Restaurant Latour at Crystal Springs Resort, Hamburg
After closing earlier this year due to Covid-19 and dining restrictions, Restaurant Latour opened its doors again in late October. With the re-opening comes a fall menu from chef Aishling Stevens and chef de cuisine Matt Laurich, including escargot caviar, charred cuttlefish, and smoked goat with curry sauce. The Crystal Springs Wine Cellar has also re-opened with wine director Susanne Wagner to inform you on their rare selections available from all over the world. Reservations are required and can be made online. Open Friday–Sunday with seatings at 5:30 pm and 8:00 pm.
Restaurant Latour, 1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg; 855-977-6473
Chutzpah Kitchen, Maplewood
Sagi Ohayon, born and raised in Israel, is bringing Israeli street food to New Jersey. After owning and operating Cafe Delectica in New York City for over 10 years, Ohayon is bringing his unique flavors to Maplewood, where he has lived for the past five years. The menu features many different Middle Eastern favorites, including falafel (topped with hummus and shipka peppers), cauliflower shawarma, and chicken dishes seasoned with za’atar, a Middle Eastern spice mixture. Designed specifically for take out and delivery options, the menu is travel friendly and packed with bold flavors. Chutzpah Kitchen hopes to open in the future for additional dine-in seating and special events, but is currently only operating for take out and delivery.
Chutzpah Kitchen, 175 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood; 973-761-0600
Ani Ramen, Cranford
The Montclair Hospitality Group has opened it’s 6th location of Ani Ramen in New Jersey. Their creative menu includes classic ramen bowls (made with chicken, pork belly, spices, and vegetables), bao buns (served with pickled cucumber and spicy miso-mayo), as well as small Sides (including fried tofu and panko-fried Shrimp). Open for lunch, Friday–Sunday, noon–3pm, and dinner Sunday–Thursday, 5–10 pm, and Friday- and Saturday from 5–11 pm.
Ani Ramen House, 109 Walnut Avenue, Cranford; 908-325-6156
Cuban Pete’s, Montclair
After disobeying Governor Murphy’s indoor dining regulations, Cuban Pete’s has temporarily been forced to close its doors. Owner Dominick Restaino was first cited for illegal indoor dining during the summer before the state allowed 25 percent capacity. The restaurant is known for its authentic Cuban food, creative sangrias and lively atmosphere. Now that indoor dining is approved, Restaino has been caught filling his restaurant over the allowed limit. Although restaurants, chefs, and owners are in a difficult position, the public safety of guests and customers is what comes first.
Cuban Pete’s, 428 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair