Wanna Satiate Your Summer Cravings?!

Chef/owner Alavia Moore is serving up some seriously great food at iLand Breeze.

973-761-0504, Maplewood, NJCredit Lauren Bright

 
Pssst...Wanna Satiate Your Summer Cravings?!

By Lauren Bright Pacheco
Email the author
June 22, 2011

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:

iLand Breeze – 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 Avalia Moore. “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.

Source

iLand Breeze Cafe Update...

Breached and Betrayed, iLand Breeze Café is set to rebound…

MAPLEWOOD, NJ – Friday, June 10, 2011:-- How do you rebuild a business after there has been a severe violation of trust and communication? When iLand Breeze Café opened in Maplewood last April 2010; its appeal was a welcome one to the community… it presented an exciting flair of flavors that brought customers in and who spread the word quickly about the multi-pleasing palate café. Yet within a year customers were scratching their heads and wondering WHAT HAPPENED?

We thought we’d ask this question of Availa Moore the owner of iLand Breeze…

Mayor DeLuca; Avalia Moore & Vice Mayor Cathleen Leventhal at iLand Breeze Cafe. VisionsInPictures Image

CMW: When iLand Breeze first opened there were two of you involved in the business, what was the concept in mind for the establishment?

AM: The concept we had been to create a unique Caribbean & Southern flavor eatery with an ambiance; featuring family trays at an affordable price. As you know, it can become expensive ordering individual servings.

CMW: What happened to change the business between you two?

AM: Partnerships have varied contractual agreements, my former partner was supposed to buy into the partnership. What that means is that I provided the financing needed to open the business and he was suppose to re-reimburse me a certain portion; at which time he would have become a legitimate partner on paper.

CMW: There’s been talk of distrust and betrayal and that even some law enforcement steps having been taken; do you care to shed a little light on that?

AM: Well, my former "partner" did not fulfill the partnership agreement; instead he sought to assume sole proprietorship deceitfully. When that was unsuccessful he resorted to using slander to sabotage the business; along with friends he wrote numerous slanderous letters and emails and even used social media venues attempting to hurt or bring and end to iLand Breeze despite legal facts that show his claims to be untrue and without merit. It was an unexpected blow.

CMW: Was there a total partnership established?

AM: No

CMW: After your sole ownership was established how did you start again?

AM: I re-launched the business by having a grand Re-Opening to the community and introduced featured guest artists. The Mayor of Maplewood also came out in support of the re-opening and I acquired a major catering contract at that same time.

CMW: So your catering became much more profitable than running the day to day café… is that why you sought the assistance of another "Chef"?

AM: Yes, essentially catering did become more profitable than running the day to day of the cafe.

CMW: Now that Chef has left and breached your agreement, by leaving before the terms set for your contract ended; what’s your next step to move on?

AM: My next step is to take full control of my business and I will be introducing a new summer menu.

CMW: You launched a re-opening after the trouble which led to your sole proprietorship per the legal documents in place at the start of your business in 2010, how will you re-establish iLand Breeze a second time and will you engage with the idea of partnering again?

AM: At the moment I am focusing on re-building however we never know what the future holds so I won't cross it off the list. I will however, be extremely selective of my future associates by taking the time to do due diligence. With that being said, I will yet again re-launch and re-establish iLand Breeze by having Customer Appreciation Day to thank my loyal customers for their support and re-introducing them my authentic cooking. In addition, I have enlisted the help of an experienced colleague and friend in hospitality management who has worked with the Hilton and Marriott Hotels to assist me with Customer Service and back-of- the house needs.

CMW: What will you do to ensure your customers that iLand Breeze is here to stay… customers want to know if your passion and your food will be as they’ve come to know and enjoy it… how will you win their support back after all that’s happened?

AM: I have to make it work; I’ve never lost my passion for the quality or flavor of my food; I entrusted someone else to carry on as I had; they’ve breached our contract and it cost me some customers but now with a better support system in place, I will once again be the Chef-in-house doing the cooking and baking. I will also implement a loyalty rewards programs, where customers will receive their 10th purchase free up to a specific dollar amount.

