Choosing Local
Farmers’ market high season has begun. Do you attend a true farmers-based market near you? If so, go. If Market Day isn’t yet a regular posting on your own calendar, check out one there’s good word about within a reasonable drive. Two worth an hour of your time are these biggies, now officially in session: Brick Farmers’ Market and Hunterdon Community Farmers’ Market.
A Mother’s Day for All the Moms
You’re allowed a restaurant that suits a desire for all-around lovely – food, setting, attitude. You’re also allowed to let you be you and toast the day in the manner you wish, with the kinds of eats you most love. We’ve broken down recommendations in categories that might not all be conventional, but we hope prove helpful.
Asparagus Salad with Dried Salmon
Early stalks of a top crop of spring are partnered with a less-common incarnation of a staple fish to make for a toss suited for an in-season supper.
Catalyst for Change
The process of fermentation transforms a food. Derrick Bradley, the sous chef of Ram & Rooster, one of the Garden State's top restaurants, breaks down the process he uses to turn an ordinary green into something magical.
Sweet Amalia Market and Kitchen
It’s the little restaurant that could, and did, grow into a must-stop spot on America’s national map. But its co-owners – a farmer, a chef and an entrepreneur – have no interest in laurel-resting. Just see how the menu at this destination in the Garden State’s Deep South is growing.
Lizzie’s Love Cake (The One with the Lemon)
Ultimate lemonness is found in a cake from Cassandra Burnett. There’s ultimate goodness, as well, in it and everything else the lawyer-cum-baker touches.
Tosun Mediterranean Cuisine
Home-style Turkish dishes dominate a classy neighborhood spot that sits apart from the increasing number of Asian eateries in a food-centric borough astride the Hudson River. Its spotlight favorites – pida, manti, kebabs – beckon when a change-up from pizza, dumplings and barbecue is on the dine card.
All Is Bright
They come from a variety of sources, are devised from various traditions, but each food in this go-round’s quintet of favorites has a specific quality in common: exhilarating brightness. It’s a winner every time.
Creamed Ramps with Mushrooms
A kissing cousin of creamed spinach can be slimmed down a bit and still work as a mighty fine side dish for grilled steaks. Or it can take on a focal-point role in a non-meat entrée.
Kunihiko Aikasa, Shumi Leonia
The work of "Chef Ike" is legend and second to none in the Garden State, a decades-long reign in sushi that's educated those looking to follow his all-pro lead or simply become better-informed diners. His selection to TPW's chefs-pick-chefs society of top toques by Craig Polignano of Juniper Hill Restaurant and Bar is heartfelt recognition of "the way he inspires" and how he "puts magic on the plate." Andy sits at Chef Ike's counter to listen to his story.
Shuu Café
Stars of a new confections show courtesy of a couple of recent Rutgers grads include customized cream puffs and bubble waffles filled with soft-serve and accessories. It’s a cheerful toast to an all-day dessert lifestyle.
In Season Now: Farmers’ Markets
Along with Garden State asparagus, strawberries, peas, spinach and lettuces come the new vintages of our farmers’ markets. They’re ever-more prevalent, diverse and geared to weekly stock-ups. It’s truly where the smart and savvy shop for food.