Maplewood II Makeover
Fabulous new look, same sensational food and some new delicacies at Joe Italiano’s Maplewood II in Mays Landing
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Posted Sep. 12, 2013
Founded by Joe Italiano Sr., his son and namesake took over the kitchen after returning from serving overseas in the Korean War. Channeling family food traditions, the now-octogenarian Joe, Jr. did more for the image of Italian-American cuisine locally than anyone else we can imagine — including the creation of truly spectacular white seafood sauces, virtually unheard of hereabouts.
His son, third generation owner and operator Jim “Jimmy” Italiano, recently put his own personal touch on this standard-bearer of southern New Jersey restaurant brands, via a complete revision of Mays Landing’s Maplewood II.
Founded by Joe Jr. in the early 1980s, Mays Landing’s version was a little different than the original, housed in an older building inherited from another restauranteur. After successfully squeezing themselves into the cramped quarters for more than 30 years, Jimmy pulled the trigger this past April on a long anticipated project he labels “Like a rehab — almost.”
He goes on to say that it was “a gigantic project just to get open, due to the age and condition of the building.” All of which meant a brand new, much larger parking facility, completely renovated interiors — including a sweet little bar with seating for about a dozen — a stone-ringed hearth fireplace in the dining room plus many new appliances for the kitchen.
Crucial throughout this nearly six-month process was family friend and general contractor Joe Continiso. Having helped the Italiano family in Hammonton with a variety of small jobs, Jimmy Italiano asked him to take on this massive one along with Philly-based interior decorator Jane Reynolds. A longtime customer from when she used to work at Kessler Hospital, according to Italiano, Reynolds helped select the soft wood tones that now permeate throughout.
The third leg of Italiano’s team was longtime Hammonton employee chef Jose Montalvo, brought in to provide some updates to the bill of fare. Now don’t panic, all you veteran Maplewood diners out there, you’ll still be able to enjoy classic pastas like the eponymous Joe’s Special — shrimp, crab, mussels, clams and scungilli in a choice of red or white sauce; their famous broccoli and shrimp; or our personal crave, Uncle Nino’s special, laden with lobster, shrimp, Dungeness crab and clams (pictured).
But you’ll also encounter a few newer items, tested and perfected in the Hammonton mothership. Among them will be veal arugula, cavatelli Franco tossed with shrimp and crab in a garlic-and-chopped tomato basil sauce, classic veal scallopine, and a retro Italian dish, tripe in tomato sauce.
Slated for re-launch Friday, Sept. 13, this new Maplewood has been a long time coming for the humble, soft-spoken Italiano.
“I felt like I went from being a project manager to getting back running a restaurant,” says Italiano.
Most members of his staff will return after the hiatus, ensuring a continued level of service to match the brilliant cuisine. With seating for about 100 between the now-spacious dining room and that aforementioned bar —where patrons are free to order food as well, formerly a well-kept secret — his expectations are huge for the just-enhanced property, and he expects the same reaction from patrons.
“We think our customers will be pleased at what we’ve done,” he says, “and the quality of food and service will be remain high.”
Italiano allows himself a tiny smile after nearly completing this lengthy ordeal. With well over half-a-million bucks invested, it is indeed a long-term venture. But for southern New Jersey’s first family of Italian restauranteurs, nothing less would be acceptable, or expected.
“Tell your family we’re open and ready to roll,” says an enthusiastic Italiano. “We’re also waiting for you.”
Maplewood II
6125 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing
609 -625-1181
www.maplewood.me
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