Bonney Read popular restaurant on Cookman Avenue will close; then reopen with another name and concept. Click to enlarge. Paul Goldfinger photo. Blogfinger.net
Paul Goldfinger, Editor Blogfinger.net
The successful owner of The Bonney Read Restaurant and The Black Swan Restaurant, James Avery, will be closing the Bonney Read from Sept 30-Oct 1; then reopening Nov 1 as The Mainstay.
For us it was our favorite Cookman eatery.
This new restaurant will feature a predominant social “vibe” with lighter and less expensive quality food. They will keep some of the Read’s most popular items like fish and chips, burgers and lobster roles. New items will be created.
Bonney Read lobster roll. Paul Goldfinger photo. A bit pricey at over $30.00 but delicious. Blogfinger.net.
The location in the Steinbach Building will be the same with its wonderful views out the windows.
The owner spoke about parking problems. (Tri-City News)
We know about the parking crisis in the Grove due to Cookman Avenue workers and customers on the weekends.
Avery mentioned that many Cookman customers come and go in Ubers.
We drove into Cookman last week on a rainy Thursday, but we drove out due to trouble parking near the Read. We need to sign up with Uber, or we will walk, weather permitting.
Will any of you Grovers tell us which Cookman restaurants you prefer?
I guess Taka is the most popular.
COLE PORTER: “You Do Something to Me.” From his Greatest Hits album.
I read about him in the Tri-City News interview. Yes Bonney Read was successful; it was our favorite on Cookman, but it was expensive. Now the chef wanted something different: with a bigger bar scene and a more everyman menu. I haven’t been there yet, but you may be right judging from comments we heard.
In September we posted a blogpost on this subject, with photos and music:
https://wp.me/pqmj2-NEY
Not sure why he would ruin a successful, good thing by adding potato skins and waffle fries? Who is he catering to…children with drinking problems? What a shame. Could work in Seaside or even Belmar but can’t imagine this being sustained for more than 6 months.