New Jersey's Finest...Restaurants!

July 23, 2009

I arrived home last night after a long day in NYC and much to my pleasure, my New Jersey Monthly (one of the many magazines I enjoy) had arrived and was covering the top NJ restaurants! NJ Monthly's critics made their 25 picks and then readers AND critics voted for the winners for North, Central and South Jersey in 38 categories.

I am pleased to report that of the top 25 chosen by the critics, this foodie has eaten at AND reviewed/reported at Foodie Favorites on Nicholas in Red Bank, Chez Catherine in Westfield and David Burke's Fromagerie in Rumson.

I don't want to say that I have my finger on the pulse of the people, but I have been at and in many cases frequent all of the following picks of my fellow eaters (category listed):



N- Northern NJ
C-Central NJ
S- Southern NJ
*- Critics choice

Best of the Best:
N- Chez Catherine, Westfield
C- Nicholas, Red Bank

Most Romantic:
C- Nicholas, Red Bank

Wine List:
C- Nicholas

Beer Selection:
C- Basil T's, Red Bank

Breakfast:
S- The Pop Shop, Collingswood

Seafood:
C- Doris and Ed's, Highlands

Chain:
*Chipotle and Bobby's Burger Palace, Eatontown

Deli Italian Style:
C- Delfini's, Red Bank
S- Joe Leone's, Point Pleasant

Burger:
C- Bobby's Burger Palace, Eatontown

Cheesesteak:
C- Willy's, Red Bank

French:
N- Chez Catherine, Westfield
C- Nicholas, Red Bank

Southeast Asia/Thai:
C- Siam Garden, Red Bank

Bakery:
C- Del Ponte's Bakery, Bradley Beach

Ice Cream:
C- Hoffman's, Spring Lake
S- The Pop Shop, Collingswood

For a full listing of the winners in North, South and Central NJ and in all categories, visit www.njmonthly.com .

If any foodie friends are looking for a night out, next up on my list of winners are:

From the Top 25 Overall chosen by the critics:
Avenue, Long Branch
Blu, Montclair
Cucharamama, Hoboken

From the Readers/Critics by category:
Langosta Lounge, Asbury Park (Best New Restaurant and Caribbean)
Brennen's Steakhouse, Neptune (Best Steak)
Brickwall, Asbury Park (Best Bang for the Buck)
Pete and Elda's, Neptune (Best Pizza)
Taka, Asbury Park (Best Japanese)
Tim McCloone's Supper Club, Asbury Park (Best Bar Scene)

Trust me, if you look hard enough, you don't always need to go to Manhattan, you will find something great in a neighborhood near you. You make the reservation and I'll meet you there!!

Happy Eating!