New Jersey Digest

DIGEST VOL. I

NEW JERSEY

Serenity Found NATURE INSPIRED SPACES THAT BRING CALM & COMFORT

PLUS THE DIGEST’S 2021 RESTAURANT GUIDE PEAK INSIDE THE STATE’S TOP SHORE HOMES

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ICONIC NEW JERSEY STAYCATIONS

DINING

Battello Returns The Battello team and I are sitting at a salvaged barnwood table near the bar—the same one I sat at back in 2015 when we first met. Next to us is the same wall of glass jars separating the dining areas; and above, the same exposed wooden beams. Like a moment frozen in time, not much has changed—save for the clutter of boats docked outside the patio, an elevated menu and a few new faces.

The point is, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Before Battello had to close its doors, it’s not far fetched to say that it had become something of a local landmark.

With its charming, rustic interior and tall glass windows preceding a view of Lower Manhattan coupled with Chef Ryan DePersio’s forward-thinking food, the venue made as big of an impact as one could make in three short years.

When the pier on which Battello sits was abruptly chained off back in the summer of 2017 due to repairs needed to ensure its longevity, it came as quite a shock to many (myself included). And with their livelihoods on the line—and countless weddings booked through that year—it was a particularly trying time for Battello’s four operators. One which Managing Partner, Cory Checket, could only describe to me as “a very humbling experience.”

Fast forward to today, the powerhouse team of Chef DePersio, Checket, Joe Calafiore (Director of Operations) and Dominique Borzomati (Director of Events) has seen things through to

their recent relaunch.

“There were times when we looked at each other and were like, ‘Are we even getting this place back?’

We definitely were not sure—but we stuck together,” Chef DePersio told me, vowing that the best of Battello is still yet to come. ecause the restaurant was untouched in the construction of the pier, there was little work that needed to be done to the venue itself. But the real challenge was getting the restaurant back to the well-oiled machine it once was. “We’ve retained about 20 percent of our front of house, as well as some others that used to work here,” Borzomati added.

“It’s a true testament to how good it is to work for this group. We’re like one big family—cooks and servers have returned because they’re happier working there.”

Despite a few familiar faces, there was still a lot of hiring to be done as Battello once operated at a high level with a staff of 96. This process of curating new talent was ultimately the group’s greatest challenge because of the high expectations they have. As a result, the new team spent two weeks training, day and night, on food service before the official reopening.

“The same people we train for our restaurant staff, we use in our banquets and that gets elevated over your typical event or wedding venue,” Calafiore explained. “If you’re here for brunch, lunch or dinner, we’re here talking to guests on the floor. If you book a wedding, Dom [Borzomati] is here for those weddings. The difference between us and most restaurant venues is that the people that operate are here every night.”

When it comes to recapturing (and

building upon) the footprint Battello made before shutting down, Checket is confident in their original vision and only looks to improve on it. “I think we were great before, but our main goal is to be better than we were before. I think we provide an experience that no other restaurant in this area provides.

Between Chef Ryan’s food, the service, the fact that we’re here every night as owners and operators, live music and of course, the view. Most restaurants that have a view like this sort of rest on that as the only asset they need to be successful and they don’t deliver on food and service.”

A big change for Battello—starting later this spring—is that they’ll now offer outdoor seating on the patio (a few steps closer to that awe-inspiring view). The restaurant has always had their enclosed patio which opens up and feels like you’re outside, but now there will be ac-

tual seating outdoors. In addition, while the boats outside sometimes created a nice ambience, they mostly just blocked the Manhattan skyline. With the marina gone, there’s less foot traffic and overall, a better atmosphere.

While the view of Lower Manhattan from Battello’s dining room is more appealing than ever before, as always, the real eye-grabber is Chef DePersio’s eclectic menu. “I actually decided to completely redo the original menu,” he said. “We didn’t bring back any dishes, except a few signatures like the ricotta gnocchi—but I would say 95 percent of the menu is completely redone. I only have two or three employees from the original kitchen.”

During his time away from Battello, the busy chef who also operates Kitchen Step in Jersey City and Fascino in Montclair, spent some time in his other restaurants and did some traveling.

“I was working in a one-star Michelin restaurant in Italy on the Amalfi Coast for two weeks to get some ideas going.

When the restaurant was closed, I would go to other restaurants and eat.”

