Artichokes
Today we take a crack at solving the mysteries of the pointedly intimidating vegetable that tastes too good not to try to cook. When something’s in season, we can’t let ourselves be intimidated.
Tsuki
Purist sushi doesn’t dominate at this neighborhood BYOB where chef-owner Ginn Huang spins out rolls that reveal an Expressionistic spirit. All that riffing is balanced by service that’s invariably personalized and welcoming.
Alex Saneski, APEM
A chef who completely breaks the mold to redefine so-called “premium” ice cream today is inducted into the elite chef-picks-chef society of highest quality in the Garden State. It’s fitting that this Passaic native set up shop in Bloomfield, where he could tap New Jersey’s resources and mine our people as well for inspiration.
Thisilldous Eatery
Oh, what a wondrous thing Mike Moyer’s Sausage Gravy Bowl is! And his sweet-hot omelette. And especially his Cowboy Brisket Sandwich. But these days there’s a bittersweet ending to a meal at this beloved luncheonette, and it has nothing to do with the desserts.
Little Star
Bassam Njeim and Louisa Ajami bring a new line of Middle Eastern specialty foods to market. Join the queue at their first-ever stall at the West Windsor Farmers’ Market.
Green Bell Peppers
This is the story of a dreaded vegetable rising to the occasion of being a true team player when managed by a culinary coach whose palate is attuned to balance. The lesson learned? It’s not that you don’t like a certain food, it’s just that you haven’t had it prepared the way you like it.
Shore Shake
The farmers’ market food truck favorite takes milks and sweets, fruits and vegetables, accents feisty and calming – and blitzes its way into the hearts of its fans. Including our intrepid scout, Ella.
Sky Café
Far from the roar and congestion of EWR, JFK and PHL is a little airport in a sprawling, agrarian municipality in Hunterdon County where modernized classics take its café’s diners on a vacation spanning breakfast or lunch. Or, perhaps, both.
True Salvage Café
What Signe Heffernan cooks at this day café whose name aptly describes its décor isn’t anything new. It’s just that she gives favorites a little twist and makes them even more lovable.
Warmups: 8-15-22
Be it courtesy of the embrace of craft, the congeniality of place, the love inherent in preparation, or the teamwork of farmer and Mother Nature, the favorites of the two weeks just past are cosseted in warmth.
Pole Beans
Jolly giants of vines at Two Barn Farm in Pittstown yield deeply flavorful green, yellow and purple beans that can be turned, quickly, into a seasonal supper that celebrates produce at its height.
Summer Salt
With a hybrid fixed-price menu that showcases Jersey seafood and produce from local farms, this seasonal BYOB is a dunes buddy with breezy, inviting energy and a magical setting. The cooking, however, ebbs and flows.