The Windlass
Hard on the shores of Lake Hopatcong is this spot where nature’s gifts, creature-made comforts and a range of worthy food converge. Grab a glider booth, a cocktail and ponder the edible options.
Mathis House
There are temptations in teapots, food that’s pristine and a setting that inspires nod-to-your-neighbor propriety at this historic mansion where posh reigns.
The Grand Tavern
Calvin Trillin, a seminal writer with four-star ideas about food, long has campaigned to have pasta carbonara replace turkey as the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner. As usual, he’s spot-on correct. But there’s a new contender in the “86 the Bird” movement: the cavatelli BLT at this pub-by-the-Shore.
Bahay Kubo
This is one fun way to eat, this communal-style Filipino feast known as kamayan. Easy, too. Except for figuring out how to stop.
Manu’s Kitchen Bar and Sushi Lounge
Portuguese and Japanese plates co-exist and co-mingle at a distinctive destination in the Ironbound.
The Porch Crepe Cafe
A Bonus Brief RR: Bid the season adieu this week with crepes savory and sweet at an outdoor café that’s tres charmant.
Taqueria Rendon
Chef Marco Rendon’s birria specialist slipped into town on Cinco de Mayo, putting into the spotlight takes on the sensation that are destined to make it even more sensational.
Harvey Cedars Shellfish Company
The fish is local, the plates unfussy yet creative when called for, the setting on Long Beach Island beachy-keen. No wonder this landmark is edging towards its 50th birthday.
Stirling Tavern
There’s a well-edited menu of neighborhood joint favorites and outside-the-norm specialties at this downtown destination with an enlightened view of what’s possible. A tip: Don’t play it safe.
Kim Sum
A new dim sum champ handles the morsels served forth from its piled-high carts with grace. Make a day of it on a Saturday by taking a morning’s jaunt through the nearby Collingswood Farmers’ Market and, post-dim sum, shopping at Sun Seng supermarket, at the opposite end of Saigon Plaza.
Blue Bottle Café
Some 15 years ago, a pair of chefs looking to make a commitment to a community opened a little place with big-hearted food. Their culinary style? Well, it’s something like a roasted chicken.
El Matador
Break out of your same-old, same-old rut at this Mexican stalwart, where the less-common shines and a spirit of adventure is rewarded.