Richie Cecere is considering reopening his eponymous, yet defunct, supper club. But before he does, he wants your opinion.
Richie Cecere’s Restaurant & Supper Club (2 Erie Street) opened in June 2002. Construction of the three-floor, mahogany and white onyx temple to jazz and feathered dancing girls, took seven years, and millions of dollars to complete. In January 2012, Cecere closed the doors. For over a year, Cecere’s has idled in vacant limbo.
Richie Cecere’s exterior
So what went wrong? Cecere spoke, in hindsight, that a premium was placed on the music shows, and not on the food. Cecere says, “people referred to Richie’s as a “jazz club” and put the food in a subordinate position.”
Following the closing of Cecere’s, the rumor mill swirled; developers and restauranteurs tried unsuccessfully to obtain ownership of Cecere’s. Most recently, Cecere received an offer for the restaurant and liquor license from highly regarded NJ restauranteurs who recently attempted to secure a space in Montclair.
If Cecere refuses the offer and opts to reopen, he plans to make the food – especially the chef – a priority. Cecere would entertain a chef partner, “but he’d have to have a really big name.” Cecere also adds, “putting on a show every week was hard work but very thrilling and the feeling of over 350 people coming from all over the tri state area to see the show was a thrill of a lifetime and dream come true.”
So, what does Montclair want? Does Montclair want Cecere’s back? If Cecere’s did return, what would you want to be different?
I have to disagree with the “it ain’t pretty” comment. Yes the bathroom may be beat up but the appearance of the bar and the back room is much nicer since they did renovations over a year ago. It is updated and more like a small sports bar with flat screen tvs I think the review should also include that their bar tenders are always friendly and take good care of you. If you are near Newark, definitely go check out Krugs.
Never knew this place existed when I was still living in Jersey. Wish I had.
I have eaten there once before a BBall game. Rumors abound about the fabulous burgers. All true. Delicious. I was amazed at the amount of food cooked on such a small flat top. Congrats to Krug’s for producing one of the best burgers in NJ
My wife and I tried this joint at the suggestion of John Lee, our favorite food critic.
The setting is quite nice, very friendly and attentive staff, and an overall great atmosphere. Not pretentious in the least.
We started with the house special salad, butter lettuce, shaved celery, almonds, with a splash of a light vinaigrette. Very delicious and enough for 2.
Our appetizer was zucchini chips with a chipotle dip. The zucchini was sliced thin as potato chips and quickly fried and very good, but the superstar was the dip. I wanted a quart to take home. Simply off the charts with flavor.
My wife ordered the mushroom pizza and substituted mozzarella for the fontina. It was very very good. The pizza dough is fantastic and has more than just white flour for an added bite. We’ll have to go back and figure it out by ordering around the menu
My entrée was the brisket ragu over rigatoni. Again, just off the charts with flavor without being as heavy as I expected. I consumed every last bit of it and I didn’t feel as if I needed a nap.
Dessert was the home made biscotti from a local baker, which was just outstanding. My wife is a baker and SHE was impressed. That’s really saying something.
I had the espresso chip gelato from Gelotti’s of Caldwell. This was the low point of the meal for both of us. I tasted a spoonful or 2 and just pushed it aside. I am local to the area and have tried Gelotti’s products several times before. I have never liked them and this tasting did nothing to sway my opinion. In fact we met the owner on the way out and I suggested he find another vendor for dessert.
Overall, I give Dough a solid 4.5 out of 5. We will most definitely be back.
P.S. The Korean BBQ sliders pictured above are from We Rub You!
http://www.werubyou.com
Thank you to Devil Gourmet and John Lee for your supportive words and big welcome. Can’t wait to fully open next week and create an amazing coffee and artisan community in Montclair.
The Montucky is actually a Red Hook created by Enzo Errico at Milk & Honey years ago. I’m sure he would be delighted if it was noted as such.
Okay, I need to be part of this porkynation somehow.
Avocado Lassi is so good, and so refreshing, that I hope they are available in to-go cups come summer!
I love the Veggie Heaven in both Denville and Upper Montclair! My favorite dish is the Ting Ting Two Flavor. My husband loves the sushi rolls at the Denville location too, although I have not yet tried them.
Enjoyed the post!