We ate these unconventional wontons, sandwiches and pizza — and loved them
The first of my childhood friends got married this week, and I didn't go (don't worry, she won't read this).
Standing behind the same desk I'm using to write this now, I pondered my decision thoroughly before making it; knowing a move like that has non-verbal significance, even if I buy the newlyweds a token gift from their registry.
But, the thing is, I just had too many reasons to RSVP "no."
For example; the idea of getting hitched at this stage in life is so incredibly depressing that I wasn't sure I was ready to watch someone go through that (like, if you're younger than the last two digits of the year at your time of engagement, maybe don't get engaged?).
An even bigger one, though? Chicken Francese and prime rib.
During wedding planning, the bride-to-be justified that awful, predictable decision to me, saying "But chicken Francese is such a safe option! I know all the picky relatives will eat it!"
Horrible logic.
The five percent of "picky eaters" that will be upset if there's no chicken francese at a wedding are far less than the ninety five percent of normal people that are pissed they have to sit through another goddamn plate of chicken francese.
I'm in the ninety five percent.
Swapping forgettable buttercream for first-rate fresh mozzarella (and French fine dining), then, here are the best things I ate this week.
Escargot Wontons, 87 Sussex
Ok, so there are two camps of you right now:
Those who are saying hell yes!
And those who are saying never would I ever.
Trust me: You want to be in camp one.
First, 87 Sussex is probably one of the best new restaurants to enter Jersey in a while, so you can guarantee everything the team cooks — whether creepy crawly or not — is going to be amazing.
And second? These bad boys feature tomato fondue, black garlic marmalade and the most decadent herb butter imaginable.
Crispy on the outside, and exploding with umami flavor on the inside, the bite-sized poppers are not only one of the most delicious ways you'll ever enjoy a snail; they're one of the most delicious appetizers you'll enjoy period.
Go: 87 Sussex St., Jersey City; 551-256-7864, 87sussex.com.
Tri-Color Meatball Sub, Jimmy's Family Kitchen
Part of Jimmy's Family Kitchen's brand new secret sandwich menu, this sloppy sub is an elevated play on a classic meatball parm.
Served on a soft French bread roll, the dish is loaded with Jimmy's house-made meatballs and fresh burrata cheese — before being completely smothered in creamy vodka sauce, savory marinara and salty, fatty (in a good way) pesto.
Upon first glance, the massive sandwich looks more like an abstract ode to the Italian flag than a dinner-time delicacy.
But, upon first bite? It'll blow you away with its rich sauces, melt-in-your-mouth meat and wide variety of flavors.
Go: 125 Bloomfield Ave., Verona; 973-239-3363, www.jimmysfamilykitchen.com.
'Thinny Thin' Margherita Pizza, Cafe Crevier
For years, Angeloni's of Caldwell was the sole home of the famous 8.8 on Portnoy "Thinny Thin" pizza.
That is, however, until the team opened Cafe Crevier in Denville in 2022.
Just like its Essex County predecessor, then, Morris County's new Thinny Thin is greasy on the top, crisp on the bottom and — of course — paper thin. Available in a wide variety of flavors (from Bloomin' Shroom with goat cheese to a sweet and spicy pepperoni), each has a remarkable lightness and near-perfect texture.
Though I love all of Cafe Crevier's Thinnys, my favorite is the margherita. Featuring a double cheese blend of shredded mozzarella and fresh mozzarella (over a fabulous, deep-red sauce and torn herbs), the trending restaurant's take is twice as decadent as the typical version of the dish.
Go: 25 E Main St., Denville; 973-453-7200, cafecrevier.com.
Spicy Pork Jibarito, Cubita Cafe
If you haven't heard of a jibarito before, it's a Latin American sandwich made with flattened, fried plantains instead of bread. Meat, lettuce, tomato and cheese generally come between those alternative buns.
And, if you have heard of jibaritos? You certainly haven't seen them like this.
From the heart of Nutley, the team at Cubita Cafe is giving the classic lunch a fresh look with all kinds of contemporary fillings. On a recent visit, I sampled one topped with fried chicken and honey mustard kettle chips, followed by another which showcased a burger, frizzled onions and an entire house-made empanada. The best of the bunch, though, was easily the spicy pork.
Stacked high with slow-cooked pernil (pork butt), mouthwatering mojo aioli, vibrant pickled veggies and a mountain of melted, gooey swiss cheese, the hearty meal strikes the perfect balance between a traditional Cuban dish and a millennial-inspired, crowd-pleasing creation.
Go: 234 Franklin Ave., Nutley; 973-630-9220, cubitacafenj.com.
Hungry for more?
Want more on this week's latest food news? Check out some of my best articles at NorthJersey.com/food, and follow me on Instagram: @northjerseyeats.
PS: This past Thursday was National Exercise Day.
Here's hoping you spent it crushing a killer workout — and a killer cheat meal.
Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can't find her in Jersey's best restaurants, she's probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram: @karanicolev & @northjerseyeats, and sign up for her North Jersey Eats newsletter.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: North Jersey Eats tried unconventional wontons, sandwiches and pizza
