Park Ridge welcomes culinary luminary Christine Nunn as the new executive chef of Esty Street, a distinguished American restaurant that has been a cornerstone of fine dining in Bergen County since 1992. Nunn, celebrated for her innovative menus and leadership at acclaimed restaurants like Picnic in Fair Lawn and Picnic on the Square in Ridgewood, both of which she led to success before their closure, is poised to elevate Esty Street’s already impressive reputation. A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America and a Fair Lawn resident, Chef Nunn brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to this beloved dining establishment.
Chef Christine Nunn at Esty Street Restaurant in Park Ridge
A Storied Culinary Journey Leads to Esty Street
Chef Nunn’s impressive resume showcases a consistent dedication to culinary excellence and innovation. Beyond her celebrated tenures at Picnic and Picnic on the Square, she is also the author of “The Preppy Cookbook” and the owner of Picnic Catering. Her experience extends to executive chef roles at Grange in Westwood and as the opening chef for Fables at Fairy Tale Forest in Oak Ridge. She also lent her expertise as a consulting chef for Celtic Corner in Hawthorne, demonstrating her versatility and broad appeal within the New Jersey dining scene. This rich and varied background makes her uniquely qualified to lead the kitchen at Esty Street.
Esty Street Welcomes a Seasoned Chef
Joachim “Kim” Costagliola, owner of Esty Street since 2008, expressed his enthusiasm for Chef Nunn’s arrival. Costagliola, who acquired the restaurant during the tenure of Adam Weiss, a two-time Ultimate Chef Bergen County winner, emphasized the importance of maintaining Esty Street’s high culinary standards. Weiss, who served as executive chef for 14 years and garnered three-star reviews for Esty Street from prestigious publications like The Record and New Jersey Monthly, set a high bar. “I knew I needed a bigger culinary presence in my kitchen,” Costagliola stated, confident that “Christine can uphold the culinary standards that Esty Street has always tried to maintain.” This appointment signals Esty Street’s commitment to continued excellence and innovation in the fine dining landscape of Park Ridge.
A Taste of Innovation: Nunn’s Playful American Menu
Chef Nunn herself is excited to be back in the kitchen and contributing to Esty Street’s legacy. “It’s nice to be back in the game,” she remarked, eager to introduce her culinary vision to Esty Street’s discerning clientele. Her new menu is described as “playful American,” promising a blend of classic techniques with innovative twists and familiar favorites elevated to new heights.
Signature Dishes and Playful American Cuisine
Diners at Esty Street can anticipate the arrival of some of Chef Nunn’s signature creations. Among the highlights are her renowned lobster rolls, which she describes as “a perennial favorite.” The menu will also feature crispy Ipswich belly clams served with a zesty remoulade sauce, and a decadent filet mignon presented in a rich sherry cream sauce accompanied by wild mushrooms. Adding a touch of luxury and whimsy, caviar-topped deviled eggs will also grace the menu. Further demonstrating the breadth of her culinary style, Chef Nunn will offer pan-seared Hudson Valley foie gras served on a stack of silver-dollar pancakes and cedar-planked salmon paired with sweet potatoes. These additions promise to enrich the Esty Street dining experience, blending familiar comforts with exciting new flavors.
Esty Street is located at 86 Spring Valley Road, Park Ridge, NJ. For reservations or inquiries, they can be reached at 201-307-1515 or through their website at estystreet.com.
This article is based on reporting from Esther Davidowitz of NorthJersey.com.
