As the surf settles and the warm summer sun sets, a crescendo of excitement will ripple through Long Branch, New Jersey on Wednesday, 19 July 2023. From the heart of the vibrant hospitality and entertainment hub, a mix of delightful flavors, innovative artistic endeavors, and contagious community spirit will echo. At the epicenter of it all, at 15 2nd Avenue, lies Sidepiece at Whitechapel Projects, an establishment on the brink of transforming the culinary landscape of the Jersey Coast.

In the grand tapestry of this new adventurous pizzeria, three significant threads converge to weave an exceptional narrative. Firstly, the visionary culinary prowess of restaurateur, chef, and humanitarian, Marilyn Schlossbach. Secondly, the vivid imagination of artist Scott Szegeski. And lastly, the audacious dream of Preston Casertano, the founder of Whitechapel Projects. Together, these three narratives intertwine to form Sidepiece, a place where food, art, and community dance in a captivating ballet of shared experiences.

Sidepiece, a brainchild of Marilyn Schlossbach and her husband Scott Szegeski, is the embodiment of their shared passion for culinary artistry and community engagement. As the acclaimed artist behind this grand vision, Scott aspired to create a sanctuary where creativity and celebration coalesce, a place where people of all ages can gather, share stories, and experience the magic of connection. The realization of Sidepiece is a testament to this vision, a living canvas where the community can paint their shared experiences with vibrant strokes of culinary delight and artistic expression.

“We must always think of where our food comes from and how it comes to us and who is behind the process," said Marilyn Schlossbach, reflecting her commitment to the craft. By forging a partnership with Kula Urban Farm and Two River Organic Mushrooms, she aims to uphold this philosophy, paying homage to the farmers and food producers who mirror her dedication to the craft. She wants to create a culinary haven that sources from families and businesses that care for their craft as passionately as she does. Marilyn emphatically describes her experience, “I’ve always felt connected to the earth and to the farmers' attention to it. I have a career that is overwhelming and takes a commitment to the craft and the passion for what I do without always big returns in the financial department. Farmers also have this framework as to why they do what they do. We work long hours in hot environments to make people feel good. We want to source from families and businesses that have integrity and care for what they’re doing the way we do.”

Infused into this concoction is the Whitechapel Projects, a unique creative space conceptualized by Preston Casertano. Inspired by the creative energy of the Whitechapel District of London, this hub represents the seamless integration of food, drink, performance, education, artistic expression, and horticulture. A testament to environmental sustainability, the venue preserves its historic roots while pushing the boundaries of innovation.

As Sidepiece prepares to unfurl its culinary canvas, New Jersey awaits the arrival of a sensory wonderland where traditional pizza meets avant-garde culinary craftsmanship. The grand unveiling, complete with a playful mini pool party and performances by Dark City Strings, will redefine the culinary and cultural landscape of the Jersey Coast. From the artful slices of pizza to the intimate strokes of community connection, every aspect of Sidepiece will be a testament to the extraordinary culinary journey that lies ahead.

So, mark your calendars and brace yourself for a gastronomic adventure. On 19 July 2023, Sidepiece at Whitechapel Projects will fling open its doors, welcoming guests to savor the harmony of food, art, and community. As the culinary symphony plays on into the night, prepare to be enchanted by the savory that is Sidepiece at Whitechapel Projects. Let the countdown to a culinary pizza revolution begin! For more information, visit whitechapelprojects.com