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Jersey shore natives Michael and J.P. Acosta have joined restaurateurs Tim and Jodi McInerney [shown above] in the launch of Redemption — a new eatery at the historic site of a former bank, law office and 1940s newsroom before more recently transforming into a restaurant venue at the corner of Bond and Mattison.

Executive Chef Michael d’Ennery [at right] offers an ever-changing menu that showcases the New Orleans native’s globally inspired but locally sourced fare.

“I take my style from all over the world,” d”Ennery said. “We’ll be offering seasonal dishes with a focus on local produce.”

The Beachwood resident said a decade spent in southern California helped lay the foundation for his farm to table inspired cuisine. The result – simple, affordable, approachable, and straight forward fare but with a bit of fun at the same time, he said.

“I do love whimsy,” he said. “Most people are not going to serve salmon with watermelon.”

In fact, it took him 10 years to perfect the grilled Alaskan Sockeye Salmon paired with a watermelon cucumber radish salad sprinkled with chevre atop a coriander lime vinaigrette.

And while he wouldn’t reveal the blend of meats used to form the ½-pound pub burger, served simply with American cheese on a sesame seed bun, no condiments were needed to boost its flavor.

The sliced beet salad that sits atop a truffle honey is paired with thinly sliced candy cane beets and oranges, with a sprinkling of goat cheese, hazelnuts and pea-flavored affilla cress.

“We are really enjoying the bounty of the garden state,” D’Ennery said.

Another not-to-be-missed offering is the Mexican-inspired grill-roasted jersey sweet corn paired with butter, lime, guajillo chili and salt.

Redemption offers three distinctive vibes under an elegant but casual setting.

Its main dining room, which comfortably seats 68, balances glass panes against a dark wood decor, red coffered ceiling and exposed silver ducts. The regal bar [above] offers a dozen draft beers.

The lower level is home to an intimate speakeasy [below right] – open at 9 p.m. or when the green light at its Bond Street entrance goes on. Its 14-seat bar features whiskey, bourbons, and other popular prohibition-era spirits and guests are encouraged to change the 1920s to 30s music on the accessible record player. There will be chef’s table dinners by invitation only during the early hours.

On the top floor, not yet open to the public, an extensive wine bar will launch soon. Expect floor-to-ceiling wine racks offset by Gatsby-like décor – also suitable for private events that can accommodate 75 people.

Open at 5 p.m. to close Wednesday to Sunday, Redemption plans to evolve and transform to meet its clientele’s demands, J.P. Acosta said.

“The premise of the entire building is that we are going to be changing as the seasons are changing but with a foundation of quality affordable and approachable items that we want to share,” the Belmar resident said. “We want to make this a comfortable environment for the entire community.”

The building once housed the now-defunct Asbury Park Sun newspaper — the inspiration for the name of this website — which was a daily that published for two years in the late 1940s. The Sun of that era was owned by theater mogul Walter Reade, who wanted to operate a newspaper to compete with the Asbury Park Press. The Press was then located on the other end of the same block on Mattison.

Acosta, who worked in the restaurant industry, before moving into finance, has returned somewhat to his roots. The Toms River native, who moved back from New York City, joins in this venture with his brother Michael, a Philadelphia resident and the McInerneys.

“This is not going to be a static menu,” Acosta said. “Consumers’ tastes are evolving so that every aspect of food has been put to a superior level than it was 5 years ago.”

d’Ennery, who comes from a long line of foodies – including his grandmother, a cookbook author, said although the restaurant’s menu will evolve, there will be a few staples.

“My idea is that this becomes a neighborhood spot where you can come get a really quality hamburger, a really great roast chicken or pasta but the menu is predicated on what produce is available. The produce really runs the menu.”

For more information, visit Redemption’s Facebook site and soon to launch website.

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The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.

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