Southern Ocean Chef Nominated For NJ Chef Of The Year Award

WARETOWN, NJ — The chef at a popular Southern Ocean restaurant has been nominated for the 2026 Chef of the Year award by the New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association (NJRHA).

Allen Walski, chef at Clemmy's in Waretown, is one of eight finalists.

Clemmy's opened in 2024 and quickly became one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the area, even being named one of the best restaurants in New Jersey in its first year of being open.

Public voting opened Oct. 12 and runs through 5 p.m. on Oct. 23. The winner will be announced and honored during NJRHA's 41st Awards Ceremony on Nov. 5 at John Henry's Stone Terrace in Hamilton (Mercer County). Votes may be cast online at njrha.org/the-njrha-awards.

“New Jersey has an incredible culinary community, and these eight finalists reflect the creativity, dedication and passion that make our state's restaurants so special,” NJRHA President and CEO Daniel Klim said. “Behind every great dining experience is a talented team, and these chefs help set the standard through their leadership in the kitchen and the experiences they create for guests.”

The 2026 Executive Chef of the Year finalists are:

• Cliff Crooks – Viv & Jules, Hoboken
• Aishling Stevens – The Grand Tavern, Neptune
• Dennis Foy – de floret, Lambertville
• Allen Walski – Clemmy's, Waretown
• Joseph Sergentakis – Revell Hall, Burlington
• Nick DeRosa – Black Sheep, Garwood
• Conor Browne – Lula, Ridgewood
• Sam Stymest – Sam's Table, Montclair

The Chef of the Year Award is among several honors to be presented during the Nov. 5 ceremony. This year's honorees include the Bonfiglio Family and Triple T Hospitality (Restaurateur of the Year), Jeanne Cretella of By Landmark (Lifetime Achievement Award), Steve Sanders of Sea Breeze Syrups (Hospitality Award), Senator Vin Gopal (Friend of the Industry), Crystal Springs Resort (Hotelier of the Year), Adventure Aquarium (Attraction of the Year), Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (Community Impact Award) and Rory Philipson of Mercer County Technical Schools (ProStart Teacher of the Year).