Food enthusiasts in Essex County are fortunate to have distinctive dining options at their fingertips. There are restaurants dedicated solely to empanadas, dumplings, BBQs, ramen, cheesecakes, falafel, and more. Connoisseurs of oysters need not look further than the new Perla Oyster Bar at 415 Boyden Avenue in Maplewood. Read more about Perla Oyster Bar in Maplewood and the gastronome and owner, Matthew Chappina.
About Owner Matthew Chappina
Matthew Chappina, the owner of Perla Oyster Bar, grew up on Long Island. His first jobs were in the food industry. He made pizzas, worked in a deli, and was a short-order cook. These experiences would later guide him back to his love of food, but he needed to stretch his legs a bit to find himself. Matt eventually went to college to study creative writing and received a master’s at Columbia University in the theatre program.
Read More: Inside Montclair’s Family-Owned Seafood Market, Fratelli Freschi
In 2007, Matt was drawn back to the food industry when he noticed a job for a line cook at the now-trendy Calexico Mexican restaurant chain, which originated in Brooklyn. He stayed with the company for 10 years, ultimately becoming The Culinary director, overseeing five restaurants.
In 2009, he and his wife, Cassandra, moved to Maplewood. Matt began to consider opening his own business, and in 2009, he became a vendor at The Brooklyn Flea Market. Under the name Heros + Villains, he prepared and sold gourmet sandwiches. Matt did this on the side until 2019 when he was ready to take the leap and work for himself full-time. He moved his sandwich business to a large vendor space named Essex Crossing in New York City’s Lower East Side.
A few months later, COVID shut everything down.
Matt’s food journey did not end there. The restaurant business kept at his heels. Matt felt there was space in Maplewood to do something different and unexpected. He was just waiting for the right inspiration. That inspiration came through a conversation with his friends about their love of oysters, which sparked a plan to have an oysterfest in Matt’s driveway. Matt invited a few of their friends to order a dozen oysters each, with some simple sides and BYOB. It was a huge success, and he did it again a few months later. This time, it was one hundred friends and 900 oysters. Matt then knew that oysters were the “something different” he wanted to do in Maplewood.
Matt came up with the name Perla Oyster Bar and bought a K Car, a specialty seafood truck that kept the oysters fresh. The specialty truck allowed him to participate in events throughout town. In 2023, he participated in Maplewood’s Porchfest and sold out in one hour. A few months later, Matt learned of an available space for rent. The landlord wanted it to be a food destination. Perla Oyster Bar had found a permanent home.
The Restaurant
Perla’s unique space exudes New York City vibes. It is intimate and lively. The food is prepared at the bar, where customers can sit, eat, and enjoy the orchestrated chaos. Matthew is front and center, with an excellent, knowledgeable, and inviting staff.
The Menu
The menu is a la carte. This Montclair Girl ate her fair share of oysters, including an oyster shooter with a non-alcoholic Bloody Mary. The scallop crudo is simple perfection, and the char-broiled oysters have a spicy kick. Tapas choices are also on the menu. Try the anchovy toast and the roasted chorizo + potato.
This restaurant is BYOB. If you want wine or champagne with your oysters, Matt has partnered with Lum Cellars, a local and neighboring wine store owned by Jonathan Lumley. Jonathan provides a concierge service with a curated wine list for Perla, accessible through a QR code on the menu. Lum Cellars will then personally deliver the wine to your table.
See More: Blue Anchor: Jersey City’s Newest Waterfront Seafood Restaurant
Hours
Perla Oyster Bar is walk-in only. The hours are Thursdays 5PM to 9PM, with Oyster Happy Hour from 8PM to 9PM, Fridays + Saturdays from 5PM to 10PM, and Sundays from 5PM to 9PM.
28 Montclair NJ News Stories You Missed This Week | December 22, 2024
The end of the year is wrapping up just as fast as presents under the tree. It’s been another busy week in Essex County and we’ve got all the news to keep you up to date. Among the highlights: annual minimum wage increases get approved for Newark Airport workers; Montclair State cuts lacrosse teams + adds flag football to varsity sports; and Montclair ranks on list for most 'sustainable suburb' in America. Read on for all the news in Essex County for the week ending December 22nd, 2024.
Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected].
Among the Headlines (read on for full stories):
- Updates On Montclair Township Animal Shelter
- Montclair State Cuts Lacrosse Teams + Adds Flag Football To Varsity Sports
- Collapsed Child Resuscitated By Police + Fairfield Natives
- Adult Division Of Bloomfield Library Closed Through 2024
- Montclair Ranks #36 For Most 'Sustainable Suburb' In America
- Jazz House Kids Founder Honored For Contributions To Jazz World
- Bloomfield Native Wins Trip To Super Bowl LIX
- Annual Minimum Wage Increases Get Approved for Newark Airport Workers
- Cohome Social Club Comes to Montclair
- Encore Tribute Concert Raises $6K For Toni's Kitchen
The Montclair Girl’s Holiday Shop Small Deals Guide 2024 — only a few days left!
We’ve put together a shop small holiday shopping guide for your last-minute gifting — ranging from food + drink to wellness, beauty, health, fitness, and so much more. Plus, most of the businesses included in our downloadable guide have an exclusive code, just for The Montclair Girl readers. Click here for more and to download our deals list.
Optimum Fiber Internet Expands to Montclair + West Orange
Optimum Fiber Internet recently expanded to Montclair and West Orange, New Jersey with affordable plans and a secure internet connection (so you can stream all the shows). Click here to learn more.
Newark Police Officer Saves Choking Baby
On Friday, December 13th, Newark Sergeant J. Cosme came to the rescue of a one-year-old infant, performing the Heimlich maneuver and saving the child’s life. A man reportedly approached Sgt. Cosme screaming for help as he was working in the area of 2nd Street and Sussex Avenue. A woman in the backseat of a vehicle was with the baby and said that her child was choking on a peppermint candy. Sgt. Cosme transported the child and her mother to University Hospital after saving her life. It has been reported that the baby is in stable condition, per a press release from the City.
Livingston Native Wins Congressional ‘App Challenge’
Livingston High School student Ethan Yang became the winner of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for New Jersey's 11th District, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill announced on Tuesday, December 10th. A total of 80 students representing 15 schools across the district participated in the challenge this year as judges scored apps based on functionality, creativity, and user experience. Ethan's app, ServeHub, can be used for scheduling and tracking volunteer hours, organizes all media, tracks participants from each volunteer event, and sends email reminders to the volunteers prior to the start time. A full video demonstration of ServeHub can be found here.
Updates On Montclair Township Animal Shelter
Montclair Township Animal Shelter, located at 77 North Willow Street, have made it clear there are no plans to close its doors despite rumors circulating online recently. Montclair’s Township Manager Michael Lapolla also stated that no plans have been formed to sell the building where the shelter operates. Further updates as this story develops will be added to our article here.
Montclair State Cuts Lacrosse Teams + Adds Flag Football To Varsity Sports
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Montclair State University announced on Friday, December 13th, major changes to its athletics and recreation program, including the loss of two NCAA Division III programs and the addition of an NCAA Division III women’s flag football program. The University's men’s and women’s lacrosse programs will be moved to club status effective fall 2025 in response to “growing trends in college sports” and "a look to the future," per The Montclarion. An NCAA Division III women’s flag football team will begin its journey in the fall 2025 semester.
Collapsed Child Resuscitated By Police + Fairfield Residents
On Saturday, December 14th, two good samaritans and four police officers helped save the life of a nine-year-old who collapsed in Fairfield and stopped breathing. According to NJ.com, the incident happened right before 4PM at Kids Empire, an indoor playground, located on Route 46 West in Fairfield. Fairfield Police Sergeant Brian Sabatelli, Corporeal David Lagan, and officers Louis Bisciotti and Daniel Kalinowski arrived on scene and found two civilians performing CPR on the boy before he was transported to a local hospital. As of Monday, December 16th, the child’s condition has improved but he still requires additional medical treatment.