CMW: Statistics show that it takes at least 5 years for any new small business to begin showing profit, you’ve been fortunate that your catering contracts have helped you to avoid this as its been lucrative for you which has helped ease some of the pitfalls that have taken place. Will you now focus more on the daily running of the café?

AM: Yes, I have invested my life savings into this business and it’s what I know.

CMW: Is iLand Breeze going to restart its trend of presenting featured guests in the summer as in the past?

AM: Yes, we want to give the community something different so we will do that again.

CMW: What do you want to say to your customers and the Maplewood community to assure them that iLand Breeze is back and here to stay?

AM: I want to apologize to the customers for the inconsistencies they’ve encountered and to thank them for their continued support during the ups and downs that have taken place; and as such I would like to take this opportunity to invite them to the Customer Appreciation Day scheduled for July 9th from 12:00 noon - 6:00 pm. There will be free sampling with a 20% discount off of regular priced items.

iLand Breeze Cafe & Catering

Location:  1901 SPRINGFIELD AVE., MAPLEWOOD, NJ 07040
Phone: 973-489-0068
Hours: Mon - Fri: 9AM - 9PM -  Sat: 9AM - 9PM

iLand Breeze celebrates a Grand Re-Opening

Maplewood enjoys the grand Re-Opening of iLand Breeze Restaurant

Maplewood, NJ - November 26,2010 --iLand Breeze Restaurant which opened in the Spring in Maplewood, NJ located at 1901 Springfield Avenue, had a Grand re-opening on Saturday, November 20th after a brief renovation and change of ownership. Now solely owned by Avalia Moore, iLand Breeze Restaurant & Catering was proudly re-opened by Maplewood Mayor Victor DeLuca and Vice Mayor Cathleen Leventhal with a ribbon cutting ceremony. iLand Breeze unveiled its new features of coziness that blends with the village atmosphere of the town with an updated menu. (l-r: Meryl Layton, Chris & Maurice of iLand Breeze; Mayor DeLuca; Avalia Moore & Vice Mayor Cathleen Leventhal, VisionsInPictures Image)

If you’ve never tried organic dishes, Caribbean or Southern cuisine, now the chance as iLand Breeze features all these. Mayor DeLuca expresses his pleasure at having such an interesting eatery in Maplewood. It’s an interesting place for people to visit with good food that is eclectic in the ethnic flavors from the Caribbean islands, as well as the American South, he said. He added that the atmosphere is attractive and comfortable which is inviting. It will encourage more people to come in and enjoy the blend of diverse food offerings.

He and Vice Mayor Leventhal added that iLand Breeze adds to the diverse venues in the area citing the Polish and Italian businesses which have been long standing ethnicities, both expressed excitement about the upcoming town census report as it will show the change in demographics of new ethnicities in Maplewood. Mayor DeLuca noted that the 2000 census report showed Haitians as the 2nd largest ethnic Caribbean group in the town. He feels establishments like iLand Breeze have added to the changes in representing the Caribbean demographics, iLand Breeze’s owner is of Guyanese heritage.

Springfield Avenue Partnership representative, Meryl Layton who is the District Manager expressed her delight at working with iLand Breeze and its owner, she’s achieved a cozy atmosphere with the renovations; it has a small town feel. I walked in today and it feels like people know you here and the place has a new open feeling which I love, she said. ‘Avi is open’ she said; it was good to work with her on the planned changes her background and work is impressive.

Customers kept coming in on Saturday, many opted to stay as the new changes accommodated six tables with seating for four. Even the daily customers brought their families and took advantage of the special day’s buffet which allowed for a taste of everything on the menu with desserts included. (Customers enjoying the reopening buffet- VisionsInPictures Image)

Though iLand Breeze mainly offered take-out and large-scale catering, many customers expressed plans to dine in more now with the renovated new look and warm color scheme.

Check the website, find the full menu, location and contact information at http://www.ilandbreezecafe.com/  .

iLand Breeze to celebrate a Children's Christmas

PRESS RELEASE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact

iLand Breeze Resturant & Catering

http://www.ilandbreezecafe.com /

Phone: 973-489-0068

Tuesday, November 23, 2010 - Maplewood, NJ: Christmas is not Christmas if there are no friends around; the lights have been strung and the tree has been trimmed… All that’s missing is you!

