Nearly Open:
—Curry Up Now Indian Street Food is making inroads into New Jersey, with a new restaurant in Hoboken and plans to open up in regions all over the state. The franchise has locations in Georgia, Utah, and (mostly) California, as well as a food truck. The menu is Indian with an emphasis on street food (Pani Puri, Samosas, Papdi Chaat ) and here and there a playful twist, e.g. “Holy Moly Fried Ravioli” with Tikka Masala Dip, “Sexy Fries” (a spicy sweet potato fry-based Indian poutine). Don’t be fooled by the lighthearted vibe: traditional Indian flavors run deep, just in more modern context, e.g. on-trend “Hella Vegan Bowl” (with handmade samosa, chutney, rice, and chana garbanzos) to the carnivorous Kashmiri Lamb Burrito (one among several Indian burrito options). The Washington Street spot is set to open officially on February 25, with 50 percent off all day and free burritos for the first 100 customers. Curry Up Now, 91 Washington Street, Hoboken; 291-659-2879
Open:
—Jack Ahmad’s Shish Kabab food truck has just opened in a brick and mortar home on Haddonfield Road in Pennsauken. Fans of Ahmad’s crispy falafel and hearty shawarma portions won’t be disappointed; platters are all priced at $9.99 (with space to casually dine in along a side counter). Among a few unexpected items are green grapes dipped in caramel and rolled in peanuts and a cheesesteak (“with Whiz”) served in a big warm pita. Express Shish Kabab, 2673 Haddonfield Road, Pennsauken; 856-500-1300
In the Works:
—Fans of pizza so good it could inspire felonies should keep their eye on the former Le Café Creperie space on Kings Highway in Haddonfield. That’s where Pizza Crime chef and founder Arnab Maitra is giving his mobile pie business a permanent home. Maitra has worked his way up the ranks from delivery boy to pizzaiolo apprentice under Marc Vetri at Osteria in Moorestown (now closed) and Pizzeria Vetri in Philadelphia. Maitra eventually busted out on his own, with a portable Roccbox pizza oven nicknamed “Lilo,” hitting local farmers markets with pizzas like this. The restaurant will feature a wood-burning oven from Italy. The space is slated to open in March or April after some polishing and refurbishing. It will still be called Pizza Crime. Pizza Crime, 139 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield; no phone yet.
—Dos Toros Taqueria is expanding into New Jersey. The chain, which was developed to import California-style taco deliciousness to Chicago and the East Coast already has a strong presence in New York. The restaurant is taking over the former Qdoba space on Columbia Turnpike in Florham Park. No exact opening date yet but it’s likely a matter of days (possibly weeks). Dos Toros, 176 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park; no phone yet.
Temporarily Closed:
—Popular ramen spot on Sussex Avenue, Ramen Gami was substantially damaged by a fire in the early hours of February 17, displacing at least 10 people, including the restaurant owner and residents living above the restaurant. The restaurant is temporarily closed and has already raised over $4000, more than half its goal, through a GoFundMe set up early on Monday. Ramen Gami, 1 Sussex Avenue, Newark; 973-622-2888