These NJ Restaurants are Buzzing with New Chefs, Menus & Specials

Check out what's happening at Salt Creek Grille in Rumson, Bistro D’Azur in South Orange and more.

Chef Cesar Cardenas has big plans for the restaurant he now runs. Courtesy of Salt Creek Grille

A fresh batch of food and drink updates in New Jersey.

New Chef at Salt Creek Grille (Rumson)

Chef Cesar Cardenas started working at Salt Creek Grille 20 years ago as a dishwasher. Since then, he’s risen through the ranks, and in early October was named executive chef. Cardenas plans to debut a new fall menu, cocktail menu and happy hour.
Salt Creek Grille, 4 Bingham Ave., Rumson; 732-933-9272

New Chef at Let’s Meat Steakhouse (River Vale)

Chef Carlos Valdez, who grew up in Hawthorne and received his culinary education from Johnson & Wales University, is bringing his modern American touch to the Let’s Meat kitchen. The menu will feature Prime Tomahawk, a Porterhouse for two and a Seafood Tower stacked with lobster tail, shrimp, oysters and more. Other new items include Pan Seared Diver Scallops, Spicy Fish Poke Salad, Yuma Fries and an assortment of aiolis and mayos. Chef Carlos is also introducing a new fall cocktail menu.
Let’s Meat Steakhouse, 625 Rivervale Rd., River Vale; 201-660-7960

Thursday Italian Date Night at Drifthouse by David Burke (Sea Bright)

Midweek specials at Drifthouse will continue through Thursday nights with a special Italian dinner for two. Executive chef Toni Charmello’s $39 three-course menu will change weekly. Special bottles of wine will be featured at the restaurant’s weekly date night, available only for dine-in meals on Thursdays, starting at 4 pm.
Drifthouse by David Burke, 1485 Ocean Ave., Sea Bright; 732-530-9760

Wine Dinner at Bistro D’Azur (South Orange)

For one night only—Thursday, November 4—the French-Mediterranean eatery will highlight the wine and cuisine of Burgundy, a region of east-central France. The five-course meal will offer Burgundy wines for purchase (or guests can bring their own). The menu includes dishes such as Poached Skate, Escargots, Roasted Chicken, Duck Confit, Beef Bourguignon and Chocolate Truffle. The dinner is $79 per person; tables can be booked online.

Bistro D’Azur, 14 Academy St., South Orange; 973-327-9725

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