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A globally inspired Mexican restaurant is opening soon in New Jersey

A globally inspired Mexican restaurant is opening soon in New Jersey

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Lovers of guacamole, stunning dinner spots and craft cocktails will soon find a new place to dip chips and sip as Maize Cocina & Cocktails – a highly anticipated Mexican fusion restaurant – is coming to Westfield.

The globally inspired venue is taking over the historic city train station and will open its doors on Tuesday.

And as a self-proclaimed taco fan (aren’t we all?) already have a reservation.

“Maize Cocina & Cocktails will transport guests through a Mexican fusion menu showcasing dishes inspired by Mexico’s rich culinary traditions and blended with various worldly influences,” said the restaurant’s PR team. It’s about “providing guests with a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience.”

In colloquial terms, this means that classic Mexican dishes meet new American dishes in a modern, cross-cultural mash-up.

(So ​​you also want to reserve your table).

A modern Mexican restaurant in historic buildings

Maize Cocina & Cocktails is located at 301 N Ave. West in the now renovated Westfield station. The restaurant features a beautiful 100-seat dining room and an aesthetic that matches the expected cuisine – and a full list of specialty cocktails.

Menu items served at the upcoming concept include a Mexican Bar Pie (with masa crust, charred vegetables and Queso Oaxaca), Bavette Steak (with poblano butter, masa fries and chimichurri rojo) and Black Garlic Mochiko Tacos with hot honey salsa macha. Chilaquiles are promoted as innovative, while Octopus Pastor is served with pineapple puree and achiote-roasted plantains. Each promises to exemplify the team’s aforementioned goal of a hybrid culinary genre.

Behind Maize’s special creations is chef Jesa Henneberry, a New York City-based culinary consultant who helped found the acclaimed plant-based Mexican restaurant Jajaja and Heritage Grand Bakery in Bryant Park, among others. Early in her career, she was named Food Network Champion.Chopped“ and has been a “sought after” personal chef for 14 years.

“Creating unique yet accessible cuisine and dining experiences is what Chef Jesa does best,” said the PR team. “And she’s thrilled to be doing that now in New Jersey at Maize Cocina & Cocktails.”

Together with co-owner Kamal Arora and chef Isaias Lira (Atla, Cosme, Bouley), she will soon welcome guests to the new concept.

Maize Cocina & Cocktails is located at 301 N Ave. West in Westfield. To learn more about the restaurant, visit maizewestfield.com.

Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you don’t find her in Jersey’s best restaurants, she’s probably at a race track in the mountains. See her on Instagram: @karanicolev & @northjerseyeatsand sign up for them North Jersey Eats Newsletter.