After a successful re-opening recently; iLand Breeze proprietor Avalia Moore has decided to host a Christmas party for the 'friends' of the venue and dedicate it to the children who participate in the Springfield Avenue day care centers and other children activity places that  do business along the popular business strip in the Maplewood neighborhood.

So, spread the word and come out with your children, the cost is free for them, adults are $10; this will cover the cost of gifts and giveaways for all the good boys and girls who'll be there on Saturday, December 18, 2010 starting at 1:00 P.M at the restaurant, which is located at 1901 Springfield Avenue; (between Prospect & Indiana).

Hope to see many of you there and we hope all you boys and girls haven’t been naughty this year…

The Shake Shack comes to Downtown Brooklyn

 Photo by Kathryn Kirk

In photo (left to right): Rob Walsh, commissioner, New York City Department of Small Business Services; Danny Meyer, CEO, Union Square Hospitality Group; David Swinghamer, CEO, Shake Shack; BP Markowitz; Randy Garutti, COO, Shake Shack; Joe Chan, president, Downtown Brooklyn Partnership

November 9, 2010


BP MARKOWITZ, DANNY MEYER ANNOUNCE SHAKE SHACK COMING TO DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN’S FULTON MALL

On Tuesday, November 9, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz joined restaurateur Danny Meyer, New York City Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Rob Walsh and Downtown Brooklyn Partnership President Joe Chan to announce that Shake Shake is coming to Fulton Mall in Downtown Brooklyn. Also representing Shake Shack were CEO David Swinghamer and COO Randy Garutti (full press release below).

“Bravo to Shake Shack for finally hitting the big time in Brooklyn, further solidifying our status as one of America’s premier culinary destinations,” said BP Markowitz. “After years of pitching Danny Meyer, I am thrilled he is bringing his legendary burgers, flat-top dogs and frozen custard to Downtown Brooklyn, right in the heart of our new 24/7 live-work city center and its diverse retail, new hotels and expanding arts and cultural corridor. Soon, you will be able to walk the “beefed up” Fulton Mall and get a ShackBurger, do some shopping and finish off with a cheesecake from Junior’s—plus everything in between.”

Press release from Union Square Hospitality Group:
Contacts:                     Theresa Mullen, 646.747.7217 / tmullen@ushgnyc.com

WELCOME TO BROOKLYN: NEW HOME OF SHAKE SHACK

Beloved Burger, Hot Dog and Frozen Custard Stand Opening in Downtown Brooklyn

Wednesday, November 9, 2010 New York – Shake Shack to open in Brooklyn, NY! Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) plans to open Shake Shack at a prime location in Downtown Brooklyn across from Borough Hall at the gateway to the Fulton Mall – one of the oldest and most successful shopping destinations in NYC’s largest borough.

One of New York’s most lauded eateries and beloved community and family gathering places, Shake Shack is a modern day "roadside" burger stand known for its delicious all-natural burgers, hot dogs, seasonal frozen custard, beer, wine and more. The new Shack will make its home at the confluence of Fulton Street, Willoughby Street and Adams Street in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn.

“My colleagues and I are ecstatic to announce plans for this Brooklyn Shake Shack,” said Shake Shack CEO David Swinghamer. “We’ve had our sights set on Brooklyn for quite some time, and this Downtown location located across from Borough Hall and Columbus Park is the ideal next home for Shake Shack.”

“I am proud and excited to share our plans to open Shake Shack in Downtown Brooklyn,” shared Danny Meyer, CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group. “We adore Brooklyn, and are inspired by the borough that is leading one of the most exciting food revolutions I’ve seen in my entire career. It will be an honor for us to become employers and citizens of this vibrant metropolitan community and our team looks forward to welcoming residents and visitors, alike.”

“Bravo to Shake Shack for finally hitting the big time in Brooklyn, further solidifying our status as one of America’s premier culinary destinations,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. “After years of pitching Danny Meyer, I am thrilled he is bringing his legendary burgers, flat-top dogs and frozen custard to Downtown Brooklyn, right in the heart of our new 24/7 live-work city center and its diverse retail, new hotels and expanding arts and cultural corridor . Soon, you will be able to walk the “beefed up” Fulton Mall and get a ShackBurger, do some shopping and finish off with a cheesecake from Junior’s – plus everything in between.”

