A Foodie’s Finds
NORTHERN NEW JERSEY FOOD CRAWL
Featuring A Wildwood Vacation Spotlight and Top Spots from New York City and Philadelphia
Instagram: @afoodiesfinds Yelp: Alessia “@afoodiesfinds” M. www.alessiamartire.com
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A Foodie’s Finds
NORTHERN NEW JERSEY FOOD CRAWL
Featuring A Wildwood Vacation Spotlight and Top Spots from New York City and Philadelphia Written By Alessia Martire 2021
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- Introduction FOOD, FOR ME, HAS ALWAYS been more than
just pure sustenance. I have come to realize that I associate food with my favorite people in my life, through memories I have of sharing meals with them. Sharing recipes and meals has been the biggest way for me to not only connect with my Italian and Portuguese backgrounds, but also to understand the cultures of close friends. Growing up in the United States as a second-generation American, it is sometimes difficult to feel connected to my ethnic backgrounds. Through eating traditional dishes prepared by my immigrant family members, I’ve found a way to understand my loved ones more, while also understanding myself and where I come from.
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This initial love for my family’s homemade Italian and Portuguese food has grown into a general appreciation for all kinds of meals from around the world. I’ve expanded beyond my mother’s kitchen to all kinds of different restaurants, and I am always on the lookout for my new favorite spot. As a bornand-raised Jersey girl from just outside of New York City, the majority of this book is focused on northern New Jersey eateries, along with some top spots in NYC. Ever since I was a kid, my family would take a summer vacation to Wildwood in South Jersey, so I needed to include some summer go-to spots from there as well. As I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Philadelphia in recent years, I also decided to include five of my favorite restaurants from the City of Brotherly Love. Whether you’re closer to the top or bottom of the Garden State, looking for Asian, American, Mediterranean food or even just a snack, this book has a location for your next eating adventure. Happy food crawling!
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Contents ______ TITLE PAGE - ii
INTRODUCTION - iii
Northern New Jersey CAFE GIOTTO, Montclair - 1 KURA REVOLVING SUSHI BAR, Fort Lee - 2 LE SALBUEN, Montclair - 3 GYRO GRILL, Wayne - 5 SONOMA BISTRO, Rutherford - 6 PALATO, Montclair - 7 GLAZE DONUTS, West Caldwell - 9 SEABRA’S MARISQUIERA, Newark - 11 HAVEN RIVERFRONT RESTAURANT AND BAR, Edgewater - 12 ANI RAMEN, Montclair - 13 PENANG MALAYSIAN AND THAI CUISINE, East Hanover - 15 CAFE ARCHETYPUS, Edgewater - 17 MAMBO EMPANADAS AND LATIN BISTRO, Rutherford - 19 SAKURA HIBACHI STEAK HOUSE, Parsippany - 20 CELLAR 335, Jersey City - 21
New York City: Top 5 ORAMEN, Chelsea District UMBERTO’S CLAM HOUSE, Little Italy HUDSON CLEARWATER, Greenwich Village -
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____________________ MASSERIA DEI VINI, Hell’s Kitchen -
SERRA BY BIRRERIA, Greenwich Village -
Wildwood Vacation Spotlight CURLEY’S FRIES, Wildwood Boardwalk TWO MILE LANDING, Wildwood Crest POPPI’S BRICK OVEN PIZZA & KITCHEN, Wildwood MUDHEN BREWING COMPANY, Wildwood A CA MIA, Cape May -
Philadelphia: Top 5 SOMO, Manayunk MEI MEI PHILADELPHIA, Old City THIRSTY DICE, Fairmount Area AMADA, Old City BLUME BURGER, Rittenhouse Square -
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Wayne Parsippany
West Caldwell
East Hanover Florham Park
Montclair Rutherford Newark
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Fort Lee Edgewater
Jersey City
Northern New Jersey
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Cafè Giotto Montclair, NJ
If you’re looking for genuine specialty Italian food at a reasonable price, you’ll definitely want to start with Cafe Giotto in Montclair. Every dish here tastes fresh and absolutely authentic, from pasta to panna cotta. The best part is that it’s all handmade. Head Chef Luca has designed delicious lunch and dinner menus with the intention of highlighting some of the best Italian cuisine. Even if you’d just prefer a small bite, this cafe offers delicious coffee, pastries and desserts as well. My advice: Pick from a few small plates on the menu, and leave room for desssert and a cappuccino. Price: $$
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Kura Revolving Sushi Fort Lee , NJ
