Savor gourmet brunches and Waygu smashburgers at North Jersey's newest restaurants
Hello, North Jersey! Food writer @karanicolev here to give you the monthly lowdown on the region's newest restaurant openings.
But, first — I recently read that only 7% of adults have a "great deal" of trust in the news, and that 38% have "none at all."
And, TBH? That made me sad, because my fellow reporters and I are just out here doing our best to bring you the latest and greatest in (objective) local happenings.
Whatever, though. I don't care if you trust me or not.
Because — the thing is — if you don't believe me? It's going to be 93% easier for my friends and I to get reservations in these hot, fledgling restaurants.
Here are the seven newest culinary concepts to enter the North Jersey food scene (if you believe, of course, that they exist).
Graze Brunch Kitchen, Ho-Ho-Kus
Graze Brunch Kitchen, a farm-to-table breakfast and lunch restaurant, opened in Ho-Ho-Kus. Menu highlights include Grand Marnier-topped pancakes, brioche eggs benedict and a cheesy, buttery Scramble Roll (which resembles a lobster roll, but features eggs instead of shellfish). Go: 611 N Maple Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus; 201-543-0144, grazehhk.com.
Shaka Kitchen, Morristown
Shaka Kitchen, an island-inspired health food spot by Chopped champion Kiersten Gormeley and her sister Krista, opened in Morristown. With a focus on simple ingredients (but elevated), the menu includes poké bowls, chef-crafted tacos, smoothies and more. Go: 62 South St., Morristown; 973-685-0164, shakakitchen.com.
Lulu's Truck, Mobile
Fine dining restaurant Gioia Mia officially launched Lulu's Truck, its new "little sister" food truck. The mobile project specializes in tacos, and strives to serve more casual fare than its sit-down big sibling. Go: Mobile throughout the state, follow instagram.com/lulustrucknj.
Craft Taco, Westwood
Craft Taco, a specialty taco shop opened in Westwood. "Funky" taco flavors range from shrimp to ahi tuna, and side dishes include sweet plantains with cheese, totopos with guacamole and more. Go: 328 Kinderkamack Rd., Westwood; instagram.com/craft_taco_company.
The Spice and Tea Exchange, Ridgewood
The Spice and Tea Exchange, a nation-wide franchise committed to helping you elevate your dishes with top quality spices (or relaxing you with a fresh cup of tea) opened a new shop in Ridgewood. Some signature spice blends include black garlic truffle and Caribbean heat, while teas range from bonita peach to chocolate chai. Go: 256 E Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood; 201-322-0002, spiceandtea.com/tstestore/Ridgewood.
Asal Bee, Paterson
Asal Bee, a Michigan-based Yemeni honey company opened its first Jersey location in Paterson. Visit the shop and enjoy the team's signature honey over ice cream, mixed in tea, or straight from the container. Go: 1022 Main St., Paterson; 313-445-6888, asalbee.com.
Burger and Butcher, Sparta
Burger and Butcher, a "new school burger shop" with an "old school vibe" opened in Sparta. All patties are grass-fed beef, and menu highlights include a Wagyu (!) smashburger on a Balthazar brioche, as well as beef tallow fries with house-crafted cheese sauce. Go: 37 Woodport Rd., Sparta; 973-315-8407, burgerandbutcher.com.
PS: For all this and more, follow @northjerseyeats on Instagram.
Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can't find her in Jersey's best restaurants, she's probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram: @karanicolev & @northjerseyeats, and sign up for her North Jersey Eats newsletter.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: New restaurants near me in North Jersey: Brunch, smashburgers and more
