Cold-weather Comforts: 1-22-24
Sweet potatoes, peaches, The Pepito, plump shrimp wontons and puffy beans and cod are the stars of the eating shows of the two weeks just past. Review here, then plan to consume.
The Layered Look
We dress in layers at this time of year and there’s wisdom, not to mention waves of flavors, in cooking that way, too. A dish of cacio e pepe beans, pesto and roasted onions offers a blueprint for stylish simplicity.
Horseradish Power
It’s the cure for the cold weather common at this time of year and LOTF columnist Kate Munning has the prescription for its many uses.
Tang Maru
Korean comforts stir the senses at a welcoming stalwart where groups both novice and well-schooled convene. Let Kiera be your guide to a range of its must-try specialties.
Block Another Punt
The Murphy Administration and the state Legislature ignored valuable counsel and, once again, failed to come up with sorely needed reforms to liquor license laws. Candidates vying for Trenton’s top job in the next gubernatorial election need to make sure this is the last time the supposed hometown team drop-kicks opportunity.
Winter Pop-ups on the Farm
Peak season is in the eye of the beholder and what you’ll behold right now at our four-season farms can bring the cheer of spring’s first daffodils to your kitchen on the grayest of winter days.
Taverna 54
There’s a really big show going on at this restaurant and bar imbedded in a residential neighborhood in Hunterdon County’s largest river town. But its best dishes are less about spectacle and more about sincere expressions of ingredients.
Of Reaping and Sowing
What Dorothy Turner grows, her community eats. Right now, the veteran farmer is planning her customers’ next meals from her fields in Howell.
Salted Cod in Brandade
When the fish that changed the world is reconstituted, whipped with potato and jazzed with roasted garlic, its comforts know no bounds. When the resulting spread is stuffed into roasted mini peppers, its fans span from single-digit to senior in age.
Wild in the Treats
Vegan, anyone? Or gluten-free? For diehards or toe-dippers, there’s a new bakeshop in Atlantic Highlands to suit choice or mood.
Lady and the Shallot
Inside the Trenton Farmers’ Market is a breakfast-lunch spot where healthy gets a heaping helping of fun and the Mary Poppins duo in charge don’t need a spoonful of sugar to make it happen.
Wonton Guy
Hong Kong street foods are at the heart of this modest storefront where much time is taken early in the day to make by hand shrimp wontons, dumplings and a winsome tomato sauce that can arrive at your table soon after you do.