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ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS HERALD |
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by Bernice Roberts ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ — Like a masterpiece unveiled, Julia’s Restaurant opened on Friday, April 8, at 91 First Avenue, Atlantic Highlands. The ribbon cutting ceremony was performed by John Valentin, owner; Joseph Imbrenda, chef and managing partner; Senator Joseph M. Kyrillos; Marie Valentin and Arnold Valentin. The beginnings of Julia’s, named for John and Arnold’s memorable grandmother, stemmed from a friendship between two in the family, John’s sister-in-law, Elisabeth and Chef Joe’s sister, Victoria. Their friendship grew to embrace both families, and Joe’s excellence as chef brought them together for many celebrated happenings in both families. During much of that time John Valentin was playing for the Boston Red Sox and then the New York Mets, while Joe Imbrenda was busy perfecting his skill and talent for food artistry. That quality of friendship is apparent today by the mingle of those two engaging families who bring their tradition of warmth and hospitality to Julia’s.
Chef Joe’s presentations included mini jumbo-lump crab cakes, shrimp and scallops ceviche, and his culinary surprise - a champagne-melon shooter topped with proscuitto. Chef Joe’s foods will be prepared in a hearty blend of Mediterranean styles that will bring the essences of Italian country dishes to share the menu with other appetite pleasers such as paella. Décor is by Anna Maria Mannarino of Mannarino Designs, Inc. She artfully merged period pieces reminiscent of English simplicity and Gallic romance. The result is a quiet elegance that provides the ideal setting for a healthy appetite and good conversation while the cuisine preparation assures a healthy digestion. Julia’s will be open every day except Monday for lunch and for dinner. Its piano sits in the rear of the dining room, signaling the expectation of entertainment on some Saturday occasions. Julia’s will offer cooking lessons, to be provided on Mondays by Chef Joe. This further places Julia’s as a unique and unrivaled happening in the world of hospitality. As the certainty for success always matches the passion of its creators, then it has already arrived. Julia’s is pure joy.
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