Going Places with Dina Guzzardo
Opening a restaurant is never an easy feat, especially on the backend of such a crazy 12 months. What’s even more difficult is opening a restaurant where a formerly popular restaurant used to be. However, one chef is defying all odds to bring high-end, quality food to the people of Galloway. Eric McCauley is the head chef and owner at “No Reservations” (626 South New York Road, Suite #1, Galloway, formerly Shea’s restaurant) which is set to open on June 1st. Upon hearing of their opening, I just had to speak to him to learn more about the restaurant and what cuisine we can expect.
McCauley is a born chef with over 20 years of experience in the industry cooking a wide range of cuisines. He started the bulk of his career in Las Vegas at Margaritaville, eventually relocating back to New Jersey to be part of the opening team for Landshark restaurant in AC. With several stints at some finer dining restaurants and also a catering venture, McCauley felt as though it was time for him to go at it on his own and invest the knowledge he accumulated over his career into his dream restaurant.
Although somewhat self-explanatory, the name piqued my interest and I just had to know more about the inspiration behind it. McCauley explained, “No reservations is a fun “play on words” yes regarding the fact that there are no reservations.” However, he went on to state, “Also a tip of the cap to the late, great Anthony Bourdain who has inspired me throughout my chef/ restaurant career. Furthermore, a twist will be a reservation only dinner club. A 4-course chef inspired menu every first and third Friday of every month with different styles of cuisines.”
Naturally, I was intrigued about the menu. The spot used to be home to the very popular breakfast joint O’Sheas, so McCauley would need to pull out the big guns to get the attention of the old restaurant’s former patrons, and potential customers alike. Talking to McCauley, I can safely say that the menu does not disappoint, and we are in for some incredibly delicious food. He explained that it would be a good mix of classics and modern twists on classics, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients – something which I think will be a winner with everyone. There is nothing more comforting than knowing that your food has only had to travel a few miles to get to your plate and you are supporting local farmers! The quality ingredients include fresh produce, cage free eggs, and quality breakfast meats and bread. Additionally, they will cater for a range of dietary requirements, with gluten free and vegan options including vegan eggs, meat, and gluten free vegan pancakes with vegan butter and whipped cream. In terms of lunch, expect items such as fresh ground American Kobe beef, awesome salads, soups, bbq ribs and a great feature of jumbo lump no filler crab cakes. Many of these items are great options to take home and serve to your family, which is why their pick up/delivery service is so great.
All the food sounds incredible, but McCauley hinted at some specials which you should look out for. Their notable breakfast items include their awesome buttermilk pancakes which come with a strawberry cheesecake topping (cream cheese frosting fresh and warm strawberries, buttery crumble) or caramel sundae topping (peanut butter chips, fresh bananas, salted caramel drizzle). They are even providing their own twist on the ever-popular avocado toast by offering it with a selection of “fun toppings.”
Possibly the most interesting sounding breakfast item is their take on Nutella French toast. Their “After midnight French toast” is a savory/sweet treat comprising Nutella stuffed French toast made with Challah bread, prosciutto di Parma, and brie cheese, all topped with pecans and hot honey. It’s not often that I am speechless, but if ever there has ever been a food that I KNEW I had to try just from the description, this is it. Talk about sensory overload with this breakfast.
They also offer catering for events so you can share their fabulous food with friends and family. Have them cater your next birthday, graduation, or even wedding! You can shoot them an email to noreservationsnj@gmail.com to organize it.
What I find most endearing about No Reservations is they clearly have a strong set of values which is being reflected in their restaurant. They use good quality, whole, local ingredients. They are a family-owned partnership which is often a quality which helps businesses thrive. They commissioned one of my favorite local artists to decorate the inside of the shop, Heather Deegan Hires. The list goes on. From what I have gathered after talking to McCauley and understanding the business, it is clear that a lot of hard work and thought went into every aspect of the restaurant. From designing the menu to decorating the inside.
You can stay tuned with updates from No Reservations on their Facebook page (@eatnoreservationsnj) as they plan their grand opening.
Dina Guzzardo is the President and Executive Promoter of Dina Media Group LLC. Dina Media Group is an innovative cutting edge event production and marketing company that produces and promotes large events as well as a talent agency that manages some incredible talent.www.dinamediagroup.com
