The Cider House That Rules
Melick’s is the king of apples in the Garden State. So it follows that when the family whose farm dates back to 1728 decided to make hard cider, they’d bring home not one but two “Double Gold” medals from a prestigious competition.
What's Brewing?
O’zapft is’!
Celebrate Oktoberfest right now with Garden State brews our beer columnist taps as the tops.
Fortnightly 5
Not to Be Taken Lightly: 9-13-21
There are a lot of bold tastes in this cycle’s favorites, including a BLT that’s destined for widespread greatness, a huuuuge cookie, a powerful pet nat, a game-changing clam roll and a bowl of unexpectedly potent ramen.
Food Find
Bamboo House
The shape’s familiar. So is the stately presentation on a pretty platter. But what’s inside the Black Rice Roll at this Japanese-Thai BYOB in Frenchtown diverges from the norm.
Smart Shop
Van Hook Cheese and Grocery
Our Smart Shopper Lynley Jones explores the world of Serious Cheese – and expands your view of what this beloved staple can bring to your home table.
It’s Easy Using Greens
Fall heralds another season of favorite greens. Use them to make a spread and dip you’ll be proud to set out as you gather ’round the TV for football-watching.
Of Fruits and Labors
Sam Bonacorsi planted 200 fruit trees during his first year farming in Hunterdon County. They grew so well that he planted 2,000 more the next year. For our photo story, Mike Peters trains his eye between the leaves.
Dan Richer: A Man and His Pizza
Razza Pizza Artigianale in Jersey City is Carnegie Hall for the pizzaiolo who has fused place and process to create distinctive and distinguished pies. It’s the definitive voice of a generation, and it expresses the Garden State at its diverse, dynamic best. Today we begin an ongoing series focusing on the chef Dan Richer and his Razza Pizza Artigianale, a decidedly different breed of pizza restaurant that has changed the way we in New Jersey view and eat pizza and influenced both pizzaioli and home-based pizza makers nationwide. The Peasant Wife’s Richer/Razza stories will appear periodically in the months to come as Razza expands its space on Grove Street in Jersey City, introduces new menu items while tweaking existing staples, and Richer’s first cookery book, “The Joy of Pizza,” is published.
Down the Stoneyfield End
Tree fruits at this Warren County orchard roll with the seasons, starting with sour cherries in spring and climaxing in high autumn with apples and pears. For a couple more precious September weeks, peaches will drip from bark-crusted limbs and branches and beg to be baked in a pie.
Chef Train
Chefs Rory and Aaron Philipson of The Blue Bottle Café
A caring community has built up around this innovative café in Hopewell, the next stop on the Chef Train.
Misses & Hits
Where’s the crackling crunch? MIA at a new Korean fried chicken eatery in Edison. But there’s a good KFC sandwich – and, down the shopping center apace, a Taiwanese bakery with a guilty-pleasure of a green onion bun.
Our Favorite Savory Fruit
A life well lived is a life spent learning about, and tasting, legendary Jersey tomatoes.
Smart Shop
Patel Brothers
The culinary diversity of India is on full display at markets that celebrate flavor and spice. It all makes for wide-ranging store-to-plate eating.