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The long-empty Mama Giola’s, on Bloomfield Avenue just east of South Fullerton in Montclair, is on its way to becoming an Asian Bistro called Chia. Thanks to Jenn Schiffer for snapping the identity change, underway today.
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Good luck to Chia.
The name isn’t terriffic. It brings to mind clay animals with stuff growing on them. Uggggh…
MB, as in “chi chi chi chia!”. I wish them well. Nothing seems to do well in that spot.
I wish them all the luck in the world, especially in this economy. Yet, don’t we already have an abundance of Asian eateries, along with Mexican/Tex-Mex/Southwest ones also?
I sure do wish there was someplace nearby I could get a tasty Jägerschnitzel or a scrumptious Sauerbraten with Spätzle. I suppose contemporary dietary sensibilities are not kindly disposed towards such hearty meat-and-potatoes fare.
Nothing seems to do well in that spot.
That might have something to do with the restaurant basically being in the basement of the building.
That place must smell lovely during rush hour.
Maybe it’s “China” and the “N” fell down.
Well, we do have an abundance of Japanese and Chinese eateries in the area, but are sorely lacking in the Vietnamese options. Not that I think this is going to be such a place, but it would be nice if somewhere close opened up.
Maybe it’s Chia as in Steven Chia, owner of the former Taste of Asia Montclair (Malaysian resto on Bloomfield Ave.). He now has a restaurant in Chatham and it would be great if he is returning to Montclair.
RaeVen,
Little Saigon is pretty good. It is on Elm Street in Montclair, but is supposed to be moving.
I hope it’s good, and I hope it does well. I think they should change that dark brown exterior. It’s daunting.
I liked the ‘grill’ that was in that spot. There was no table service. You ordered your burgers, fries, etc. and waited for your number to be called. The food was very tasty and it was a great spot to grab a meal before going to a show at the Outpost.
Kristen, I just drove by and the exterior is now blue – something like a turquoise or sky blue. Couldn’t get a good look b/c I had to pay attention to the crazy morning traffic on Bloomfield Ave.
“asian bistro” … I hope this is like PF Chang’s, though without a bar and liquor license it will never be a cool hangout for drinks and apps …
Maybe it’s “Chiat” and the “T” fell down, as in “TBWA/Chiat/Day”….there’s truth in advertising!
GNM….You’re getting the spot confused with the Louis Harris building, where Al-Di-La was in the basement. Chia is next to Cafe Eclectic.
Has anyone tried this place yet? I wonder if it is as good as Sesame? Weird that they would open right down the block. We could really use a Korean restaurant in this town.