The Brooklyn Shake Shack will build upon the success of five siblings throughout New York City – Madison Square Park (the original Shack, founded in 2004), Upper West Side (2008), Citi Field – home of the New York Mets (2009), Theater District (July 2010) and Upper East Side (August 2010), as well as its new Miami Beach Shack (June 2010) and Saratoga Race Course outpost in Saratoga Springs, NY (2010). Shake Shack also recently announced plans for a location in Washington, DC, New York’s Battery Park City and Westport, CT – all scheduled for 2011.

“This will very quickly become one of Brooklyn’s newest top attractions,” Small Business Services Commissioner Rob Walsh said. “The addition of a culinary institution like Shake Shack in downtown Brooklyn will be great for the surrounding community and local businesses, and I’m sure we will see many residents and visitors coming together to enjoy great food and drink from the moment it opens its doors.”

Already one of the city’s most active central business districts, Downtown Brooklyn is home to one of the busiest retail corridors in the nation and over 40 arts and cultural organizations, as well as eight universities and colleges with over 57,000 students, and there are more than 100,000 office workers in the area. Since 2006, more than $3 billion has been invested in Downtown Brooklyn from the private sector yielding over 5,000 residential units, 880,000 square feet of commercial space and 1,000 hotel rooms.

“From the introduction of new retailers to the emergence of a dynamic residential community and the construction of new streetscape and open space, Downtown Brooklyn’s resurgence is the envy of downtowns across America,” said Downtown Brooklyn President Joe Chan. “We are delighted that Danny Meyer – a great restaurateur and business leader – has decided to join the growing roster of quality dining and shopping options that are coming here.”

With its deep commitment to employees and its industry-leading management training program, Shake Shack has become a highly sought-after employer. Recently, Time Out New York featured Shake Shack in its “Best Jobs” issue. “We are excited to create new jobs in this area and to welcome the next generation of Shake Shack employees to our first Brooklyn outpost,” said Swinghamer.

Shake Shack was born from a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park created by Union Square Hospitality Group to support the Madison Square Park Conservancy’s first art installation “I ♥Taxi.” The cart was a success and lines formed daily, so it re-opened for an additional two summers in 2002 and 2003. In July 2004 USHG was awarded the contract from New York City’s Department of Parks & Recreation and the Madison Square Park Conservancy to create a permanent food kiosk in the park. Shake Shack opened and instantly became a NYC institution with a loyal following, receiving numerous accolades from the press including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Magazine, Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure, Food Network and The TODAY Show among others, and was voted one of the Most Popular Restaurants in New York according to Zagat.

Shake Shack is part of Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG), which includes several of New York City’s most celebrated restaurants: Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, Eleven Madison Park, Tabla, Blue Smoke/Jazz Standard, Shake Shack, The Modern, Cafe 2 and Terrace 5, located at The Museum of Modern Art, El Verano Taquería and Box Frites (both at Citi Field), Maialino, as well as Union Square Events and Hospitality Quotient, a learning business. USHG is best known for its blend of excellent food and its unique style of warm hospitality. Actively involved in the community, USHG and its employees are committed to extending its enlightened hospitality beyond the walls of its restaurants through its support of hunger relief and civic organizations as well as other causes. Meyer, his restaurants, and chefs have earned an unprecedented 21 James Beard Awards, as well as numerous other media accolades. Three of the five “Most Popular” restaurants in the New York Zagat Survey are part of Union Square Hospitality Group, including Gramercy Tavern, which has held the #1 spot six times. http://www.ushgnyc.com/

http://www.shakeshack.com/

Follow Us: http://www.facebook.com/ShakeShackFans

Richie Stephens to appear at iLand Breeze Cafe

MAPLEWOOD, NJ: Monday, August 30, 2010: -- When you hear the name Richie Stephens, you immediately think of the smooth sound of a voice that transcends your mood. Stephens is best known as an encompassing artist who produces and has the ability to perform Dancehall, Reggae, Gospel and R&B music delighting a diverse fan base since he entered the music business.

