Step inside Grain & Cane and get swept away by the legacy of the Connell Company. Founded by Grover Cleveland Connell in 1926, the Connell Company was once the world’s largest rice trader, as well as a major broker in the sugar industry—hence the name Grain & Cane.
Black-and-white photographs, old rice sacks and framed newspaper articles eagerly tell its story. The decorations in the private dining room actually reflect those of the founder’s former Wall St. office. Among the 48-star American flag hanging above the fireplace and a photo of his son Grover Connell’s WWII Pacific Fleet Destroyer, you can almost feel his presence. His son joined the business in 1946 and took over as president following his father’s sudden death in 1950.
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Another fun touch is the board above the bar. The Solari family built it in Italy to resemble the boards rice traders used in the past. Today it clicks away between witty sayings and menu specials, riding the border between past and future. It’s a playful piece during dinner—you never know what might pop up.
Throughout the rest of the restaurant, dark pipes filling the airy ceilings, sparkling lights glowing yellow and custom-made furniture give the industrial warehouse space a nostalgic atmosphere. A glass garage door leads to an outdoor patio with a cozy fire pit for cool autumn evenings.
All-encompassing American Fare
The menu at Grain & Cane is an eclectic mix inspired by family traditions and spiced up with regional flavors. A shareable 44 oz. tomahawk ribeye, Peking duck sourdough pizza, steak tartare and bucatini with lobster sauce all vie for your attention.
“The chefs don’t want to limit themselves,” says Kyle Borst, general manager.
One thing is for certain, dining here calls for a hearty appetite.
The standout appetizer is poutine. Crispy-thin french fries smothered in silky brown gravy and melty cheese curds feed the soul. Plus there is something so satisfying about scooping up the goodness with an oversized fork!
If you’re craving something lighter, the lobster cobb salad is a colorful array of mixed greens, corn, avocado and crispy prosciutto served in a creamy green goddess dressing. The chef’s special side dish, a bright and crunchy cauliflower and brussel sprout salad with caesar dressing and focaccia bread crumbs, is a refreshing bite.
The entrées are just as enticing. Golden fried chicken sits alongside two adorably miniature crocks of tomato-y red beans and Carolina gold rice, a buttery biscuit and the best part, your own little bottle of homemade hot sauce for kick.
Grover’s double cheeseburger, two patties layered with cheese, lettuce and special sauce, are like a hug. Kyle says it took nine or ten tries to find the perfect bun.
“It’s not glamorous but a lot of thought and effort went into it.”
The Legacy Lives On
Though the restaurant launched this past April, early last year a Grain & Cane food truck served lunch in The Grove in Connell Corporate Park to build excitement and relationships within the community. The truck will remain available for special events.
This month Chef Stefan Sabo will join as executive chef. He completed his culinary training in Germany and has worked in several restaurants throughout his career. Chef Sabo will cook alongside Connell’s Corporate Chef Brian Bistrong and the rest of the team to continue bringing elevated comfort food to the table.
The Connell Company began as a family operation and still is today. Fourth generation family members Shane and Duane have a hand in both the company and the restaurant. Shane especially likes to keep a hand in things, Kyle says. “He likes what he likes and he wants other people to like it, too.”
Even though the restaurant is connected to the Embassy Suites Berkeley Heights, it has its own distinct ambiance. Already there is talk about branching out in the future.
The welcoming staff looks forward to sharing its specialties with you. Don’t miss your chance to treat yourself to a taste of history.
All Photos: © Grain & Cane / John Neitzel
