South City Group launches Fire & Oak in Jersey City

The Westin Hotel, Newport is the third location for
casual dining concept to open this year

The Westin Newport was Jersey City’s place to be last night when the hotel’s new restaurant, Fire & Oak – by South City celebrated a “Grand Opening” with an appreciative group of local officials, Westin executives and area business people.

Jersey City Deputy Mayor Rosemary McFadden was on hand to cut the ribbon with restaurant own-ers, Graeme Dorras and Errick Paragioudakis of the South City Group. Corporate Executive Chef Ken Trickilo, Fire & Oak Jersey City Executive Chef Carmine Spinazzolla and General Manager Dan Koo orchestrated the evening of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

Fire & Oak will be the sole dining outlet for the Westin, which opened in January, 2009. The restaurant, designed by ANYK Architecture and Interior Design of Manhattan with significant input from Paragioudakis and the third partner in South City Group, Joshua Dorras, is described by the owners as stylish, yet casual and comfortable. Colors are warm brown and bronze tones and finishes include reclaimed barnwood paneling. In the two dining rooms, chairs and banquettes are uphol-stered in chocolate brown pebbled leather and wall niches glow with the warmth of candles. (more)