After working with Motown Records as a singer for the former British band, Soul II Soul; Stephens turned his career path in a new direction and spent the late 90's into the early 2000's on his new direction. His 2002 album The Man Upstairs birthed a new voice in Christian music.

He’s spent years giving back in and to his hometown of Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica and in 2006 he was awarded the Jamaican Governor-General's Achievement Award for contributing to civic, social and recreational projects there.

He’s performed with some of the best in the business and in 2004 dedicated his album Standing Ovation to the late great ‘Crown Prince’ of Reggae, Dennis Emmanuel Brown. Now his latest, Reggae Evolution on the VP Records label includes performances with Maxi Priest, Mutabaruka, Dancehall’s Assassin and the King of Lovers Rock, Beres Hammond.

On the East Coast leg of his new tour, Stephens will stop in at iLand Breeze Cafe in Maplewood, NJ to showcase his ‘carefully crafted treat’ for his fans; Stephens will appear at iLand Breeze on Saturday, September 11th at 12:00 noon.

iLand Breeze Cafe is located at 1901 Springfield Ave., between Indiana & Prospect in Maplewood -- Phone: 973-327-2307 -- Fax: 973-265-7971
http://www.ilandbreezecafe.com/

Mandeville Presents Dakota McLeod for the Thursday Night Jazz Series

Orange, NJ - July 26, 2010:-- Mandeville is proud to present Dakota McLeod as the 2010 Thursday Night Jazz Series winds down for this summer. Join us at 7:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you at 15 South Essex Avenue, Orange, NJ.

Reservations are recommended; call us at 973-672-2900.

Dakota McLeod is well versed in Jazz, Pop, R&B, Latin and Blues among her musical and vocal talents. She’s appeared on stage nationally at home in the U.S and on stage abroad. Having bounced back earlier this year from the same vocal ailment that caused Julie Andrews to be unable to sing for some years, she took the Dame’s advice and avoided surgery at the cost of not performing for some time and has made a stellar comeback with her versatile sound and style.

McLeod said she used the quite time to regroup and reassess the important things in her life and as such has made changes to the benefit of her well-being and continued success as a musician/vocalist with her husband and business partner Ray Naccari. Married for 24 years the couple have played and sang back up for the likes of Bob Marley and appeared with Benny Golson and Shirley Stewart Farmer. She and Naccari perform consistently throughout the New York and tri-state area and appear with their band Nytehawke-The Rhythm & Soul of New York.

Join Mandeville's Mailing List and see our Fan Page on Facebook.

Da'Ville's Visit to Maplewood Cafe, Delights Fans

Jamaican Singer Da`Ville on U.S. Promotional Tour

CaribWorldNews, MAPLEWOOD, NJ, Fri. July 23, 2010: Jamaican recording artist, Da`Ville, whose hit `Always On My Mind` was remixed with dancehall artiste Sean Paul is ramping up his presence in the U.S.

The singer was recently in New York for performances and also used the time to appear at iLand Breeze Café in Maplewood, New Jersey.

The artist was relaxed and happy to showcase his talent to the fans who showed up at the restaurant to chat and take photos with the singer.

The Guyanese owner of iLand Breeze Cafe, Avalia Moore, was just as excited to have Da`Ville drop in to her brand new café. `I want to keep supporting the community and to keep giving them reasons to love our community and to support our businesses,` she said. (Pictured: Da'Ville with Avalia Moore, VisionsInPictures Image)

Asked why he opted to come to the other side of the Hudson since he had other scheduled appearances in New Jersey, the singer told CWNN: `Everyone knows and comes to New York and of course it`s a great to be in New York, but it`s a pleasure to come to where you have small businesses that`s the heart of the community. These are the places that are keeping our culture alive even though we`re not in our actual homelands,` he said.

