Finally, University students can have gourmet pancakes again. PJ's Pancake House officially reopens today after a fire forced the Nassau Street landmark to close last May.
After more than eight months of renovation, the restaurant combines its traditional atmosphere and classic fare with a revamped interior and plans for an enhanced menu.
"It's been a long eight months," said general manager Ian Lloyd. "But we're happy to have our doors open again."
The restaurant will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony today at 11:30 a.m. Expected guests include Princeton Borough Mayor Marvin Reed and possibly Governor Christie Whitman.
The May 22 fire caused PJ's to undergo a complete "ground-up" renovation, Lloyd explained. Because the blaze started in the building's walls or floors and the source could not be located, the entire structure had to be eventually gutted. During the renovation, "we did everything that we possibly could" to modernize and solve the little problems, said Herbert Tuchman, who co-owns PJ's with his brother Martin.
Although the restaurant boasts everything from new wallpaper to new kitchen equipment, PJ's still retains items from the original establishment. The initial-engraved tabletops continue to stand in the center of the restaurant, offering a record of patronage reaching back to the 1960s and 1970s, according to Lloyd.
On the whole, PJ's interior offers a somewhat fancier decor, said Lloyd. Tuchman described the molding and sconces as a "library look," but added that the wall decorations, which have yet to be finished, will probably end up as an eclectic mix.
New Menu
Like the decor, PJ's menu will eventually combine a mix of the old and new. Lloyd plans to preserve the character of the restaurant while adding a healthier, gourmet twist.
Once the place is up-and-running, Lloyd plans to add "upscale nouveau" dinner entrees, soups, and vegetarian dishes to the menu. He also hopes to include low-priced creative specials appealing to University students. Serving townspeople, students, and tourists, PJ's varied clientele makes a versatile menu a definite plus, Tuchman said.
However, Lloyd said the restaurant would still maintain its traditional offerings.
"I certainly wouldn't change what it's famous for," he said.
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