South City Prime steakhouse in Little Falls boasts chic contemporary style and cutting-edge cuisine.

Softly lit crystal chandeliers and glowing fireplaces set a sophisticated mood that is conducive to a fine meal at this modern supper club. Each dining room displays a montage of style. In one dining area, plush floor-to-ceiling upholstery is a luxurious surprise after the ultra modern wood exterior. In another room, towers of wine bottles enclosed in glass cases add interest and offer a hint of privacy. The spacious lounge offers an eye-level, sixteen-foot-long fireplace and three-sided bar.

The exciting decor sets the stage for an extensive menu. Appetizers consist of options such as hand-cut Ahi tuna tartar, crispy buttermilk chicken lollypops, and a variety of inventive sushi specialty rolls, such as the Translucent, a white radish wrap with yellowtail, whitefish, white tuna, scallions, white sesame seeds, and Yuzu sauce. Entrées include plentiful choices of beef, including a Kansas City 20-ounce strip, 10-ounce hanger steak, 12-ounce all-natural New York strip, porterhouse cuts, and, of course, a selection of American and Japanese Wagyu dishes.

Seafood lovers are not forgotten. An extensive raw bar and salmon, lobster, and tuna selections are available.
For a delicious ending, decadent desserts such as the classic New York cheesecake, a silky chocolate mousse cake, and South City Prime’s own baked apple crisp made by the restaurant’s pastry chef (no need for calorie counting at this point).
The hundreds of bottles of wine on display include exotic wines from Italy and New Zealand as well as California vintages, which range in price from $40 to $250
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Owners Joshua Dorras, Errick Paragioudakis, and Graeme Dorras opened South City Prime in Little Falls at the start of the New Year. “It is modern, sexy and clubby,” says co-owner Joshua Dorras, “but not too over-the-top.” The restaurateurs also own the South City Grill, which has locations in Mountain Lakes, Jersey City, and Rochelle Park.


Paragioudakis and father-son team Graeme and Joshua Dorras have already made plans to add other locations. South City Prime steakhouses are in the works in Montvale and Jersey City. Both are currently under construction with plans to open later this year. —Ashley Howard

A Taste of Italy

The hustle and bustle of Montclair’s downtown fades away the minute you step foot into the cozy confines of Mama Giola’s. Wood-paneled walls are paired with exposed brick. Hardwood floors, copper-colored tin ceilings, and a stained glass picture window with an image of “Mama­” are welcoming.

The lighting is soft and a wall-mounted fireplace adds warmth to this two-room, 80-seat, BYO restaurant, which opened last October. Servers are attentive and knowledgeable. It is easy to settle in and feel as though you are at the table of a friend. On the menu, you’ll find classic favorites such as hearty pasta e Fagioli, cheese ravioli, and Mama’s special Old World spaghetti and meatballs, along with an array of pasta, seafood, chicken, and meat dishes. Departing slightly from standard traditions, Mama Giola’s also offers specials such as the Fusili mare e Monti: sautéed rock shrimp and shitake mushrooms in a fresh pesto sauce, served over spiral pasta.

Homemade desserts include tiramisu, chocolate lava cake, and, of course, the quintessential cannoli, along with daily specials. By evening’s end, you are sure to leave Mama’s table relaxed and thoroughly sated. ­—Deborah Carter

Inspired Aesthetics

Born in india and educated in england, artist Rasika Reddy’s diverse background serves as inspiration in her art. The Summit resident sees her work as a medium for understanding other cultures. Her mixed media and acrylic works, are often infused with religious symbolism layered to create depth and to portray how the blending of a variety of cultures can achieve something moving and beautiful. Reddy’s works are on display and for sale (prices range from $700-$1,000) at the Community Theatre Gallery in Morristown.

Go, Listen, & Explore
Places to enjoy art & culture in your neighborhood

Music
The Community Theatre at the Mayo Center for the Performing Arts in Morristown is presenting its first series of summer concerts this year—and there are plenty of big names on the roster. Headliners range from the Beach Boys to blues icon B.B. King, country superstars Vince Gill and Trisha Yearwood, and jazz keyboardist Herbie Hancock. It is “part of our long-range plan to be a year-round performing arts center,” says Ed Kirchdoerffer, marketing director. “We think our regulars will enjoy the summer options, but we’re also hoping that this will be a draw for people coming into Morris County to enjoy everything else this area has to offer.”

The fourteen-show series kicks off in June. Shows start at 8 pm. Log on to mayoarts.org for more information.

The Mayo may have Herbie Hancock, but there are plenty of other options for jazz lovers. Derek Smith (May 12) and “Boogie Bob” Seeley (June 30) are appearing at the 300-seat Bickford Theatre in Morristown. For those who like to mix it up, Dan Levinson and top reed players Nik Payton on tenor sax and clarinet and Alex Mendham on the alto sax come together on June 9 in a tribute to Kenny Davern. Sponsored by the Wyeth Corporation, the shows begin at 8 pm and tickets start at $13 for weekdays, $15 on weekends. Call (973) 971-3706 for information.

At the Van Vleck House in Montclair, the annual Mother’s Day concert—Sunday, May 11 at 1 pm—will kick off its season of music. Throughout the summer Van Vleck will host performances of jazz, show tunes, and opera. The free concerts will be held on June 4, July 31, and August 13.

“Other years, we held concerts each weekend in May,” says Mary Keselica, communications manager. “[But] by spreading the concerts over the summer months, we will be able to offer a greater variety of music for those looking to enjoy a summer night outdoors.” For more details on events visit vanvleck.org.



Night life
While you’re down the shore this summer, enjoy a night out at the Headliner in Neptune. This Jersey icon hosts 3,000 chanting party-goers every Saturday night. Unforgettable hypnotic house beats, stiff drinks, and the a sexy crowd make for a good time at this indoor-outdoor venue. Call 732-775-6200 for information.

Arts and Crafts
Hey, art lovers: why spend a beautiful summer day indoors perusing a museum, when you could browse and purchase extraordinary art, jewelry, photography, ceramics, and sculpture from New Jersey artisans at The Montclair Cooperative School’s 39th Annual Art in the Park? Held on the grounds of the Montclair Art Museum on May 3 and 4 from 10 am to 6 pm, festivities include live music, a BBQ by Whole Foods, teen workshops, yoga tents, and a children’s art pavilion with hands-on art activities. Suggested admission is $5.

If the Montclair show leaves you wanting more, check out the Rose Squared Productions show coming to Verona on May 17-18; Cranford on May 31-June 1, and Montclair on June 14-15. The annual show features 140-175 fine art, photography, sculpture, and furniture exhibitors. The free shows are 10 am to 5 pm. —Jennifer L. Nelson