Fans young and old were truly surprised at the humility of the artiste who signed autographs and distributed samples of his latest single, `Wine U A Wine.`

iLand Breeze features a weekend buffet and the appearance of Da`Ville, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, meant a special classic Jamaican cuisine menu was featured, with guests enjoying Curry Goat, Jerk Chicken and more heartily. - By Allison Skeete/Special to CWNN

http://www.caribbeanworldnews.com/entertainment_one.php?sid=2348&a=2&cut=301&ad=entertainment

iLand Breeze Cafe is proud to present Da'Ville

Wednesday, July 14, 2010 - Maplewood, NJ:

This Saturday, yes ladies and all Da'Ville fans... this Saturday live and direct in Maplewood, NJ... iLand Breeze Cafe is going to heat temperatures up more that the mercury...

We're featuring a special classic Jamaican cuisine menu for the weekend buffet as a treat for our Special Guest Artiste Da'Ville... come show him why he'll miss his NJ fans when he leaves...

Though the singer has many hits like... You Won’t Find, In My Arms, It’s So Hard, My Heart and Cry for Me since debuting on the music scence; his most popular tune is On My Mind... the song has especially become an anthem for some troops who are serving in the armed forces... the melodious voice helps many to smile when they hear the song and know that they have a special someone waiting for their safe return. It's also a popular Dancehall Remix with Sean Paul who added his signature tone to the hit.

So come out this Saturday, July 17 to iLand Breeze Cafe at 1901 Springfield Ave., in Maplewood, NJ... @ 3:00 p.m. to enjoy meeting Da'Ville and our special Classic Jamaican Cuisine Buffet!

Follow us on Facebook, become our fan... and check us out in Maplewood.

Mandeville Presents a Summer Gospel Jazz Night

Wenesday, July 13, 2010: Orange, NJ: Come out for a night of cool and refreshing Gospel Jazz; chase the summer heat away with us at Mandeville Contemporary Caribbean Resturant as we present the Joel Weiskopf Quartet, Thursday night, July 22nd @ 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy GREAT food, ambience and good company; reservations recommended; just call Roger at 973-672-2900 and we'll see you at 15 South Essex Avenue, Orange NJ.

Follow us on Facebook and become a fan... http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=115997825115380#!/pages/Orange-NJ/Mandeville-Resturante/229679012497?ref=ts&__a=12&ajaxpipe=1

Join our mailing list... and you could win a prize!!!

The Star Ledger Reviews Mandeville Flavors

Flavors of the Caribbean in Orange

By Peter Genovese
April 08, 2010, 4:28PM

Photo: Noah K. Murray/The Star-LedgerKingston oxtails with sautéed vegetables and rice served at Mandeville. Noah K. Murray/The Star-Ledger

Restaurant reviewers are supposed to be cold, bloodless types, but we’d be lying if we didn’t confess to a pang of regret or sorrow when a favorite restaurant closes.
The Chronicle, situated in the former Chronicle newspaper building in downtown Orange, was a striking dining space, with hardwood floors, brick walls, even a grand piano at the entrance.
________________________________________
Mandeville, 15 S. Essex Ave., Orange; (973) 672-2900. Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.mw. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday. Website: mandevillenj.com.
________________________________________

The Chronicle, alas, didn’t last long — on my two visits, my friend Alison and I were the only ones there — but Mandeville, its replacement, hopes to change the dining dynamic.

The space is the same, but the menu is steadfastly Caribbean, compared with the soul/Southern/Caribbean/Cajun/CreCreole melange at the Chronicle. A little Johnny Osbourne and “No Ice Cream Sound’’ on the sound system in Mandeville, and you’re halfway to Kingston.
The restaurant, named after a town in Jamaica, offers live jazz on Thursday nights and a Sunday brunch. Will Mandeville outlast the Chronicle? Time will tell. But the initial signs are promising.

The Island Breeze salad, with romaine, carrots, roasted pecans and red onions ($6.75) didn’t break any new greens ground, but the citrusy avocado dressing is a delight.

The jerk chicken and avocado sandwich ($6.50), with tomato and lettuce, packs just enough spice to get your attention. The pulled pork sandwich ($6.75), marinated in herbs and spices, may be a distant cousin to the Southern barbecue standard, but it’s a lovable one.

Sandwiches come with a choice of French, plaintain or yucca fries; go with the yucca, deep-fried and thoroughly irresistible. Bet you can’t eat just one — or even 10.

