A casual meeting at a Livingston restaurant evolved into a dream-come-true for David Prusin and Todd Redmond.
The dream is called David Todd’s City Tavern, and it officially opened Wednesday on South Street in Morristown.
“I’m cautiously optimistic,” Todd said, hours before the opening. “Butterflies, yes. Nervous, yes. But the time was right.”
In July they bought the space that for years was home to Valentino’s Ristorante and Piano Bar.
They are aiming for an upscale tavern, a friendly place with food a cut above your average pub.
“We want customers to feel comfortable,” said David, 51, who studied at the Culinary Arts Institute and honed his chef skills at The Manor in West Orange. The menu is American, with a French flair, he said. Entrees range in price from $18 to $35; patrons can choose from 120 wines.
Live music won’t be on the menu.
Todd, 48, is the former general manager of Nero’s Grille in Livingston. That’s where the two met a few years back. They hit it off, and the conversation kept veering towards starting their own business.
David Todd’s seats 70 in the dining room and 40 in the bar. A party room for 25 is under construction. Renovations to the building took longer than they anticipated. Which turns out to be pretty normal, Todd said.
The place has a subdued, uncluttered feel. Light streams in from large picture windows. Hardwood floors, contemporary sculpture lights above the granite bar, and historical text on the dining room walls all contribute to a relaxed, homey ambiance.
“We think our concept is perfect for Morristown,” said Todd, a Kinnelon resident. “Upscale, casual–it fits perfectly.”
“We love the area,” added David, whose home is Florham Park. “We think it’s up and coming, and we want to be part of it.”