Openings:
*Going to a restaurant mere days into its lifespan can be a risk (do they have their footing?) but at least according to this opening preview video, the Salty Whale & Guesthouse on Main Street in Manasquan looks polished and ready to go. The restaurant space—opened June 21—sits on the first floor of the Victorian-style inn. 390 East Main Street, Manasquan; 732-592-3344
*The Melting Pot in Red Bank hopes to inaugurate the “next generation” of the restaurant chain with a menu helmed by chef Jason Miller (featuring a “Best of Red Bank” section with cold water lobster fondue). Bon Jovi and son Jesse Bongiovi’s Hamptons Water rosé will be available on the restaurant’s wine list. Reservations can be made for July 1 and onward. 2 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank; 732-475-9222
*If you’re in Seaside Heights this season, you’ll be able to perk up down the shore at Bada Bean Cawfee. The boardwalk café will feature coffee, of course, but also pastries, crumb cakes, protein shakes, and even nitrogen cold brew—all of it served with a heavy Jersey wise guy accent. 400 Boardwalk, Seaside Heights
*Summer indulgence with fewer calories—the premise, at least, of Blaze’d Chicken’s fast-casual menu of “air-fried” chicken with accents of global flavor (Tikka masala, teriyaki, parmesan and garlic aioli). The spot opened in June. 451 Passaic Street, Hackensack; 201-820-2450
In the Works:
*Felina, the hotly anticipated locally-sourced (and foraged) meets uber-polished Italian restaurant from chef Anthony Bucco is set to open in Ridgewood in August. An Instagram picture posted in the last week shows construction, but the space does appear to be coming together and it’s certain to book quickly, so stay tuned. 54 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
*Family-owned and operated out of Bergen County, online candy store Kwoka Caramel is opening its first brick-and-mortar space in Maywood, set to open August 1. The concept is craft caramels made with an old Scandinavian recipe and all natural ingredients (meaning eat them within a month of purchase). 100 W. Pleasant Avenue, Maywood
*Stella Artisan Italian in Ridgewood will get a funkier, more improvisational sister restaurant this summer with the (TBD) opening of No. 12 Restaurant next door. Housed in the former Village Framer location on East Ridgewood Avenue, the space was once a 19th century hotel lobby, and the restaurant—backed by Timothy Hanley and Rocco Trisolini of Ridgewood’s S. Egidio—will keep accents like marble and tile mosaics in the roughly 45-seat space. Chefs and Westwood couple Heather Bertinetti Rozzi and Ted Rozzi will oversee the menu here, with Rozzi helming savory and former Marea pastry chef Bertinetti Rozzi straddling sweet and savory. The couple plans on changing the menu daily. 12 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
*It’s not quite the Shore, but Jack’s Lobster Shack in Edgewater plans on bringing its New York Times-reviewed lobster rolls to locations in Ridgewood and Cresskill. 194 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood; 38 Union Avenue, Cresskill
*According to their Facebook page, it’s only “a few days” until 357 Korean BBQ Pocha opens in Palisades Park. Expect lots of proteins (beef, pork, seafood), chef specials, off-cuts, and more sake and soju than white wine. 42 Broad Avenue, Palisades Park; 201-699-0230
*Bareburger is continuing its Bergen County sprawl, adding to its Closter location with Ridgewood and soon a spot at the bustling Tice’s Corner in Woodcliff Lake. 15 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood; 201-528-5133; 441 Chestnut Ridge Road, Woodcliff Lake
*Former executive chef and partner at Varka in Ramsey, George Georgiades is opening a second location of his fast-casual Paramus restaurant Eons Greek Food for Life. The second so-called “Greek Chipotle” is coming to Montvale. Farm View Road, Montvale