MOGO Korean Fusion Tacos
The second brick-and-mortar offshoot of the Boardwalk phenomenon in Asbury Park tackles most of the blended-culture street fare as its older siblings. Thirteen years hence, has the concept mellowed with age? Are we just accustomed to its ways and flavors? Is familiarity breeding acceptable pleasantness?
Kurobuta White Charcoal Grille
Labels play a major role at this pork-focused Japanese restaurant that also zeroes in on seafood in non-sushi ways. Despite the name games, there’s fine fare to be had – a hat-tip to a mostly conscientious kitchen.
Mazar Kabab
Classic Afghani fare is served with bountiful hospitality at a downtown storefront in Central Somerset County. It’s family-style, and designed to bring comforts and joy in resolutely respectful ways.
Lucia and Gretel’s Latin Cuisine
Classics from Guatemala as translated by siblings with polished techniques and an understanding of their native country’s foodways are on display at a busy storefront where laughter ripples both from the open kitchen and at the tables of diners discovering the wonders of tapado, loroco and groaning platters of churrasco steak-and-sevens.
Oasis Farm Social Graces Tea
A farmhouse on a spread of land both cultivated and pastured is tended to by individuals with autism who also practice the arts and crafts of baking and cooking – and, at appointed times, host teas that put their hospitality on full display.
Yaraku Ramen
At this old-school practitioner of a now-ubiquitous craft, there are bowls that shine and bowls that stumble, with options other than noodles that do much the same. Find your favorites, sip and slurp – and then feel relaxed about the end-game reasonable tabs.
Libelula Bakery + Kitchen
A wife-and-husband team of chefs revives and even glamorizes standards from the repertoires of both Peru and the Dominican Republic with lots of TLC and no shortage of kitchen skills. Mark it on your dine card for breakfast, lunch and weekend dinners.
Celebrating Lunar New Year
Festivities that toast Lunar New Year this year begin February 17 and end March 3, giving us plenty of time to visit restaurants and usher in the Year of the Horse in style.
La Braise African Grill
The bold and bodacious foods of West Africa come to the Garden State courtesy of chef Karen Koblan, who brings dishes she grew up on – including fiercely authentic versions of choukouya and kedjenous – to the tables of her welcoming storefront eatery.
A Counter-to-Culture Valentine’s Day
Highlighted in this roundup of eateries to consider for dining out on the day of hearts-and-flowers are 10 places that defy the usual. We’re pointing out the trad-restaurants, but also offering alternatives to the expected.
Mira Mediterranean Grill
Don’t be bashful and revert to hummus at this shopping center storefront in Skillman that tilts its menu Turkish. No, go for the less familiar and be smitten by mucvar, manti, musakka of a different stripe and a dessert that’s deliciously playful.
Koi Matsu
At James Dong’s newcomer to a restaurant-rich community, Japanese fare gets taken on a world tour and brings home souvenirs that inspire both fun and fancy. It’s a joy ride, and the chef wants to personally welcome you aboard.