Pennsylvania Chefs, Bars, Bakeries Earn 16 James Beard Semifinalist Spots Pennsylvania Chefs, Bars, Bakeries Earn 16 James Beard Semifinalist Spots
Pennsylvania Chefs, Bars, Bakeries Earn 16 James Beard Semifinalist Spots Sixteen Pennsylvania chefs, bars, and bakeries have been named semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards, the organization announced Wednesday, Jan. 22. Known as one of the nation’s most prestigious culinary honors, the awards celebrate excellence in food and beverage across the country. Philadelphia led the way with the most nominations: Greg Vernick of Vernick Fish is a semifinalist for Outstanding Chef for his creative and refined approach to cooking. Kalaya, a Thai restaurant in the city, is recognized in the Outstanding Restaurant category for its exceptional dining experienc…
Old Tappan Baseball Player Opening New Burger Joint In Westwood Old Tappan Baseball Player Opening New Burger Joint In Westwood
Old Tappan Baseball Player Opening New Burger Joint In Westwood A Rockland County favorite is set to bring its signature, back-to-basics burgers to Bergen County. The Filling Station (TFS) Burger Works will open its first New Jersey location in Westwood, aiming for a grand opening in March, according to an announcement shared on Instagram. Known for its nostalgic charm and flavorful offerings, TFS already operates two popular locations along Route 9W in Rockland County. The Westwood location will be managed by 22-year-old Old Tappan native Jake Braet. A former multi-sport athlete and lifelong burger enthusiast, Braet has a personal connection to TFS. Hi…
New Eatery Opens Up Shop At Brewster Train Station New Eatery Opens Up Shop At Brewster Train Station
New Eatery Opens Up Shop At Brewster Train Station If you find your stomach growling while waiting for your train at one Hudson Valley station, a new restaurant is now open to help.  The Bagel Train Cafe at the Brewster Train Station in Putnam County announced its opening on social media on Tuesday, Jan. 14. The new eatery boasts a menu with plenty of bagel, salad, breakfast sandwich, and salad options. It also serves omelets, soups, and smoothie bowls, including the "Bagel Train Bowl" with granola, strawberry, banana, raspberry, blueberry, and coconut flakes.  Weary travelers who stop by the train station can also grab a beer or…
New Sicilian Restaurant In Storrs Serves Authentic Dishes, Sweet Desserts Near UConn New Sicilian Restaurant In Storrs Serves Authentic Dishes, Sweet Desserts Near UConn
New Sicilian Restaurant In Storrs Serves Authentic Dishes, Sweet Desserts Near UConn A new restaurant is offering a taste of Sicily just a few minutes away from UConn's campus in Storrs. Krispy Sicilian Foods opened at 650 Middle Turnpike (Route 44) on Thursday, Jan. 9. The restaurant is about a mile away from UConn near the Route 195 intersection. Owner Kristin Pinkston created the cozy restaurant with an extensive menu of authentic Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. "We take pride in serving delicious, homemade dishes crafted with the finest ingredients and traditional Sicilian recipes," the restaurant's website said. "From our handmade p…
American Restaurant Chain J Alexander's Debuts In NJ On Route 3 In Clifton American Restaurant Chain J Alexander's Debuts In NJ On Route 3 In Clifton
American Restaurant Chain J Alexander's Debuts In NJ On Route 3 In Clifton Get ready, New Jersey — J. Alexander’s is rolling into town!  The popular contemporary American restaurant chain, famous for its wood-fired eats and top-notch dining vibes, is setting up shop at 852 Route 3 in Clifton, marking the first location for the Garden State. Prime rib, fresh seafood, epic sandwiches, and entree salads are just some of the menu items foodies are raving about. J. Alexander is hiring for hosts, line cooks, prep cooks, servers, and bartenders. Click here to apply. The opening date is still under wraps.
