Nómada opens in Verona with 'relaxed coastal aesthetics' and Mexican-inspired menu
Nómada seeks to "blend vibrant flavors with an atmosphere that merges the relaxed coastal aesthetics of modern-day Tulum with the lavish eccentricities of 1980s Acapulco," according to a press release. It's the latest restaurant concept from Skopos Hospitality Group (Franklin Social and The Junto Attic Bar in Jersey City; Parkside Social in Verona; The Barrow House in Clifton, and more).
'We are excited to bring Nómada to Verona and introduce a fresh perspective on Mexican cuisine to our guests,' said Skopos Co-Founder Dean Maroulakos in the release. 'Our vision is to create a space that feels like an escape, where guests can enjoy exceptional food, inventive cocktails and an inviting ambiance."
Executive chef Sabrina Goncalves, a native of Wood-Ridge, was the chef at Parkside Social before moving to Nómada, and came up in the culinary world at the North Jersey Country Club.
More about Skopos Hospitality Group: Meet the hip, young brothers who are changing the restaurant landscape of North Jersey
Goncalves' menu marries the "rich culinary heritage of Mexico" with locally and regionally sourced ingredients. You'll find pollo con mole, camarones de Zarandeado (shrimp, rice, avocado, tostones and limes), mojarra frita (whole fried fish with mojo ailoi, radish, jalapeno and slaw) and a variety of tacos, including carne asada, salsa verde pollo, camarones and carnitas de hongos (mushrooms).
In addition to the individual plates, Nómada also serves shared plates like pozole with braised pork shoulder, radish, hominy, lime and cabbage; ceviche with a rotating seafood; and tlayuda de hongos (tortilla, mushroom, refried beans and more).
The cocktail program is lead by Amarinys Luna, who spent time with the teams at Concourse Club and Parkside Social. Offerings include both classic and innovative cocktails that highlight tequila, mezcal and other regional spirits.
Signature drinks include the Doña Flor (mezcal, reposado tequila, Amaro Nonino, strawberry orgeat, agave, mint, lime, rosewater and grated nutmeg) and the Cafe Maya (reposado tequila, banana liqueur, crème de cacao, coffee concentrate, mole and salted piloncillo (cane sugar) whipped cream). There are also margaritas and frozen drinks and the opportunity for tastings of tequila and mezcal from small producers.
Nómada will be serving dinner Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m.-1 a.m., and Sunday, 4-10 p.m. Lunch and brunch hours will launch at the end of February; check www.nomadanj.com for updates.
Go: Nómada. 700 Bloomfield Ave., Verona; 908-936-4296, nomadanj.com.
Matt Cortina is a food reporter for NorthJersey.com/The Record. Reach him at mcortina@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Nómada restaurant opens in Verona NJ with Mexican-inspired menu
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