Bell Works, the colossal 2-million-square-foot, Eero Saarinen-designed metroburb in Holmdel announced the grand opening of Mabel, its first full-service restaurant. Mabel will dish up coastal European bar food, tapping into flavors from Spain, Italy Portugal and France. Chefs Grace Crossman and Laura Brahn hope to match the success of their can’t-miss brunch spot Cardinal in Asbury Park.
“The opening of Mabel as Bell Works’ first full-service restaurant marks an exciting milestone in the evolution of the metroburb,” said Ralph Zucker, Founder and CEO of Inspired by Somerset Development, which owns Bell Works. “Mabel represents more than another eatery, but a space that fosters a new level of community and connection within the Bell Works ecosystem. This exciting culinary addition from a reputable hospitality team is a natural extension of our vision to establish the campus as a destination for businesses, locals and visitors alike.”
Located by On the Block at Bell Works, Mabel is named in honor of Mabel Gardiner Bell, wife of Alexander Graham Bell. Mabel pays tribute to the historical legacy of Bell Works as the former Bell Labs campus. The restaurant, which boasts more than 4,200 square feet and can seat 210 diners, aspires to echo the architecture and aesthetic of Bell Works. The restaurant’s interior was inspired by the life of namesake Mabel Gardiner Bell with decorative references to her hobbies of horticulture and ornithology adorning the walls. The overall color palette reflects the coastal European inspirations for the menu.
The eatery’s menu reimagines classics like steaks, pasta and seafood and adding signature plates that include duck rillettes, oyster mushrooms milanese, prawn bomba rice and croquetas de papa packed with fresh herbs, fontina cheese and an ajo blanco for dipping.
“Bell Works is the ideal location for our second restaurant,” said Chefs Grace Crossman and Laura Brahn. “The dynamic, ever-evolving environment at Bell Works aligns perfectly with what we hope to create at Mabel—a neighborhood hub celebrating fresh, diverse ingredients with simplicity and style. Our menu honors the vibrant mix of tenants, locals and visitors at the metroburb. We look forward to bringing them our distinct take on high-quality food and cocktails. Food for all eaters is something we have always been passionate about, and we are excited about being in a place where the diversity that the building fosters can thrive.”
Mabel joins Bell Works’ growing portfolio of dining options, following Miznon Kosher, which opened in September. Mabel at Bell Works is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday for brunch and dinner, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday for brunch, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
