Pssst...Wanna Satiate Your Summer Cravings?!

Aww yeah, we're gonna help bump you over the end of school slump with a serious serving of delicious dish on some of the most anticipated openings and offerings in town:

– The taste of the tropics radiate from this menu of this scrumptious Springfield Avenue joint with such force you nearly need SPF to read it. The big story here? The tweaks made just in time for fun in the summer sun:

“We’re going with bolder, more exciting flavors in lighter dishes,” says stunning chef/owner . “People crave lighter, less heavy fare for the hotter weather, so we’re adding offerings like sandwiches and gourmet burgers in addition to the dishes we’re famed for like Jerk Salmon and Jerk Tilapia.”

Also new? Just call (973-761-0504) for CURBSIDE PICK-UP - ring ahead on the way to your next picnic or the pool and a delicious meal's a done deal! Now that’s seriously sure to be a major Maplewood SPLASH!!! (And, yes, they still deliver, too.) You also won’t want to miss their Customer Appreciation Day scheduled for July 9th from 12:00 noon - 6:00 pm. Stop in for a free sampling with a 20% discount off of regular priced items.

a — It’s official: Margaret Asselin Woods has hit the ground running! Her Lickt Gelato is already a smashing success with all who’ve sampled her inspired flavors:

“It is definitely heating up outside and getting to be the perfect time for gelato,” says Margaret. “I’m very excited to be launching Lickt! My goal is to create small batch artisan gelato using seasonal ingredients ... expect flavors like rhubarb custard, watermelon mint sorbet and my favorite — and crowd favorite — salted caramel…and of course vanilla, chocolate and java chip for those that like the traditional!

“The stuff is amazingly delicious,” raves Kari’s owner . “People try a sample, order, then bring back friends for more. We also have dairy-free options for those worried about lactose or their waists. We’re anticipating lines out the door and are adding outdoor seating and extended hours to keep up with the demand!” (I, for one, was seriously sold at ‘salted caramel’…)

Strawberry Fields — This health conscious, hip, self-serve frozen yogurt place will offer a little something for everyone at 147 Maplewood Ave: “We’ll have frozen yogurt with healthy fresh toppings,” says owner Rob Mercadante (who, btw, grew up in South Orange and attended along with his business partner Gary Harris). “We’ll also have 24 dry toppings for traditional cravings and organic drinks to wash it all down.”

As the name would suggest, you can bank on hearing The Beatles in fairly heavy sound-system rotation. “Not too much, though, we’ll also play lots of modern stuff to keep the younger set happy,” promised Mercadante. (The combination of bench seating, tables and counter stools should also prove both a teen-attracter and a crowd-pleaser…Boy, does our town need THAT!)

Yup, sounds like Strawberry Fields is going to be so way cool ... even without the frozen stuff!

And as for an opening date? “We were hoping for July 4, but realistically we’re looking at beginning of August,” says Rob, who also adds that you can expect to see modern, streamlined design and an always impeccably clean presentation. (You can expect to see me — and much of Maplewood — there, too…a ton. I'll bet you a frozen yogurt on it!)

And finally:

- daaaaaarn near to opening her , much to the relief of those jonesing for a fix of her beyond-delicious baked goodies!!!  I promise you the scoop and a sneak peek inside as soon as I get one!