The Maracas Bay chicken is simmered in a creamy coconut sauce with a dash of curry ($11), but all the flavors seemed masked, muted.

No such worries with the Governor General’s fish ($15), a whole parrotfish steamed in okra, ginger and onions, with smashed plaintains and crisp carrots.

Another hit: the Kingston oxtail stew ($13), a tender, tomatoey, stewy surprise.
Other dishes include jerk-seasoned uptown lamb chops ($20); Guyanese curried chicken ($9); reggae snapper ($14); Spanish Town salmon ($11); jerk pork ($12); a vegetarian black bean burger ($7.25); and a roasted corn, black bean and fresh mango salad ($6.50).

Dessert? The tropical bread pudding, with grilled bananas and a hard rum sauce ($6.50) manages to be as pleasing as a mid-morning breeze, but it’s no match for the triple chocolate cake ($8).

It’s rich, dense and liquidy. I shared the rest of the takeout order with colleagues, but not that cake.

I found Johnny Osbourne and “No Ice Cream Sound’’ on YouTube, put on my headphones and rocked out in sweet chocolate ecstasy.

Where should Pete eat next? Call him at (973) 392-1765 or e-mail pgenovese@starledger.com.

http://www.nj.com/entertainment/dining/index.ssf/2010/04/flavors_of_the_caribbean_in_or.html

Maplewood gets new Caribbean Flavored Hot Spot

Maplewood Gets Taste of 'iLand Breeze'

Thursday, 25 March 2010

Nikki Amos

MAPLEWOOD, NJ - iLand Breeze Café opened its doors on Saturday, March 20 to a flow of about 150 to 200 customers for their grand opening tasting event. And what a tasty event it was, with unique Caribbean dishes such as Calalloo stuffed chicken breast, jerk chicken pasta, pineapple chicken and so much more. The names of the dishes alone will make your palate water and wanting a taste of these exotic dishes.

Alton Henry and Avalia Moore have been partners for eight years and have more than 20 years of culinary experience between them. The duo has brought a taste of the Caribbean with a twist to Maplewood. Their passion for fresh food with unique taste was the driving force behind their idea to open the café. Henry and Moore pride themselves on being chefs who prepare fresh food to order and note that all their produce is organic.Moore specializes in pastries while Henry's forte is and Southern and Caribbean cuisine.

The two of them combined make a strong culinary force.The café offers dining in, take-out and catering. Henry and Moore also highlighted their "Trays to go" package. A full family meal starts from $19.99 that can feed a family of four to six. "Trays on the go" offer patrons a natural fresh food option instead of choosing fast food. As I visited the café, coconut and cranberry cookies were passed out to patrons as they waited for their orders.

The vibe of the café is light, laid back and comfortable, almost like a little café nestled in the Caribbean.

iLAND BREEZE CAFÉ & CATERING

1901 Springfield

AvenueMaplewood, NJ 07040

973-327-2307

Email: ilandbreezecc@comcast.net To view this e-mail address you need JavaScript enabled.

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Friday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday – 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Sunday - 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Email us at Local Talk localtalknews.com.

Mandeville comes to NJ with flare...

Mandeville Resturant is a contemporary, Caribbean-style food venue in a relaxed, warm and sophisticated atmosphere. Come for Thursday night Jazz or Sunday Brunch.

They cater too. Planning to celebrate, it's just the place, intimate with a nice flare, beautiful space all in Orange, NJ. Don't want to drive there, no problem take NJ Transit to the Orange Station and its just steps from the stations' parking lot...

Try the Jerk, Spanishtown Salmon, Maracas Bay Chicken, or Garlic Pork or the Codfish fritters and Demerara Shrimp... all these mouth watering flavors are yours to savor!

So head to Mandeville in Orange... See Roger and tell him the Community Collaborator sent you...

TUE - THU 11:00AM to 11:00PM
FRI & SAT 11:00AM to 1:00AM
SUN 10:00AM to 8:00PM
MON-CLOSED

Tel: 973 672-2900
Fax: 973 672-2998
email:info@mandevillenj.com
http://www.mandevillenj.com/home.htm