Central Kitchen, the sleek, contemporary New American restaurant with Italian subtitles taking shape at the landmark intersection of East Palisade and Sylvan Avenues in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, is slated to open in early April (2013).
“I want to create a family-focused place serving the kind of food people like to eat today – familiar dishes and excellent quality ingredients at great prices,” notes Operating Member Joe Sansotta, owner of several successful food establishments in Westchester County, NY.
Named for its central location, Central Kitchen’s beautifully landscaped outdoor terraces will accommodate 40 diners in season. The handsomely designed interior features bentwood chairs, dark hardwood floors, and a cool vinyl graphic on one wall. John Walsh a CIA grad and 30-year food & beverage professional will be the executive chef; Abdou Belmaachi, a seasoned front-of-the-house manager will be the GM.
Menus will showcase international flavors, seasonally focused ingredients, and twists on American delicacies with local, iconic food highlights. How local? The meatballs, rice balls, homemade tomato sauce, and spicy pork sausage are Sansotta family recipes. Plus, there’s Balthazar bread and Riviera produce (both Englewood-based), cheesecake from Carousel in Nanuet, NY, and custom-blended coffee from Arabica in Garfield, along with Lavazza Espresso. The stellar beef is sourced from top-rated Pat LaFrieda Meats, now based in North Bergen, NJ.
Breakfast and lunch can be eat-in or grab-and-go, thanks to Central Kitchen Express, which will present fresh squeezed juices, healthy sandwiches, yogurt, and baked in house delicacies. Lunch will feature a build-your-own salad concept, where diners may choose from an array of ingredients to craft the perfect salad or wrap.
Signature dinner selections include: spinach & artichoke dip; handcrafted brick oven pizza; Baja fish tacos; tuna niçoise salad; spaghetti & meatballs, steak frites; CK burger; branzino à la plancha; and classic meatloaf.
Central Kitchen will feature a lively happy hour with specialty cocktails, craft beers, and a value-priced wine list with a balance of Old and New World selections. Live entertainment at the bar after 9:00 p.m. on weekends will add to the scene.
Central Kitchen will be open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Phone: (201) 503-0104. And be sure to check them out on Facebook.
Bon Appétit!
TAD
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