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Dining Out
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www.theconnectionsnj.com 732-356-3500 732-356-0100 Serving Lunch & Dinne r www.cafeveneziaofmartinsville.com 1938 Washington Valley Rd, Martinsville NJ 08836 BYOB Offering In-House & Off-Site Catering Any Party or Event Small or Big Call to Book Your Next Party or Event! Private Party Room Now Available Live Music on Valentine’s Day Reserve a Table Today! Tuesday - Friday Lunch and Dinner Sat. & Sunday Dinner Only Closed Monday Always Fresh - Never Frozen ALWAYS DELICIOUS! Come & Enjoy Authentic Italian Food Named top ten Restaurant on Open Table Rating SPICE ISLE 41 Mountain Boulevard Warren 908-834-8864 www.spiceislenj.com By: Sherry Kevoe Joyce Joseph Joyce Joseph, proprietor, has turned her passion for the flavors of the islands into her new restaurant Spice Isle, 41 Mountain Boulevard in Warren which opened in October, 2017. Joyce spent many years in finance on Wall Street and enjoyed a successful career but she longed to pursue her passion; something was missing. She had varied interests that went way beyond finance and it was finally time to make them a reality. With her love for food, wine, cooking and fine dining all over the world, Joyce decided to turn what was in her “DNA” into what is now Spice Isle. Upon meeting Joyce in this warm, beautifully appointed upscale restau- rant, you come away understanding her strong connection and excitement for the food her mom, from the Grenadines, prepared. Joyce enjoyed these home cooked meals when grow- ing up in New York City and while vis- iting the islands during the summer. Her goal is to introduce and promote ethnic and cultural diversity to people through food and music in a warm, upscale environment. The steel drum musician plays on Friday and Saturday between 6:30-8:30 pm, which adds to the ambience. “Caribbean cuisine, I believe, is underexposed. It’s just not out there. Particularly in central New Jersey where my restaurant is located,“ said Joyce. Joyce was not necessarily interested in doing the cooking but rather sought to utilize her managerial skills along with the help of a wonderful chef to bring the flavors of her culture to the public. After spending two years being mentored by some of the best chefs in New York, Joyce was excited and ready to begin. According to Joyce, “It is important for customers to know that Caribbean Fusion is a collection of different foods and spices from various Caribbean islands.” With jerk chicken from Jamaica and curry chicken roti from Trinidad and much more. For those who are fearful of “spicy” food, have no fear. This innovative chef is respon- sive to food intolerances particularly those with sensitive taste buds. Dietary concerns are always taken into consideration. Because there are such a wide variety of spices available, what may seem spicy is not at all but just a waking up of the palette. Joyce is most proud to be using farm to table produce and select meats from local farms in addition to New Jersey’s Alba Vineyards. Some cus- tomers are so fond of the Alba wines that they choose not to use their own wine. “We are a scratch kitchen using fresh ingredients to create flavors rem- iniscent of a tropical vacation in the Caribbean cuisine. Our diners escape to the islands in every bite of our qual- ity, tasty Caribbean cuisine,” according to Joyce. She learned cooking from her mother who made foods from farm to table when on the island of Carriacou in the Grenadines and incorporated her recipes in some of the dishes being offered. Although new to Warren, Joyce has already sponsored the Holiday Tree Lighting and is a member of the War- ren Chamber of Commerce. She has plans to become more involved in other community organizations, schools and forums in the future. Stop in or make a reservation to try Chef’s Calypso, Stewed Oxtails, Carib- bean Rice & Peas and much more. Hours for Lunch: Tuesday-Friday 11:30 am-2:30 pm, Dinner: Tuesday-Thursday 5-9 pm, Friday-Saturday 5-10 pm, Sun- day 4-8 pm, Monday closed. 41 Moun- tain Blvd., Warren. 908-834-8864, www.spiceislenj.com.Follow on Twitter or Instagram @spiceislerestaurant.