New restaurant features a martini bar, too

Hardyston —Vineyards Restaurant, Shadow Lounge has opened on Route 94 at the site formerly occupied by the Hayloft and more recently The Big Red Barn. The building has been completely gutted and rebuilt to wow even the toughest critics, say its owners, The Sussex Restaurant Group. The blending of these two diverse, high-energy establishments was the brainchild of restaurant and nightclub entrepreneurs Thomas Bernard and Luis Santana, who have over 30 years of combined industry experience — including restaurant management, entertainment and culinary production. Acclaimed Executive Chef Patrick Yves Pierre-Jerome, known for his distinctive French-influenced Contemporary American cuisine, serves an eclectic menu and offers a Tapas menu in the lounge. Chef Pierre launched his career at the United Nations Plaza Hotel. He then furthered his studies in France for one year before returning to the United States serving at the Peninsula Hotel, then called the Maxium du Paris, and several New Jersey restaurants. Chef Pierre then opened Yves Restaurant, hailed as a top dining destination in Montclair, where twice he gained four stars from the Star-Ledger. He then moved on to Stage Left in New Brunswick, where he was consistently honored as one of the best chefs in New Jersey serving four-star cuisine. Chef Pierre says he is very excited to have the opportunity to introduce Sussex County to his unique causal, eclectic dining experience. After the meal, guests can continue relax in the ultra chic and modern martini lounge, the Shadow Lounge, where cocktail servers pour over 50 signature martinis table-side. Dancing, and special feature parties are offered, such as those given by Grey Goose Vodka and Bacardi Rum, that feature New York CIty disc jockeys. For more information visit www.vineyardsrestaurant.net and www.njshadow.com.