the Moorestown Mall, where Distrito and Catelli Duo closed earlier this year. Joe Italiano’s has been serving homestyle Italian cuisine for seven decades (its original location is in Hammonton, with a second in Mays Landing). Hash House A Go Go is a nationwide chain of self-described “twisted farm food.” Moorestown Mall, 400 West Route 38, Moorestown; no phones yet.
—Robbie Felice made our 2018 30 Best Restaurants List with his near-melodic Italian cuisine at Viaggio in Wayne. Now diners in Westwood can look forward to his second venture, Osteria Crescendo, an Italian concept without many other details or a clear opening date. Read more about Felice’s new venture from our dining editor, Eric Levin, who interviewed Felice earlier this week. Osteria Crescendo, Westwood; no phone yet.
—The Australian coffee boom is making its way to Jersey City courtesy of owner and Perth native Sam de Burgh. Maggie’s Farm Espresso, named for the Bob Dylan song, is under construction at 88 Morgan Street. Name aside, it’s more than coffee: chef and fellow Aussie Paul Salmeri (who previously worked at the Michelin-starred River Café in London) will oversee a café menu through the 4 PM closing time. Maggie’s should open any day now, and the Counter Culture coffee program will be typically Aussie—hardcore quality, relaxed vibe. Maggie’s Farm Espresso, 88 Morgan Street, Jersey City; no phone yet.
—Brothers Francis and Nambinh Tran grew up in the industry—their family opened Miss Saigon in Jersey City over 20 years ago—so it’s no surprise they’re about to open the second location of their Vietnamese and Cajun-inflected Just Beclaws restaurant (think Po’ Boys, a splash of Old Bay, mounds of claws and pincers). The first Just Beclaws is on 1st Street in Jersey City, and the second is taking over the space of a former Joe’s Crab Shack on the corner of Lafayette, part of the Courtyard by Marriott in Downtown Newark. It’s slated to open later this year. Just Beclaws at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, 858 Broad Street, Newark; no phone yet.
Open:
—Naru Japanese Restaurant is into its first full month of operation on the corner of a small strip mall on Franklin Avenue, making it a good time to check out the operation and/or its four hibachi tables. Naru Sushi and Hibachi, 754 Franklin Avenue, Franklin Lakes; 201-904-2401
—From the owners of Wasabi in Ridgewood comes Takaichi Ramen, a slim little shop that just opened in Ho-Ho-Kus with a simple menu that makes it a good place for newbies and ramen fundamentalists alike. (They also do Takoyaki, a popular Osaka street food) Takaichi Ramen, 7 Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus; no phone yet.
Closed:
—Billy’s Red Room Tavern in Whippany has closed. The location is currently for sale. 60 Parsippany Road, Whippany.