Food Network Chopped Champion's Maize Cocina & Cocktails Opens Tuesday In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — Maize Cocina & Cocktails is opening its doors at the historic Westfield train station on Tuesday.

Owners Jesa Henneberry, a Food Network "Chopped" Champion, and Kamal Arora are opening the restaurant at 301 N Avenue West.

Offering a unique Mexican Fusion experience, the new restaurant will combine the rich traditions of Mexican cuisine with innovative global influences, promising an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Henneberry's accolades include her role as the creative culinary consultant behind Jajaja, a top plant-based Mexican restaurant, and her victory on Food Network’s Chopped.

With experience from Heritage Grand Bakery, Urbanspace Food Halls, and Le Pain Quotidien, Chef Jesa will now bring her culinary expertise to New Jersey.

Co-owner Arora, CEO of Arora Hospitality, brings extensive experience in promoting Indian cuisine globally.

After transitioning from managing Bikanerwala in Delhi to founding Moghul Express and Moghul Catering in the US, Kamal has influenced the culinary scene with ventures like Mithaas, Urban Spice, and Papa Pancho.

"Maize Cocina & Cocktails showcases a thoughtfully curated menu that celebrates the versatility of corn and sustainable agriculture. Highlights include the Mexican Bar Pie with masa crust, Chilaquiles Onion Soup, Octopus al Pastor with pineapple purée, Bloody Maria Shrimp Cocktail, Black Garlic Mochiko ChickenTaco, Bavette Steak & Masa Frites and Concha Pate au Choux," according to Maize.

"The opening of Maize is a prime example of a public/private partnership that provided a tremendous opportunity to repurpose an underutilized and deteriorating iconic Town asset and drive downtown economic development," said Mayor Shelley Brindle. "In return for granting a concessionaires liquor license only available for municipal-owned properties, Jesa and Kamal thoughtfully and extensively restored this historic building that will deliver tremendous benefits to the community. Maize will serve as the anchor of a reimagined north side town square and play a vital role in the ongoing renaissance we are experiencing in Downtown Westfield. We are thrilled to partner with Jesa and Kamal, who see the value of a long-term investment in our community."

Henneberry and Arora made a significant private investment to ensure that the building, which dates back to 1892, is restored in a manner consistent with its origins.

The restaurant accommodates 100 guests indoors in an expansive 3,050 square-foot space, with outdoor seating coming next Spring.