Steven G. Sears
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
(973) 893-9011 · SGS@SGSWrite.com
South Park Bar & Grill Has Something For
Everyone
By Steven G. Sears
Eric Eylenstein, the new General Manager of South Park Bar &
Grill (30 South Park Street, Montclair (973) 744-0402) is discussing
table decorations for Easter Sunday with a co-worker. As he does so,
he looks and speaks with care.
There is a very good reason for this. He cares. And so does
his staff.
"We're here to offer a service. We're a team. And we're more
than willing to do whatever has to be done."
It is this focus on Guest Services that makes Eylenstein's
establishment one of the best. An upscale casual eatery, South Park
Bar & Grill rides the outstanding culinary talents of head chef
Andre Moreau with the "100% Guest Satisfaction" mantra to
a "Mission Accomplished" result. It is a belief Eylenstein,
a County College of Morris graduate and former Sous Chef and
Director of Restaurant Services at Nassau Inn in Princeton, has
passed down to his staff.
"They've (his staff) adjusted well. My mission has always
been that if I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it correctly."
Those are big statements. But at South Park Bar & Grill,
actions speak louder than words. The comfortable restaurant
anticipates many a guest's need and fills it. From the large but not
overly filled plates of delicious offerings to its nightly
entertainment, patrons always leave very satisfied.
Many selections abound on the diversified, classical American
menu. Moreau prepares meals with a wide array of personality. There
is something for everyone, and special requests can be accommodated.
"Prepare" is a key word here. The way the meal first
appears to the diner is key. "Presentation is important,"
says Eylenstein, "because the 'eye eats first'. We want the
customer to enjoy the experience. Volume may make money, but food
properly presented and enjoyed means return business. And that means
good service, that we've done our job."
And speaking of food, South Park Bar & Grill serves dinner
Monday-Saturday, Noon till 11pm, and on Friday and Saturday, food
(excluding dinner, 11pm till Midnight) is served until midnight.
Reasonably priced Appetizers and Starters range from $6.95 to $9.95,
and run the gamut from Fried Calamari and Stuffed Mushrooms to Mini
Cajun Cheese Chickens and Mini Cheeseburgers.
Like a certain salad? If you can name it, it's there, both in
large and small size, part of a new and expanded Spring menu. If
Burgers, Sandwiches and Wraps are your choice, two variety filled
pages of selections ranging from $5.95 to $9.95 are overly tempting.
The highlight of the varied menu (selections are also available
for to-go orders and soon will be available by delivery) may be the
delicious entrees. Many new Seafood, Pasta, Steak and Chicken
specialties have joined old favorites on the 8 ½ by 14 pages. I
understand the 14-ounce Filet Mignon for just $21.95 is a
"steal"; it will rob you of your hunger and keep you
satisfied.
In addition to food, the entertainment offered is top notch. If
you're a weekend sports enthusiast, enjoy the large bar area with 10
large televisions, all with satellite capability. Yes indeed, this
is the place to enjoy a cheeseburger cooked to your liking (please
do so-they're excellent!) with your favorite beverage and cheer on
your team.
On Tuesdays, Karaoke night features the area top voices vying in
contests as well as free giveaways from 10pm on. Wednesday is
Collegiate and Au Pair night specials night where, at 10pm, the
tables near the bar are moved and dancing the late evening hours
away is norm. The same ritual takes place on Friday and Saturday
evenings, while on Thursday live, contemporary music is the main
event.
No matter when you walk through the front doors, there is always
something going on. South Park Bar & Grill is succeeding at
creating a name for itself.
And it's further enhanced its image and reputation with an
improved outdoor dining area and…get this…a raw seafood bar, a
rarity in a strictly residential area. In addition to making the
Park and Church Street area more decorated and tranquil and patrons
more comfortable with the addition of small trees and a garden-like
setting, oysters, mussels, and shrimp will all be available
according to market price.
Eric Eylenstein welcomes competition. It's an opportunity for he
and South Park Bar & Grill to improve, "to better yourself
and your establishment. Without competition, you become lazy; with
it, you're forced to become innovative."
And in Montclair, restaurant competition is aplenty. There are
many players in a large arena. However, by combining some old,
"never gonna go out of style" rules like good service and
delicious food, and some new changes like the raw seafood bar,
enhanced outdoor dining and new menu offerings galore, customers
will exit South Park Bar & Grill's doors just as they did when
they made the smart choice to enter…
As winners!
