On Tuesday, February 21st, the all new “Italian Without Borders” NICO Kitchen & Bar will make its debut at Newark’s New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
Replacing the former Theater Square Grill, the NICO Kitchen & Bar concept – contemporary, high energy and market-driven – comes from renowned chef Ryan DePersio of Fascino and Bar Cara in Montclair/Bloomfield, New Jersey. Chef DePersio promises to unveil an appealing, trendy small plates dinner menu and an eclectic tapas lunch menu with contemporary American and Italian accents.
NICO will also offer a sophisticated, enjoyable happy hour with crafted cocktails and specially priced “bites.” Also available will be 21 wines to savor by the glass and artisanal beers. In additional, a value-priced three-course, more traditional prix-fixe menu will be offered on performance nights and matinees. These will be designed to reach the table quickly so that guests will be able to make their curtain.
In keeping with the spectacular theatrics of the NJPAC space, NICO will unveil a number of handsome new design updates. These include new booth seating and a community table for 12, dramatic pendulum lamps, and theatrical panels on pulleys that will create intimate (or spacious) dining areas. The private dining rooms at NICO will accommodate events both business and social for up to 240 guests.
Menu highlights will include: Pomegranate-Chili Wings with Gorgonzola Dipping Sauce; Trio of Tartares (Scottish Salmon, Truffled Beef, Yellowfin Tuna); Lobster Mac ‘n’ Cheese; Mâche Salad with Beet Pinwheel & Goat Cheese “Snow”; Mascarpone Polenta Fries; Grilled Soy-Paprika Lamb Chops with Eggplant Purée; Olive-Crusted King Salmon with Roasted Jumbo Asparagus; a spectacular Cheeseburger, featuring Filet Mignon, New York Cheddar, and Grilled Red Onion. Tempting desserts include: Rum Raisin Bread Pudding with Caramel Pecan Gelato and Praline-Dusted Ricotta Cheesecake.
NICO will serve lunch Monday through Friday and dinner every night except Sunday. For reservations, please call (973) 642-1226.
Incidentally, “NICO” is the nickname for Chef DePersio’s 6-year-old son, Nicholas.
Bon Appétit!
TAD
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