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar offers a unique dining experience that is entertaining, convenient and satisfying to the stomach all at once. The sushi-filled conveyor belt positioned next to your table makes it possible to start eating as soon as you sit down. Once seated, all you need to do is pull your desired half-roll out of its container as it passes you on the conveyor belt, and dig in. Each half-roll is only $3.15, so it’s pretty affordable to eat until you’re stuffed. On top of this, (as if a conveyor belt filled with sushi to take at your leisure isn’t exciting on its own,) ordering off of Kura’s additional menu brings even more fun to the table. Simply order whichever appetizers, special rolls, dessert, etc. that you’d like from the screen above your table, and within minutes you’ll have a separate conveyor belt deliver that item directly to your spot. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu (or the conveyor belt). My advice: Try the $8 Ramen (it’s delicious and filling enough to be a meal on its own,) and aim to finish at least 15 plates off the conveyor belt. That’s when you’ll win an interactive prize, delivered to you in a way that will make you feel like a kid again. Price: $$
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Northern New Jersey
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Le Salbuen Montclair, NJ
Le Salbuen has it all- Eclectic European dishes, plenty of healthy options, an adorable aesthetic, and the opportunity to dine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This location specializes in globally-inspired organic farm-to-table meat, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes. Their unique menu, rooted in Portuguese, French, Indian and Mediterranean influences, combines flavors that work unexpectedly well together. Le Salbuen cares to create each of their dishes with special attention to detail, both in flavor and plating design. In fact, every aspect of this place is personal, right down to the name itself (a combination of the head chefs’ surnames,) making it a great spot for truly authentic home-cooked food served in a restaurant setting. For burger lovers, Le Salbuen makes a crispy aged pork-bacon burger with cheddar cheese and caramelized Kenneth Square PA mushrooms that’s cooked to perfection, accompanied by handcut truffle fries that are ideal for any truffle fan. However, don’t worry if you’re on a meatless diet. With a menu that is half vegetarian and options like their spring mix, spinach, quinoa, portobello mushroom and pine nut salad in a homemade glaze, you can be sure that you’ll find something perfect for you amongst all their tasty options. My advice: Try the gumbo pictured on the following page for an amazing blend of diverse flavors. Price: $$-$$$
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Gyro Grill Wayne , NJ
Gyro Grill in Wayne makes a casual Mediterranean lunch feel like a feast. With generous portions, super affordable prices and plenty of variety on each platter, you may catch yourself going overboard. Just the Appetizer Plate alone is packed with fresh hummus, baba ghanouj (an eggplant-based dip), labaneh (strained greek yogurt), falafel, tabouli salad (chopped parsley, tomatoes, onions and bulgur with lemon juice and spices), kibbe (fried balls of meat, onions, wheat and spices), rice-stuffed grape leaves, and fresh pita bread to scoop up the spreads. There’s sure to be something on the menu to satisfy your Mediterranean cravings, whether you’re hungry for a meat option like Lamb Shawerma or choose to go meat-free. My advice: Split a few dishes between a handful of friends. You’ll get to try more of the menu, and hopefully get full a little less quickly. Price: $
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Sonoma Bistro Rutherford , NJ
Sonoma Bistro is the homey brunch spot that will remind you of your mom’s kitchen. This place puts an awesome spin on your breakfast and lunch favorites, from Nutella Churros Waffles to their Rare Sesame Seared Tuna Burger. While some may think the perfect brunch meal is an elaborate creation that uses unique flavors to combine sweet with savory, others might prefer to pair their coffees with a simple, well-executed classic. Luckily, Sonoma Bistro offers both. My advice: Try the Mexican omelette, or build your own if you’d prefer. Price: $-$$
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Northern New Jersey
A Foodie’s Favorite!