"Skip the Stuff" Ordinance Takes Effect in Montclair Spring 2025
Montclair's recently enacted "Skip the Stuff" ordinance will take effect on March 1st, 2025. The bill was passed on Tuesday, December 17th and is aimed at reducing the number of single-use plastic and paper items that accompany takeout food orders, per Montclair Local. Customers will have to opt-in to get those items added to their orders once the ordinance takes effect.
Adult Division Of Bloomfield Library Closed Through 2024
It was announced on Monday, December 16th, that the adult division of the Bloomfield Public Library is now closed until the end of the year to take care of some “building-related issues." Since book drops at the adult building are also closed, all items can be picked up at the children's library and returned in the children's library book drop. Patron printing is still operating.
Montclair Ranks #36 For Most 'Sustainable Suburb' In America
Montclair recently found itself ranked as one of “America’s Top 120 Most Desired Sustainable Suburbs” in a new list provided by Solar Insure. The California-based company recently asked 3,000 survey participants to name the “green” sustainable suburbs they’d most like to move to for an eco-friendly lifestyle. Montclair was the top-rated New Jersey town on the list, ranking 36th above Princeton Junction (43rd) and Maplewood (65th), respectively.
Jazz House Kids Founder Honored For Contributions To Jazz World
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Melissa Walker, the founder of Montclair-based nonprofit Jazz House Kids, was recently honored for her contributions to the jazz world at 92NY’s Extraordinary Women Awards. She received an "Inspiration through the Arts Award" recently at 92NY's David Geffen Stage in the Kaufmann Concert Hall.
Montclair Township Wraps Up 2024 Leaf Collection
Montclair Township will be extending its leaf bag collection until the last week of December. After the week of Monday, December 30th (weather permitting), leaf bag collection won’t be available again until spring 2025. The Montclair Department of Community Services advises residents to have leaf bags properly sealed and ready by the curb. For more information, residents can contact the Department of Community Services/Public Works by calling 973-509-5711.
$3.5M Grant Awarded To Montclair State To Expand Mental Health Services in NJ School Districts
Montclair State University has recently been awarded a $3.5 million grant over five years from the U.S. Department of Education to address critical shortages in school psychology and mental health services in public schools. The award — which is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s latest investment of $70 million to expand student access to school-based mental health services across the nation — will support the implementation of Montclair State’s project, titled EPIC-MHP: Enhancing Preservice Instruction for Comprehensive Mental Health Provision (EPIC-MHP), per a news release from the University's website. The project is a significant advancement in the partnership between Montclair State and Local Education Agencies (LEA) of West Orange, East Orange, and Clifton that will allow for the recruitment and training of culturally responsive school psychologists who can meet the challenges of today’s educational and mental health landscape.
Bloomfield Native Wins Trip To Super Bowl LIX
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Bloomfield resident Alejandro Crespo was one of three New Jersey Lottery players who recently won a trip to the 2025 Super Bowl, which will be played on Sunday, February 9th in New Orleans, Louisiana. The contest was featured in a “Big Game Giveaway,” a second-chance promotion for Quick Draw Progressive players.
Annual Minimum Wage Increases Approved for EWR Workers
Following a month-long public comment period, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) Board of Commissioners approved an expanded minimum wage policy at John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International airports on Thursday, December 12th. The new policy provides for three upfront increases of $0.75 in January 2025, July 2025, and January 2026, per a news release from PANYNJ. Beginning January 1st, 2027, annual increases will be tied to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index (CPI) three-year moving average for the Northeast region, which will be consistent with the two states’ minimum wage policies. The wage increase is beneficial in helping to attract and retain more skilled labor to airport businesses, therefore improving customer experiences within the airports.
Cohome Social Club Comes to Montclair
Cohome Social Club, New Jersey’s leading disability inclusion group, has announced its expansion into Montclair at the beginning of 2025. According to Montclair Local, Cohome has been at the forefront of providing person-centered housing, social programs, and direct support to adults with disabilities for over seven years. Volunteer information and more can be found on the organization's website.
