Blackberrys holds Premiere Party for 'Kitchen Nightmares' season opener

Screenshot from 2011 season premiere featuring Plainfield's Blackberrys.

Fox TV's 'Kitchen Nightmares' reality show kicks off its 2011 season on Friday, September 23 with the makeover of Plainfield's own Blackberrys Catering and Family Restaurant (see the season trailer here).

For several days this past June, Gordon Ramsay and crew moved in next door to the restaurant and undertook a sweeping revamp of everything, with cameras recording every challenging and ultimately hope-inspiring moment.

For several days in June, the Kitchen Nightmares crew worked intensely.

The dining room was redesigned with a fresh, more muted color scheme and family tables and benches were crafted by a local artisan.

The kitchen was re-equipped with fryers, ranges, ovens and more from local restaurant emporium Earl &Al's.

Food and presentation were rethought and reworked with some new items added (such as Fried Green Tomatoes), as well as a complete redesign of the menu.

And staff and owners were encouraged and supported in their efforts to reinvigorate a Plainfield food landmark which has had its share of challenges in the current economic climate.

In celebration of it all, owner Shelly Withers, her mother Mary and their staff are opening a special Premiere Party to the community on Friday, September 23. The evening will feature a buffet of Blackberrys' specialties, complimentary wines and a chance to share the viewing of the season premiere featuring Blackberrys on a large-screen flat panel TV.

You won't want to miss this opportunity to sample the Blackberrys offerings -- including Grandma's Fried Chicken, which has earned the restaurant 'best fried chicken in New Jersey' reviews by both the New York Times and the Ledger's Munchmobile.

But seating is limited, so be sure to make your reservations right away in order not to be disappointed.

Blackberry's signature signage is a Plainfield landmark.

NOTE: Plainfield Cable TV Committee chairperson Lamar Mackson, who was part of Gordon Ramsay's crew on the shoot, is working with the City of Plainfield to present the TV show on the city's large outdoor screen at the City Hall Plaza, which is across the street from the restaurant. More on this free opportunity later.

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'KITCHEN NIGHTMARES' SEASON PREMIERE
featuring
BLACKBERRYS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
7 PM
(Show is broadcast at 8 PM)

BUFFET DINNER
with Complimentary Wines
$35/person
Reservations: (908) 755-3444

500 Watchung Avenue
(at East 5th Street)

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• Fox TV:  "Kitchen Nightmares: Blackberrys trailer"
• RealityTVMag:  "Gordon Ramsay chats about the new season"
  
• Yelp:  "Review: Blackberrys Catering and Family Restaurant"
  

-- Dan Damon [follow]

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