Home Events + News Maize Cocina + Cocktails Takes Over Historic Westfield Train Station

Maize Cocina + Cocktails Takes Over Historic Westfield Train Station

by Diana Cooper
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Maize Cocina + Cocktails has officially taken over the historic Westfield Train Station. Located at 301 North Avenue West in Westfield, New Jersey, Maize provides a unique Mexican Fusion experience — from authentic Mexican cuisine that reflects the deep culinary heritage of Mexico to the vibe inside the historic site that has made a mark in the downtown area. Maize has a little bit of something for everyone. Read on to learn more about Maize Cocina + Cocktails in Westfield, New Jersey.

maize cocina cocktails westfield

Photo credit: Courtesy of Create & Align

Taking Over the Train Station

The faces behind the transformation of the Westfield Train Station are co-owner Kamal Arora, CEO of Arora Hospitality, and co-owner and Executive Chef Jesa Henneberry. Chef Jesa, the creative culinary consultant behind New York’s top plant-based Mexican restaurant Jajaja, told The Montclair Girl in an exclusive interview that the idea for opening a modern Mexican fusion restaurant started during the summer of 2020.

“We looked at several locations throughout Northern NJ. We didn’t find an ideal location and had always had Westfield on our wish list of towns we were interested in. Once we heard of the Request for Proposal (of the train station) in Westfield, we came for a site visit and immediately started working on the RFP. We won the bid in 2021,” Chef Jesa told MG.

Read More: A Day Trip Guide to Cranford, New Jersey

The team notes that they loved Westfield’s “diverse community” mixed with a “great downtown shop-small vibe.”

westfield new jersey train station

Photo credit: Courtesy of Create & Align

Construction to update the historic train station began in the summer of 2022. Historic preservation of the site, which dates back to 1892, was a top priority in the creation of Maize. The team worked extensively with the Westfield Historic Preservation Society and Westfield’s historic preservation officer, as well as with renowned architect Greg Blasi.

Chef Jesa explained preserving the historic site: “As we uncovered many layers of wood paneling, dropped ceiling and layers of paint, we were ecstatic to find so much beauty below, much of which we took our time to thoughtfully restore and highlight.

chips-guacamole-maize

Photo credit: Courtesy of Create & Align

“It was our intention to breathe new life into a historic building while honoring the existing architectural elements. We kept all of the original woodwork in the room that we call ‘The Parlor Room,’ along with the original fireplace in this room and our bar area,” he said.

 

 

About The Menu

Chef Jesa, a former Food Network Chopped champion, told MG: “We wanted to bring upscale Mexican fusion food with craft cocktails and robust agave and Mexican spirits program to Westfield. The goal is to offer Manhattan vibes to the thriving walkable downtown in the burbs.”

Chef de Cuisine Isaias Lira is also part of the team. He helped enhance Maize’s menu with his extensive experience from prestigious kitchens such as NYC’s contemporary Mexican restaurant Cosme and The Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare.

Each dish served at Maize, according to a press release, reflects the deep culinary heritage of Mexico, presented with a modern twist that enhances the dining experience.

maize chorizo spiced shrimp tacos

Photo credit: Courtesy of Create & Align

Maize Cocina + Cocktails’ menu celebrates the versatility of corn and sustainable agriculture. Ingredients are sourced from nearby farms that prioritize organic and regenerative practices.

Highlights include the Peruvian pulled pork quesadilla appetizer, bloody Maria shrimp cocktail, Chamoy mango salad, buttermilk mole roasted chicken, steak and Maize friends, chipotle glazed salmon, eggplant rellenos, guava BBQ brisket tacos, and chorizo spiced shrimp tacos.

maize cocktail

Photo credit: Courtesy of Create & Align

The cocktail menu features creative concoctions: each drink blends botanical flavors with herbs, fruits, and spices, complemented by fresh ingredients from the restaurant’s garden. There is also a separate selection of zero-proof mocktails, Maize agave flights, plus a variety of wine selections by the glass and wines by the bottle.

Check It Out

Chef Jesa told MG, “We are hoping that Maize becomes a destination restaurant for NJ and the Tri-State. The goal is for it to be a neighborhood staple and destination dining spot in one.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Shelley Brindle of Westfield, said in a press release, “The opening of Maize is a prime example of a public/private partnership that provided a tremendous opportunity to repurpose an underutilized and deteriorating iconic Town asset and drive downtown economic development.”

“In return for granting a concessionaires liquor license only available for municipally owned properties, Jesa and Kamal thoughtfully and extensively restored this historic building that will deliver tremendous benefits to the community.”

“Maize will serve as the anchor of a reimagined north side town square and play a vital role in the ongoing renaissance we are experiencing in Downtown Westfield. We are thrilled to partner with Jesa and Kamal, who see the value of a long-term investment in our community.”

maize chopped kale salad

Photo credit: Courtesy of Create & Align

The restaurant, which celebrated its grand opening on October 15th, will accommodate 100 guests indoors in the expansive 3,050 square-foot space. Outdoor seating will be coming next spring.

See More: Jersey City’s Oldest Building is Actually From Westfield

Maize Cocina + Cocktails is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 5PM to 10PM, Thursday through Saturday from 5PM to 11PM and Sunday from 5PM to 9PM. Reservations can be made on Resy. For more information, visit the website.

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