Hot Off the Farm: 6-7-21
Yet again, it’s true: The Garden State’s best comes from … the Garden State’s farms.
Garlic Scapes
Those curlicues of green piled in bins at farmers’ markets? Grab ’em! Their uses are near-endless and their taste distinctively allium.
Springhouse Creamery Curds
Little Miss Muffet would not have let a mere spider frighten her away from her meal if its curds had been courtesy of this dairy in Sussex County.
Pokok
There’s tradition and invention, serious cooking and fanciful presentations at a wide-ranging Southeast Asian BYOB that spins the wheel of spice with mindful abandon.
Dashen Ethiopian Cuisine
A veritable primer of essential foods from a country located in the Horn of Africa is found in the heart of a culinary hub.
Side Show
Seasonal Garden State produce is your go-to when it comes to picking a supporting cast for stars of the grill. Don’t be surprised if the minion gets a standing ovation.
2nd Jetty
Catty-corner from the entrance to Sandy Hook is a seafood shack with a modern, high-toned menu that belies its indoor-outdoor, smell-the-salt-air style. No matter when you’re here, it’s the start of summer.
Lil Saigon
The spawn of a Garden State legend is doing crazy-good Vietnamese in a food hall. Praise be culinary genes.
Reimagination Is Fun: 5-24-21
Spins on the familiar spark smiles and show off the skills of Garden State food artists. These are my favorites of the fortnight just past; what are yours?
Stewing, Warm-Weather-Style
Surprisingly quick and easy to cook, unsurprisingly satisfying to eat with its beans-and-greens base, this cassoulet’s smoked pork and dried fruit accents get a lift from energizing heat.
De Martino
A season-tipping menu, reimagined standards and broad scope of ingredients elevate a second-generation Latin-leaning restaurant to destination-dining stature.
Smitty’s
The Clam Bar at Smith’s Marina, widely known and loved as its nickname, Smitty’s, is the definition of a summertime seafood shack. May it serve clams and “Pink” and fried fish eternally and never, ever run out of the Thursday special.