Rosie will be on vacation until mid-March. Today’s posts are from guest bloggers Tammy La Gorce and Lauren Payne.
In anticipation of opening its first location in New Jersey–The Asbury Hotel in Asbury Park–Salt Hotels, a group of upscale, boutique hotels, is offering a free 10-week hospitality class to area residents, a rigorous, immersive educational opportunity to learn the tricks of the hotel trade. Salt Hotels chief executive David Bowd says, “One of our visions is we want to employ as many people from the local neighborhood as we can. To do that, we knew we’d have to do some training.”
The Salt School will run ten consecutive Saturday mornings starting February 20th, and cover topics to include guest service, food and beverage, front desk and accounting. Guest speakers include the executive chef from the company’s acclaimed Shelter Island hotel, The Chequit, who will speak about food and catering trends. Bowd says the company has already received nearly 200 applications for the 150 spots, so will likely offer a second program. The Asbury Hotel, a gut renovation of the old Salvation Army building, is slated to open in late May. Bowd anticipates hiring 140 full and part-time employees, including many from its educational program. For more information, check out their website.—Lauren Payne
American Cut Bar & Grill’s grand opening will take place Friday, Febuary 19 at its new location at 495 Sylvan Ave. in Englewood Cliffs. The restaurant is an outpost of LDV Hospitality and chef Marc Forgione’s American Cut in New York, known for its Art Deco glamour and rock’n’roll spirit. Dishes will include some found on the original American Cut menu, such as chili lobster and the 52-ounce Porterhouse, flambéd table-side. There will also be a selection of lighter fare, including large salads and a grilled fish section. The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday from 11:30 am to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:30 am to 11 pm, and Sunday from 11:30 am to 10 am. Reservations are preferred. For more information, visit their website.
Lucky 7 Tavern, a favorite nightspot at 322 2nd St. in Jersey City, is introducing Metal Mondays this month. In addition to the music, there are drink specials: $3 Yuengling on draft and $4 Jameson shots, plus $5 for a signature “Sailor Jerry” mixed drink. Feb. 21, a non-Metal Monday, is WFMU Night at Lucky 7— Matt Marando from the well loved freeform station will be on hand.