Reveling in Ramps
Ready, set – dig into the super-short season of ramps, the beguiling allium that charms with unique pungency and unexpected versatility.
Pho 420 Saigon
No guesswork needed here: Pho is the specialty at a Vietnamese newcomer planted in the heart of a Korean cuisine stronghold.
Red Onion
Old favorites and new go-to dishes keep a Taiwanese-accented Chinese destination both relevant and gratifying in pandemic times.
White Rice, Revived
Or: Confessions of someone who only does takeout Chinese when the moon is full on a fifth Tuesday.
Nanna’s Cabbage and Noodles
It’s the right time for a dish passed down through the generations. Especially if that dish is the equivalent of “a warm hug from beyond.”
Born to Bake
There’s something about a Carey Bell confection that sets it apart from the pack. Flavor, texture, attitude, appearance – they all play a part in giving her work a voice that’s riveting, distinctive and, perhaps most importantly, intuitive.
Hail to the Chef’s Scallops!
Two award-winning chef-restaurateurs who follow the seasons are celebrating this time of peak scallops with created-for-the-moment specials.
Merey
Irresistible empanadas, sweet corn pancakes known as cachapas and a sandwich thrill called patacones are found at a Venezuelan BYOB with charm to spare.
Jersey Best: 3-29-21
Could I be eating better any place else? No, I say to myself, as this fortnight draws to a close. Not with the skilled growers and fisherfolk, artisans and chefs working here in the Garden State.
Peak Cheese
You know the differences among cow, goat and sheep milks, right? You know proper serving temperatures, yes? You know not to ever wrap a cheese in plastic, perhaps? But do you know when a particular cheese, like a wine, is “tasting really good right now”?
Home Made
The name is no misnomer: There must be a coterie of babcia in the kitchen of this destination for Polish specialties making magic with everything from sauerkraut to pierogies to kielbasa.
Reviewing Revues
If there’s one thing we can be certain of in this pandemic era, it’s that our restaurants know how to change on a dime. In fact, several of the spots we’ve highlighted in the past few months already are introducing new dishes, planning special dinners and even expanding. Here’s a quick look at what’s happening as we celebrate early spring.