Jersey Eating

New Jersey is known for it's diners and dives. Yet it is also known for its'  fresh produce and artesanal foods. If you don't know where to get all of Jersey's best, then check out the April issue of New Jersey Monthly (on line too) It gives a comprehensive guide to where to go and what to buy and eat.

New Jersey Monthly, as with other state centered magazines, always dedicate tow issue to local produce along with a state wide guide to every county's best restaurants. The Garden State was just that and in some areas still is. NJM has one article on where to find the best farms and markets. One mentioned is Dearborn Farms,an all inclusive stand on Route 35 in Holmdel. This is one of my all time favorites places to buy fresh fruits and vegetables along with fresh made breads and cake. Another market mentioned is the famed Delicious Orchards which is one of the state's oldest. This is a great place to visit, especially after a day at the beach. It has acres of orchards along with the original store in which to find everything from fresh picked fruit to home made cold and hot cider.(along with cider doughnuts too!)

The magazine gives a special nod as well to some of the artesanal food businesses. One is the Cherry Grove Farm and Creamery. It's rare that the state is associated with a creamery. Usually other states like New York and Wisconsin are known for their rich dairy farms and products. This one, located in Lawrenceville, relies on its' cows to give the main ingredient for hand wrought cheeses.freshly laid eggs can be bought in Beach Plum Farm in West Cape May, another artesanal industry, along with fresh cherry  tomatoes and greens.Want bigger eggs?NJM features the state's only ostrich farm, located in the western NJ towns of Lafayette and Hardyston. Todd Applebaum,originally a Northern NJan owns and operates and provides both the meat and live birds to restaurants and zoos

If you're a Garden Stater or just visiting ,pick up the April issue of New Jersey monthly. Discover the treats the state has to give.It's not just diners , full of mammoth entrees but gourmet and organic dining. It's fresh food raised right.