WHAT'S HAPPENING

Folks tend to ask me, and understandably, about the newest restaurants in the area. I'm as curious as anyone about how the new kids our our restaurant blocks are faring, but I generally tend to wait a spell before going on a review visit. (Unless it's from a long-established chef with a solid resume of restaurants.) Now, I might pop into a brand new place, try a couple or few dishes, but that's mostly to see how a restaurant grows.

I've been thinking about new places because I've reviewed, and very favorably, a new restaurant for this Sunday's Dining Companion. There are some service quirks at this place and not every dish sparkles, but I found a goodly bunch of dishes that truly excited me. I was practically dancing as I sent the review over to the editing basket.

I'm always on the lookout for these kinds of places, but sometimes I am forced to wait. For example, I was thrilled to hear chef Fredric Byarm was back at local stoves at a place called Antoinetta's down in Cedar Run. (On the re-built site of his first big success, Marina Russo, to boot.) I waited for the place to settle a bit, then recently called (incognito, as always) to reserve a table. But, I was told, Byarm currently isn't cooking there. Huh? Well, a few more phone calls yielded a few different answers from a staff that truly seemed befuddled: He hurt his leg, I was told by one. He may or may not be coming back, another said. He's out for a couple of weeks, he's out for a couple of months. So I need to wait to see how things pan out at Antoinetta's. (If anyone from Antoinetta's wants to offer an update, please do so right here.)

Havanna Tropical Cafe, rising on the site of the old Havana in Highlands, is another newbie of interest. Just three weeks old and sporting a Cuban menu, I'm sure it'll attract those looking for bold meats and island acenting. Have you been? If so, what do you think?

Chef Wil Vivas, formerly of Bistro Ole in Asbury Park, has hung his name on a storefront in Belmar (in Belmar Plaza, to be exact, a few doors down from Oyama) and his fans already are asking me when he's opening. Care to offer info, Chef Vivas?

Trinity in Keyport is a big opening for that small Bayshore 'burg. I'm hearing good things about the chef, who is scouting local farms for locally grown produce, and I think that's one to watch. Who has tried the eclectic menu there?

So, where are y'all eating this weekend? Dining out? At home?

And, may we have some contributions from the frontlines? Meaning:

FARMERS: What's come in today and what will you feature this weekend on your farm stands? If you'd like to have chefs reach out to you, please note that, too. And do feel free to post your address and any relevant info under comments.

CHEFS: What specials are you offering this weekend from seasonal ingredients? Feel free to be as detailed as you'd like. Get our gastric juices flowing!

cheers,
Andy
7.27.07