The Fab 5 of ’23
Selecting the best eats every other week involves painful editing that too often leaves very-much-loved foods not making what suddenly becomes an unkind cut. To follow that formula to glean a Final 5 from a year’s worth of F5s positively stings. (Though it’s made bearable by eliminating F5’s favorite restaurant dishes of 2023, which will get their own due this Friday, Dec. 29.) So without any further ado, we spring to our feet and applaud the quintet of super winners!
Caviar, Casually
Fancy is fine, but does the fish roe that’s been called the Rolls-Royce of ingredients really need blini and puffy poufs?
White House Sub Shop
What becomes a legend most? In restaurants, legends are made by meticulous attention to every last detail that goes into procuring, preparing and serving food. They endure when a restaurant understands exactly why it’s in the business.
55-Pepper, Fermented
South Jersey’s rising culinary community takes a step higher with two new products from Reed’s Farm in Egg Harbor Township that showcase the skill and vision of a pair of collaborators. Guest writer Jeff Quattrone explains why he’s thrilled and delighted with the outcome.
Jaimito’s
An old-school chifa specialist teaches lessons of a cuisine that connects Chinese concepts with Peruvian ingredients. The execution is top of class.
Vegging Out Right Now
A year-round farmer asks a fundamental question – and then answers it with a wealth of ideas for wintertime cooking.
Milagros Mexican Cuisine
A focus on refined plates and building an atmosphere to match makes this swanky spot stand out from its kitschy competition. But does its promise extend to execution? Kiera Mitru weighs in.
Avgolemono
At The Greek Spot in Monmouth County, the classic lemon-chicken soup gets the creamy treatment and an undercurrent of orzo. It’s The Other Chicken Soup to seek when it’s your turn to be under the weather.
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.