51°
Menake said she's opening a breakfast and lunch restaurant called Tatum's Table. It'll be located in The Lincroft Grove shopping plaza at 650 Newman Springs Road.
Her first business will take over the former home of Restaurante Puerto Rico, which closed in March 2022. The Colts Neck woman said she was inspired by her family's three generations of experience in the food business.
Menake's brother runs Navy St. Cafe and she has worked with him in the takeout location at Naval Weapons Station Earle. Her grandfather owned a restaurant called Sammy's Steakhouse on Staten Island, where she lived until her family moved to New Jersey 13 years ago.
Menake remembers cooking at her grandparents' house as what started her passion for food.
"I'd go there on Sundays and help them cook," she said. "My grandma would make her cheesecakes and I would help her."
While the menu at Tatum's Table will have usual brunch staples, Menake wanted to have special options that are hard to find anywhere, let alone in the Middletown area.
"I'm the type of person when I go out, I order the craziest thing on the menu," said Menake. "We have something for everyone."
Pistachio baklava pancakes will pay homage to Menake's Greek and Italian heritage. Another specialty will be savory waffles made from potatoes with eggs and bacon on the side.
Customers will also be able to order fresh pastries and other homemade baked goods. A barista bar with six stools will serve specialty coffees and other refreshing drinks.
Despite not having a liquor license, Menake said brunchgoers can enjoy mimosas at the BYOB restaurant. Champagne and prosecco lovers can bring their favorite bubbly, and Tatum's Table will provide the juice for mimosa flights.
Menake described the interior's theme as very modern and classy. It's white, black, and gold to help diners have "a true culinary experience."
Menake said before she took over the 2,400-square-foot space, a pipe burst and a lot of work was needed to bring her vision to life.
"We painted the whole place, hanging paintings and pictures," she said. "It's been a lot but it's coming along really nice."
Tatum's Table will start with seats for 80 customers. Menake said outdoor dining and weekend live music could be in the brunch spot's future.
Menake wants each customer to enjoy the atmosphere as much as the food.
"We have the most amazing staff," she said. "Everyone is so friendly and outgoing. I think it's so important when you go to a restaurant and you have a relationship with the people."
At 20 years old, Menake said she has been blessed to have her family by her side as she starts her career as a young entrepreneur.
"My parents always told me you've got to do what you love and you'll never work a day and it's true," she said.
Tatum's Table is expected to open in mid-to-late June. Menake said a grand opening celebration is being planned and members of the Earle naval base might be part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Details on the opening of Tatum's Table will be posted on the restaurant's Instagram page.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Forked River-Lacey and receive free news updates.
