In the most simple definition, a gastropub or gastrolounge is a dining establishment that serves both high-end food and beer.
Gastropub is derived from the words: gastronomy, love of the art or science of food; and pub. Nary 20 years old, the term has evolved from its origins and has become so much more - even taking on uniquely American characteristics.
The first gastropubs appeared in London in the early 1990's when young chefs, tired of traditional pubgrub, offered food of a higher caliber. During the “cool Britania” era of Tony Blair all things British found their way to America bringing the new Mini, Doctor Who, Colplay, and Gastropubs to colonial shores. The most recognized of the early US gastropubs is the Spotted Pig in Manhattan.
On March 11, 2012, the Sunday Business section of the Star-Ledger published an ad announcing a "Business Opportunity" at "Eagle Rock Reservation." It read:
"The County of Essex is seeking a fine dining restaurant operator for the Eagle Rock Restaurant, located in the Essex County Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange, NJ[.] A Request for Information (RFI) has been issued to find an operator interested in developing and operating a fine dining restaurant."
The rumor mill went swirling! The most important question proffered was: is Highlawn Pavilion, the renown fine dining and banquet establishment, closing? The Knowles Family, owners of Highlawn Pavilion, responded to the buzz on the Highlawn Pavilion website:
Three days of work, four hundred and twenty three feet of glitter garland, a whole bunch of crepe paper, and some stuffed pigs and chickens did the trick: Hot From The Kettle won first place for best float yesterday at Montclair's annual Fourth of July Parade.
Team #hftk, Mike Sondey, John Lee, Elizabeth Palmer Starnes, Mr. Hot, and myself, send a patriotic "congratulations" to all participants in the parade. What a legendary day!
Acappello Ristorante, the new kid on the Avenue, will host its Grand Opening on Thursday, November 10, from 5 pm to 7 pm.
Acappello is owned by the same family who has operated Cara Mia (Millburn), La Campagna (Morristown) and La Catena (Bridgewater). Needless to say – they have plenty of restaurant experience. General manager, Ben Husenaj, and his two brothers, Sal and Robert, along with their two cousins, Naz Husenaj and Dardan Mati, have used their vision and experience to work an aesthetic wonder in the space formerly occupied by Sesame.
In the most simple definition, a gastropub or gastrolounge is a dining establishment that serves both high-end food and beer.
