Get ready for a celebration of flavor and tradition. On November 7, 8, and 9, SolMar Restaurant, located in the heart of Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood, will host the Festival do Bacalhau — a three-day culinary event honoring Portugal’s most iconic ingredient: codfish.
More than twenty different codfish dishes will be featured, each prepared with the same care, creativity, and authenticity that has made Portuguese cuisine world-famous. From creamy, oven-baked recipes to crispy fried favorites, every dish tells a story of the sea, of heritage, and of comfort shared around the table.
The Codfish Legacy
In Portugal, codfish — or bacalhau — is affectionately known as the “faithful friend.” It’s said there are more than a thousand ways to prepare it, and every family guards its own version. Historically, salted codfish was essential to Portuguese sailors who spent months at sea, and over time, it became a national symbol of resilience and flavor.
Among the best-known recipes, Bacalhau à Brás blends shredded codfish with crisp potato sticks and scrambled eggs — a Lisbon classic that’s as simple as it is comforting. Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, a dish from Porto, layers cod with potatoes, onions, and boiled eggs, finished with olive oil and fresh parsley. Then there’s Bacalhau com Natas, baked in cream until golden and bubbling, and the rustic Açorda de Bacalhau, a dish from Alentejo where bread, garlic, cilantro, and a poached egg come together in pure harmony.
Festival Highlights
The centerpiece of the event is the Codfish Combo for Two, an indulgent tasting experience that features four traditional dishes: Bacalhau com Natas, Bacalhau à Brás, Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, and Pataniscas de Bacalhau— small cod fritters that are perfectly crisp on the outside and tender within. This combo captures the essence of Portugal in a single shared meal, ideal for couples or friends eager to explore the variety of flavors that bacalhau offers.
The menu extends far beyond the combo. Guests can savor Bacalhau Assado, a beautifully baked codfish dish, or Bacalhau Sol Mar, the restaurant’s signature style, fried and baked with Spanish potatoes. Bacalhau à Braga offers a vibrant mix of peppers, tomatoes, and onions, while Bacalhau na Broa pairs cod with cornbread crust — a rustic favorite full of texture and warmth.
For those seeking something unique, Bacalhau com Castanhas, codfish with chestnuts, is a seasonal highlight, while Arroz de Bacalhau com Grelos, codfish rice with turnip greens, evokes the spirit of home cooking. Don’t miss Açorda de Bacalhau, a rich and soulful bread-based dish, or the indulgent Bacalhau à Zé do Pipo, gratinéed with mashed potatoes and mayonnaise, a northern Portuguese delicacy.
More Than a Food Festival
The Festival do Bacalhau at SolMar is more than just a dining event — it’s a cultural celebration. Expect lively Portuguese music, warm hospitality, and a festive atmosphere that captures the heart of Portugal’s culinary tradition. Families, food lovers, and anyone curious about Portuguese cuisine will find themselves transported, one bite at a time, to the kitchens and coastal towns of Portugal.
Join the Celebration
The Festival runs November 7–9 at SolMar Restaurant, located in Newark’s Ironbound district — a neighborhood known for its authentic Portuguese roots and vibrant dining scene. With generous portions, a curated wine list, and an ambiance that feels like home, it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate tradition, friendship, and the enduring magic of bacalhau.
To reserve your table, contact us at (973) 344-3041.
Festival do Bacalhau at SolMar Restaurant
Get ready for a celebration of flavor and tradition. On November 7, 8, and 9, SolMar Restaurant, located in the heart of Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood, will host the Festival do Bacalhau — a three-day culinary event honoring Portugal’s most iconic ingredient: codfish.
More than twenty different codfish dishes will be featured, each prepared with the same care, creativity, and authenticity that has made Portuguese cuisine world-famous. From creamy, oven-baked recipes to crispy fried favorites, every dish tells a story of the sea, of heritage, and of comfort shared around the table.
The Codfish Legacy
In Portugal, codfish — or bacalhau — is affectionately known as the “faithful friend.” It’s said there are more than a thousand ways to prepare it, and every family guards its own version. Historically, salted codfish was essential to Portuguese sailors who spent months at sea, and over time, it became a national symbol of resilience and flavor.
Among the best-known recipes, Bacalhau à Brás blends shredded codfish with crisp potato sticks and scrambled eggs — a Lisbon classic that’s as simple as it is comforting. Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, a dish from Porto, layers cod with potatoes, onions, and boiled eggs, finished with olive oil and fresh parsley. Then there’s Bacalhau com Natas, baked in cream until golden and bubbling, and the rustic Açorda de Bacalhau, a dish from Alentejo where bread, garlic, cilantro, and a poached egg come together in pure harmony.
Festival Highlights
The centerpiece of the event is the Codfish Combo for Two, an indulgent tasting experience that features four traditional dishes: Bacalhau com Natas, Bacalhau à Brás, Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, and Pataniscas de Bacalhau— small cod fritters that are perfectly crisp on the outside and tender within. This combo captures the essence of Portugal in a single shared meal, ideal for couples or friends eager to explore the variety of flavors that bacalhau offers.
The menu extends far beyond the combo. Guests can savor Bacalhau Assado, a beautifully baked codfish dish, or Bacalhau Sol Mar, the restaurant’s signature style, fried and baked with Spanish potatoes. Bacalhau à Braga offers a vibrant mix of peppers, tomatoes, and onions, while Bacalhau na Broa pairs cod with cornbread crust — a rustic favorite full of texture and warmth.
For those seeking something unique, Bacalhau com Castanhas, codfish with chestnuts, is a seasonal highlight, while Arroz de Bacalhau com Grelos, codfish rice with turnip greens, evokes the spirit of home cooking. Don’t miss Açorda de Bacalhau, a rich and soulful bread-based dish, or the indulgent Bacalhau à Zé do Pipo, gratinéed with mashed potatoes and mayonnaise, a northern Portuguese delicacy.
More Than a Food Festival
The Festival do Bacalhau at SolMar is more than just a dining event — it’s a cultural celebration. Expect lively Portuguese music, warm hospitality, and a festive atmosphere that captures the heart of Portugal’s culinary tradition. Families, food lovers, and anyone curious about Portuguese cuisine will find themselves transported, one bite at a time, to the kitchens and coastal towns of Portugal.
Join the Celebration
The Festival runs November 7–9 at SolMar Restaurant, located in Newark’s Ironbound district — a neighborhood known for its authentic Portuguese roots and vibrant dining scene. With generous portions, a curated wine list, and an ambiance that feels like home, it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate tradition, friendship, and the enduring magic of bacalhau.
To reserve your table, contact us at (973) 344-3041.