Beyond 'what's that smell'....being a New Jersey foodie

Posted by HeartofGlass, October 21, 2008 at 1:54 PM

I've lived in many places in my life--London, Boston, and throughout New England--but I was born and raised in New Jersey, and it's been my home once again for the past several years.
Perhaps it's my demented imagination, but it seems like there are lots of other people from NJ on the board. Recently, I was in Delicious Orchards for the first time since I was a kid, and was surprised how gourmet it had gotten, but also that the food was still good (although nothing ever lives up to memories) So I just thought I'd start a general NJ chat thread for a bit, as a kind of 'heads up' about 'what's doin' in the Great Garden State.

Questions:
What NJ places to buy food or eat out are you currently patronizing?
--I'm currently obsessed with Wegman's in my town.

What NJ 'secrets' do you know of for pizza/bagels/Italian pastries/fried chicken/Asian food in your area ?
--Artillio's in my town (West Long Branch) makes what I consider the Platonic pizza. It's in a no-name strip mall, literally zero atmosphere, run by a Italian couple who can't speak English, and yet has crisp crackly crust on the bottom, moist near the topping, just the right topping and sauce spice...perfect tomato pie.
--Also, Richard's in West End, Long Branch is a great old-fashioned deli. Pictures of 1940s film stars on the wall, complementary pickles and coleslaw, the 'real deal.'

What places did you love (nostalgia) if you grew up in NJ?
--Oddly enough, my family's go-to restaurant was a place called "Squire's Pub" a British restaurant that used to serve traditional meals, going from a 'relish tray' of celery and olives, to clam chowder, Gorgonzola salad, prime rib, and dessert, with cheese and bread. Not very Jersey, but great memories, although now closed.

What is overrated, in your opinion?
--In my area pretty much all places near the water--Bahr's Landing and Pier Village as a whole.

Anything you're looking for in NJ, food-wise?
--I'm always looking for good vegetarian restaurants

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