What's happening at spots in Edgewater, Highland Park and Livingston
Fried clams, fish and chips and calamari are on the menu of a new restaurant in Edgewater, but Maine lobster is expected to be the real draw at Jack's Lobster Shack on River Road. In fact, that's the entire philosophy of the business: Maine has arrived in Edgewater. Specialties include New England clam chowder and lobster rolls served with homemade coleslaw. The casual spot is decorated with lobster buoys and Americana decor, and whoopie pie is on the dessert menu. Surely there are worse ways to kick off the summer season. See the full menu at jackslobstershack.com.
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A selection of burgers from 418 Burgers in Highland Park. The Jersey Burger is one of the specialties at 418 Burgers, which opened last fall in Highland Park. That particular burger features Black Angus beef on a brioche bun. With a fried egg. And -- wait for it -- Taylor ham and (cheddar) cheese. The restaurant also serves chicken cordon bleu bites. Those clever items aside, the menu is full of basic burger house favorites, with build-your-own options that include pork belly and avocado, plus house-made chips. Details are on the restaurant's Facebook page.
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Tom Valenti, the chef who conquered the Upper West Side, made big news last year when he announced that his iconic restaurant Ouest -- famous for its short ribs and its red leather booths -- was closing. The reason? Escalating rents. Now, the great chef is bringing his talents to Jersey. Valenti has been named culinary director of Strip House in Livingston, which is owned by Penny, Mathew and Peter Glazier. Valenti will be tweaking the Strip House menu, adding some of his signature dishes. The relationship is also bearing fruit in other ways. Valenti, with Mathew Glazier, also is opening a restaurant this spring in the West Village. Visit striphousenewjersey.com.