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Palato Montclair, NJ
Palato is one of Montclair’s newest additions, but they’ve hit the ground running. Within the last six months, they’ve already been able to establish themselves as one of the best spots around for authentic Italian cuisine. The ultra-courteous staff will make you feel right at home, and the cozy ambience only adds to this restaurant’s charm. Treat yourself to the Bianca Panini (proscuitto di parma, fior di latte, tomatoes and basil on focaccia bread) for a rewarding light lunch, or plan to split some pastas for your next date night. You may find yourself satisfyingly stuffed after the Tagliolini al Pomodoro, but make sure to leave room for dessert: there are always around 10 rotating specialty flavors of homemade gelato to choose from, from ferrero rocher to pistacchio to espresso. My advice: If you’re a fan of mushrooms, you can’t pass up the Polenta appetizer with mixed mushrooms, fontina sauce and truffle oil. You’ll thank me later. Price: $$-$$$
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Northern New Jersey
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Glaze Donuts West Caldwell , NJ
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Glaze Donuts, located in West Caldwell, New Milford and Fort Lee, has perfected the art of making flavorful classic and artisanal donuts to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re a fan of classic Chocolate Frosted donuts or looking to sample some wackier flavors like S’mores, Bananas Foster and Strawberry Shortcake Nutella, Glaze provides you with plenty of options. And why choose between classic and artisan when you can create your own mixed box of any flavors you’d like? These donuts are made fresh everyday using top-quality ingredients, and on weekends you’ll have the chance to give their signature Italian Rainbow and Napolean varieties a try. Of course, this donut shop knows you can’t have your Sunday morning donuts without coffee: That’s why they provide everything from Americanos to frozen, blended Faccinos. There’s no better combo, and Glaze Donuts does it best. My advice: Cut your artisan donuts into fourths and split them with friends. That way, everyone gets to try each kind, and it doesn’t become too sweet too fast. Price: $
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Northern New Jersey
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Seabra’s Marisquiera Newark , NJ
New to Portuguese food and not sure where to go? Speaking as someone who has grown up on Portuguese food, Seabra’s Marisquiera in Newark is the real deal. This spot is decorated in the front to make you feel as though you’ve walked into a traditional home in Portugal itself, with more upscale, formal seating in the back. The menu features a variety of meat and fresh seafood dishes made with fish directly imported from Portugal, all in very generous proportions and consistently delicious. You’ll get a nice taste of some classic flavors with the Beef or Steak Picadinho, a form of surf-and-turf which consists of your meat of choice, shrimp, potatoes and pickled vegetables. My advice: Don’t forget to order a side of yellow rice and hand-cut potato chips to bring your meal to the next level. Price: $$$
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Haven Riverfront Restaurant and Bar
Edgewater, NJ
These beautiful seafood plates from Haven in Edgewater speak for themselves. This upscale spot offers a New American dining experience with great views of the beautifully-plated meals, the gorgeous New York skyline and Hudson River. It may be difficult to work up the courage to ruin Chef Angelo Andino’s exquisite plating, but you’ll know it was worth it once you’ve had a taste of the flavors that have been masterfully combined to make up the items on the menu. In fact, these dishes have received widespread critical acclaim for their creativity and excellent execution. My advice: Try the Char-Grilled Branzino. The tomato and fennel jam and petit pois crème bring the most unique combination of acidity and sweetness to the plate. Price: $$$
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Northern New Jersey
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Ani Ramen Montclair, NJ
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With locations in Summit, Jersey City, Maplewood, Cranford, New Brunswick, Newark and Princeton in addition to Montclair, you should have no trouble finding an Ani Ramen location in the northern New Jersey area... and you’re definitely going to want to find one next time you’re craving Japanese. Their menu may be somewhat small, but each item is an absolute hit. Their amazing appetizers range from Crispy Miso Sake Wings to Pork Belly Bao Buns, but it’s really the ramen that steals the show here. If you’re new to ramen, you can’t go wrong with the classic Shoyu ramen, packed with shoyu tare, pork belly, cabbage, chives, scallions, black garlic oil and a 24-hour-marinated soft-boiled egg in a comforting chicken broth. All this amazing food is served to you in a cool and casual setting that’s been designed to remind you of Japan itself. My advice: If you choose to order the wings pictured above on your next ramen date with a friend, order one set of wings per person, as there are only four wings to an order (and they’re insanely delicious.) Price: $
