New Jersey restaurateur and TV host, Victor Rallo Jr, owner of Birravino (Red Bank) and Undici Taverna Rustica (Rumson), and the Diaco family have opened Surf BBQ at 132 East River Road in Rumson (732-530-6590). Pit-smoked meats will be featured and in traditional barbecue style, there is walk-up counter service, selling each day’s freshly cooked offerings from brisket and pulled pork to short ribs and sausage. Pitmasters are Alex Smith and Billy Durney, who is also the owner of Hometown Bar-B-Que in Brooklyn. The bar features American craft beers and a large range of American whiskeys, seasonal cocktails and American wines.
BAR AMERICANA, CRANFORD
Bar Americana, a gastropub, has opened at 24 North Avenue East, Cranford (908-276-3664). Menu items include: steamed mussels, fried pickles, tacos, sandwiches, salads, burgers, and entrees such as pan roasted salmon, steak frites and pasta primavera. A children’s menu is also available. Open daily. Brunch is offered on Sunday from 11:30 AM to 3 PM.
OTHER NJ OPENINGS
Choc O Pain Bakery & Café has opened their third location at 942 Summit Avenue Jersey City (201-420-7111). The space seats 20 and offers breads, pastries and a special blend Mod Cup coffee made just for them. Light fare lunch is planned to launch shortly. Open 7AM to 3 PM daily.
Kostas Grill, offering Greek cuisine, has opened at 161 E Main Street,Tuckerton (609-879-5333); BYO. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner.
Smoked, offering takeout of artisan prepared smoked meats and more, has opened at 2 Godwin Avenue, Ridgewood (201-447-6653). Menu items include: chicken, ribs, salmon, pulled pork, sausages, sandwich and sides.
Trattoria Procaccini has opened at 354 Nassau Street, Princeton (609-683-9700); BYO. Their webpage states: “serving all-natural & organic dishes whenever possible. Meats & seafood being locally sourced, grass fed, antibiotic free, wild caught & humane. Cage-free eggs, unbleached, unbromated dough and produce from our farm.”
CLOSINGS
Clyde’s, an ice cream parlor has closed their Allendale location. Their store at 48 Gaston Avenue in Garfield remains open.
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