Dining

Latest news and listings

Tiny Red Bank classic is a welcome escape

by Teresa Politano/For The Star-Ledger

Thursday October 02, 2008, 12:38 PM

ARIADNA

Argentine sea bass is not ubiquitous on New Jersey menus. But it was a special recently at Sogno Ristorante, and the waitress described it as a lighter, less oily fish than Chilean sea bass. We were surprised; Chilean sea bass (which is actually Patagonian toothfish) has become popular recently precisely because of its density and oiliness -- the fish itself is big, growing to as much as 100 pounds, which translates into a thick, steak-like serving on the plate. And its oiliness makes it both succulent and difficult to overcook. What's not to love?

But Sogno's Argentine sea bass ($32) was equally impressive. It too, was thick as a steak, but it was slightly less dense and more delicate than Chilean sea bass. Its color was not as snow-white as Chilean sea bass; indeed, this fish seemed at times almost translucent. The sea bass was served atop a creamy and creative risotto of crab and squid. We were pleased, and also felt a bit smug that, at least on this night, we weren't contributing to the worldwide depletion of Chilean sea bass.

Post a comment | View comments (0)

Origin Thai III: Step inside for an outdoor delight

by Cody Kendall/The Star-Ledger

Saturday September 27, 2008, 10:06 PM

NOAH K. MURRAY/THE STAR-LEDGER Origin Thai III, which opened in March, resembles a Southeast Asian courtyard.

Origin Thai III, 25 Mountainview Blvd., Basking Ridge. Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, Noon-3 p.m. Saturdays. Dinner: 5-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 5-10:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 3-9 p.m. Sundays. BYOW. Major credit cards. Neat casual dress. Wheelchair accessible. Reservations recommended: (908) 647-7781. www.originthai.com.<strong>THREE AND A HALF STARS

The al fresco dining season is drawing to a close with the onset of cooler weather, but enterprising Origin Thai chef/owner Manop Sutipayakul has found a way to extend it throughout the year.

At his newest outpost, Origin III in Basking Ridge, the interior resembles an outdoor garden. The restaurant, which opened in mid-March, is complete with a balcony and a pool featuring a fountain. Palm fronds and large arrangements of fantastic flowers give the impression of a Southeast Asian courtyard. It's a venue that's as transporting as the food.

Post a comment | View comments (0)

Authentic Mexican? Try oversized bore

by Teresa Politano/For The Star-Ledger

Thursday September 25, 2008, 1:53 PM

ARIADNA

Jose's Mexican Cantina, 24 South St., New Providence. (908) 494-4360. josescantina.com. Hours: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 3-9 p.m. Sundays. Area: Union County. ONE STAR

The salsa was good, but things slid downhill from there.

The buzz about Jose's Mexican Cantina is that it's not your typical chain, that the food is authentic. The restaurant is owned by Jose Brid, who is also the chef. The menu is promising. There are the typical huevos rancheros, quesadillas and nachos, but there are also the more adventurous mole enchiladas, squid and ceviche.

The restaurant itself is cute and quaint, if a bit kitschy. The painted tiles, sunny walls and south-of-the-border tchotchkes add to an overall feeling of authenticity. It felt like the perfect kind of place for a casual family dinner after a weekend of soccer games and tap classes. Our expectations were raised. Plus, the salsa was good.

Post a comment | View comments (0)

Muncher Reunion, Part Two

by Peter Genovese/The Star-Ledger

Tuesday September 23, 2008, 2:33 PM

TIM FARRELL/THE STAR-LEDGER A group veteran Munchers pose with the Big Dog. The Munchmobile celebrated its 10th anniversary with a picnic for all of the participants from past 10 years at the Star-Ledger in Newark.

Trays and trays of delicious homemade food. Lots of smiles and laughter. Abundant sunshine. And a giant hot dog parked nearby.

Put it all together and you have one of the most memorable occasions in the Munchmobile's 10-year run.

"OMG, the food was fabulous,'' said Carole-Morgan Peyton, one of 300-plus people to attend our Muncher Reunion/Picnic at The Star-Ledger. "A pot-lucker's dream come true - good food and lots of it.''

Every Muncher from the past ten years was invited - or at least every Muncher who read the event announcement in the paper in recent weeks. The reunion was held on the roof of the Star-Ledger's parking deck, and the day couldn't have turned out better.

"Heaven on the rooftop!'' exclaimed Lorrie McGough of Berkeley Heights. "What a blast we had, and a beautiful day to boot. I have never seen so much food!''

BBQ ribs, grilled chicken, lasagna, empanadas, clams, lobsters, and enough desserts to stock a Costco-sized bakery - the food choices were staggering.

And don't forget the excellent hot dogs cooked by Sharon and her hard-working crew from Bubba's Hot Dogs in Lyndhurst

We hope to hit the Munchers up for their recipes, to be posted on this blog

"I grazed,'' said Mike Goldberger of Westfield, "until I was dazed.''

Munch memories were exchanged, and new friends were made. And there was talk of holding an annual Munchmobile year-end bash. Stay tuned!

FOR MORE PHOTOS:

Post a comment | View comments (0)

Muncher Reunion

by Peter Genovese/The Star-Ledger

Monday September 22, 2008, 9:53 AM

Photos from our 10th anniversary Muncher Reunion/Picnic, held at The Star-Ledger. What a great time! Perfect weather, lots of fun and laughter, and so much great food, brought by the Munchers. I don't think any of us wanted it to end!

Munchers-to-be? Two of the younger participants in the 10th Anniversary Muncher Reunion/Picnic smile happily for the camera. (Photo by Pete Genovese).

I didn't get a chance to eat, or take many pictures - I was too busy saying hello to everyone, and signing copies of our new book, "Jersey Eats,'' a compendium of 10 years of Munch.

Frank Yacullo - the "Mayor of the Munch'' - shows off a couple pizzas from DiPaolo's Bakery in Newark. (Photo by Pete Genovese).

Post a comment | View comments (3)