Paragon Is Back For Seconds With A New Clark Concept

CLARK, NJ — A Clark restaurant is serving up a new identity, and a chef who helped shape its original concept is back for seconds.

Paragon Tap & Table plans to reopen as Paragon American + Italian Gastropub on Thursday, September 10, following a renovation and complete menu overhaul, according to the restaurant. The business at 77 Central Avenue temporarily closed Monday, August 24, for renovations ahead of the reopening.

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Owners Purvi and Akik Shah said the changes are meant to refresh the food, atmosphere and overall dining experience without losing Paragon's neighborhood feel.

"This isn't simply a menu update or renovation," Purvi and Akik Shah said. "We wanted to rethink what Paragon could be while keeping the welcoming, neighborhood feel that has always been important to us."

"Bringing Eric back gave us the opportunity to do that in a much bigger way," the owners said.

Helping them do that is chef Eric LeVine, who played a role in developing Paragon's culinary identity when the restaurant first opened. He returns after eight years away to lead its transformation.

LeVine graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and began his career working under chef David Burke at the River Café in New York City. He later served as chef de cuisine at the Marriott Marquis in Manhattan. His résumé also includes television appearances, multiple cookbooks, invitations to cook at the James Beard House and a 2011 victory on Food Network's Chopped.

According to Paragon, the new menu will blend familiar American gastropub fare with Italian and Italian-American flavors, although some featured dishes are not exactly understated. The Giant Meatball for 4 is designed as an oversized, shareable version of the classic, while breakfast pasta will put an Italian spin on weekend brunch.

Diners can also expect reworked pub favorites, Italian-American dishes and other playful additions intended for sharing, the restaurant said. A revamped beverage program will bring new cocktails, craft beer and wine to the table.

Located just off the Garden State Parkway, Paragon said it serves Clark and nearby communities including Westfield, Rahway, Cranford, Scotch Plains and Woodbridge. More information is available at paragonnj.com.

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