A master of his craft when it comes to creating a well-balanced, multidisciplinary menu, Chef DePersio began working on Battello’s new dinner offerings about a month to a month and a half in advance. “I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to stay with the structure but I wanted to liven it up. We wanted to come back even better. The very last menu I put out before we closed was one of our best. The only thing I could do is make it even better, and I think I have.

Bringing in a new executive chef and chef de cuisine from NYC is helping us as well. I have to develop a menu that I like but also one that meets the standards of all the guests that come here.”

The new menu features all the great things we love about Chef DePersio’s “Italian without borders” philosophy, including six fresh pasta dishes. Two of which I was fortunate enough to sample, the Tagliatelle Verde served with lamb shank ragu, mint, sofrito and piave vecchio, as well as the Smoky Prosciutto Bucatini with crispy pork belly, scallion crema, blistered cherry tomatoes finished with parmesan and black pepper.

The result is a tender wonderland of flavors that trumps even the great pasta dishes on Battello’s original menu a couple years back. And of course, anybody who knows Chef DePersio knows how much pride he takes in making fresh pasta.

Seafood appetizers remain a staple at Battello, which are headlined by the savory-meets-sweet Grilled Octopus with crispy potatoes, nduja vinaigrette, charred pineapple and tarragon, and the Big Eye Tuna Crudo with broccoli slaw, grapefruit gel, red olive powder and basil caviar. For entrées, there’s a nice mash-up of land and sea, with a brilliant Sirloin and Short Rib—which is made with breaded potatoes cooked in aged beef fat—cippolini onions and natural

juices from the short rib. As always, the highlight of Battello’s seafood (for me) are the scallops. This time, it’s Pan Roasted Day Boat Scallops with Tuscan white bean stew, steamed cockles and quinoa torta—the latter of which, a sort of compacted, crispy quinoa, is a creation DePersio happened upon while at home.

“I walked into my kitchen at home, and there’s this little ball on the kitchen counter on a baking sheet. I grabbed it and took a bite, and I said, ‘What is that, it’s amazing!’ And my wife told me it was a little quinoa cake—eggs, olive oil, roasted garlic, etc. I spruced it up in my own way and we made a mold here.” Ultimately, the dish is a reminder of Chef DePersio’s passion and creative engine, which never seems to stop. Whether he’s spending time in a Michelin starred kitchen in Europe, or at home feeding his daughter, he’s constantly thinking of something truly unique to his experiences.

Chef DePersio has also added a couple large-format dishes that can accomodate two to three people. The first of which is a 36 oz. bone-in ribeye with a bone marrow bread pudding, broccoli rabe, paprika salsa and bagna cauda butter.

The other, more of “a show” as he likes to say, is a 2 ½ lb. grilled lobster served with charred parsnips, Old Bay butter and chicken fried broccoli.

Everything at Battello has pretty much hit the ground running—the staff even half-jokingly admitted that it’s been hard to keep up. As far as weddings go, Brozomati is back into the full swing of things and is booked through to 2020.

“We were very fortunate that one of our former clients—someone whose wedding we essentially had to cancel when we closed—hung in there with us,” she said. “We’re super appreciative of them and they are the first official wedding we have in March, but our new bookings start in June—it’s great to be back.”

LOCAL

Keeping Time in Style with

Brew Watches P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y J O N AT H A N F E R R E R

midst the chocolaty aromas and friendly faces that fill the coffee house, 29-year-old Jonathan Ferrer sits as he has for years, blissfully tinkering with one of his timepiece designs. It’s here that he is at peace, creating something he’s passionate about in an atmosphere that’s both

comfortable and familiar. But for the founder and designer of Brew Watch Co., this happy ritual is more than just where he likes to do his work.

For Ferrer, it’s the very source of his inspiration for each watch he creates.

The details of Ferrer’s designs feature little vented cut-outs on the crown and on the back, denoting his affinity for

coffee shops. At times, the former NJIT grad will even sneak in a few java-esque surprises—most recently, a small timer set for 35 seconds (the optimal time for espresso). For Ferrer, each watch tells a story and in many cases, it’s one connecting the sophistication of a timepiece with those serene moments inside a café.

“Coffee shops are my place of peace. This is where I enjoy designing, meeting with people and it just seems as though everyone around me is enjoying their time, too. So I thought it would be cool to put my own personal story into that. It’s a story that other people can relate to, which is the most important thing— relatability and connecting.

That’s why I called it Brew.”

Ferrer’s passion for watchmaking ignited during his time at NJIT, where he studied industrial design and still adjuncts to this day. During his collegiate years, the aspiring watch designer held an internship with Movado, a brand that traces its roots to La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. From there, he began making his own designs and eventually worked up the nerve to crowdfund his own watch brand.

