Karley’s Brussels Sprouts
Jeff’s Organic Produce, a farm in Upper Freehold Township, offers a fresh-harvest winter crop of lovely little cruciferous-vegetable globes that can work magic in dozens of dishes – including one that riffs off a cousin from the Far East and makes a fitting showcase for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.
Shanghai Bun
Explore the authentic Chinese menus at this dressed-up storefront near the train station at Princeton Junction and find a wealth of house specialties you’ll be hard-pressed not to order on repeat visits. The solution? Order your favorites and also order new dishes destined to become new favorites.
Dick Zimmer, for the Farmers
An elected public official as well as an activist for his entire adult life, the former congressman and state legislator who died last week saw many of his most important missions come together in his advocacy for agriculture in the Garden State. He was the primary sponsor of New Jersey’s first farmland preservation law and a steadfast friend to our farmers.
A Flair for Upgrading the Ordinary
Taking a chance on a switcheroo or doing something new to something old benefits the eats that are the favorites in this latest round of standouts. Time not just to say ahh, but ah-ha.
Asianese Sauce
How a star supper dish was born – or, the story of the vegetable-strong sauce that bests beloved Bolognese. It’s your ticket to supper for a crowd that includes lots of kids.
Blue Point Grill
Longevity becomes a seafood-centric restaurant in an Ivy downtown, an any-night gathering place that locals count on for simple dishes that may not require ornamentation but depend on constant, mindful watch by the crew in the kitchen.
The State of the Garden State’s Foodways
What’s most positive about the Garden State’s foodways springs from its spirit of independence; what’s negative stems from a lack of individualism, courage and a reluctance to stand up against entrenched pack mentality. Let’s work to emphasize the positives and eliminate the negatives in 2026.
Dehydrated Citrus
Fragrant and endlessly useful, dried rings of orange, lemon, lime and grapefruit are the darlings of mixologists who use them as much more than garnishes. They also can inspire spirited drinks that are alcohol-free.
A Baker’s Dozen from 2025
Culling 13 favorite dishes from 100 times that number eaten in the year now winding down is one heck of a challenging task. But once accomplished, it allows you to rest assured this selection of top eats is worth the effort to experience yourself.
Baked Goodies
What should be your final last-minute grab for the twosome of the Eve and the Day of Christmas? Sweet and savory bakes from your local independent bakeshop, that place that has evolved in professionalism, presence in community and quality of product in the last decade and stands today as a point of pride throughout New Jersey. So: Bypass the chains and scorn the mass-produced! Stop today at your neighborhood bakeshop and share the love tonight and tomorrow.
The Fab 5 of ’25
Selecting the best eats every other week involves excruciating editing that too often leaves very-much-loved foods not making the final cut in what seems to be a most unkind way. It’s only made bearable by the fact that eliminated from contention are the restaurant dishes selected for F5, since those dishes will get their own due this Friday, Dec. 26. So without any further ado: The quintet of this year’s super winners!
Tinned Fishes to the Rescue
If you’re short a fish or two or three for a Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner on Christmas Eve, don’t panic. Snap up a few tins of fishes, whip some chilies right into a good butter and use both to top crackers, breads and sliced vegetables. Garnishes optional. No cooking necessary.