Mazar Kabab
Classic Afghani fare is served with bountiful hospitality at a downtown storefront in Central Somerset County. It’s family-style, and designed to bring comforts and joy in resolutely respectful ways.
Dalida’s Dad’s Olives
At Bocadillo in Moonachie, the local way of preparing a standard small bite sends it into a stratosphere of other-worldliness. We have the how-to for you.
Lucia and Gretel’s Latin Cuisine
Classics from Guatemala as translated by siblings with polished techniques and an understanding of their native country’s foodways are on display at a busy storefront where laughter ripples both from the open kitchen and at the tables of diners discovering the wonders of tapado, loroco and groaning platters of churrasco steak-and-sevens.
Blue Moon Farm Garlic Powder
A Garden State-grown crop is turned by its farmers in Hunterdon County into a savory, useful and endlessly complementary value-added product – a seasoning for all seasons.
Oasis Farm Social Graces Tea
A farmhouse on a spread of land both cultivated and pastured is tended to by individuals with autism who also practice the arts and crafts of baking and cooking – and, at appointed times, host teas that put their hospitality on full display.
Havens to Savor
Sometimes, during a rough stretch of life or weather or particularly rotten luck, you find a food that becomes a veritable port in a storm. This go-around’s quintet of favorites is just that, each a beacon of flavor signaling a safe harbor.
Colatura
Italy’s un-fishy sauce made from fermented anchovies is a winter vegetable’s BFF.. Then again, it’s got a thing for pasta, hearty beans and any bird you’ve got at the ready.
Yaraku Ramen
At this old-school practitioner of a now-ubiquitous craft, there are bowls that shine and bowls that stumble, with options other than noodles that do much the same. Find your favorites, sip and slurp – and then feel relaxed about the end-game reasonable tabs.
Gorditas de Nata
A Mexican breadstuff proves its mettle – and versatility – in a partnership with a market’s homey queso crema. For starters, that is.
Libelula Bakery + Kitchen
A wife-and-husband team of chefs revives and even glamorizes standards from the repertoires of both Peru and the Dominican Republic with lots of TLC and no shortage of kitchen skills. Mark it on your dine card for breakfast, lunch and weekend dinners.
Corn Chowder, Elote-style
For Super Bowl chowing, make a simple soup that’ll bring a spot of warmth to the frozen tundra that’s embraced the Garden State. It’s a cheery bowl that’s mighty customizable, too.
Celebrating Lunar New Year
Festivities that toast Lunar New Year this year begin February 17 and end March 3, giving us plenty of time to visit restaurants and usher in the Year of the Horse in style.