Life in the Garden State in summer and fall is a foodie's paradise, when even a tomato straight from a garden or an apple plucked off a tree can be the stuff of dreams.
But even at this wonderous time, some meals stand out more than others.
From a simple seafood broil to a pumpkin quesadilla to a plate of pasta that rivals mom's, these are the best things we ate this month:
Barn Burger and Fries, Outlaw’s Burger Barn & Creamery, Vineland
Sometimes, it takes a while to enjoy the treats found right in our own backyard.
Courier-Post and The Daily Journal Regional News Director Jerry Staas Haught says that as a Cumberland County resident, he should have tried Outlaw’s Burger Barn & Creamery much sooner. “But this excellent burger is worth the wait!’’ he says. “The fries are topped with white cheddar sauce, bacon and garlic mayo. The Barn Burger was finished with a spice crust, chipotle-lime slaw, pickle, white cheddar and BBQ sauce.’’
Outlaw’s offers at least a dozen types of burgers, as well as hot dogs, chicken, pulled pork, cheesesteaks, shakes and more.
Go: 1370 S Main Rd, Vineland. (856) 691-5438 or outlawsburgerbarn.com/
Seafood Broil Combo, Red Eyed Crab, Dividing Creek
On another food quest in the southern reaches of South Jersey, Staas Haught stumbled upon one of life’s simple pleasures at Red Eyed Crab, an experience that extended the joys of summer.
“Don’t let the modest plating and vintage crab shack feel fool you. The food at Red Eyed Crab in Dividing Creek is worth the drive deep into the bay towns of Cumberland County,’’ he said.
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“This simple seafood broil combo consists of crab-stuffed shrimp, stuffed flounder and the best no-filler crab cake I’ve had in a while. Paired with the kind of potato salad you look forward to at every self-respecting backyard barbecue and a simple green beans-and-corn medley, the Broiled Trio is great.’’
Made even better, he says, by pairing it with an October Ale from Glasstown Brewery.
Go: 977 Main St, Port Norris. (856) 421-3438 or theredeyedcrab.com/
Homemade Gnocchi and Meatballs, Villa di Roma, Philadelphia
When we asked photographer Chris LaChall about the best thing he ate this month, he didn’t hesitate to swoon over the gnocchi with marina and meatballs at this Philly favorite.
Villa di Roma is located in the heart of the city’s Italian Market. LaChall describes his meal: “The freshly made gnocchi were tender and delicious and exactly the Italian comfort food I needed to pick me up after watching a tough Birds loss. The meatballs and gravy, which tasted just like Mom’s, made this dish hard to beat, much like Rocky Balboa, whose framed photo hung beside my table.’’
Go: 936 S 9th St., Philadelphia. (215) 592-1295 or villadiroma.com/
Brisket Tacos, Smoke BBQ, Audubon
“I've made a deal with myself that if I work at home, I save a few bucks and eat at home,’’ says busy reporter Phaedra Trethan, who often has to eat on the fly between assignments. “But it's not easy to resist the call of tacos, especially with so many good places near the ‘Audubon Bureau.’ ’’
One day recently, Trethan brought home three brisket tacos from Smoke BBQ on Merchant Street.
“The tender but smokey brisket was topped with a simple salsa of tomatoes, onions and cilantro, and pickled radishes (served on the side to keep the tortillas from getting soggy),’’ she recalls. “The house-made cornbread was extra, but well worth the $2.50. It's warm, soft and mildly sweet — perfect comfort food while I worked in my comfy clothes.’’
Go: 34 W Merchant St., Audubon. (856) 672-0007 orhttps://smokebbqnj.com/
Pumpkin, Black Bean and Goat Cheese Quesadilla, Tortilla Press, Collingswood Farmers Market
If you go to the Collingswood Farmers Market hungry, there are three major temptations every Saturday – sweet or savory crepes from Charlie’s Crepes, several varieties of empanadas from El Sitio, or a seasonally inspired quesadillas from Tortilla Press.
On a recent visit, features editor and food writer Tammy Paolino indulged in a seasonal favorite – a savory blend of pumpkin and black beans complemented by the lemony tang of goat cheese on a grilledflour tortilla. The hand-held quesadilla had the perfect melt and crunch and felt downright virtuous with all its fiber and beta carotene. Togetherwith acup of Revolution Coffee Roasters java, it was yummy fall treat, even if the temperatures felt more like July.
Quesadilla choices at the market change weekly so keep your eye out for this and other varieties. The restaurant, based in both Collingswood and Pennsauken, offers many types of quesadillas as both standard menu items and specials.
Go: Collingswood Farmer’s Market takes place every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, North Atlantic Avenue.
Go: Tortilla Press, 703 Haddon Ave, Collingswood:(856) 869-3345or thetortillapress.com/
Street Corn, The Taco Shop, Lower Township
Fans of the Red Store, Cape May Point’s restaurant inan old general store, know they need to check out any project chef-owner Lucas Manteca takes on.
A few years ago, that meant driving out to Cape May Airport, where the James Beard nominee opened The Taco Shop right beside Cape May Brewing Company. (There is a second location in Stone Harbor, open only in the beach season.)
A visit by Paolino there recently was the usual great combo of exceptionally good tacos and seasonal brews.
Best of all, the lunch visit resulted in the best street corn in memory. Slathered in chipotle mayo, crema, El Muerto salt, queso fresco and sprinkled with cilantro, the side order was finger-licking good.It’s a messy treat, to be sure, but oh, so worth it!
Go: Taco Shop, 1288 Hornet Road, Lower Township. (609) 849-9045 ortacoshoptacos.com/taco-shop-cape-may
Tammy Paolino covers restaurants, breweries, food trucks and arts events for the USA TODAY New Jersey Network. She’s an award-winning reporter and editor who has covered the Garden State for more than 30 years. Reach her at tpaolino@gannett.com or 856-854-9440 or on Twitter @CP_TammyPaolino. Help support local journalism with a Courier-Post subscription.
