Lil Saigon
The spawn of a legend that once reigned in Atlantic City as well as in a shorter-lived stall in a food hall is but a ghost of its predecessors. Only the pho survives, albeit in scaled-back style.
Very High-Fives: 12-11-23
What a list of lovables! Recognizable, yet offering that zip of something extra-special. What a lead-up to the final F5 of 2023 – the top 5 of all our top 5s, coming on Christmas Day.
Baked Rice Bowl
A challenger to baked mac-and-cheese offers just as many customizing possibilities. It might even be easier and quicker to make.
Black Sheep Bar & Provisions
Chef Nick DeRosa is in charge of his own destiny at this newcomer to an emerging downtown and it shows in plates that express voice and show vision that enlightens and inspires.
Heirloom Apple Salsa
Change up the topper for Hanukkah’s latkes by dolloping potato pancakes with neither sour cream nor applesauce but by taking a spin on the lighter side with a refreshing – and seasonal – salsa.
Covered Bridge Café
A casual café set on the footprint of a legendary butcher shop offers a drop-in daytime alternative to its dressy older sibling one-tenth of a mile down the country road.
Cran-Coco-Lime Cookies
Holiday cheer comes in a sweet package with accents of tart and hot, salty and sour. It’s the Cookie Supper you’re allowed to sneak in at least once this season.
Twin Goats Cafe
Congeniality fosters community at a day café that’s all about inclusivity, plant-based fare and sincerity that doesn’t quit.
Cookie Butter Sundae
At Jersey Cow Ice Cream in Northfield, there are welcoming hand-warmers, shots of hot espresso to be poured over homemade hard ice cream and, best of all, a limited-edition sundae built on waffles made on the spot.
Swadist
Uttam Rawat is a chef’s chef and, at his very personal storefront on the edge of India Square, he puts the dishes that elucidate and educate on full display. Kiera Mitru analyzes his lessons.
Familiar Yet Uncommon: 11-27-23
Unexpected but hardly alien, the favorites of the two weeks just past offer connections beyond the customary.
Beans + Quinoa = Beanoa
Pronounced bean-whaa, but no matter how you mangle it, this powerhouse partnership is prime nutritional fuel. That you can deck the combo with a world of custom accents is even more reason to add it to your repertoire