Montclair Boy Scouts + Reach Out Montclair Donate 100 Trees To Local Families
On Saturday, December 7th, scouts from the Mighty Pack 12 and Boy Scout Troop 13 partnered with Cedar Grove Christmas Trees as well as Maddie and Garth Guthrie of Reach Out Montclair to bring holiday cheer to families in the community. The tree sale took place at Montclair Veterinary Associates, and resulted in 100 Christmas trees being donated and delivered to Troop 13’s tree lot. Reach Out Montclair also gifted 350 coats to their families through their annual holiday coat drive, per Montclair Local.
Encore Tribute Concert Raises $6K For Toni's Kitchen
A tribute to one of the most famous concerts in rock-and-roll history recently raised $6,000 to benefit Toni's Kitchen in Montclair. On Thanksgiving 1976, The Band played their final concert with songwriter and lead guitarist, Robbie Robertson, who passed away in August 2023, per Patch Montclair. Fifty North Jersey musicians came together to reenact “The Band’s Last Waltz” at a concert to benefit Toni’s Kitchen. An encore concert at Montclair Art Museum this year saw the total double.
Ironbound Farm Market to Open in Lackawanna Plaza in 2025
Ironbound Farm Market is set to open a storefront in Montclair's Lackawanna Plaza in spring 2025. According to NorthJersey.com, it will sell local, sustainably grown meat, produce, and prepared foods with an emphasis on businesses owned by women, people of color, and veterans. One of the goals of this market is that farmers — who make as little as $0.15 cents for every dollar of produce sold — will be able to get up to $0.70 cents back per dollar instead.
Impact100 Essex Awards $50,000 in Equity Grants
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Impact100 Essex has awarded a record $50,000 to the three recipients of its 2024 Equity Grants: Tree House Cares ($20,000), Arts Ed Newark ($15,000), and United Parks ($15,000). This is the fifth year that Impact100 Essex has awarded these grants and, to date, has funded a total of $170,000 in Equity Grants. Impact100 Essex is a giving circle comprised of 170 women who combine their donations into large, meaningful grants.
New Businesses Coming to Montclair + Essex County in 2025
Over the past few months, several businesses have opened in the Montclair area, and the next year is coming with even more new spots. The Montclair Girl has compiled a list of businesses that recently opened and some coming soon, from cafes to restaurants to fitness studios. Click here for more.
Montclair Town Council Votes to Settle PSE&G Bill
The Montclair Town Council voted this week to settle a bill owed to utility provider PSE&G for half of the amount due. Per Montclair Local, the council approved a payment of $457,197.63, half of the full amount due of $917,995.26. PSE&G agreed to waive all outstanding balances from before January 1st, 2024.
Maplewood’s Dickens Village Is the Cutest Holiday Setup
The town of Maplewood has a decades-long holiday tradition. For the month of December, Ricalton Square is transformed into a small village of homes depicting various scenes from the novel A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens in addition to other seasonal festivities such as photos with Santa, a menorah, tree lightings, a petting zoo, and wagon rides. Click here for more.
Questbridge Scholarship Awarded To Newark Teen
Last week, David Sawacha — a 17-year-old Newark School of Data Science + Information Technology senior — received a full scholarship to Wesleyan University. A non-profit organization that provides higher education opportunities to high-achieving students from low-income families, otherwise known as the Questbridge Scholarship Program, has provided the scholarship. According to a statement on the Board of Education's website, David is currently considering computer science, data science, and statistics as his major of choice.
Bloomfield Police Perform Water Rescue, Save 2 People
Two people were rescued on Tuesday, December 17th from their car, which went into the Third River off of Broad Street. Bloomfield EMS assisted Engine 3, Engine 4, Truck 1, + Car 30 from the Bloomfield Fire Department, per Montclair Local. The two occupants were safely removed and there is no update on their conditions.
