Restaurant opens at former Arthur’s Landing site in Weehawken
Eliana Stefanitsis majored in philosophy in college, something that makes
sense for a woman growing up with a Greek heritage. But more fitting is
the fact that her father has been in the restaurant industry for more
than 30 years.
“I grew up in the restaurant business,” she said.
Now,
she serves as vice president of the newly opened Molos in Weehawken.
The ribbon cutting on Dec. 9 brought out scores of people: well-wishers,
local political people, business people and just ordinary folk who
missed having a quality restaurant at that location.
Weehawken
Mayor Richard Turner said various government bodies, from the Planning
Board to the Town Council, worked with the Stefanitsis family to get the
place open after the site had remained vacant for nearly four years.
This site formerly housed Arthur’s Landing, which closed its doors in 2009.
Jerry
Stefanitsis said he previously owned businesses in New York City,
starting in 1980, and that the current site on New Jersey side of the
Hudson intrigued him.
Although the menu boasts of Greek and
Mediterranean food with chef Athanasios Liavas, Jerry hopes to draw from
potential customers with diverse tastes, including commuters who might
be coming and going by way of the nearby NY Waterways ferry.
Liavas has worked in four- and five-star restaurants in Greece, Australia, and New Zealand.
The
restaurant had a soft opening in November, and the hours currently
cater to dinner crowds, but this is expected to change as word gets out
about its opening, and the hours will be increased to cover lunch as
well.
Working with NY Waterways, the restaurant intends to take
advantage of the bus service that transports passengers from the ferry
to various locations along the waterfront. The establishment may also
offer a dinner and theater package, which will allow patrons to dine in
Weehawken and then take in shows in Manhattan via the ferry and its
transportation network.
River views
With views of
Manhattan and the Hudson River, the name Molos is appropriate for a
number of reasons. In Greek, it means “the pier where fishermen gather
with their daily catch.”
The restaurant will allow diners to
select fresh whole fish that are displayed on a bed of ice, a Greek
tradition. Fresh fish will be flown in daily from the Mediterranean and
other places in the world.
Eliana said the restaurant will have a full menu of Mediterranean specialties, but this won’t preclude ordering fillet mignon.
The
two-floored restaurant has glass on three sides with spectacular views.
Downstairs seats about 170 people in the main dining area. Upstairs,
which can seat up to 165 people, offers accommodations for catered
parties, weddings receptions, and engagements.
A small bar, Eliana said, allows people to meet others prior to dinner.
Arthur
Imperatore, Sr., founder of NY Waterways, said he wore his Greek
fisherman’s hat just for the occasion. He said the restaurant will
provide jobs as well as cuisine that is not found locally.
Turner said the town has been concerned about that location since Arthur’s Landing shut its doors in February, 2009.
“This is a great use of this building,” Turner said. “We never want to have a vacancy on the waterfront.”
Father
Christos Pappa from Fairview gave the blessing, using a sprig of basil
to cast the holy water, a tradition that goes back to St. Helena, who
used basil to determine the true cross Christ had died upon. Blessings
of this kind are common, offering to provide a level of protection to
people who start out on new ventures. While everyone hopes for success,
the blessing is designed to offer protection and hope for the future.
Located at 1 Pershing Road, Molos is open 5 to 11 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 5 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.
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