Ehren Ryan: Common Lot
After working on three continents, the Australian-born chef who is this month’s chef-picked honoree planted a flag in Millburn. Can a menu be rooted in local seasons but also borderless? As his fan and selector to this elite club notes, “This man has no rules when it comes to putting ingredients together.”
Gub Khao Thai
Simplicity and complexity converge at a newcomer in a food-centric city that showcases the talents of a chef who cooks for diners much like he cooks for himself at home.
Sweet Melissa Patisserie
With its wide range of fine-tuned pastries, detailed to thrill upon first sight, this French-accented bakery plays at a high level, for sure. But don't ignore its savory fare, which sits at the intersection of classic and creative and brings uncommon culinary muscle to its part of the menu.
Magnificent in Magenta
Radicchio is the valentine of vegetables, a leafy chicory of ravishing beauty. Saute the leaves of a winter-grown head and you’ll be sending a message of love to those you serve.
Ed Schoenfeld
When the ground-breaking envoy for Chinese cuisine died last week at age 72, the Garden State lost a friend, a fan, a force of nature who foraged for everything edible, and an inspiring guide to creating cutting-edge restaurants.
Berg’s Smoked Meat & Poutine
Chef Kevin Berg, hyper-focused and determined to play Pied Piper into the world of Montreal smoked meat, scores a hat trick with sandwiches, a trio of gravy-, cheese- and brisket-topped fries, and sides that just might surprise.
Comforts & Joys: 1-17-22
Swaddle yourself in smoked salmon. Cuddle up to chocolates. Ogle that fat in a classic oxtail dish and just dig in. Favorites of right now are designed to soothe.
50 Ways to Use Your Hummus
Love the creamy, nutty, downright delicious stuff? You’re in good company. But you can do lots more with our beloved chickpea spread than you think.
Marcel Bakery & Kitchen
It’s hard to stop ordering at this Middle Eastern/Mediterranean storefront that has taken in its older sibling (MishMish) and now holds double the pleasure for diners both eat-in and takeout.
Convenience Foods
A friend believes food-shopping at farmers’ markets is only for those with time to spare in the kitchen. Not so. With the freshest fundamentals on hand, it’s simple to make quick work of a wholesome supper.
Esposito’s
If sesame-seed crust pies are on your go-to map for pizza, put this spot (or its sibling in Matawan) on your dine card. Tip on a hit: the vodka sauce pie.
Artisan Food Artistry
The Garden State’s culinary craftsmen and women are known for taking foods from our farms and spinning them into the something-extras that elevate our everyday meals. Are they convenience products? Yes. Of a very high level.