Go West (End)—To The Brand New Marketplace

Long Branch food emporium will offer a cafe, prepared foods, groceries, catering and more.

A multifaceted culinary emporium is expected to open next week in the fashionable West End section of Long Branch, a few short blocks from the Atlantic Ocean.

The Marketplace is the vision of Jon and Sandra Skiptunis, local residents who have developed the concept that offers a cafe, prepared foods, groceries—including seafood and meats—catering and delivery services.

With a grandfather who owned a gourmet butcher shop in Metuchen and other family members plying the restaurant, catering and other hospitality trades, Jon Skiptunis likes to say he was “born” to the industry. “We are a family-owned and family-operated company,” he says. “We will be serving fish from local fishermen, most of which comes straight off the boat to us the same day it was caught. We are using local farms for our produce, fruits and meats.” Specialty aged steaks also will be on the menus.

Speaking of specialties, poke bowls will be a signature dish, including salmon, tuna and vegan. Skiptunis says the Marketplace’s shrimp burgers will highlight the market’s takeout selection of sandwiches, salads, crab cakes and pasta salads.

“Our shelves will be stocked with many house-made marinades, dressings, soups and dips,” Skiptunis notes. In addition, the Marketplace will serve foods fit for vegans, vegetarians and those who follow gluten-free eating plans.

The Marketplace will offer full-service catering, including staff, tents, sound systems and lighting. Think New Orleans-style crab boils and New England lobster bakes, as well as Italian-accented menus and myriad homemade hors d’oeuvres.

The Marketplace, 612 Second Avenue, at the corner of Brighton Avenue in Long Branch. 9 am to 9 pm, daily. Phone: 732-962-0012. Web site coming soon at longbranchmarketplace.com.

In addition:
Roosterspin, the hot and hip, modern Korean restaurant in Westfield, has spawned a sibling in New Brunswick (120 Albany Street). Currently in soft-opening mode (open only for dinner), it is serving a similar menu in a similar retro-industrial setting to its kin. Eventually, both lunch and dinner will be served at the NB locale—and a live deejay will spin platters on select Friday and Saturday nights. 732-545-4500; roosterspin.com.

Restaurateurs and chefs on the cusp of opening a new restaurant may send details that include name, complete address, type of cuisine, key personnel including owner and chef, BYO or bar information, phone and Web address to: [email protected].

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