The casual menu at Ingredients N Craft (INC) American Bar & Kitchen in New Brunswick, which opened at the end of February, has a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Wings, hummus, quesadillas, Vietnamese steamed buns, tacos, and General Tso’s cauliflower are a few of the ethnic dishes that allow diners to experience the diversity of food in America.
Starters were a creamy guacamole with cilantro, slices of jalapeno and fresh-tasting corn chips; Vietnamese steamed buns with tough meat and no taste of hoisin sauce; and an Asian-kale salad with cucumber kimchi, pickles, shredded carrots, radish, sunflower seeds and miso dressing. While the dressing on the salad paired well with the kale, this fibrous green would have been more palatable if it had been cut into small ribbons and/or massaged to create softer and sweeter pieces. We were given a choice of flour or corn tortillas (we chose corn) with the fried Alaskan cod tacos paired with a roasted-tomato mayo, cucumber, salsa and cilantro. The fried General Tso’s cauliflower was slightly sweet and spicy accompanied by vegetable fried rice, peanuts, scallions and sprinkles of black-sesame seeds.
The ladies who lunch were impressed with the flavorful hamburger, which was stuffed with a cheddar and blue cheese blend, topped with caramelized onions and Thousand Island dressing. Unfortunately the accompanying fries were limp—though that did not stop us from finishing them. Dessert was a big hit. A moist tres leches cake was served with strawberry ice cream, slivers of lemon ice, strawberries, whipped cream and a sprinkling of fresh mint.
Service was attentive and the staff knowledgeable; black napkins are used, silverware and plates replaced and water refilled. There are about 100 whiskeys available as well as red and white wines by the glass or bottle, craft and classic beers as well as a rotating selection of draught beers. Inc is open Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 2 AM; Saturday 5 PM to 2 AM; closed Sunday. A Happy Hour is celebrated Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 PM and Industry Night is held on Monday with Happy Hour promotions all night.
Ingredients N Craft (INC) American Bar & Kitchen
302 George Street
New Brunswick
732-640-0553
Kale salad.
General Tso’s cauliflower.
Photos courtesy of Rosie Saferstein
OTHER OPENINGS
Athenian Grill, 17-39 River Road, North Arlington (201-991-0600); BYO.
A catering company with a take out business, Annie G’s H’Art of Cookery has opened at 137 East Main Street, Ramsey (201-327-2562).
The Boathouse at Mercer Lake, 334 South Post Road, West Windsor, has opened featuring two event spaces, one that will hold 50 guests and a larger space that will hold up to 280 guests. For more information, call 844-209-9210 or e-mail [email protected].
Pizza, pasta and other Italian favorites are available at the newly opened Café Fratellos, 603 N Black Horse Pike, Runnemede (856-939-3336); BYO.
Chat Kaew Thai Cuisine, 4 E Palisade Avenue, Englewood (201-894-0343); BYO.
Della Cucina, an Italian restaurant with an pizza shop next door, has opened at 100 Park Avenue, Hillsdale (201-722-8880); BYO.
A new seafood market that also offers lunch from 11 AM to 2 PM, The Fish Dock, has opened at 219A Closter Dock Road, Closter (201-564-7939). Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Kava Restaurant & Lounge, a Mediterranean restaurant offering tapas, entrees and desserts, has opened at 1998 Morris Avenue, Union (908-623-3333).
Lakay, a Caribbean-inspired restaurant, has opened at 85 Mulberry Street, Newark (973-645-1700); BYO.
Chicken, burgers, dogs, wings, salads and fries are on the menu of Marie’s Chicken Joint, 641 Shunpike Road, Chatham (862-222-2957); BYO. Open Monday through Sunday, 11 AM to 9 PM.
Muscle Maker Grill has opened at Freehold Mall, 3681 Route 9 North, Freehold (732-414-6677).
Restaurant Diomede, a seafood restaurant connected to the Sea Bright Fish Company, has opened at 125 Markham Place, Little Silver (732-741-1900); BYO.
Hoagies, sandwiches, paninis, burgers and much more are offered at Riva Ristorante, 6708 New Jersey Avenue, Wildwood Crest (609-729-7482).
Rocket Fizz, a franchise that sells soda, candy and much more, has opened at 257A Pascack Road, Township of Washington (201-666-3499).
Shore Fire Grill, 1718 N Long Beach Boulevard, Surf City (609-494-7100), has opened offering tacos, wings, salads, BBQ, sandwiches and burgers.
Sweet and savory pies are offered at Sunburst Pie Company, which has opened at 150 Main Street, Manasquan (732-223-8296).
T Street at the Playground, One Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City, has opened offering music, food and cocktails. The Playground was previously called The Pier Shops at Caesars. Food and cocktails by Garces Events (Jose Garces).
The Whistle Stop, an ice cream parlor that also offers breakfast and lunch, has opened at 27 Frederick Street, Waldwick (201-857-5177).
CLOSINGS
Bella Notte, Ridgewood
Friendly’s Restaurant, New Providence
La Conguita, a Cuban restaurant, Jersey City.
Tony’s Tomato Pies, which has been in Long Branch for 85 years, has closed.
If you hear of a restaurant opening or closing e-mail me at [email protected].