“During my time at Movado, I got really hooked. It was also the moment where Kickstarter got really popular.

I began freelancing and traveling all over the world and these guys said, ‘We don’t have a big budget, but we’ll fly you to Switzerland’—so I just took the ride. They introduced me to manufacturers all over the world.

When I began working with some of the connections I’d made, I was freelancing out of coffee shops in New Jersey, just sketching away. I shared my ideas with these manufacturers and basically had everyone on board for my passion project. I thought, ‘Hey, I can do this. I can get this on Kickstarter.’ So I launched it and did $40,000 sales in one month. It was totally unexpected,” he told me.

From concept to a finished product, Ferrer’s designs typically take around

eight to 12 months to complete, though each timepiece is not without its challenges—specifically in functionality.

“The hands on a watch have a very specific weight to them. So depending on how much paint there is and the dimensions of the watch hands, that all affects the accuracy of the watch.

All these different weights have to be tested. If anything is inaccurate, we would have to remake the hands. The engineering, testing and the concept is the most difficult part of the journey.

That takes three to four months just for that,” he said.

To build his intricate timepieces, Ferrer sources supplies from all over the world, including manufacturers and engineers that can tweak his designs for quality control. Brew Watch Co. began with one design per year and now after five, the brand produces two to three designs annually—thanks to Ferrer’s drive and dedication in all aspects of the company. “I was doing everything from design and engineering, to sourcing samples and supplies. But I was also doing the PR, photography, the website creation—and so on. That’s where it’s really exciting for me, and it all sort of snowballed.”

Growing up in Woodbridge, NJ, Ferrer’s passion is also one that ultimately may be passed down from generation to generation. His father, currently a jeweler and designer for Tiffany & Co., and grandfather, formerly a designer for Cartier, undoubtedly had some impact on his creativity. “When I was a kid, my father always told me to never get into this

industry because it’s especially labor intensive. So he sent me to NJIT so I could ‘use my mind, not my hands.’

But I just fell into the same groove,” he laughed. “There really was no escape.”

Today, the demand for Ferrer’s designs continues to grow. As Brew Watch Co. evolves, Ferrer keeps himself engrossed in all things design—teaching at NJIT in Newark once per week and collaborating with anyone in the industry. Though he has a small office in New York City, he can still be found

at his local café, where he loves to spend his time doing, of course, what he does best.

“I see the demand so I’m trying to increase my productivity for more designs per year. But I don’t want Brew to lose its genuine nature, I want everything to be well-designed and have enough time to tell my story for each one. Every collection I work on, it has to have a certain amount of familiarity or nostalgia that pulls someone in—but still have that uniqueness.”

914.879.5602

stevegriggsdesign.com

A Modern Beach House in the Heart of

SEA BRIGHT

ARCHITECT: JEFF JORDAN ARCHITECTS LLC PHOTO GR APHY: GREGORY MAK A LO CATION: SEA BRIGHT, NJ

A stone’s throw from the beaches of Sea Bright, a boxy, modernist structure parts a sea of typical waterfront homes—a beacon paying homage to styles of both past and present. Lines of clad cedar wrap around every sharp corner, systematically separated only by bold vertical glass and a breathtaking mezzanine offering unchallenged views of the Atlantic.

Though Jersey City firm Jeff Jordan Architects set out to design a beach home for a busy Manhattan couple looking to entertain friends and family, the end result simultaneously carved some much welcomed style into the Jersey Shore landscape. Already located in an area known for its affluence, the structure serves as a promise of what our beach communities could be while also using material that eludes to a familiar aesthetic.

Raised on stilts, the project features a two-story plan.

This was meant to adhere to Sea Bright’s zoning code which prohibits homes from going beyond that. And so, Jeff Jordan—who established the firm in 2010—and his team set out to create a plan that would give its inhabitants different ocean views within the strict limitations imposed by the city. The design of the home’s top level and mezzanine became a focal point while simultaneously offering the homeowner functional outdoor space.

The entrance stairway is preceded by a stone path which leads into the home’s first level. Inside, the soft coastal tones and configurations are enhanced by the sun by day and illuminated with warm interior lighting at night. Here, the structure’s three bedrooms are distributed along a main

hallway with the master suite separated for more privacy.

