River Lea House Kimchee
Start with a tub of made-on-a-farm, small-batch fermented/pickled vegetables, then customize your very own bowl of nutritious deliciousness.
Dehydrated Mustard Greens
When dried, this leafy powerhouse can be used much like a dried herb – with purposeful abandon, in all manner of savory fare.
Hazelnut-Chocolate Doughnut
At Rabble Rise in Montclair, there’s a doughnut that stands above the others in an increasingly crowded field.
Potato Chips-’n’-Lime
At Taqueria 2 Potrillos in Bridgeton, you can learn from a baggie of warm chips how to serve a snack that sparkles for a crowd – such as the one that might be gathering in front of your TV this Sunday to watch the year’s most talked-about sporting event.
Soup Dumplings
At Authentic Shanghai Dumpling in Edison you’ll find a real-deal, properly made, properly served version of a classic.
Pineapple Dipped in Chocolate
The symbol for hospitality welcomes a cloak of the cacao bean’s revered progeny at Carol’s Creative Chocolatez in Somerville.
The Homer Sandwich
It’s worth any odyssey to partake of the signature breakfast sandwich at the Califon General Store. Trust Kate Munning, who makes sure her morning jog finds its just reward.
Shagbark Hickory
Straight from Hoppy Valley Farm in northwestern Morris County comes an out-of-the-ordinary ingredient that can put a new spin on your baking and cooking. Ella experiments with a flavor destined for stardom.
Squid Ink Fettuccine
Many come for the meatballs. Or for the wood-fired pizza. And perhaps the nightly specials. But for some, Piattino in Mendham (and also Summit) is the place where squid ink pasta with shrimp and horseradish-spiked breadcrumbs is the standout.
Coffee, with an Empanada on the Side
At El Monte in Chester, a husband-and-wife team roast, brew and make a tempting savory pastry. Combine, and create a winning start to the day. And a way to keep it going.
Greek Fries
At Efi’s Gyros in Montclair, Ella finds the seasoned spuds not only stand on their own, but may need to be ordered in pairs – one to eat on the premises, one to fuel the ride home.