Winter’s Wonder Lands
Now is the season for winter farmers’ markets, the prime places to go for stock-ups, meet-ups and a spirit of true Garden State community. Here’s an idea particularly suitable to a food-centric outing: Tack onto the gathering of comestibles at the stalls of our farmers, bakers and food artisans a post-shop stop at a nearby restaurant and make the day a fine food-intensive adventure.
Baked Goodies
What should be your final last-minute grab for the twosome of the Eve and the Day of Christmas? Sweet and savory bakes from your local independent bakeshop, that place that has evolved in professionalism, presence in community and quality of product in the last decade and stands today as a point of pride throughout New Jersey. So: Bypass the chains and scorn the mass-produced! Stop today at your neighborhood bakeshop and share the love tonight and tomorrow.
The Gifting Conundrum, Solved
The days are dwindling down to a precious few for shopping for that just-right present for those food-centric souls in your life. We’ve edited the options to sure-bet selections. Read on, be inspired and then relax.
Bocadillo’s Market
Within a new restaurant in Moonachie is a section of shelves holding some of Spain’s most desirable ingredients. It’s supplemented with jamon, cheeses and other perishables at a frontside ordering counter and curated by a couple who well know their Iberian specialties. It's a collection designed to help you host an easy and authentic tapas party at home.
Antoinette Boulangerie
If the mood strikes on Halloween, it’s fine to think of certain pastries as substitutes for candies. Treat yourself to a sampling, for instance, at this French-accented bakeshop in Red Bank, which is the right kind of confectionary for indulgence when our annual sweet-and-scary holiday rolls around.
Shoppers’ Paradises
We all know about High Summer in the Garden State and how its produce shapes our meals during that season. Now comes the time to employ a different kind of procurement plan, one that feeds our needs for a succession of holiday dinners and get-togethers and aids in neighborly gift-giving and family stocking-stuffing. It’s officially High Food-Shopping Season and we’re offering recommendations on where to score favored eats from authorities throughout New Jersey.
At Mitsuwa, It’s Hokkaido Crab Time
Once again, Garden Staters are in for a worldly treat, one available at America’s finest Japanese uber-market, located along the Hudson River in Edgewater.
On-Farm Stores
Garden State farmers are setting up shops, not just roadside stands, on their farms, spotlighting their own produce as well as condiments helpful to home cooks and foods from neighboring artisans. It’s consumer-friendly convenience that makes getting a wealth of local foods on the table easy as pie – which is sold at some stores as well.
Gluten-free Breads at Kitch Organic
Everything Seeded stars in a fine lineup of gluten-free breads at this breakfast-lunch stop on Red Bank’s West Side.
Wild Roots Provisions
Across from the beach in Cape May sits the brick-and-mortar dream of a pair of hospitality industry vets who want to make Shore time a sure bet for snacks.
Choosing Local
Farmers’ market high season has begun. Do you attend a true farmers-based market near you? If so, go. If Market Day isn’t yet a regular posting on your own calendar, check out one there’s good word about within a reasonable drive. Two worth an hour of your time are these biggies, now officially in session: Brick Farmers’ Market and Hunterdon Community Farmers’ Market.
In Season Now: Farmers’ Markets
Along with Garden State asparagus, strawberries, peas, spinach and lettuces come the new vintages of our farmers’ markets. They’re ever-more prevalent, diverse and geared to weekly stock-ups. It’s truly where the smart and savvy shop for food.