buzzworthy
Little Falls
MAJOR LEAGUER RETURNS TO HIS NEW JERSEY ROOTS
After years of playing for the Oakland A’s, Pittsburgh Pirates and other Major League teams,
northern New Jersey native VIN MAZZARO has returned to his home state. In May, the pitcher
signed to play with the New Jersey Jackals, whose home turf is Yogi Berra Stadium in Little Falls.
Mazzaro made his Major League debut straight out of Rutherford High School in 2009 with
the A’s, and had his best year in 2010, when he logged 50 walks and 79 strikeouts. After joining
the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2012, he made three scoreless appearances during the National League
Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. “Vin is a talented local athlete with extensive Major
League experience and versatility,” notes Jackals manager Brooks Carey.
Montclair
AUTHENTIC FLAVORS AND FRESH FISH
AVAILABLE AT NEW EATERY
Sisters Noelle Hozumi and Bridget Placek, along with
Bridget’s husband, Dave, recently opened LITTLE BEAR
POKE in Upper Montclair. The sisters grew up eating
poke—fresh, raw fish bowls seasoned and augmented per
customer preference, ala Chipotle. They consulted with friend
and Kauai restaurateur John Adams to create the menu; to ensure
freshness, the fish is delivered daily from Local 130 Seafood in Asbury Park. Signature bowls are
named after family members, including the Kenzo (named for Placek’s son), made with arctic
char, asparagus and roasted macadamia nuts. Onigiri—rice balls seasoned with sesame salt and
wrapped in nori—are another menu staple. For the sweet tooth, there’s Shave Ice: mounds of
fluffy ice flakes dressed in sweet house-made syrups. Online ordering for pickup is available.
• 254 Bellevue Ave., (973) 337-5151, littlebearpoke.com
Montclair
ECLECTIC CHIC BOUTIQUE IS UNIQUE
What’s different about ECLECTIC CHIC BOUTIQUE, the new shop in downtown Montclair that
carries jewelry, bath and body products, cards and other gift items? The store’s products are all
made by artisans who belong to the collective of the same name. More than 40 members of the
group called the Eclectic Chic Boutique, who already contribute to the website, now provide
goodies for sale at the store. It is the collective’s first permanent bricks and mortar location (a
pop-up store version on Midland Avenue was open for six months, and was successful enough to
inspire the new location). Prices range from $4 for floral bath salts to $250 for the Peach Blossom
Dress. Another advantage of having a physical location: A room is available onsite for crafts classes
and parties. At right, Boutique owner Kristen Zachares. • 547 Bloomfield Ave., (862) 221-0644,
theeclecticchicboutique.com
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BACK TO SCHOOL 2018 MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE
PHARMACIE LIQUOR BAR CURES
WHAT AILS YOU
You might not expect a place with the word
“pharmacie” in its name to serve fish tacos
and pork belly sliders, but the brunch and
dinner menus at PHARMACIE LIQUOR
BAR, the house restaurant of the Wellmont
Theater, are certainly designed to make you
feel good. Named for the historic Wellmont
Pharmacy that once flanked the entrance
to the theater, the eatery provides as many
liquid options as dishes for brunch. Have a
Gentleman’s Fig with your avocado toast at
brunch, or a Corpse Revolver alongside your
dinner cheeseburger. The synergy between
the Wellmont and Pharmacie has created new
music-and-dining op