Openings:
Olive & Oak, Oceanport
Olive & Oak, a charcuterie and catering business that launched in 2020, is opening its first café concept later this month in Oceanport. The brand is known for its charcuterie boxes, grazing tables and event catering.
In a recent social media video, owner Felicia Aschettino said the new storefront was designed to serve the Oceanport community while also accommodating the influx of workers expected to arrive with the nearby Netflix Studios at Fort Monmouth. “The goal was for [professionals] to come in and quickly grab something on their lunch break or bring something home,” she said, adding that the café will also feature a unique drink menu and highlight products from local vendors.
While the exact daily menu has not yet been announced, it is expected to include sandwiches, salads, light bites, coffee and matcha. The grand opening and ribbon-cutting is scheduled for Saturday, March 28.
The Bridge House, Phillipsburg
Phillipsburg’s newest sports bar, in the former space of Gnarly Brews, soft opened February 27 but will hold its grand opening on March 20. The menu includes pub fare such as wings, starters, sandwiches, salads, and dessert, along with craft and bottled beer, wine, and cocktails. Local band Whiskey Mansion will perform later in the evening.
Bar Tacconelli, Maple Shade
A new cocktail bar in Maple Shade is serving small plates like oysters (fresh or broiled), calamari, and arancini. The drink menu includes classics like the Hugo spritz and espresso martini, as well as unqiue Italian-inspired cocktails like the Pistaccietto and Bitter Giuseppe. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday for night owls fond of long chats and good eats.
Sunset Seafood, Tuckerton
Family-owned and operated, Sunset Seafood is opening a new bayfront location at Tuckerton Cove on March 12. The ocean-to-table restaurant intends to serve crab cakes, shrimp scampi, coconut shrimp, and fried clam strips, in addition to other standout, fresh entrees. They will be open for lunch and dinner, BYOB.
Marée, Spring Lake
A neighborhood bistro and bar inspired by the character of the East Coast is coming to Spring Lake this year. Marée, French for “tide”, was founded by Jersey Shore locals Marilyn Schlossbach and Bret Morgan. Schlossbach, a chef and restaurateur behind Jersey Shore favorites including Langosta Lounge, Pop’s Garage, and the Asbury Park Yacht Club, brings decades of culinary experience, while Morgan, an entrepreneur and developer, has been a key visionary for the downtown Spring Lake space.
While Marée is designed to operate as a public restaurant and bar, the owners are also offering 12 private, climate-controlled lockers with engraved nameplates, exclusive wine pricing, and concierge service.
Closings:
Gotham City Diner, Ridgefield
After 34 years on Bergen Boulevard in Ridgefield, Gotham City Diner closed on March 1. The building has been sold and will be converted into an unaffiliated Mediterranean-style restaurant. Its Fair Lawn location will remain open.
MJ’s Restaurant, Bar & Grill, Tinton Falls
MJ’s in Tinton Falls has closed after 16 years in business. The restaurant served a casual American menu for lunch and dinner. Its other locations in Bayville, Brick, Long Branch, Matawan, Neptune, and Spotswood remain open.
Bistro la Source, Jersey City
This French-Bulgarian restaurant in Jersey City was known for its classic dishes rooted in traditional techniques. After 18 years in business, it closed on March 7.
The Wild Fox Cafe, North Wildwood
The Wild Fox Cafe was a familiar stop for locals and tourists alike to grab a quick coffee, juice, pastry, and sandwich. The café abruptly closed this week after nearly a decade in business.
Dining news:
Sun beams smiled through New Jersey this week with temperatures reaching the 70s. With the first day of spring and more warm days on the horizon, seasonal ice cream shops across the state are re-opening their doors to the swarms of spring cleaners and sports teams.
Some of New Jersey’s favorite roadside stands have already begin welcoming customers back for the season. US Mr Ice Cream, known for its creative ice cream creations, reopened on February 10. The Custard Hut in Somers Point and Ocean View kicked off their 49th season on March 6, while Van Dyke’s in Ridgewood, known throughout Bergen County for its handmade ice cream and no-frills establishment, reopened March 7.
David Viana and Britt Rescigno are both on on Food Network’s Tournament of Champions, while Nana Araba Wilmot is on Top Chef.
Plus: A beloved Keyport restaurant suddenly shutters, while a unique coffee lounge is coming to Caldwell.
