Vanillamore, Montclair
Last week, chef/owner Risa Magid Boyer announced that Vanillamore will officially be closing its doors. After taking a break during the pandemic, the decision comes from the uncertainty that the future holds in the restaurant industry. As Boyer said in her statement, her restaurant of three years will live on through her recently published cookbook, Sweet. Savory. Social, which includes an abundance of creative recipes from Vanillamore’s menu. Despite the closing of this Montclair gem, chef Risa will continue to leave her mark on the world of both desserts and savory food.
Vanillamore, 349 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Openings:
LT Bar & Grill, Hackensack
Salmon at LT Bar & Grill. Photo courtesy of restaurant
Chef Laurent Tourondel (where the restaurant’s “LT” comes from) is doing a traditional take on American cuisine and bringing it to North Jersey. With an extensive beer and wine list, and handcrafted cocktails, the menu also includes a creative sushi menu. The full menu features seafood (Alaskan salmon and grilled branzino), salads (spicy Asian chicken and grilled artichoke), meats (charred beef short rib and diablo chicken), and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
LT Bar & Grill, 390 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack; 551-287-6333
PrimoHoagies, Somers Point
Another PrimoHoagies is coming to New Jersey, owned by locals Bob and Stephanie Neville. To celebrate the opening, Primo will be giving away free hoagies to their first 100 guests on Friday, November 20th. Known for its fresh sandwiches and using recipes passed down for generations, including Italian classics, Philly cheesesteaks,chicken cutlets and more. Open Sunday to Thursday, 10 am-8 pm and Friday and Saturday 10 am-9 pm.
PrimoHoagies, 278 New Road (Route 9), Somers Point; 609-365-2933
Green Joy, Oradell
Healthy food can taste delicious as Green Joy is proving. With both vegan and vegetarian options, all products are organic and made with no preservatives. Their menu ranges from small bites like empanadas and Little Baskets (dough stuffed with your choice of filling), main dishes like green bowls, sandwiches, salads, and a build-your-own Shepherd’s pie. Also included are some sweeter items, like fresh fruit smoothies and dairy-free loaves made with almond flour (in flavors like cinnamon, beet and walnut red velvet, and lemon blueberry). Open six days a week, closed Sundays.
Green Joy, 385 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell; 201-483-7560