Above, the second story features double-height ceilings, a floating staircase and a glass wall which brings the essence of coastal-living, indoors. This level also serves as the home’s social area, with its kitchen, living and dining room in one open-room floor plan. Outside, the sun deck extends out from the second floor and up to its mezzanine.

“The house’s form is an expression of its programmatic distribution,”

the architects say. “The horizontally-oriented first floor massing contains private spaces such as bed and bathrooms. The larger cubelike massing which sits atop the first floor contains shared spaces such as the living and kitchen areas. The vertically-oriented massing that is offset from the other two contains the stairway and provides access to the ground level. The overall result is a terraced structure that offers large outdoor spaces that are perfect for sunbathing and cookouts. While the house’s form is clean and modern, its cedar board siding serves to tie it into a wellestablished beach house typology.”

In truth, the project was a way for the firm to showcase their conceptual innovation through visuals that can remind us of a modern Hudson County row house yet, an old mid-century beachfront masterpiece.

Ultimately, this Sea Bright home stands at the intersection of detail and function—a place to marvel at each piece of carefully placed cedar cladding while concurrently serving as a perfect summer escape from city life.

ABOUT THE ARCHITECT Jeff Jordan Architects LLC is a full-service architecture practice focused on design excellence and project execution. Projects range in scale from modest interior remodels to complex new buildings and in location from the city to the countryside.

Their work is characterized by their innovation, a commitment to sustainability, a strong understanding of the construction process and attention to detail. Jeff Jordan Architects engages in a multi-disciplinary approach involving close collaboration with not only their clients, but also other designers, engineers, fabricators and builders to achieve the greatest possible results.

The firm’s extensive construction experience gives them unique insight into the building process while allowing their team to best represent the interests of their clients. Every project is seen as an opportunity to provide dynamic and uplifting responses to the nuances of the site, program and client.

OPEN FOR PICKUP & UBER EATS DELIVERY Walk-in service, online ordering and delivery available 1-10pm Sunday-Saturday

201-432-9458 | 20 Erie St., Jersey City, NJ

BEST New Jersey

Staycations

For those unfamiliar with the term, a staycation is just a vacation taken close to (or at) home. With only a few months left in 2020, and several lockdowns and curfews still in place, there seems to be no better time for one. But staying close to home doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be missing out on some grand adventure. With its rich history and varying landscapes, New Jersey will satisfy your most deep-rooted wanderlust. With this list of the 10 best New Jersey staycations, you’ll question why it’s taken you so long.

THE MC HOTEL MONTCLAIR, NJ Located two blocks from the beaches and boardwalk that Bruce Springsteen has written into history, The Asbury sends its warmest greetings. In its own words, the hotel is a unique blend of Asbury’s deep roots in rock and roll and the building’s Victorian-era history. The hotel also gives visitors a glimpse into the town’s glowing future.

The Asbury is an ideal place for a New Jersey staycation if you enjoy live music.

The Soundbooth, the inside lobby bar, regularly hosts local musicians, as does its attached music venue/bowling alley, Asbury Lanes. However, due to pandemic restrictions, Asbury Lanes has adapted into a limited capacity movie theatre. (You can find its scheduling here). The Baronet, the hotel’s outdoor movie theatre and wellness center, is only available for use during warmer seasons. But, there are several places along the boardwalk for guests to experience instead. Have a slice of pizza at the Silverball Museum or get your fortune told by Madam Marie. However you choose to spend your time at The Asbury Hotel, your experience will be memorable.

CRYSTAL SPRINGS RESORTS, GRAND CASCADES LODGE SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ A few miles from the New York state border rests Grand Cascades Lodge, one of Crystal Springs’ four-star resorts in picturesque Northern New Jersey. Newly renovated, the Grand Cascades Lodge allows guests to connect with the outdoors through natural materials and light—a biophilic design highlighted by the resort’s Biosphere Pool Complex and Reflections Spa. At Grand Cascades Lodge, guests can experience a wide-ranging list of complementary activities: roasting marshmallows on an open fire, a stroll through the resort’s underground aquarium, or completing a scavenger hunt with the little ones. What makes the Grand Cascades Lodge one of New Jersey’s best staycation locations is its ability to appeal to all ages. With wine and distillery tours, petting zoos, glow-in-the-dark golfing contests, pony rides, and more, families will find it difficult to leave.

THE ASBURY HOTEL ASBURY PARK, NJ

CONGRESS HALL CAPE MAY, NJ

Located two blocks from the beaches and boardwalk that Bruce Springsteen has written into history, The Asbury sends its warmest greetings. In its own words, the hotel is a unique blend of Asbury’s deep roots in rock and roll and the building’s Victorian-era history. The hotel also gives visitors a glimpse into the town’s glowing future.

