The New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association held its 38th annual Industry Awards at Caesar’s Atlantic City on Monday. Among the recipients were Jeanne Cretella of Landmark Hospitality, who became the next in the growing ranks of female “Restaurateur of the Year” recipients. Also coming away with awards were Curtis Bashaw of Cape Resorts (“Gold Plate Award”), Robby Younes of Crystal Springs Resort (“Hospitality Award”), and Tim Delaney of the Delaney Realty Group (“Deborah Dowdell Lifetime Achievement Award”).
And now for some openings:
—After a soft opening the week after Thanksgiving, Somos in North Arlington is fully open and running at full speed. The menu is pan-Latin spiked with global cuisine (pappardelle served under your Peruvian beef stew), and chef Juan Placienca will continue building on the restaurant’s menu over the coming weeks. There’s a thoughtful, playful craft drinks list with cocktails like the Carmen Sandiego, mixing Pisco, ginger beer, and tangy calamansi. Somos, 185 River Road, North Arlington; 201-621-0899
—Pappy’s Juice Bar has opened in Hawthorne. Primarily a juice and smoothie bar, the fast-casual restaurant also has some all-vegetarian menu options including jack fruit “pulled bbq” (pork sub) and even a Jersey Ch’z Steik (made with seitan). Pappy’s Juice Bar, 193 Diamond Avenue, Hawthorne; 973-979-3551
—The Fox and Falcon opened officially in the former home of South Mountain Tavern in South Orange on Friday, November 29. From restaurateur and South Orange resident David Massoni, the space combines multiple vibes under one roof, including a quaint Irish pub called the Snug and a main fine dining room with a seasonal, modern American menu from executive chef and recent Del Posto alumnus Matt Ruzga. The Fox and Falcon, 19 Valley Street, South Orange; 973-419-6773
—Tim’s Po-Boys and Wings is about a month and a half into its life on Lafayette Avenue in Hawthorne. As per the name, the menu is inspired by chicken wings and Louisiana cuisine, but the Korean inflections from head chef Taeho Shin distinguish it even more (gochujang wings, Korean barbecue-style marinated beef po boys). In addition to marquee po’ boys and the like, there are items like jambalaya and, if you’re so inclined, fried Oreos. Tim’s Po-Boys and Wings, 409 Lafayette Avenue, Hawthorne; 973-949-3347
In the Works:
—Red cursive letters topped the ultra-classic (shimmery box) former home Olga’s Diner on Route 70 in Marlton, and while that space is permanently closed, Olga’s is getting a comeback early next year. Restaurateurs Bill Dovas and Chris Kolovos are opening a new incarnation of the famous diner (which closed in 2008 after over 62 years of service) about a mile from the original location. The new restaurant is related to the original in name only, though the owners plan to keep the new spot diner-simple: all-day breakfast, no liquor license, open seven days a week. (The original Olga’s Diner prepared the inauguration cake for the late President George H. W. Bush). Olga’s Diner, 200 Route 73, Marlton; no phone yet.
Closed:
—(Temporary) Housed in a nondescript building on Main Street, Lido and its steak sandwiches and thin-crust pizza are old school Hackensack. And while a Facebook post on November 1 announced a (temporary) closure for “some needed renovations,” Lido recently announced a delay in renovations, meaning they’ll be open for at least a part of December. Lido, 701 Main Street, Hackensack; 201-487-8721