New Asbury Park restaurant opens tomorrow

A new restaurant is opening its doors tomorrow.

Cross & Orange is a 4,000-square-foot restaurant in the Park Overlook building, the space formerly occupied by Ivan and Andy’s Prime. It is helmed by brothers Bob and Chris Fahey. The Faheys are no strangers to the restaurant world — they own and operate Edgar’s Pub in Manasquan — or to Asbury Park — they manage the nearby Asbury Lanes.

The concept behind the restaurant, which is said to have the feel of a speakeasy, is an intriguing one: “Inspired by the heritage and ambition of mid-1800s America, Cross & Orange focuses on the art and architecture of cuisine,” they say. The menu is centered upon Executive Chef Sam Byrne’s idea that the best foods come from the best ingredients.

On that menu, which is said to be “unlike any other in Monmouth County,” are confit pork Wellington wrapped in a bacon pastry with mustard, arugula and fennel; charred octopus with pea and fava bean relish, orange, mint, chorizo, potato and tarragon; 48 beef cheek alongside a sous vide filet with parsley crust and bone marrow butter, and roasted halibut with foie gras, parsley puree, oxtail and madeira ragu.

For dessert, there’s créme brûlée with a gingerbread doughnut and a winter truffle and beetroot with pistachio, goat cheese, blueberry and meringue.

Another menu standout includes the Chef’s Table, in which a group of diners can work with Byrne to create a specialized menu for their evening out.

“Our team set out to create a place for anyone to come in and enjoy a casual atmosphere with top-quality food and cocktails,” Bob Fahey said in a news release. “Drawing from Chef Sam’s simple belief that the best food comes from the best ingredients, Cross & Orange will celebrate time-honored culinary standards, while creating and embracing an experience all our own.”

Service will begin at 4 p.m. tomorrow, with a Valentine’s menu available Feb. 14.

Cross & Orange is at 508 Cookman Ave.