A health food restaurant, a cutting edge nightclub, and a DIY workshop join the Garden State business ranks
by Jessica Jones Gorman
GETTING FRESH
Harvest Dish, a new health food restaurant, has opened in Mahwah. Offering healthy bowls custom crafted with a variety of greens, grains, proteins, toppings, and sauces, the quick bite eatery also specializes in avocado toasts, acai bowls, and smoothies. Chef Bennett Orfaly runs the kitchen and is the mastermind behind the concept, which uses locally sourced fruits, veggies, and meats for all of its made to order meals.
Customers can build their own bowls with a base of greens (kale, arugula, romaine) or grains (brown rice or quinoa), which are then topped with broccoli, asparagus, sweet potatoes, and a range of other veggies. Proteins can be added next for an additional fee. Steak, salmon, and bison are a few of the most popular choices. Bowls are garnished with pepitas (pumpkin seeds), avocado, caramelized onion, and cucumber ribbons. Freshly made dressings like yogurt dill, blood orange vinaigrette, and Lebanese garlic aioli complete each dish. Chef Orfaly hopes that this 30 seat establishment will be a launching pad for a mealprep program he is currently developing one with pre made refrigerated options. 320 Ridge Road, in the MacArthur Ridge Plaza, Mahwah, harvestdish.com
Upping the ante
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City recently introduced a nightlife venue to New Jersey’s entertainment scene with its DAER Nightclub. The new spot, which hosted rapper Fetty Wap and DJ/producer Alesso this fall, features cutting edge audio/visual tech, bottle service, and a curated lineup of the world’s most sought after DJs and artists. Live dancers, a 200 square foot video wall, and a 110,000 Watt four point Funktion One sound system serve as the centerpieces of the club, which boasts of its “360 Degree Immersive Party Experience.” Note that an upscale dress code is strictly enforced: No shorts, sandals, athletic sneakers, work boots, ripped or baggy clothing, or athletic wear is permitted. Tickets for New Years Eve 2019, featuring DJ Vice, are already on sale, and general admission is $100 (ticket holders must arrive by 10 P.M. to ensure entry). 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, hardrocknightlife.com
DIY PDQ
When Maureen Anders and Adria Ru launched a small design company in 2010, they never imagined their do it yourself blog and online shop would gain national notoriety. But in eight years, the kitschy home décor brand grew out of its Etsy home and into a franchise workshop with over 100 locations throughout the country. In July, AR Workshop debuted in Red Bank. The rustic space, which was christened with a launch party on July 26, offers a hands on workshop experience. Activities are geared to experienced craftspeople and novices alike, and include the creation of seasonal wood signs, canvas pillows, wall hangings, wood boxes, and lazy susans. Customers (frequently groups gathering for a birthday, “ladies night out” or other special event) spend a few hours at the workshop and emerge with a customized and personalized item, along with the thrill of joining the ranks of makers! Dedicated events include: Chunky Knit Blanket Workshop; Breakfast Club! Coffee & Crafts; and Fri YAY! Framed Wood Sign, Lazy Susan, Center piece Box & MORE!
AR Workshop Red Bank is the third franchise location for owner Joanna Rapuzzi. After sharing the boutique DIY experience in Westfi eld, NJ and Port Washington, NY, Rapuzzi said that she is excited to bring the fun “down the Shore.” Success in Westfield only brightened her creativity flame, and she continues to grow the business.
“Bringing AR Workshop to the Red Bank area allows DIY ers to get crafty closer to home,” she noted. “I couldn’t be more thrilled.” 43A Broad Street, Red Bank, arworkshop.com/redbank