New Jersey Dining News: Restaurant Openings, Closings & Updates

Closings: Dixie Lee Bakery, Keansburg This 93-year-old bakery closed its doors on Sunday, June 28, after generations of baking its signature black-and-white cookies and more goodies. Its owner, celebrity chef David Burke, took things over four years ago. Burke also recently bought the Station in Bernardsville, renaming it the Station Tavern by David Burke, and runs Red Horse by David Burke (Bernardsville, Rumson) and Orchard Park by David Burke (East Brunswick). Openings: Toastique, Montclair The brand now operates 56 locations nationwide, with the Montclair outpost marking its sixth in New Jersey. The menu focuses on casual breakfast, lunch and snacks, including gourmet toasts, cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, and specialty coffees. Lili Oceanfront Restaurant, Asbury Park This Mediterranean concept debuted in June in the former boardwalk home of Stella Marina, with fresh seafood, house-made pastas, artisan pizzas and craft cocktails. Velvet Crush, Englewood A new venture from the team behind the bakery Sweet Kneads by Ridhima in Livingston has opened in the former Crush Cookie Space. Velvet Crush is serving up freshly baked cookies, handcrafted milkshakes and specialty coffees, with plenty of dairy, vegan and gluten-free options. Punjab Meet House, Jersey City Punjab Meet House, led by restauranteur Jimmy Rizvi of the popular Bungalow and GupShup restaurants in New York, is set to open on Friday, July 3, with a menu that blends traditional Punjabi heritage food with modern techniques. The Saucy Cup, Elmwood Park After making its debut in Wayne last year, this halal, Italian-style cafe went viral for its specialty drinks—Tiramisu Latte, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Latte and other seasonal treats—presented in sleek, branded cups. The Saucy Cup team announced in June that a second location in Bergen County is underway. For opening updates, stay tuned on Instagram. Dining news: The legendary White Manna in Hackensack has been serving famous sliders alongside shakes and crinkle cut fries since 1946. For the first time in its 80 year history, the joint will be relocating and expanding to another location in Hackensack. Despite the move, the White Manna's mid-century charm and classic menu will remain unchanged. Fiorentini Restaurant in Rutherford has been awarded the Ospitalità Italiana certification through the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce, becoming the only restaurant in New Jersey recognized by the program. The spot, run by chef Antonio De Ieso and his wife Brenda, received a 3.5-star review from New Jersey Monthly and focuses on farm-to-table freshness and sustainability. Over the last two weeks, Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, has been reviewing New Jersey pizza spots for One Bite Pizza Reviews, his popular internet video series and app. Most recently, he gave Bucky's Pizza in Chatham an 8.5 out of 10—the highest rating among this latest round of Garden State reviews. Over the years, Portnoy has reviewed dozens of pizza spots across New Jersey, often favoring classic bar pies and Trenton-style tomato pies. Back in 2022, DeLucia's Brick Oven Pizza earned a 9.4, which remains his second-highest score ever. The post New Jersey Dining News: Restaurant Openings, Closings & Updates appeared first on New Jersey Monthly .