RESTAURANT OPENINGS
Ramen Nagomi • Freehold
Serving Japanese comfort food, Ramen Nagomi has opened its second New Jersey location, its first being in downtown New Brunswick. Their extensive menu consists of appetizers, such as Gyoza (fried pork or vegetable potstickers) and steamed bao buns, as well as desserts like matcha ice cream and black sesame creme brûlée. Ramen bowls come with fixings like miso crab, sweet corn, tempura-fried tofu, truffle butter, pork belly and more. Open daily at noon; closed Tuesdays.
Ramen Nagomi, 5 W Main St., Freehold; 732-630-1101
Palate Caffe & Cucina • Montclair
This new Italian eatery serves authentic cuisine made with organic ingredients. Pizza and focaccia are baked in large rectangular trays and served in square slices; options include Patate (potato, prosciutto, mozzarella and rosemary), Porcini (with truffle oil and mozzarella) and more. As for other dishes, they’ve got Paninis (such as the Emiliano, made with artichokes, caramelized onion and ricotta), Salads (like the Palato with crab meat and shrimp) and Pasta. For dessert, enjoy Gelati, Affogato or Tiramisu. Open daily at 11 am; closed Mondays.
Palate Caffe & Cucina, 377 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair; 973-509-0416
Blair Mountain Biscuit • Blackwood
Owner Ted Miller grew up in Virginia, where he developed his “signature biscuit recipe” that includes a savory combination of cheddar and rosemary. He brought the recipe up north when he moved to Washington Township. The menu includes breakfast sandwiches, hot chicken biscuits, biscuits and gravy, and pulled pork, as well as loaded breakfast fries with sausage gravy and vegan cheese fries served with sriracha ketchup. Open Monday to Friday, 9 am–3 pm; Saturday to Sunday, 10 am–4 pm.
Blair Mountain Biscuit, 700 S Black Horse Pike, Blackwood; 856-302-1943
Yard House • Wayne
Located inside Dave & Buster’s at the Willowbrook Mall, Yard House has begun serving a catalogue of drinks, snacks and meals. On the menu, you’ll find everything from Poke Nachos to street tacos to steak, seafood, desserts and more. With beers, margaritas, whiskey, wine and bourbon to boot, Yard House aims to have something for everyone.
Yard House, 320 Willowbrook Mall, Wayne; 973-339-5128