SolMar Restaurant is delighted to announce the Festival do Bacalhau, a three-day celebration of Portugal’s most cherished culinary treasure — bacalhau, or codfish. Taking place November 7, 8 & 9, this special event invites guests to experience more than twenty unique dishes that showcase the incredible versatility and history of Portugal’s national favorite.
A Taste of Portugal in the Heart of Newark’s Ironbound
Set in the vibrant Ironbound district of Newark, SolMar continues its legacy as a destination for authentic Portuguese dining. The Ironbound has long been known as a cultural crossroads — where the aromas of garlic, olive oil, and seafood drift through narrow streets lined with bakeries, cafés, and restaurants that have kept Portuguese traditions alive for generations. It’s the perfect setting for a festival that celebrates a dish so deeply woven into Portugal’s identity.
The Story Behind Bacalhau
In Portugal, bacalhau is far more than food — it’s a symbol of heritage, resourcefulness, and celebration. The Portuguese have been enamored with this humble fish since the 16th century, when sailors discovered that salting and drying cod preserved it for long sea voyages. Over centuries, bacalhau became known as “O Fiel Amigo” — the “Faithful Friend” — appearing on tables for holidays, family gatherings, and Sunday dinners alike.
It’s said there are more than a thousand ways to prepare bacalhau, each recipe reflecting the creativity and regional character of Portugal’s diverse landscapes. From the northern city of Porto to the coastal towns of the Algarve, every family has its own cherished version — often passed down like an heirloom.
The Festival Menu: A Feast of Flavor and Tradition
At SolMar’s Festival do Bacalhau, guests can savor these time-honored recipes reimagined with care and authenticity. The menu features signature creations like Bacalhau à SolMar — fried and baked with caramelized onions and Spanish potatoes — and Bacalhau à Moda do Porto, served with migas, a rustic mix of bread, garlic, and herbs. Don’t miss Bacalhau na Broa, a comforting dish of cod baked inside traditional cornbread.
Other highlights include Bacalhau à Lagareiro, Bacalhau com Natas, Bacalhau à Braga, Açorda de Bacalhau, Arroz de Bacalhau com Grelos, Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, Pataniscas, and the ever-popular Bolinhos de Bacalhau (codfish cakes). Each dish tells a story — of fishermen, family kitchens, and centuries of Portuguese ingenuity.
A Celebration of Heritage and Community
“Ironbound has always been a destination for authentic Portuguese flavors, and our Codfish Festival celebrates this culinary heritage,” says Tony Nobre, owner of SolMar. “Bacalhau is woven into the heart of Portuguese culture, and we are excited to share these traditional dishes with our community.”
Join SolMar Restaurant November 7, 8 & 9 to experience the true taste of Portuguese bacalhau tradition — right here in Newark’s Ironbound.
Reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating and high demand. 👉Call (973) 344-3041 to reserve your table.
Celebrate Portugal’s “Faithful Friend” at SolMar’s Festival do Bacalhau — November 7, 8 & 9
SolMar Restaurant is delighted to announce the Festival do Bacalhau, a three-day celebration of Portugal’s most cherished culinary treasure — bacalhau, or codfish. Taking place November 7, 8 & 9, this special event invites guests to experience more than twenty unique dishes that showcase the incredible versatility and history of Portugal’s national favorite.
A Taste of Portugal in the Heart of Newark’s Ironbound
Set in the vibrant Ironbound district of Newark, SolMar continues its legacy as a destination for authentic Portuguese dining. The Ironbound has long been known as a cultural crossroads — where the aromas of garlic, olive oil, and seafood drift through narrow streets lined with bakeries, cafés, and restaurants that have kept Portuguese traditions alive for generations. It’s the perfect setting for a festival that celebrates a dish so deeply woven into Portugal’s identity.
The Story Behind Bacalhau
In Portugal, bacalhau is far more than food — it’s a symbol of heritage, resourcefulness, and celebration. The Portuguese have been enamored with this humble fish since the 16th century, when sailors discovered that salting and drying cod preserved it for long sea voyages. Over centuries, bacalhau became known as “O Fiel Amigo” — the “Faithful Friend” — appearing on tables for holidays, family gatherings, and Sunday dinners alike.
It’s said there are more than a thousand ways to prepare bacalhau, each recipe reflecting the creativity and regional character of Portugal’s diverse landscapes. From the northern city of Porto to the coastal towns of the Algarve, every family has its own cherished version — often passed down like an heirloom.
The Festival Menu: A Feast of Flavor and Tradition
At SolMar’s Festival do Bacalhau, guests can savor these time-honored recipes reimagined with care and authenticity. The menu features signature creations like Bacalhau à SolMar — fried and baked with caramelized onions and Spanish potatoes — and Bacalhau à Moda do Porto, served with migas, a rustic mix of bread, garlic, and herbs. Don’t miss Bacalhau na Broa, a comforting dish of cod baked inside traditional cornbread.
Other highlights include Bacalhau à Lagareiro, Bacalhau com Natas, Bacalhau à Braga, Açorda de Bacalhau, Arroz de Bacalhau com Grelos, Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, Pataniscas, and the ever-popular Bolinhos de Bacalhau (codfish cakes). Each dish tells a story — of fishermen, family kitchens, and centuries of Portuguese ingenuity.
A Celebration of Heritage and Community
“Ironbound has always been a destination for authentic Portuguese flavors, and our Codfish Festival celebrates this culinary heritage,” says Tony Nobre, owner of SolMar. “Bacalhau is woven into the heart of Portuguese culture, and we are excited to share these traditional dishes with our community.”
Join SolMar Restaurant November 7, 8 & 9 to experience the true taste of Portuguese bacalhau tradition — right here in Newark’s Ironbound.
Reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating and high demand. 👉Call (973) 344-3041 to reserve your table.