Closter, NJ … February 1, 2022 ... Tucked into the far corner of le trés chic Closter Plaza shopping center, Brasserie Mémère is an inviting beacon for la vie française ... if only for a few hours. Mémère's welcoming, soigné Parisienne esthetic was lovingly created by partners Chef Thomas Ciszak; his wife, Evelyn, an acclaimed sommelier and hospitality professional; and longtime successful NYC restaurateur Michael Chin.

At Mémère, the team has painstakingly crafted an homage to Chef's first kitchen inspiration, his mémère (granny), in a large, airy, authentic French brasserie setting that feels both like home and a visit to your fave neighborhood spot à Paris. An instant hit when it opened in December, 2019 (aka "the before times"), Brasserie Mémère has been able to ride the ups + downs of the Covid era by staying nimble, keeping prices reasonable, and maintaining high service and culinary standards. The result? Business is strong, and exciting innovations continue.

"Brasserie Mémère is a cozy, appealing, all-day eatery; a place to enjoy classic French fare," says Chef Ciszak. "So we created a bunch of delicious reasons for people to join us."

Among them:

Serving up refined, robust classic French fare

Signature dishes include savory Tarte Parisienne (foie gras, red shallot confiture, taleggio, pear, baby arugula); Soupe aux Oignons (onions, oxtail broth, Gruyère cheese toast); and Poulet Roti Citron (chicken thighs, lemon segments, mushrooms, garlic, Brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, onions).

Vegetarians have a place here too, with delicious options including house-made Vegan Toulouse Sausage (beluga lentils, Brussels sprouts, demi-sec tomato).

Cocktails and/or wine are a MUST. The bar is Evelyn Ciszak's "baby," and her list is full of elegant, flavor-layered, brilliantly balanced drinks. Customer favorites include the Habanero Margarita; a barrel-aged Boulevardier (Four Roses bourbon, Campari, sweet vermouth); and seasonal Teapot Cocktails ... warm, potent libations like Glühwein, served in a charming antique tea pot and cups. Right on trend: low-proof and no-alcohol options as well.

The wine list highlights all the important regions of France while paying strict attention to pricing and winemakers. Beer is choice, sophisticated + local, featuring a custom Mémère brew – a Saisson brewed by Ramstein, plus bourbon barrel aged beer and 2 IPAs.