Claudette Herring and Lauren Phillips-Daly in the doorway of their soon-to-be restaurant, Via 45.
The closing of Thyme Square restaurant in Red Bank a few months back was so abrupt that, until about a week ago, one could still peer into the windows and see an artificial Christmas tree and table settings awaiting the next seating of diners.
Prompted by a tragic death in the family of owners Rona and Steve Rosenstein, the departure left a particular void for devotees of chef James Corona, who opened the Broad Street restaurant with the couple in July, 2006. He ran the place, set its Mediterranean stylings, and quickly worked it onto culinary must-visit lists.
The interval since the closing has only seen a deepening of the recession, during which the annual rite of restaurant and retail turnover has been especially Darwinian, littering the business district with some 40 empty storefronts at last count.
So it is somewhat unexpected to learn that a new restaurant will be opening in the space in the next month or so.
The name of the former occupant has been temporarily replaced by the new one.
Claudette Herring, a native Italian chef, and Lauren Phillips-Daly, a pastry chef are the owners of Via 45, whose name blends the Italian word for “road” with the building’s street number.
The two have worked together in the past, but this is Herring’s second venture as an owner, and Phillips-Daly’s first. With the help of “head of the house” Cole Young, they hope to be open Via 45 within the month, they tell redbankgreen.
The menu will offer light a la minute (made fresh on order, that is) Italian and vegetarian offerings. The space, the owners hope, will become one where artists of all media come — to show their pictures and paintings, read from their written works and perform.
“We would love to bring in and display artists and musicians,” says Phillips-Daly. In fact, she and Herring see their venture in part as an effort to stanch what they see as an exodus of artists from Red Bank’s downtown, citing the departure of Asher Neiman Gallery as an example.
Ah, but where does one find the certainty to open any kind of business in this economic climate, particularly a restaurant, where cash can flow out faster than tap water?
“First of all, everyone has to eat,” says Herring. She adds that Via 45 presented itself as an opportunity that she and her partner could not turn away from. “Life itself is risk,” she says.
“You can’t pull your head in like a turtle,” says Phillips-Daly. “You have to be out there.”
Art & music with what sounds like an interesting menu sounds terrific.Welcome and good luck.
Claudette is a wonderful chef,I wish her the best of luck!
Sounds GREAT!!!!! Good luck,let's eat.
Looking forward to the opening! My mouth is watering already
What a shame about Thyme Square. We ate there many times and it never disappointed. I could not say that about any other restaurant in the area including Nicholas, Raven & Peach, Fromagerie, Dish. Buona Fortuna Via, 45. You have big shoes to fill.
Good luck via 45
This is awesome. I just posted the following on my Facebook status with a direct link to this article:
Attn MUSICIANS and ARTISTS: a new restaurant in Red Bank wants YOU to perform there: "The space, the owners hope, will become one where artists of all media come — to show their pictures and paintings, read from their written works and perform." (And no, they aren't paying me to say this; I just like to support the local businesses.)
The Sou Chef TOM from Thyme Square is working at ZOE an American Bistro in Little Silver. It just opened up and has great food. Ver affordable too.
I know Claudette and Lauren from their last place, and I can promise you the food will be great! Best of luck to you and Via 45!
Claudette… long time no contact!
It's wonderful to learn of your culinary timeline; this 'Via 45' sounds like it has all the makings of True Success; I believe you are right on about 'people still need to eat' — so despite the climate of the economy worldwide… the marketplace for eateries & restaurants w/ creative & quality fare will always prevail — my observation & belief is that people look forward to their dining experience pleasures, more than ever, (as their last hooray!) particularly in this economic climate!! When other things have had to be cut out of their lifestyle… eating OUT is not on their list!
I AM so looking forward to seeing you again & my mouth is already watering for what your menu promises to offer!
Excited about your GRAND OPENING Debut and I wish you & Lauren, Success for a Flavorful & Long Run as Co-owners of Via 45!
Ciao Bella!
Carlee~
Claudette,
If John and I are ever out your way we will certainly stop in for a taste! Good luck with the new restaurant!
Ciao
John and Linda
Chef Claudette continues to be a "don't miss" and Lauren's pastries (try the fabulous peach tart) are superb! It was Red Bank's and all of our good fortunes that we'll have the opportunity to relish the fabulous menus created this pair- dinner last night was a winner!
I had lunch today with a couple of friends at Via 45. It was a very pleasant experience. I had the Cioppino. It was excellent. The shell fish was sweet, a sure sign of being fresh. The sauce was good. My friends enjoyed their dishes too. The three of us shared 3 desserts. They were all good: peach tart, brownie bits with berries and yummy homemade whipped cream, and ricotta with walnut torte. I highly recommend via 45. My compliments to the chefs Claudette and Laurie. I'm sure via 45 will be a success.
Went Back to your old Restaurant last night looking for Claudette and found a new owner and no Claudette Herring. What wonderful news that you now have a new place Called Via 45. Hope you took along some of the old staff with you.
Best of Luck we will be up soon
Giro & Laura
Tony & Libby
I am so happy to hear Claudette has opened a new restaurant! I can't wait to get there. I know I will be in for a real treat. Best of luck on the opening of Via 45!!!
Carla