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Silk Road
Anthony
January 14, 2011
Looking for Afghan food? New Jersey’s got it, and it’s delicious. Venture through the Watchung Mountains to Warren’s Silk Road for savory pastries filled with potato, squash or leeks (Bholani), flat bread fresh out of the tandoor oven, flavorful meat kabobs and stews, and four styles of Afghan rice (Palaws, Chalaw). Try the Ashak or Mantu for the Afghan take on steamed dumplings. The Murgh Korma – stewed chicken pieces on the bone – is richly spiced and very good.
We visited Silk Road with friends who have known about this hidden gem for years. The owner, Hashim Sidiqee, greeted us like family. Silk Road is family-run, a sign of the best ethnic restaurants, and that friendly atmosphere prevails in the comfortable, recently expanded dining room.
I know of two Afghan restaurants in Jersey – Silk Road and Morristown’s Pamir. Silk Road is now a favorite spot. I’m looking forward to eating Afghan cuisine more often.
Origin Thai
Anthony
October 22, 2010
I wish Somerville had restaurants like this when I was growing up. Origin is an upscale spot serving creative, french-influenced Thai food. Tasty appetizers include Steamed Rice Ravioli with mushrooms, leek, jicama and shallots and Steamed Mussels with lemongrass and basil. My son, always adventurous, tried the Escargot – classically French. Origin’s menu combines traditional dishes like Pad Thai and coconut milk curries, with grilled meats and adventurous fusion plates like Wild Boar with mushrooms, chillies and basil and even Pan Seared Ostrich.
We first visited Origin for lunch on Mothers’ Day. Numerous families celebrating in the comfortable, two-storefront-wide restaurant, decorated in cool, dark wood. The kitchen is visible from the dining room. Service is friendly and attentive. Every Mom was given a pink carnation. Origin has a sister restaurant in Morristown.
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Joyce’s Bakery & Taqueria
Anthony
October 19, 2010
The full name of this Bound Brook spot is “Joyce’s Bakery & Taqueria Mexican Restaurant & Neveria ‘El Chilaquil'” Quite a mouthful and quite a menu: ranging from breakfast dishes (Huevos a la Mexicana – Mexican style eggs, Chilaquiles Verdes – corn strips in tomatillo sauce), to Tacos, to Tortas (Mexican sandwiches), to main dishes with meat and seafood, not to mention Mexican bread, cakes and ice cream (neveria).
We ordered tacos (spicy beef, chicken and pork) and Huaraches to go. The Huaraches, fried corn masa topped with refried beans, salsa, meat and cheese, are chewy and delicious. The tacos are very good – served with three! homemade soft corn tortillas, radishes and red or green salsa.
Joyce’s has about ten tables, and two televisions tuned to Spanish stations. Service is bilingual, and a bit chaotic, even in Spanish.
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Ya Ya Noodles
Anthony
October 18, 2010
A spacious location. We got food to go. The dumplings were fresh and light. Tasted like they were made in-house. Enjoyed the Sichuan Wonton with Red Oil and the Thai Special Spicy Chicken. The Mango Chicken lacked flavor and the Pork Lo Mein was good, but not a stand-out. Ya Ya Noodles is the sister restaurant of Tiger Noodles in Princeton.
(Oct 2009)
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