What's Cookin' with Fair Haven Eateries

A full plate of information on Fair Haven eateries, present and near future, has been dished up lately.

First, in line with the governing body's vision of a Fair Haven flush with outdoor dining, strolling and socializing, more and more tables are popping up on sidewalk space, front yards and sides of restaurants/cafes.

In addition to the tables already filling up outside of Tavolo Pronto, the new Balderose Fine Foods Market and the just-approved four tables of two coming soon outside of Kind Burgers, the Borough Council recently approved four tables with 12 chairs outside at Umberto and a five tables with 20 chairs at Fairwinds Deli.

According to the revised borough planning and zoning ordinances as they relate to the outdoor dining provision, after the a nod of approval from the chief of police, fire officials and the zoning officer, the Borough Council retains final approval rights on the matter for any permit application.

Balderose's opening a couple of weeks ago went smoothly and the on-the-go prepared fine foods establishment has just announced on its Facebook page that, due to popular demand, breakfast sandwiches are now offered.

"... Please come by and try one," a post says. The eatery is open from Mondays through Fridays from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. For now, owners advise, Balderose is closed on Sundays so they can finish some unforseen work inside.

"We are working on a couple of changes to the store, and plan on tackling those projects on Sundays," owner Tony Balderose said.

Down River Road, the Sandy-afflicted Sea Bright transplant Kind Burgers, according to its Facebook page, will be open shortly. "Thank you for your patience Friends (stet)," a post on the page said. "We are busy making some finishing touches. Stay tuned for our grand opening date."

And, in the other direction on River Road, at the new Booskerdoo, owners say they're in the middle of remodeling, but almost done.

The big news there is that, for creatures of habit who were very loyal to barista Trudi Williams from the former Java Stop, Booskerdoo has recruited her. She's training and she'll be in her usual spot, different ownership, when they open.

"A lot of Fair Haven folks have been asking about local celebrity barista Trudi Williams ... 'Is Trudi coming back?' has become a very common question," a post says. "Trudi was a Java Stop barista since the beginning ... that's 12 years! And she will continue! She came in for some training today. We are super excited to have her on the team ..."

Kind Burgers is also hiring. Check with Balderose and Booskerdoo as well if you're looking for work. Bon apetit!