Cap’n Cat Clam Bar
A stalwart for seafood in Gloucester County’s Franklin Township is this old-school spot with a lively bar and throwback vibes that vindicate those who favor the basics, particularly when it comes to shellfish.
In Good Company
Should beans of all stripes find their way into your kitchen, there’s a tie that can bind them into an entrée fit for right now.
Bombay Street Food Malvani Katta
Inside a humble food court on state Highway 27, the Garden State’s own Spice Route, is the equivalent of an immobile food truck in which a woman whips up what you might find in the home of a top-flight cook in Mumbai. Catch her if you can, adventurers, and heed her advice.
A Cheeky Proposition
We’re back with Cape May Captain Brady Lybarger, who this time has carved out of his jumbo tilefish catches a delicacy that might inspire us all to get on board with a little advocacy that’d help make an uncommon part of a fish a bit more accessible to aficionados.
AwesomeYo’s Kitchen
There’s more in store than celebrated baked goods at this downtown Indonesian hotspot piloted by a mother-and-daughter team who pay homage to grandma in the most delicious of ways.
G.O.A.T. Waffle
Lorena Cabra laces her made-on-the-spot waffles with a salty cheese from Colombia then drizzles them hot-off-the-griddle with a fruited sauce or dulce de leche. A more delightful breakfast at a farmers’ market you’d be hard-pressed to find.
3 Sons Thai Kitchen
A mother’s touch and well-practiced skills are supported by her best guys at a storefront charmingly attired even though it’s used by most for quick-stop takeout. Dine in at least once in a while to experience some of the finest Thai fare in the state and be guided by star chef-owner “Mama” Prap Khumthanom.
Heroes of Sincerity
It’s the highest compliment in food and the favorites of the two weeks just past have it in spades: the best blueberries, a braised pork Thai stew, Japanese cucumbers, earthy red lentil balls, and an Indonesian breakfast soup.
Sashimi Cucumbers from Eastbound Acres
A bio-intensive market garden farm in southern Ocean County grows an uncommon, highly desirable Japanese cuke variety known for its crispness, sweetness and light seed content. It makes for refreshing eating completely unadorned as well as a delightful vessel for hors d’oeuvres.
Toasting the Garden State’s Indies
On Independence Day, we declare ourselves in awe of, inspired by and devoted to New Jersey’s independent restaurants. Long may their doors be open for them to serve forth foods that are all about love.
Maize
Admirable pedigrees are attached to a modern Mexican set in a meticulously reimagined train station, but experience isn’t showing up on plates that may look pretty yet lack deep-seated flavors. Better sourcing and care in the kitchen are a couple of the answers to problems ownership needs to address.
Big Blues Salad
A score of a flat of organic blueberries from McCay’s early harvest at its Hammonton fields inspires a dinner-size toss of most amiable ingredients.