Once referred to as the “Summer White House,” Congress Hall has the historic title of America’s first seaside resort. The hotel offers a personal coastal oasis for each guest, focusing on antique detail and luxury conveniences. Although Cape May is synonymous with beaches and the warmer seasons, the city continues to bustle in colder months. Guests can take a trip to visit Cape May’s historic lighthouse or register for a wine tasting at Willow Creek Winery & Farm. Because Congress Hall is near activities appropriate for all ages, this is one of the best places for families to book their New Jersey staycation.

The Asbury is an ideal place for a New Jersey staycation if you enjoy live music.

The Soundbooth, the inside lobby bar, regularly hosts local musicians, as does its attached music venue/bowling alley, Asbury Lanes. There are several places along the boardwalk for guests to experience instead. Have a slice of pizza at the Silverball Museum or get your fortune told by Madam Marie. However you choose to spend your time at The Asbury Hotel, your experience will be memorable.

THE REEDS AT SHELTER HAVEN STONE HARBOR, NJ

THE VIRGINIA HOTEL CAPE MAY, NJ In 1878, a destructive blaze destroyed nearly 40 acres of property in Cape May. Shortly after, The Virginia Hotel was built and now serves as one of the city’s oldest treasures. Restored in 1989, the hotel bridges Cape May’s Victorian-era charm with modern luxuries: WiFi and cotton terry robes. A continental breakfast brought to the door (or front porch) every morning. Outside of The Virginia Hotel are coastal eateries, Cape May’s Rotary Park, and monuments for you to visit in the chilly upcoming months. But, if you’re waiting for the Summer to plan your New Jersey staycation, the beaches here will not disappoint.

WAVE RESORT & SPA LONG BRANCH, NJ Wave Resort & Spa, the newest addition to the Jersey Shore waterfront, has breathtaking views of the ocean through all seasons. All 67 guest rooms include a walk-out terrace to experience the sights, tastes, and sounds of our beautiful beaches. Each room provides guests with luxurious amenities: 55-inch HD TVs, refrigerators, and Nespresso machines.

What better way to spend your New Jersey staycation than being pampered by the ocean?

And, once you’re well-rested, the surrounding area is home to several parks that you could explore, including Monmouth Park, New Jersey’s historic horse track.

THE W HOBOKEN HOBOKEN, NJ With its ambient lighting, contemporary architecture, and spectacular views of New York City’s skyline, the W Hoboken is one of the finest New Jersey staycations on our list. Resting on Hoboken’s waterfront, guests can admire gorgeous views of the Hudson River while dining at Halifax or breaking a sweat in the hotel’s fitness center, FIT. With its proximity to the NJ PATH and the NY Waterway Ferry, visitors of the W Hoboken can easily spend a day strolling around New York City. Across the Hudson River are several museums and monuments, including the Whitney Museum, which recently reopened its doors to the public. And, if New York is not your thing, the Liberty Science Center also recently reopened its doors and is a short drive away. Your stay at the W Hoboken will have unlimited options for you to choose from each day.

Overlooking the bay, The Reeds at Shelter Haven is a boutique hotel and spa with elegant, modern-designed rooms and luxurious suites. A six-minute walk from Stone Harbor Beach, The Reeds is an ideal setting for those who love to lay in the sun. But for those looking for a bit more to do, the Stone Harbor Museum is nearby. Visitors could stop by and peruse through the city’s detailed history. Or if you’re looking for new eateries to rave about, grab a bite to eat at Ristorante Luciano, an Italian eatery a few blocks away from The Reeds.

ENVUE HOTEL WEEHAWKEN, NJ Situated on the Hudson River, near the site of the famed duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, lies the EnVue Hotel. Not only an excellent place for history connoisseurs to reserve their New Jersey staycation, but the Envue is also perfect for those who wish to be near the pulse of the city. Enjoy the breathtaking views of New York City while sipping cocktails at Marcus at NoHu Rooftop Restaurant & Bar. Here you can experience one of Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s signature dishes: Bird Royale. The bar is seasonal, but there is no shortage of activities in Weehawken year-round. Check out a local river tour or visit one of the nearby parks. If guests prefer an indoor staycation, the spacious rooms inside the hotel offer picturesque views of the Hudson, which is difficult to grow tired of.

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