Bon Nut Butters & Sweets
By putting healthy spins on mass-market products, Jennifer Nikitczuk is cooking up competition to Nutella and its kin. Only this artisan maker is a one-mom band decidedly devoted to her very local audience.
Bamboo House
The shape’s familiar. So is the stately presentation on a pretty platter. But what’s inside the Black Rice Roll at this Japanese-Thai BYOB in Frenchtown diverges from the norm.
Sweet Amalia’s Oysters
Even in their lean season, these hand-harvested slurpers are the queens of our waters.
Spring Run Dairy
The milks from the creamery at this farm in Pittstown certainly can do justice as accompaniments to the best cookies and cakes, to cereals and coffees, to sauces and puddings. But more importantly they stand on their own as a beverage to savor.
Bao Dumplings & Bao Tea
Made-in-house noodles with tomato and egg aren’t the headliner at this just-opened storefront a few steps from the DMV in Hazlet. But they mesmerize.
Owowcow Creamery
Ice cream: It’s edible air-conditioning. Loved, and necessary, right now.
Springhouse Creamery Curds
Little Miss Muffet would not have let a mere spider frighten her away from her meal if its curds had been courtesy of this dairy in Sussex County.
Gandom Bakery
If you’ve not yet experienced the iconic breads of Iran, high-tail it to a storefront in Paterson’s Middle Eastern district and dive in to the world of sangak, barbari and taftoon.
Soul Empanadas, Part II
Looking for the Emperor of Empanadas? Ben Dawson and his distinctive half-moon stuffed pastries will be headlining at seasonal farmers’ markets along the South Shore.
Korean Takeaway
Palisades Park’s main drag – Broad Avenue – is flush with excellent Korean restaurants. But its “catering” and takeout shops offer a bounty of edible treasures. Explore!
Le Bon Magot
Naomi Mobed’s exceptional conserves and condiments are born of a peripatetic palate nurtured by home addresses that range from Tehran to Tulsa, Hong Kong to Copenhagen, London to Lawrenceville.
Soul Empanadas
Ben Dawson and his distinctive empanadas aren’t easy to find, so catch them while you can at Renault Winery’s “Vintner Wonderland.”