Eddie Aguilar, The Stirling Hotel
The newest inductee into TPW’s chef-picks-chef society of top toques has mastered work-life balance all the while expressing his far-ranging experiences and talents on every plate. As his fan and selector notes, he’s “never lost his flair.”
Bad Hat Dumplings & Cocktails
Chaos? That’s how the folks here characterize the meeting of Asian and continental ways and means on the plates. But: No way! There’s too much care and too much thought at play inside an old bar being taught new tricks by a chef with vision.
Ottoyee
Warm up to some new takes on authentic Japanese cookery at a storefront specialist whose owner Leo Chen isn’t shy about bucking established norms.
Personal Passions
Chefs at restaurants that touch bases around the world might be anchored in the Garden State, but they stay true to their roots with dishes both poignant and powerful.
Winter Workhorse: Cabbage
A stew of the red version of the cruciferous vegetable with red onions and red lentils brings its own dose of sunshine to a last-leg-of-winter day.
Hills of Herat
A warm and welcoming restaurant in Somerset County is a true gateway to Afghan culture, celebrating ingredients fundamental to its rich culinary traditions through a host of classics.
Moaaz Mediterranean Grill
Can the fast-casual concept leave a cuisine that has flourished for ages in veritable ruins? Or is it more about sloppy prep and careless counter work that is causing an eatery in Rahway to do a disservice to its marquee foods?
Woulibam
Home-style cooking is an art form at this storefront restaurant that pays respect to Haitian culinary traditions and allegiance to its signature dishes. Dine here on island time all the time.
Tuna-stuffed Eggs
This Super Bowl munchie is game-day ready, thanks to a couple of power players you likely have stashed in your kitchen.
Toasting Lunar New Year
By all means, go to a personal favorite spot and have all your personal favorite dishes. Then consider, as well, one of the Garden State’s destinations and keep ringing in the Year of the Dragon.
Café Basilico
A new concept from an experienced chef who has proven he can cook at a high level falls flat largely because of poor sourcing and careless execution. It’s a disappointment for fans and it calls for immediate remedy.
Can Cauliflower Be Cathartic?
If you use Barkha Cardoz’s masalas and let her culinary wisdom seep into your consciousness, yes – eating cauliflower can be a seriously transformative experience.