OAKLAND -- Chowhaus, which quickly became known for its eclectic twists on classic American dishes, has closed its doors less than a year after it opened for business in Montclair Village.

Chowhaus is owned by Tracey Belock, the former head chef at Tribune Tavern, and Joe Schnell. Belock cited personal reasons for the shuttering the establishment at 6118 Medau Place earlier this month. Chowhaus opened at the site of Montclair Bistro, a longtime mainstay in Montclair Village, amid considerable anticipation in the neighborhood.

"It's really hard to have a young family and open a restaurant," said Belock, who has three children. "There are lots of financial obligations and timing puts stress on family."

"It's too bad," said Daniel Swafford, executive director of the Montclair Village Association, of the closure. "I loved the food and I was seeing a good crowd in there."

"It was always fantastic," Belock said. "We had a great response. People loved the food, the atmosphere and the experience."

The fate of Chowhaus has yet to be decided. Belock and Schnell are still looking at their options.

"We would like to keep the place running, but we are not sure what the future holds.

"It was really busy. I know with the right team, it would be fantastic."

Chowhaus offered classic American cuisine with an often eclectic twist.


Nearly all the ingredients were locally sourced and sustainable and were organic when possible. Dishes on the restaurant's eclectic menu ranged from Dungeness crab and shrimp Hush Puppies, to Scotch eggs, a favorite of English miners of yesteryear, Belock explained, to American favorites, such as chicken pot pie, and pork chops and potatoes.

"They did an excellent job putting together a great menu with organic items and I think the public responded," Swafford said.

"I'm looking around at everything I always dreamed of. I know there will be a next place for me," Belock said.

"You will be able to taste my food at the next restaurant.

"I still have a great team that travels with me."

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