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  • Bar Mutz: Chef Robbie Felice’s New Mozzarella Bar is a Must-Visit in Westwood, NJ

    Chef Robbie Felice Expands His Culinary Empire with Bar Mutz in Westwood, NJ

    Chef Robbie Felice, a James Beard Rising Star Chef semifinalist, continues to make waves in the New Jersey dining scene with his latest venture, Bar Mutz. This modern Italian trattoria and mozzarella bar, located in downtown Westwood, brings a fresh and interactive take on classic Italian cuisine, further solidifying Felice’s reputation as an innovative culinary mastermind.

    From Viaggio Ristorante in Wayne to Osteria Crescendo in Westwood and the Wafu-Italian fusion pastaRAMEN, Felice has continuously pushed the boundaries of Italian dining. With Bar Mutz, he blends traditional flavors with a creative edge, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers in New Jersey.

    What Makes Bar Mutz Unique?

    Opened in February 2025, Bar Mutz focuses on handcrafted mozzarella and traditional Southern European flavors, offering an elevated yet fun dining experience.

    Signature Menu Highlights:

    ✔ Mozzarella Bar Experience – Fresh mozzarella, stracciatella, and burrata, crafted daily in front of guests.
    ✔ Creative Small Plates – Unique takes on classics like mozzarella sticks with hot honey and sour milk, handmade pastas, and house-made cured meats.
    ✔ Classic Italian Favorites – Meatballs, burrata with prosciutto, and gourmet panini, all prepared with top-tier ingredients.
    ✔ Craft Cocktails & Wine Selection – A menu designed to complement the rich flavors of authentic Italian cuisine.

    A Fresh Take on Italian Dining

    Felice describes Bar Mutz as “not your traditional stale Italian restaurant,” but rather a place where guests can enjoy high-quality ingredients in a lively, modern setting. Whether you’re indulging in freshly pulled mozzarella or sipping on a carefully curated cocktail, the experience is designed to be authentic yet innovative.

    The Culinary Journey of Chef Robbie Felice

    Before becoming one of New Jersey’s most celebrated chefs, Robbie Felice built an impressive résumé, working at some of the world’s most prestigious restaurants.

    Felice’s Career Highlights:

    • Babbo (NYC) – Worked under Mario Batali, perfecting classic Italian techniques.
    • B&B Ristorante (Las Vegas) – Advanced to sous chef, managing the restaurant’s salumi program.
    • Michelin-Starred Training in Europe – Worked at Pure-C in the Netherlands and The Jane in Belgium, refining his skills in Michelin-star kitchens.
    • The Modern (NYC) – Returned to the U.S. to work at one of New York’s top fine-dining destinations.

    In 2016, Felice co-founded Viaggio Ristorante in Wayne, NJ, which quickly gained acclaim for its modern take on Italian cuisine. In 2019, he opened Osteria Crescendo in Westwood, further establishing his presence in the New Jersey dining scene.

    However, Felice’s biggest breakthrough came with pastaRAMEN, a Wafu-Italian fusion omakase that blends Italian and Japanese flavors. Initially a secret pop-up, it evolved into a full-scale restaurant in Montclair, NJ, in 2023.

    Now, with Bar Mutz, Felice is taking a more casual yet refined approach to authentic Italian dining, focusing on high-quality, simple ingredients done the Italian way.

    Why Bar Mutz is a Must-Visit in New Jersey

    With New Jersey’s culinary scene booming, Bar Mutz is a welcome addition for those who appreciate authentic Italian flavors with a modern twist.

    Reasons to Visit Bar Mutz:

    ⭐ Innovative Italian Cuisine – Authentic flavors meet modern creativity in a fun, engaging setting.
    ⭐ Freshly Made Mozzarella – Interactive mozzarella bar, offering freshly crafted cheese daily.
    ⭐ Lively Atmosphere – A casual yet stylish space that brings a new energy to downtown Westwood.
    ⭐ Robbie Felice’s Culinary Expertise – With a Michelin-starred background, Felice ensures that every dish is executed to perfection.

    Located next to Osteria Crescendo, Bar Mutz is the perfect spot for a memorable night out, whether you’re indulging in handmade pasta, premium Italian meats, or craft cocktails.

    Final Thoughts: A Culinary Visionary at Work

    With Bar Mutz, Robbie Felice continues to redefine Italian dining in New Jersey, offering a fresh perspective on classic dishes while staying true to his philosophy of “insanely simple food, the way it’s done in Italy.”

    As his restaurant empire grows, Felice remains a driving force behind New Jersey’s culinary evolution, proving that innovation and tradition can go hand in hand.

    📍 Visit Bar Mutz in Westwood, NJ, and experience one of the most exciting new restaurants in the state!

