Cubacan
An evening at Cubacan, on the Asbury Park boardwalk, can refresh you like a brief Caribbean vacation, minus the airport body scan.
Sette
Filippo Russo, a native Sicilian, cooked in Switzerland before emigrating to the U.S. and opening his highly regarded Somerville restaurant, Da Filippo's. His son, Allan, born in Switzerland, began his training at Da Filippo's at age 10. In 2009, Allan opened Sette, his own Italian restaurant in Bernardsville. He and his wife, Loredana, won a Civic Beautification Award for Sette this year. Reviewer Rachel Willen writes, "Like its opera soundtrack, Sette hits some spectacular high notes, but not consistently."
Tavro Thirteen
Gus Tzitzifas, owner of the Marlton Diner and other properties, calls his new Swedesboro restaurant Tavro Thirteen, tavro being Greek for bull and 13 being, well, his lucky number. What may be luckier is his landing celebrated Philadelphia chef Terence Feury to head the kitchen. Pat Tanner gives you the lowdown Feury's New American menu, the restaurant's decor, craft beer, cocktails, wine list and more. And that's no bull.
By Pat Tanner
GP's
GP (George Politis Jr.) traces his roots in hospitality to his Greek grandfather. But GP’s Italian classics are in his genes, too.
Circa
"We wanted it to look and feel like it had been here forever, to fit in with the historic look of downtown High Bridge," Rudy Alvarez, general manager of Circa, told reviewer Rachel Willen over the phone, after her visits. He was referring mainly to the restaurant's decor, but also to its embrace of comfort food. Read Willens's assessment of how well Circa carries out its stated mission.
Andre's
Growing up in rural Passaic County, Andre de Waal knew he wanted to be a chef. By age eight he had thumbed a copy of the CIA catalog until it was frayed. He did get to the CIA, graduated, cooked around and traveled a lot. In 1998 he opened Andre's in Newton. Suzanne Zimmer Lowery reviews the restaurant, its French-influenced menu and even the reclining nude in the ladies' room.
Barcelona Bistro
You walk into Barcelona Bistro in Pitman and the biggest piece of art on the wall is a large photo of an Amsterdam Canal. The menu does include paella and flan, but also—huh?—red velvet cake. There is a method to the seeming madness of the eclectic menu, and in her review Jill P. Capuzzo sorts it all out for you.
Pig & Prince
In a renovated 1913 train station, chef/owner Michael Carrino hits his stride, gladly shifting from haute and formal to rustic and relaxed.
The Weekend Buzz — Events Newsletter
Openings & Closings
Table Hopping with Rosie2013/05/17
Rosie has the latest news on NJ restaurant openings and closings.
Restaurant Overreach: Despite Raves, Gone in Six Months
From the Editors2013/05/16
Last November, three Philly-based veterans of Stephen Starr's restaurant organization found a backer, took wing and opened District 611 in Riverton. The BYO, offering real Neapolitan-style pizza and Italian small plates, earned positive reviews, including three stars from New Jersey Monthly last month. Then four days ago, District 611 suddenly shut down. Here's why.
Pink's Peak: Decline and Fall Edition
Plain Sight: A Jerseyan's Photo Blog2013/05/17
After a dozen installments, Pink's Peak, like the petals it pursued, reaches the end of the road...
Chile and Argentina: Home to Value Wines
On the Vine2013/05/15
I am often asked where the best values exist in the world of wine. After hosting a South American themed tasting over the weekend, I know what my first answer will be.
Haddonfield Blowing Out 300 Candles
Southern Scene2013/04/11
Haddonfield turns 300 this year. I hope they’re saving me a slice of the cake. As part of its yearlong tercentennial celebration, the township is running a contest asking people why they love the place so much.
