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RESTAURANT OPENINGS, CLOSURES & UPDATES:
MANHATTAN
After a few weeks of renovation the Milk 'N Honey Midtown location is back up and ready for business. Not to be confused with the Downtown location, which has had a rough start to say the least. The Downtown location was supposed to open up last year but with delays, permit issues and plenty of red tape, the opening date has been pushed back more than a bunch of times. In the interim you can always order from Milk 'N Honey Midtown now that they have reopened! Milk 'N Honey Midtown is located at 22 West 45th Street, off of 5th Avenue.
Mocha Burger has expanded this week with a new location on 2nd Avenue between East 83rd and East 84th, right by the new second Avenue 83rd exit subway. The menu features all of Mocha Burger's best dishes including Beef Chili Nachos, Satay Skewers, Steaks and Sliders along with their signature burgers. They've also included a full Sub Menu complete with guilty pleasure and healthy options. You could go for the Mocha Crunch Sub, a deep fried Chicken Cutlet with super crunch batter, classic toppings and signature MB sauce or the Tel Aviv Hotty with grilled chicken, Israeli spices, salad and tahini. Another addition to the menu is their Vegan approved items like a Veggie Meatless Beef Burger, Garden Salad and sides. Located at 1603 2nd Avenue, under the OU Supervision.
The rent on Broadway in Manhattan was just too high for Pitopia to keep their store afloat. After a renovation a few weeks ago, Pitopia's store size has been reduced to half. The other half of the store is not affiliated with Pitopia and is not a kosher restaurant. Pitopia has essentially become a take-out only restaurant as they no longer have bar stool seating. There are however, plenty of seats and tables along Broadway so you can enjoy your falafel sandwich outside in the nice Fall weather. Pitopia is located at 1369 Broadway off 37th Street.
BROOKLYN
With a projected early December opening, Chef Elior Balbul's new restaurant Alenbi is set to start serving Crown Heights residents very soon. You can expect a true modern Israeli menu from Chef Balbul who previously worked with Chef Meir Adoni at his renowned Tel Aviv restaurant Blue Sky. Think super creative dishes with impeccable plating and modern cooking techniques certified by the OK. Get a taste of Balbul's intricate dishes before the restaurant opens at the NY Wine & Food Festival Event at Bison & Bourbon on October 13th. Details in events section below. Stay tuned to the Foodies Facebook Group for Alenbi updates and opening date!
What looks to be the most anticipated kosher restaurant opening in the Fall, is just about here. In fact, Dougie's can probably open up this week if they'd want but because of all the holidays they are going to wait until right after Succos to open, figure Wednesday, October 26th. Rest assured that the moment they start to cook and the first Fire Slammers and Onbelievable Onion hits the table we'll be there to show you it. In the meantime, here are some updated pictures of the interior sent to us by their design team. This will be Dougie's sleekest location ever and we can't imagine the euphoria when the doors finally open. Dougie's Brooklyn is located at 1316 Avenue J in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn.
The newest Pizza Professor branch has opened this week in Brooklyn. There is a nice amount of seating available along with booths and regular tabletops. The store has lunch and daily specials like Monday Madness, 2 for Tuesdays and Wacky Wednesdays. They are Chalav Yisroel and Kemach Yoshon. Click here to see the full menu, including flavored crusts and dessert pies including Chocolate and PB&J. There is also a top secret conveyor belt pizza maker in the back...or so we hear! Located at 1824 Avenue M in Brooklyn, NY.
We have some new information on the restaurant formerly known as El Gaucho Glatt. One of our spies noticed a sign for Upside Craft Burgers in the window of the 18th Avenue establishment. Looks like it will be a "craft" burger joint that promises to be a cool, casual place to hang out. They are calling it a "fine casual" dining experience. Stay tuned for more details. Restaurant is located at 4102 18th Ave in Brooklyn, a few blocks off of Ocean Parkway.
Flatbush residents look out for the new Yummy Grill coming soon to Avenue J. The Mediterranean style grill will be opening up in the former Odradeks location. According to their sign Yummy Grill will be serving Roasted Salads, Shawarma, Hummus, Falafel and Fresh Smoothies in true Israeli tradition. We expect that they will have lunchtime student specials. Stay tuned to the Facebook Foodies group for more updates, information and opening date. h/t Yehoshua Solomon
ALBANY
Thursday, September 29th marks the last day that Terra Vegetarian Restaurant will be certified kosher. They were one of the only kosher restaurants in Albany. Unfortunately the kosher demand was just not high enough year round in that area. The owners announced via their Facebook page that they will no longer be under the Vaad and said that if there is a "show of support" for kosher, they will look for another "more suitable" location. We wish them the best of luck!
NEW JERSEY
Can't decide if you want to go out for a pint or a scoop? You don't need to choose anymore. At The Gelato Bar in West End, Long Branch they are serving up gelato just for adults. Their alcohol infused gelatos are all pareve and made with real liquors. Please note that The Gelato Bar is located inside the West End Bar & Grill which is not kosher. The Gelato Bar itself is certified kosher under the J.S.O.R. All of the flavors are made in small batches with pure spring water, natural cane sugar and all natural ingredients. Located at 100 Brighton Avenue in Long Branch, NJ.
The Panda's Barn Chinese Restaurant is set to have their soft opening this week. Located in the former location of Hawaii Kitchen, Panda's Barn has an extensive menu with all the classic Chinese favorites plus ones with a twist. Menu items include Chicken Stuffed Jalapenos, Char Siu Rib Tidbits, Red Curry Beef, Peking Deep Fried Duck, Moo Shu Vegetables and more. Offering dine in, take out, delivery and catering options. They are located at 229 Raritan Avenue in Highland Park, NJ and are under the supervision of the Vaad of Raritan Valley.
It is with a heavy heart that we let you know Smokey Joe's in Teaneck will be closing the restaurant today due to issues with the landlord. In a statement on their Facebook page, owner Joe Godin explains the whole situation, which you can read here. Although they will be closing the retail part of the restaurant, Smokey Joe's will still be offering their catering services for Thanksgiving, Super Bowl and private events like Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. We wish them the best of luck in all future endeavors.
MASSACHUSETS
Chef David Winer, formerly of the popular Cafe Kaymak coffee shops in Israel, is opening the first kosher vegetarian restaurant in Salem, Massachusetts. The father of two decided that opening a kosher, Israeli inspired restaurant was just what his community needed. The restaurant is set to open at the end of September serving a Mediterranean menu with African influences. Look for dishes like Stuffed Grape Leaves, Jerusalem Bean Soup, Couscous and Falafel. Adea's will be certified kosher under Rabbis Yossi Lipsker and Shmaya Friedman. h/t JewishBoston.com
CALIFORNIA
Mazal'rella in Beverly Hills is set to open just after Sukkot which is a very popular time for restaurant openings. The restaurant is certified under the OU and is Chalav Yisroel. They have a liquor license for beer and wine so look out for Happy Hour! Mazal'rella is located at 111 North La Cienega Boulevard in Beverly Hills, CA 90211.
FILED UNDER: NEWS
