New Restaurant In Verona Offers Fresh Take On Mexican Cuisine

VERONA, NJ — A new restaurant and bar in Verona is offering a “rustic, beach-inspired ambiance” with a menu inspired by the rich culinary heritage of Mexico.

Nómada opened its doors at 700 Bloomfield Avenue earlier this week. The restaurant will be serving dinner from Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Lunch and brunch hours will launch at the end of February.

According to its owners, the town’s newest eatery “blends vibrant flavors with an atmosphere that merges the relaxed coastal aesthetics of modern-day Tulum with the lavish eccentricities of 1980s Acapulco.”

The restaurant is the latest enterprise from Skopos Hospitality – led by brothers Dean and Thomas Maroulakos – which owns and operates Franklin Social and The Junto Attic Bar in Jersey City, Parkside Social in Verona, The Barrow House in Clifton, Cowan’s Public in Nutley, and Gus’s Last Word in Wood-Ridge.

For the design, look and feel at Nómada, Skopos Hospitality co-founder and operating partner Dean Maroulakos wanted to transform a vacant building into a “rustic, beach-inspired atmosphere.” That manifested with eucalyptus trees, textured walls, classic colorful Mexican designs and arched doorways. Guests can relax on striped banquettes reminiscent of poolside lounge chairs, surrounded by tropical plants.

“We are excited to bring Nómada to Verona and introduce a fresh perspective on Mexican cuisine to our guests,” Maroulakos said.

“Our vision is to create a space that feels like an escape, where guests can enjoy exceptional food, inventive cocktails and an inviting ambiance,” Maroulakos added.

The menu is under the helm of executive chef Sabrina Goncalves, a Wood-Ridge native who has worked as the chef at Parkside Social for more than a year. Goncalves honed her skills at the North Jersey Country Club and expanded her culinary knowledge with an internship in Spain. Her other international travels, including a life-changing trip to Thailand, inspire her to blend Hispanic and Asian influences into her dishes.

Meanwhile, Nómada’s cocktail program will be spearheaded by Amarinys Luna, a Lodi native and Wallington resident who has nearly a decade of experience in the food and beverage industry.

Gabriela Lugo, a Newark native with family roots in Puerto Rico, will serve as the restaurant’s general manager.

Here are some things to expect to see on the menu:

FOOD

• Pollo Con Mole: rice, refried beans, oaxaca
• Camarones de Zarandeado: rice, avocado, tostones and limes
• Mojarra Frita: whole fried fish with mojo aioli, radish, jalapeño, and cabbage slaw
• Tacos (variety): Carne Asada, Salsa Verde Pollo, Camarones, Carnitas, and Carnita De Hongo
• Pozole: braised pork shoulder, radish, cabbage, jalapeño, hominy, and lime
• Tlayuda De Hongos: crisp tortilla, mushroom, refried beans, Oaxaca, ancho salsa, crema, jalapeño and cabbage slaw, avocado, lime
• Ceviche Del Dia: jicama, tomato, cucumber, pickled onion, cilantro, lime, takis

COCKTAILS

• Doña Flor: Montelobos Mezcal, Cazadores Reposado, Amaro Nonino, strawberry orgeat, agave, mint, lime, rosewater, grated nutmeg
• Cafe Maya: Espolòn Reposado tequila, tempus fugit banane liquor, Crème de cacao, compound coffee concentrate, nixta, mole, salted-piloncillo whipped cream
• El Papi Sabio: Nómada Single Barrel Anejo, Ilegal Mezcal, Averna Ancho Reyes, Ancestral agave, mole & orange bitters, chapulines

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