Jacqueline Mroz

Montclair

Journalist at Freelance

Senior Editor, Features and Dining at New Jersey Monthly Magazine

NY Times contributor, author, NJ Monthly editor, pickleball addict

Articles

Tatte Bakery Opens First NJ Location; More Dining News

1 week ago | njmonthly.com | Jacqueline Mroz

Tatte Bakery & Café has opened in Ridgewood. Photo: Courtesy of Tatte Bakery & CaféOpeningsThis is the first Tatte Bakery & Café in the Garden State, and the 45th location for the brand known for its inviting spaces and scratch-made Mediterranean-inspired menu items. Signature offerings include Jerusalem bagels, fresh challah bread, artfully crafted cheesecakes and shakshuka.
Da Pepo in Montclair to Close; More Dining News

2 weeks ago | njmonthly.com | Jacqueline Mroz

ClosingsThis charming, intimate Italian restaurant—which boasted a unique dining experience especially on weekend nights, expanding its seating into the adjacent Watchung Booksellers—is closing. Owner Carlo Orrico, a veteran chef who lives in Montclair, opened Da Pepo more than five years ago. He says the last day will be Saturday, May 17. This iconic waterfront restaurant, which opened in 1929 and may have served Al Capone, is up for sale.
Perla Oyster Bar in Maplewood Offers Shuckin' Good Eats

2 weeks ago | njmonthly.com | Jacqueline Mroz

Charbroiled oysters are smoky and rich, and just one of the delights on offer at Perla Oyster Bar. Courtesy of Perla Oyster Bar/Arron AndrewsNew Jersey may have roughly 130 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline, but for some reason, oyster bars are not plentiful here—especially in the northern part of the state. Enter Perla Oyster Bar in Maplewood, a new destination spot that can be found off the beaten path in this food-obsessed town.
2025 New Jersey Wine & Food Festival: What to Expect at This Year's Bash

3 weeks ago | njmonthly.com | Jacqueline Mroz

Spirited happenings at Crystal Springs Resort's New Jersey Wine & Food Festival. Photo: Courtesy of Rob YaskovicThe 2025 New Jersey Wine & Food Festival takes place at Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg from Friday, May 2 to Sunday, May 4.
Moonstruck, an Asbury Park Favorite, Sells After 36 Years; More Restaurant News

3 weeks ago | njmonthly.com | Jacqueline Mroz

Moonstruck in Asbury Park (Photo via Facebook)ClosingsOne of Asbury Park’s best loved restaurants, Moonstruck has been sold to an unnamed buyer after its owners announced that they are retiring. The American-Mediterreanean eatery/bar, featuring live piano music, has been a staple in the community for more than 36 years.
Black-Owned Jazz Lounge/Restaurant Comes to Teaneck; More Dining News

4 weeks ago | njmonthly.com | Jacqueline Mroz

OpeningsWorld-renowned jazz drummer Rodney Green opened this new Black-owned jazz lounge and restaurant—created by artists, for art lovers. Serving food and drinks from a full bar and restaurant, it regularly debuts new performers. At Craft, chef/owner Michael Merida, who appeared on Beat Bobby Flay, serves dishes inspired by his travels around the world. The menu, billed as elevated casual dining, includes crispy pork belly, tuna tartar tacos and duck buns.
Daily Provisions Opens First Jersey Location; More Dining News

1 month ago | njmonthly.com | Jacqueline Mroz

Daily Provisions has crossed the Hudson River and set up shop in Jersey City. Photo: Courtesy of Peter GarritanoOpeningsThe opening of Daily Provisions in Jersey City’s Arts & Powerhouse Building marks its first foray outside New York City, where it currently has eight locations. Diners can look forward to an all-day menu of signature crullers, made-to-order salads, soups, and sandwiches, in addition to entrées like roast chicken or seared salmon with seasonal sides.
South + Pine Chef Leia Gaccione Opening Restaurant in Montclair; More Dining News

1 month ago | njmonthly.com | Jacqueline Mroz

OpeningsReplacing Scala del Nonna, the Saint Clair is a new restaurant from Top Chef contestant and South + Pine owner Leia Gaccione. Featuring brunch, lunch and dinner, the menu will be “a celebration of the seasons, inspired by nature’s bounty,” Gaccione says. “We source our ingredients mindfully, sustainably and locally. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted, balancing nourishing, wholesome flavors and ingredients with indulgent touches….I truly cook the way I like to eat.
The NJ Sandwiches Taking L.A. by Storm

1 month ago | njmonthly.com | Jacqueline Mroz

From left: Jack Biebel, Max Bahramipour and Noah Holton-Raphael, all friends from Montclair, opened Ggiata Deli in Los Angeles. Photo: Courtesy of Shelby Moore Photos: Courtesy of Shelby MooreWhen Jack Biebel moved to Los Angeles after college, there was one thing he missed about growing up in Montclair: delicious Jersey-style sandwiches. So he and a couple of friends from back home who’d also moved to L.A. started up a food truck selling the same kinds of sandwiches.
Record-Breaking Meximodo to Open Second NJ Location; More Dining News

1 month ago | njmonthly.com | Jacqueline Mroz

Meximodo is coming to Jersey City. Rendering: Courtesy of Celano Design StudioOpeningsThe second location of this premiere Mexican restaurant will open in Jersey City in late spring or early summer. Meximodo already has a location in Metuchen, which broke the Guinness World Record for the largest tequila/mezcal selection in a bar/restaurant. The new spot will contain the same giant library of spirits, in addition to a regionally inspired menu of traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine.