La Braise African Grill
The bold and bodacious foods of West Africa come to the Garden State courtesy of chef Karen Koblan, who brings dishes she grew up on – including fiercely authentic versions of choukouya and kedjenous – to the tables of her welcoming storefront eatery.
May These Forces Be with You
Emphatic flavors rocket the quintet of favorites that stand out from a crowd of good eats in the two weeks just past to the top. Go forth, diners, and power into mucver, mackerel crudo, jollof rice, hamachi kama and exceptional eggs, all handled expertly.
Lemon Chutney
Icy days call for meal-brightening measures. Here’s one for the chilliest season.
A Counter-to-Culture Valentine’s Day
Highlighted in this roundup of eateries to consider for dining out on the day of hearts-and-flowers are 10 places that defy the usual. We’re pointing out the trad-restaurants, but also offering alternatives to the expected.
Cold Comfort
The fridge, the pantry and the kitchen counter don’t need to be stocked with fussy, fancy ingredients in order to make a meal that’s satisfying, soothing and able to combat the brrrrr of this exceedingly well-chilled week. Let it start with the ever-dependable egg.
Mira Mediterranean Grill
Don’t be bashful and revert to hummus at this shopping center storefront in Skillman that tilts its menu Turkish. No, go for the less familiar and be smitten by mucvar, manti, musakka of a different stripe and a dessert that’s deliciously playful.
The Pom Mol Difference
Add to a tapenade/muffaletta olive spread repertoire a zingy, lively combo united by pomegranate molasses and find yourself with a multi-purpose condiment as well as a dip in its own right.
Koi Matsu
At James Dong’s newcomer to a restaurant-rich community, Japanese fare gets taken on a world tour and brings home souvenirs that inspire both fun and fancy. It’s a joy ride, and the chef wants to personally welcome you aboard.
Ideal Lasagne
At Porta Rossa in Maplewood, the layering of flat noodles, tomato sauce and cheeses reaches its apex thanks to a process that requires a couple of extra steps. It’s time that proves very well spent.
Makana’s
Breakfast-lunch eateries have seized the dining scene and continue to make themselves at home in our downtowns. This happy place, anchored in the Jewel of the Jersey Shore, is where the work-from-café crowd congregates and the notion of “nutritious” eats promulgated. How’s that panning out?
Simple Only at First Glance
A quintet of dishes that seems to be composed of mild-mannered members – an omelet, a whole fish, a cake, a lasagne and a stir-fry – is distinguished either by expert cooking or thoughtful partnering accents. Or both.
Garlic Confit
An easy-to-make preserve is turned by a skilled and imaginative culinary pro into a hearty snack that can be the star of the playoffs-to-Super-Bowl season. Bet on it scoring big with your fellow game-watchers.