Tsuki
Purist sushi doesn’t dominate at this neighborhood BYOB where chef-owner Ginn Huang spins out rolls that reveal an Expressionistic spirit. All that riffing is balanced by service that’s invariably personalized and welcoming.
Alex Saneski, APEM
A chef who completely breaks the mold to redefine so-called “premium” ice cream today is inducted into the elite chef-picks-chef society of highest quality in the Garden State. It’s fitting that this Passaic native set up shop in Bloomfield, where he could tap New Jersey’s resources and mine our people as well for inspiration.
Market Roost
Best known by those who know good food, the pioneering market-cum-café in downtown Flemington has been piloted by Carol and Norman Todd for 41 years – 41 years of working together, cooking together and tending to the details that make every savory plate, every major-occasion party, every birthday pastry as special as it should be.
Thisilldous Eatery
Oh, what a wondrous thing Mike Moyer’s Sausage Gravy Bowl is! And his sweet-hot omelette. And especially his Cowboy Brisket Sandwich. But these days there’s a bittersweet ending to a meal at this beloved luncheonette, and it has nothing to do with the desserts.
Little Star
Bassam Njeim and Louisa Ajami bring a new line of Middle Eastern specialty foods to market. Join the queue at their first-ever stall at the West Windsor Farmers’ Market.
Green Bell Peppers
This is the story of a dreaded vegetable rising to the occasion of being a true team player when managed by a culinary coach whose palate is attuned to balance. The lesson learned? It’s not that you don’t like a certain food, it’s just that you haven’t had it prepared the way you like it.
Shore Shake
The farmers’ market food truck favorite takes milks and sweets, fruits and vegetables, accents feisty and calming – and blitzes its way into the hearts of its fans. Including our intrepid scout, Ella.
Sky Café
Far from the roar and congestion of EWR, JFK and PHL is a little airport in a sprawling, agrarian municipality in Hunterdon County where modernized classics take its café’s diners on a vacation spanning breakfast or lunch. Or, perhaps, both.
The Seeds Planted
Lauren Vitagliano’s homestead is in the heart of the Pine Barrens, a natural treasure that is fertile and fruitful, lush with native plants and hospitable to what might not easily grow elsewhere. In this, her first Life on the Farm column, Lauren tells us about growing flax and how she uses it to up the ante on her honey.
West Windsor Farmers’ Market
A broad-scope market with much to choose from, this Mercer County stalwart is where those with a keen eye and adventurous palate do their food-buying. Ella weighs in with her vendor favorites.
True Salvage Café
What Signe Heffernan cooks at this day café whose name aptly describes its décor isn’t anything new. It’s just that she gives favorites a little twist and makes them even more lovable.
Stone Circle Farm Teas
Teas from this farm in Cape May Court House are made from plants grown and dried right on its acres. More than merely flavorful, they’re a complete sensory experience.