Another year has gone by where we have licked our plates clean and delighted in the food of many talented New Jersey chefs. Here are some of the best dishes from NJ restaurants that we ate in 2016. They were memorable and highly recommended.
MISHMISH, MONTCLAIR: Shakshuka; smoked eggplant dip; octopus.
Mishmish Octopus.
MORRIS TAP & GRILL, RANDOLPH: Acorn squash stuffed with Brussels sprouts, honey-roasted almonds, cranberries and red onion.
Morris Tap & Grill acorn squash.
NINETY ACRES AT NATIRAR, PEAPACK-GLADSTONE: East coast oyster, watercress, bacon & crème fraiche; poached egg, crispy chicken, waffle & maple; goat Camembert, golden raisin caramel, apple brioche & pickled apple.
Ninety Acres East Coast oyster, watercress, bacon & creme fraiche soup.
PANDAN, BLOOMFIELD: Deep fried pork leg.
PET SHOP, JERSEY CITY: Cauliflower steak sandwich.
PLEASANTDALE CHATEAU, WEST ORANGE: Octopus terrine; bone marrow; potato filled with braised short rib.
Pleasantdale Octopus terrine.
RUNA, RED BANK: Empanadas; ceviches; chaufa mixto; quinoa flan.
Ryland Inn roasted kabocha squash salad.
RYLAND INN, WHITEHOUSE STATION: roasted kabocha squash salad; grouper with “cous cous” made from cauliflower; autumn squash salad; lime cheesecake “truffles.
RESTAURANT SERENADE, CHATHAM: Avocado fries, cauliflower steak; roasted rack of lamb; cheeseburger.
SAMBA, MONTCLAIR: Whole acorn squash filled with shrimp and cubes of squash in a creamy sauce; butternut squash bread pudding.
SHUNJU, SUMMIT: Whole striped bass with a tamarind and ginger sauce.
STRIP HOUSE, LIVINGSTON: Double porterhouse steak, onion rings, French fries, creamed spinach, 24 layer chocolate cake.
Strip House 24-layer chocolate cake.
TILLIE’S, SHORT HILLS: Onion soup, cornbread with honey butter, short ribs with mashed root vegetables.
WABI SABI, BLOOMFIELD: Edamame sautéed with truffle butter and truffle oil.
White Maple Kale pesto fettuccine.
WHITE MAPLE CAFÉ, RIDGEWOOD: Kale pesto fettuccine; White Maple cranberry cake.
Photos courtesy of Lowell Saferstein