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Northern New Jersey
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Penang Malaysian and Thai Cuisine East Hanover, NJ
Penang, located in East Hanover, Maple Shade, Edison and Princeton, captures the essence of Southeast Asian street food in every dish. Their highly extensive menu offers plenty of meals to choose from, ranging from more common dishes such as Chicken Chow Fun to lesser-known traditional items such as the Thai Green Curry with beef, thai eggplant, peppers and bamboo shoots in a spicy coconut curry broth. The variety here ensures that you’ll find something that suits your taste, regardless of how familiar you are with the cuisine. The generous portions make this casual Malaysian/Thai restaurant the perfect location to split a few plates amongst friends or family. My advice: If you are new to Southeast Asian street food, try ordering a plate that you’ve tried before at another Asian eatery, and then pick something you’ve never seen before. It’s the best way to discover your new favorite Malaysian/Thai meal. Price: $$
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Northern New Jersey
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Cafe Archetypus Edgewater, NJ
Edgewater’s Cafe Archetypus (more casually known as “The Cave”) provides a uniquely intimate dining experience. While the entire space is designed to feel like you’re dining in one big cave, the dim lighting, cozy booth-style tables and private mini-caves around each table bring a special intimacy to your meal. Their food menu includes snack and entree items such as nachos, wraps, pizzas and salads. However, the dessert menu is the star of the show here. It includes Signature Brownie Sundaes topped with ice cream and toppings, a range of Cheesecake flavors, and a whole section of Deluxe Desserts. If you’re not sure where to start, pair a Dr. Watson Sundae (Hazelnut and Amaretto ice cream, crushed english toffee and salted caramel) with a Hot Almond off the drinks menu. My advice: This place is in high demand, so you may end up needing to wait a bit. Try booking a reservation online ahead of time.
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Northern New Jersey
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Mambo Empanadas and Latin Bistro Rutherford , NJ
Mambo Empanadas and Latin Bistro is one of the best spots around for authentic Latin American cuisine. As to be expected from the name, Mambo offers an extensive list of empanadas, including funkier varieties like Bacon Cheeseburger, Philly Cheesesteak and Mac and Cheese in addition to your classic Pastelon and Garlic Shrimp fillings. Empanadas aside, this menu is packed with all your favorites cooked to perfection, from Ceviches to Mofongos to Peruvian and Cuban-style wok dishes. Entrees are more than generous in size, and you can’t beat the prices for food this high-quality. My advice: Order some of each empanada variety and split them with friends so you get the chance to try them all...or just try them all on your own. (You know you want to.) Price: $$
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Sakura Hibachi Steak House Parsippany, NJ
It’s always entertaining to see your meal come to life right in front of you, and there’s no where better to enjoy hibachi than Sakura Hibachi Steak House in Parsippany. The careful blends of sweet, salty and spicy on each dish make the chefs here masters of their craft. The hibachi portions are likely to be filling enough for you on their own, but there are also some delicious appetizers, sushi and sashimi options to pair with your fresh, hot, made-to-order meal. You may be eager to shovel down your Japanese-style steak, chicken, shrimp or scallops, but don’t neglect the sauteed vegetables on your plate. They’re cooked especially well here. Bring a group of friends and family next time you’re planning a fun night out. My advice: Take advantage of the boba tea, made with Premium Fruit-Infused Green Tea and Tapioca Pearls. Price: $$-$$$
Northern New Jersey
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Cellar 335 Jersey City, NJ
Cellar 335, with its sleek, eclectic Tiki-bar atmosphere and menu full of small plates, is the premiere spot for sharing Asian-American food while sipping on creative cocktails. Each menu item is just as delicious as the next, so you may find yourself wanting to order (at least) one of everything. When narrowing down your choices, don’t skip over the Maple-Chipotle and Lime-Soy Korean Style Wings (especially the lime-soy); the Avocado Fried Rice with Napa cabbage, egg, sesame and soy; or the Drunken Chicken Noodles with broccoli, tomato, lo-mein, chili and lime. If you prefer seafood or want a side of vegetables, you’ll want to go for the Shrimp & Garlic in white wine, lemon and basil served with a baguette or the Chinese Broccoli with garlic, ginger, soy and sesame. As for drinks, the Smouldering Bastard is a fan-favorite, but you’ll enjoy the Treasure Trove if you have more of a sweet tooth. Either way, they’ll be served in fun tiki cups with a mini umbrella on top and make you feel like you’ve been whisked away to an exotic island. My advice: If you’re looking for a classic Moscow Mule and can’t find it on the drinks list, try ordering the Graft Birds of Paradise Cider. Price: $$$
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