Bloomfield is blooming with two new exciting dining establishments in town. The Brookdale, which has been around since 2020, is now joined by Fanny’s Restaurant & Bar and Ladyfingers Bakery & Bar.
With aspirations to build a vibrant and influential empire akin to the famed Tao Group, Fanny’s team includes Chef Jonathan Kavourakis, Joey Cinque, Anthony Cinque, and Chef Cheyenne Intindola. Meanwhile, the Ladyfingers team includes Chef Lauren Kavourakis and Samara Sulin. Together, they’re generating a culinary legacy in New Jersey.
Fanny’s Restaurant & Bar
Fanny’s offers the finest Italian cuisine, infused with a touch of Jersey flair. The vibe is sophisticated, modern, and cool. Whether you’re planning a work reunion, celebrating a birthday, enjoying a casual drink, or on a romantic date, Fanny’s is your go-to destination.
The bar is intimate, while the dining room has both indoor and patio seating. The booths are lit from behind with a gentle glowing light complemented by stylish brick walls and contemporary decor. Enjoy classic cocktails or a selection from the curated wine list, which focuses on Italian varietals.
The food? Delish! Take your pick between homemade pasta dishes such as ravioli, gemelli carbonara, and lobster lumache. Dinner favorites include chicken marsala, steak pizzaiola, and pork chop Milanese. I tried and loved the burrata: The cheese was fresh, with a layer that was subtle but deliciously sweet!
“I made a promise to my Grandma Fanny that I would name an Italian restaurant after her,” said Anthony Cinque, co-partner. “I’m deeply honored to fulfill that promise and create an establishment that reflects her way of life.”
Queens of Dessert
Over at Ladyfingers Bakery & Bar, every item is fresh and sweet. As the third spot in this culinary hat trick, Ladyfingers is the brainchild creation of pastry chefs and owners Samara Sulin and Lauren Kavourakis.
Their concept is nothing short of unique, offering a fun twist on the conventional bakery experience. While you’ll find classic desserts, like cupcakes and cookies, you can also indulge in cocktails. Yes, that’s right, cocktails at a bakery! This is really a match made in heaven.
The Dynamic Team
The 5LC Group is the ownership team behind all three restaurants. Everyone on the team shares a natural synergy: a mix of spouses, old coworkers, and longtime friends who have united to build a restaurant empire. They’re an integral part of the booming dining scene in North Jersey.
Their collective expertise has allowed them to deliver delicious food, exciting dining experiences, and creative concepts. The team embarked on this journey by opening their first venture, The Brookdale, during the midst of the pandemic and have since expanded to take over an entire block in Bloomfield.
“We’re striving to transform the intersection of Broad and Watchung in Bloomfield into an exciting new destination,” said co-partnerJonathan Kavourakis. “The Brookdale offers an upscale bar and grill, serving delicious meals, screening all your favorite sporting events, or providing a spot for a late-night drink. Fanny’s is an exquisite Italian eatery offering superb food for everyday dining. Ladyfingers represents the new generation of bakeries, where you can find custom cakes, delectable desserts, pastries, coffees, and even enjoy a splendid cocktail or glass of wine. It’s one-stop shopping on Broad Street.”
Look out for the 5LC Group, they project opening several restaurants across the state in the next few years, bringing innovation — and mouthwatering cuisine — to everyone.
Fanny’s Restaurant & Bar
1109 Broad Street
Bloomfield, NJ
Ladyfingers Bakery & Bar
1109 Broad Street
Bloomfield, NJ