Finally, after months of anticipation, Eataly opens its doors at the Mall at Short Hills. It is the first Eataly location in New Jersey. I was lucky enough to attend the grand opening.
Eataly was founded in Europe by Oscar Farinetti and the chain was brought to the US—Manhattan, specifically—in 2010. It was an immediate success, celebrated for its open market concept, which was unlike any other in New York at the time. Today, the brand has locations worldwide.
The focus was (and remains) gourmet imports—especially of the Italian variety. We’re talking hard-to-find cheeses, canned tomatoes, cured meats, honey, produce and so much more. Each Eataly location slightly differs in offerings, but they all aim to provide locals with a portal into the many markets of Italy, with an array of ingredients and foods to explore.
Eataly New Jersey in particular boasts a smaller stature than some of the other locations across the US, but the impact is all the same.
Enjoy hand-made sandwiches and Roman-style pizzas as soon as you walk through the doors. Gelato and Lavazza coffees for dessert. You could even do a full grocery trip at Eataly if your heart so desired. Guests are encouraged to sample meats and cheeses, and the store even offers demos and tastings. We were treated to a demonstration on how 24-Month Parmigiano Reggiano is cut, and I was treated to chunks of the stuff straight from the wheel. A truly special experience.
The store also offers a wide selection of wines, amaro and other specialty liqueurs.
In the back is a sit-down restaurant, offering a full menu of food and wines spanning Italy’s 20 regions. Nearly full from a litany of samples (Parm, soppressatta, Roman-style pizza, arancini, Cacio e Pepe, etc.), I still managed to take down a meal. Warm focaccia with rosemary and sea salt, crispy fried calamari and zucchini and a seasonal pasta—delicate, squash-filled ravioli in a silky sage butter. Don’t forget the cannoli for dessert, which was remarkably good with it’s silky smooth cream and shatteringly crisp outer shell.
I have been a big fan of Eataly for quite some time. To now have one in NJ is a true gift. Whether it’s to peruse on the weekends in search of ingredients for a Sunday Dinner, or to sit down for an excellent meal, Eataly New Jersey is here to stay.
I, for one, could not be happier.
