XiBei Cuisine
The terroir of Northwest China is expressed at a newcomer that’s unafraid to dig into the blended cultures that shaped the foodways of a region too often ignored in the scheme of restaurant things in New Jersey. There’s hope for change now that this destination is on the map of must-stops.
Colorful Cauliflower
Pretty and more flavorful in purple and orange, two members of the current crop of the cruciferous vegetable don’t need a force field-strength shield of seasonings and sauces to make them lovable. Go accent-free, and appreciate their natural charm.
Geamos Café & Bakery
An all-day café imagined in the manner of a local gathering place in a small European city is serving the classic savories and sweets of Georgia in ways both continental and comforting. It’s crossroads cuisine and its immediate mecca-in-NJ status is thanks to exquisite dishes delivered with warmth and all the information you need to make a meal complete.
Stella and Her Smoked Fishes Groove
At NetCost, a new concept in smoked fishes inspires a new wave of meal ideas. It’s decidedly Eastern European, a trifle Japanese, a bit old-school deli, ultimately light on time and joyful to prepare.
Canal House Station
With limited a la carte dinner service on Fridays and Saturdays to supplement popular Sunday afternoon suppers, this restaurant-as-respite in Hunterdon County’s northernmost River Town remains a sanctuary of all-around loveliness where the processes of cooking are kept to high standards and the art of dining is cherished.
Brussels Sprouts
Once again, it’s time to tout Brussels sprouts. Only this time, let’s not proclaim it the vegetable of the new year, but one we need to get to know better as we shed preconceived notions and experiment with its versatility like some of our favorite chefs have been doing for decades.
Day Dining Along the Delaware
Peak foliage time and the downtowns along the river that marks the western border of Hunterdon County pulsate with day-trippers and weekenders in need of edible fuel in between scenic rides in the countryside by bike or car or after walks along the connecting towpath. Last week and this, we’ve been featuring prime places to eat in the River Towns and today we offer a round-up of breakfast, lunch and snacks stops along the trail.
Best Shots
Giving anything your all is a monumental task. The talented folks who conceived and executed this quintet of favorites did just that, making food memories in the process.
Broc & Buns
The bun may not have come out of your own oven nor the broccoli from a backyard garden. But once you secure them – or their like – at a farmers’ market, you’ll be able to put down that phone, break yourself of the takeaway habit and eat supper without waiting for delivery or standing on line for pickup.
The Speckled Egg Café
Reborn and reimagined in a new-old space in the city’s eclectic and coruscating downtown is a noshery where chef Megan Loos’ pitch-perfect plates stimulate and soothe and never stop short of entertaining as they enlighten. The good tastes are rolling again.
Phillips Farms Multi-Fruit Ciders
At a farm in Holland Township that’s been run by the Phillips family since 1806, ciders ratchet up both the fruit content and the container size to make for sweet and extended quaffing.
Meta Café
A breakfast-lunch spot on the edge of the city’s core downtown has a new chef-owner who’s keeping what’s loved on the menu but taking steps to not only show off his own considerable skills, but expand the café’s scope beyond the mainstream. Call ahead to secure the best dabeli anywhere.