[photo source: Grange]

Update: Grange Westwood is now open

Grange, which means a farmhouse or farm estate, is prepping their space along the heavily trafficked Westwood Ave. The BYOB establishment will showcase the chef’s modern take on classic American dishes. The restaurant will seat 40 in its rustic dining room.

We mentioned a few days ago that Christine Nunn, former chef/owner of Picnic (Fair Lawn) and Picnic Catering (Emerson), will be helming the kitchen. Nunn has won numerous awards for her cuisine, including 3.5 stars from NJ Monthly and The Star Ledger, “Excellent” from The Record (where she once served as fine dining critic), Best New Restaurant from Zagats Guide and winner of the Ultimate Chef Bergen County competition in 2009. The proprietor is Brian Powell (a native of Bergen County), who locally worked at America bar + restaurant (Tenafly) and Chakra (Paramus). He also conceived and opened Southampton bistro Orchard + Vine.

The all-new interior at Grange is being designed using reclaimed wood for the the floor and walls. 150 year old hemlock beams, salvaged from an historic building in New Jersey, will span the entire ceiling. The rustic room will be finished with a wood burning stove, but will have modern design quirks with industrial fixtures.

The opening is expected to be mid-April, so stayed tuned as the finalized date will be posted here when announced.

Grange 31 Westwood Avenue, Westwood, NJ Website