NJ Dining: Wild Nigiri (Wild Ginger)

Wild Nigiri Hassun Sushi Bar
6 East Palisade Avenue, Englewood NJ
(201) 567-2660

Web Site: http://www.wildnigiri.com

Englewood is a restaurant town — and one in which many open and close frequently, due to the challenging economy. But some have managed to continue to thrive, despite the odds that are against them. One of these is Wild Nigiri — which operated under the name Wild Ginger for 15 years, and is owned by proprietor Charles Hamade.

There are many good sushi restaurants in Northeast Bergen county, but most have not had the staying power of this restaurant. The secret? Charles comes from a family of restaurateurs – his brother runs the successful Bennies’ Lebanese restaurant, also in Englewood, and Charles has had a history of running successful Asian restaurants in New York City.

Some 15 years ago, he managed to secure the talents of  master sushi chef Yoshiharu Suzuki, who has worked in the finest sushi restaurants in Manhattan and in Japan. At Wild Nigiri, he uses his talents to create delicate and subtle raw and cooked creations that are favored by the restaurant’s discerning clientele.  This is not a restaurant for diners that are seeking bold, in your face flavors — Hamade and Suzuki want the basic ingredients at Wild Nigiri to speak for themselves.

I was invited by Mr. Hamade to dine at his restaurant last week in order to try a few signature dishes which uses special dressings that he and Suzuki-san have formulated over the years. Hamade is going to be selling all-natural, bottled versions of these dressings at the restaurant, with the intention of doing wider consumer distribution through a large retailer shortly.

Chef Yoshiharu Suzuki putting the finishing touches on a sushi platter. Click on the “Read the rest of this entry” link below for more.

NJ Dining: Hobby’s Delicatessen

Hobby’s Delicatessen
32 Branford Place (Corner of Halsey)
(973) 623-0410

Web Site: http://www.hobbysdeli.com

The Jewish Deli is fading into oblivion. Few of these iconic centers of fressing indulgence are still left in this country, let alone the New York/New Jersey metro area. New York City’s Katz, 2nd Avenue and the Carnegie are perhaps the most well-known and somehow Manhattan has been able to sustain a number of others, such as The Stage, Ben’s and Pastrami Queen. New Jersey, however, has not been so fortunate.

New Jersey used to have many Jewish Delis. But with the changing of the times and tastes in food by our local diners, there are very few left, especially ones that still make things from scratch and really care about their business. One such place is Hobby’s Delicatessen, in Newark, the only surviving Jewish Deli in the city.

Founded in 1962 by Sam Brummer, a Polish immigrant and WWII vet (and a 2009 recipient of the Chevalier of the Honor of the French Republic) Hobby’s is a Newark institution. It is a true Jewish Deli in every sense of the word, although like many of its kind, it has had to adapt with the times.

This is a place you absolutely shouldn’t miss, folks — especially if you have an outgoing flight at EWR and want to bring yourself a little nosherai to have on the plane.

Hobby’s is truly kicking it up old school deli. Click on the “Read the rest of this entry” link below for more.

Dumpling Orgy at King’s Village (UPDATED)

King’s Village
1639 NJ Hwy 27, Edison NJ
(732) 339-9858

Once again, our intrepid group of foodies headed down to Edison for some serious gut-busting dumplin’ eating at King’s Village, a Beijing-style (Mandarin) restaurant in Edison.

Every February, in celebration of the Chinese New Year, the owners host a month-long “Dumpling Fest” which for a whole $16.95 per person, they feed you jiaozi of all different types until you plead for mercy or explode, whichever comes first.

Sounds great, right? So let’s get on with the gluttony.

Are you ready for some DUMPLINGS? Click on the “Read the rest of this entry” link below for more.

Les Marmitons New Jersey: Valentine a la Sous Vide

This year,  I was privileged to be invited to Le Marmitons New Jersey Valentine’s Day event, which was held on Saturday, February 12th.

Now, I realize that Valentine’s Day is February 14th, a Monday in 2011. But this minor technicality aside, and throwing chronographical details to the wind, the Jersey Les Marmitons cooked up their usual storm, this time in appreciation for their significant others who are usually left out of the events because the organization is strictly a men’s cooking club.

Are you ready for a blow out Valentine’s Day Dinner, Jersey Marmitons Style? Click on the “Read the rest of this entry” link below.

Keiles Superbowl 2011: We Got Legs

Superbowl parties are in many ways more important and more American than Thanksgiving. And it certainly feels more authentic, at least to me anyway.

While there are no lack of holidays to spend time with your family, there are few that are really dedicated to spending it with good friends. And in our circle of friends, the Superbowl is all about the food, especially when you have absolutely no emotional investment in the teams that are playing.

Last year, the theme of the Superbowl party at Doug and Laura Keiles’  house was BACON. This year, it was LEGS.

Ribs Within Pitmaster Doug Keiles and his “Major Award”.

Click on the “Read the rest of this entry” link below for more.