Danilo Ayala, End of Elm
The newest inductee to TPW’s chef-picks-chef society of top toques brings the flavors of his native El Salvador to his menu at this hotspot in Morristown as well as the hard-working energy he learned at the side of his pro-cook mother.
Aoi
On some levels, this Japanese restaurant inside the APA Hotel in Iselin confounds. On others, it can be a salve to overwrought senses. In most ways, it’s in need of clearer messaging.
Bellies Up!
The matter of Fried Clam Bellies Superiority is being discussed, but not settled here today. No, hope persists. And, meanwhile, there is a local champ.
Roasted Breadfruit Smokehouse & Grill
The menu at this roadhouse on Route 15 is a symbiotic jumble of Caribbean and Southern, with a barbecue bent. It’s all executed with technical precision and skill, so get the marquee item, but don’t stop there.
Mid-Summer’s Other Top Eats
Not to shortchange tomatoes, now officially in happy onslaught mode, but there are other very wonderful foods to consider at this moment in time – including these fabulous five.
Dog Days Salsa
Tomatillos are just starting to be harvested in the Garden State and ready for use in a keeper of a sauce that brightens vegetables, meats, poultry, fishes, grains, beans … and every kind of chip you use for dunking.
Grains Field Day
The hub that River Valley Community Grains created is in full force at an educational celebration for stakeholders in a movement that took hold not that long ago and sprouted benefits beyond wildest dreams.
Dumplings Discourse
Something’s happening in the dumpling/wonton realm and it’s good, very good. Today, a short reflection on experiences of the very recent past.
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.