Cemitas at Senor Pepper’s
An extroverted chipotle adobo sauce is the voice of a chicken sandwich at this colorful eatery near the train station in Red Bank. Let the voice of its chef-owner steer you to its exact-right accent.
Inhouse Restaurant and Bar
Given a little help from what’s grown on neighboring farms, this roadhouse with an eclectic menu suited to its affable scene could up its game. Right now, baked goods and a solid ribeye cheesesteak are best bets.
The Great Dips-for-Dumplings Experiment
Kimchi dumplings found at Woori Mart in West Windsor inspire a competition fit for supper – or one very easy-to-execute party.
Woori Mart
For the Kim-Lee family, it’s kitchen and community first as its members put a very personal stamp on their Korean-leaning Asian market in Mercer County. Whether you come for the top-tier prepared foods or a weekly stock-up (or both), an education in culture awaits.
12 Farms
A mainstay in a historic downtown belies its mere nine years of existence with hands-on knowledge – and use – of Garden State produce and products. Its casual attitude adds to its come-as-you-are charm.
Drinks that Suit Summer to a T
Herbs from the garden are awash in possibilities to make iced drinks that do more than refresh. LOTF columnist Kate Munning raises a glass to the season’s teas at her homestead on Schooley’s Mountain.
LaZeez by Dhaba
With momos, chaat bowls, kathi rolls and sultry legumes in very fine form, there's no need to go for mishmashes of fusion at this casual-food entry into a restaurant group's expanding collection in North Jersey.
Hands-down Winners
Most of these favorites can be eaten cutlery-free, which some authorities believe helps to stimulate the senses. No matter; these five are musts to mark on your dine card.
Cool Blues
The twosome that got away for way, way too long: Let’s play a love song for the blueberry and the cucumber.
Grounded Hands Farm
Bec Guilloud watches over the 60 chickens she raises every month like, well, a mother hen. All that love, plus continual fresh pasture, freshly ground grains and an abundance of fresh air, makes for 60 extraordinarily tasty, lucky birds.
Ice Cream: It’s What’s for Dinner
Because, why not? It’s summer, you’ve got your favorite place and you ought to do more than merely pop in post-supper for a bob of the stuff.
Feeding Our Own
It’s the Fourth of July, time to take stock of how and why the Garden State can achieve greater food independence.