    More About Robbie Felice:

    🌎 Website: Robbie Felice Official
    📸 Instagram: @robbiefelice
    🍽 pastaRAMEN: pastaRAMEN Official

  • Nelita: A Taste of Italy with Brazilian Flair

    Nelita: A Taste of Italy with Brazilian Flair

    by Richard Jarocki

    Nelita: São Paulo’s Hidden Gem for Elevated Italian Cuisine

    São Paulo is a city known for its world-class dining scene, and among its many gastronomic treasures is Nelita, a contemporary Italian-inspired restaurant that has been making waves with its refined yet approachable take on modern cuisine. Located in the upscale neighborhood of Pinheiros, Nelita offers an intimate and carefully curated dining experience that showcases the best of fresh, seasonal ingredients with a distinct Brazilian influence.

    A Visionary Chef at the Helm

    Nelita is the brainchild of Chef Tássia Magalhães, a rising star in the culinary world who has trained under some of Brazil’s most celebrated chefs. Her philosophy revolves around simplicity, elegance, and impeccable execution, bringing a fresh perspective to traditional Italian flavors while incorporating local Brazilian elements in an innovative and thoughtful way.

    The Ambiance: Minimalist Sophistication

    Stepping into Nelita, guests are welcomed into a space that balances warmth and modernity. The restaurant features a minimalist yet inviting design, with soft lighting, natural textures, and an intimate atmosphere that makes it perfect for a relaxed yet elevated dining experience. The open kitchen concept allows diners to catch glimpses of Chef Tássia and her team crafting each dish with precision.

    The Menu: Italian Roots with a Brazilian Soul

    Nelita’s menu is a tribute to Italian cuisine, reimagined with Brazilian ingredients and a contemporary twist. Some of the standout dishes include:

    • Housemade Pastas – The pasta selection is ever-changing, but dishes like Tortelli filled with Canastra cheese or Tagliolini with sea urchin and bottarga highlight the chef’s ability to blend bold flavors with delicate execution.
    • Raw & Cured Specialties – The crudos and tartares, such as the Scallop Crudo with tangerine and Sicilian lemon, offer a refreshing start to the meal.
    • Seasonal Produce-Driven Plates – Chef Tássia’s focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients shines through in dishes like roasted heart of palm with beurre blanc and grilled octopus with açaí gastrique.
    • Decadent Desserts – End your meal with creations like Nelita’s signature tiramisu, which adds a unique Brazilian spin to the classic Italian dessert.

    The Tasting Menu Experience

    For those who want to fully immerse themselves in Nelita’s culinary artistry, the tasting menu is a must-try. Offering a carefully curated sequence of 11 courses, this experience showcases the best seasonal ingredients and highlights Chef Tássia’s ability to craft harmonious flavors. Some highlights from the tasting menu include:

    • Tomato flower with vanilla and buffalo milk – A delicate and surprising start that balances sweetness and acidity.
    • Beetroot with radish, yogurt, and pudding grass – A beautifully plated dish that enhances earthy and creamy textures.
    • Scallops with peach palm and leek – A refined seafood course with subtle sweetness and smokiness.
    • Linguini with carrots and roe – Showcasing Nelita’s pasta craftsmanship with rich umami depth.
    • Fish with cassava and seaweed – A dish that marries Brazilian staples with oceanic elements.
    • Pork with pear and toasted bread – A hearty, balanced course with a combination of textures and flavors.
    • Choux with mango – A light and airy pre-dessert that refreshes the palate.
    • Acerola’s bombom – A playful and tangy bite to conclude the meal.

    The tasting menu is perfectly complemented by expertly selected wine pairings, enhancing each dish with thoughtfully chosen vintages that elevate the dining experience to another level.

    The Wine & Cocktail Program

    Nelita’s beverage selection is as meticulously crafted as its menu. The restaurant boasts a well-curated wine list, featuring both Old and New World selections that pair beautifully with the menu’s flavors. The cocktail program is equally impressive, with house creations that incorporate Brazilian fruits, herbs, and premium spirits.

    Why Nelita Stands Out

    What makes Nelita special is its ability to deliver a dining experience that feels both luxurious and comforting. It’s a restaurant that embraces the best of both worlds—drawing from Italy’s rich culinary heritage while embracing Brazil’s diverse and vibrant flavors. This balance, combined with Chef Tássia’s talent and passion, has earned Nelita a well-deserved reputation as one of São Paulo’s must-visit dining destinations.

    Final Thoughts

    Having personally dined at Nelita, I can confidently say that the experience was nothing short of exceptional. The 11-course tasting menu, with its carefully curated sequence of dishes, was a highlight, offering an unforgettable journey through flavors and textures. The wine pairings were equally remarkable, perfectly complementing each dish and enhancing the overall experience. If you’re looking for an outstanding Italian-inspired meal in São Paulo, Nelita is a restaurant that should be on your radar. Whether you’re a pasta enthusiast, a lover of seafood, or simply someone who appreciates thoughtful, beautifully executed cuisine, Nelita promises a dining experience that is both memorable and satisfying. Be sure to reserve a table in advance, as this intimate gem has quickly become one of the city’s most sought-after spots for a refined culinary journey.

    Have you dined at Nelita? Share your experience in the comments below!