High-End 'Pawn Shop', Gourmet Dining Set To Dazzle At Newest Mohegan Sun Restaurant High-End 'Pawn Shop', Gourmet Dining Set To Dazzle At Newest Mohegan Sun Restaurant
High-End 'Pawn Shop', Gourmet Dining Set To Dazzle At Newest Mohegan Sun Restaurant A new restaurant with a luxury pawn shop and speakeasy vibes will soon open at Mohegan Sun. Beauty & Essex is set to open next to novelle in the Casino of the Sky on Friday, Feb. 7, Mohegan Sun said in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The 11,000-square-foot restaurant will be operated by Tao Group Hospitality, which also opened TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge at the Uncasville casino in 2021. Co-created by Chef Chris Santos, Mohegan Sun said Beauty & Essex will offer a unique, eclectic dining experience. "The addition of Beauty & Essex furthers our partnership …
Popular Suffern BBQ Spot Fink's Staying Open After All Popular Suffern BBQ Spot Fink's Staying Open After All
Popular Suffern BBQ Spot Fink's Staying Open After All Fink’s BBQ has fired up the grill once again!  After David Finkelstein's popular barbecue spot announced it would be closing late last year (to the great disappointment of longtime customers), the eatery has officially reopened. And with it comes its signature flavors, revamped hours, and a fresh lineup of events. “We’re so grateful to our diehard fans for their support during our closure,” the Fink’s team shared. “Thanks to them, we’re back and ready to serve up everything you’ve been missing!” The Fink's comeback means the kitchen will be open for lunch Monday through Friday, …
New Upscale Seafood Spot to Replace Chef Peter X. Kelly's Eatery in Yonkers New Upscale Seafood Spot to Replace Chef Peter X. Kelly's Eatery in Yonkers
New Upscale Seafood Spot to Replace Chef Peter X. Kelly's Eatery in Yonkers A highly anticipated restaurant is set to take over the historic Yonkers City Pier, replacing the former X2O Xaviars on the Hudson, the beloved eatery run by acclaimed Chef Peter X. Kelly. On Monday, Jan. 6, the Benjamin Restaurant Group and the City of Yonkers announced plans to launch The Sea Fire Grill Yonkers, an upscale seafood restaurant slated to open in the summer of 2025 at 71 Water Grant St.  The new venture will bring a fresh chapter to the iconic waterfront location, offering stunning Hudson River views and a menu of contemporary American seafood and premium steaks. T…
Landmark NYC Eatery Katz's Deli Violated ADA Regulations, Feds Say: Inside The New Overhaul Landmark NYC Eatery Katz's Deli Violated ADA Regulations, Feds Say: Inside The New Overhaul
Landmark NYC Eatery Katz's Deli Violated ADA Regulations, Feds Say: Inside The New Overhaul The iconic Katz's Deli in Manhattan has agreed to make significant accessibility improvements and pay a $20,000 penalty following a federal lawsuit. The settlement, announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim, resolves allegations that the historic deli violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A consent decree outlining the required changes was entered on Sunday, Dec. 29, by U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla. “The corrections and modifications agreed to by Katz’s Deli will give individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy one of New York City’s most pop…
'With Much Sadness' Bay Shore Restaurant Closing After Year In Business 'With Much Sadness' Bay Shore Restaurant Closing After Year In Business
'With Much Sadness' Bay Shore Restaurant Closing After Year In Business Long Island is set to lose a Southern-inspired favorite. American Standard Whiskey Bar & Grill – located at 53 West Main Street in Bay Shore – will hold its last dinner service on New Year’s Eve, the restaurant announced on Instagram. Known for its “Southern-inspired food and cocktails,” the eatery opened its doors in the summer of 2023 as a collaborative effort between Costa Verde, a local restaurant group, and brothers Jake and Ricky Guadagno. “It is with much sadness that we announce that New Year’s Eve will be our last service at American Standard,” the business said. “We want to …
Norovirus Outbreak Prompts Recall Of Oysters Sold In 15 States Norovirus Outbreak Prompts Recall Of Oysters Sold In 15 States
Norovirus Outbreak Prompts Recall Of Oysters Sold In 15 States New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington DC residents are being urged to avoid consuming certain oysters after a recall linked to a norovirus outbreak, federal officials announced.  The contaminated oysters were sold under the brands Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay, and Royal Miyagi and harvested between Dec. 1 and Dec. 9, 2024, from British Columbia (BC), Canada, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The oysters, distributed by S&M Shellfish Co. of San Francisco, were shipped to retailers and restaurants across several states, including New Jersey, New York, Pe…
Iconic Waldorf Astoria To Reopen After Years-Long Makeover: Here’s When Iconic Waldorf Astoria To Reopen After Years-Long Makeover: Here’s When
Iconic Waldorf Astoria To Reopen After Years-Long Makeover: Here’s When An iconic New York hotel will soon be reopening after a years-long renovation. The Waldorf Astoria is on track to be up and running in the spring. It has been closed for renovation since February 2017. The hotel's online reservation system went live last week. An announcement on its website states, "We are opening Spring 2025 and are now accepting reservations for stays and groups beginning September 2025." Known for its Art Deco design and rich history, the Waldorf Astoria has been a symbol of luxury since its original opening in 1931. Over the decades, it has hosted countless celebriti…