Princeton for Foodies

Princeton is an ever evolving town for foodies. Some retailers and restaurants have come and gone, but Princeton is presently offering a variety of food and products for epicures and home cooks.

There have been a number of excellent restaurants in Princeton for decades; however, now there’s a wealth of grocers collectively offering an amazing variety of goods. Additionally, there are two housewares stores, several businesses offering food items, a number of local cookbooks, and nearby farms providing fresh and organic meats, produce and dairy products.

Whatever isn’t available in Princeton proper can be found in neighboring towns. The region takes pride in its diversity, and with that comes global cuisine and products to satisfy any world traveler. 2012 will be a great year for Princeton foodies.

Businesses

• 3 Monkeys Mustard – Sweet and spicy mustard.
• First Field – Ketchup made from Jersey tomatoes, and relish.
• Funny Bonz Barbecue Sauce – Four varieties of barbecue sauce.
• HerbNZest – Spreads made from local, organic ingredients.
• Jen’s Cakes and Pastries – Jen’s famous fruit pies known as lillipies.
• Naturally Nora – All natural baking mixes.
• Pretzel Crisps – Pretzel ‘chips’ that come in a variety of flavors.
• Princeton Cookie Company – Hand-iced and gourmet cookies.
• Simply Nic’s Artisanal Shortbread – Unique shortbread made from local ingredients.
• Twin Hens – All natural beef and chicken pot pies.

Cookbooks

• Fresh Approach – Main Street’s cookbook.
• Logical Miracles – Dor Mullen edited this cookbook compiled by participants of The Suppers Program.
• The Ferry House Cookbook: A Taste of Princeton, New Jersey – This one is by local celebrity Chef Bobby Trigg.
• Celebrity Chefs of New Jersey – Their Stories, Recipes, and Secrets – Authored by Teresa Politano, this book includes an interview and recipes from Elements’ Chef  Scott Anderson.
• Sacred Spaces: Princeton Parties, Gatherings and Celebrations – Debbie Tunnell, Dale Engelbert, designer Susan Szymanski, and photographer Ricardo Barros offer an intimate peek at Princeton dinner and cocktail parties including a luncheon at Drumthwacket.

Farms

• Cherry Grove Farm – Local cheese source.
• Griggstown Quail Farm – They sell quail, pheasant, chicken, duck, turkey, goose, poussin, and partridge, as well as fruit pies and chicken pot pies and other tasty items.
• Honey Brook Organic Farm – Community supported farm (CSA). Pick your own produce.
• Terhune Orchards – Pick your own. There’s produce, baked goods, plants, and flowers in the farm store.

Housewares

• Kitchen Kapers – A small chain providing cookware, bakeware, cutlery, knives, tools, small appliances, food items, etc.
• Smith’s Ace Housewares – Provides same as above, as well as bath and storage items, and home decor.

Restaurants

• Ajihei – Extremely fresh fish, and best sushi around. Chef and owner Koji Kitamura worked at Nobu. Enough said.
• Blue Point Grill – Large selection of the freshest fish, prepared to perfection.
• Cross Culture – The best Indian food in the area.
• elements – Chef Scott Anderson delivers NYC-esque fine dining, and has ever-changing, innovative menus. Anderson was chosen as Esquire Magazine’s Four New Chefs to Watch of 2011.
• Infini-T Cafe and Spice Souk – An underground tearoom with a Middle Eastern atmosphere.

• Peacock Inn Restaurant – Big city menus in a romantic setting. Executive Chef Manuel Perez trained for three years at Le Bernardin under Chef Eric Ripert. Listed among the Best New Restaurants by New Jersey Monthly Magazine.
• Small World Coffee – Fantastic coffee, cappuccino and lattes.
• Teresa Caffe – This family-friendly eatery is always packed for their Italian cuisine using local or organic ingredients thanks to Chef Luis Martinez.
• Tico’s Eatery and Juice Bar – Outstanding fresh-squeezed juices, smoothies and wheat grass shots made to order.
• Tortuga’s Mexican Village – Authentic Mexican food.
• Triumph Brewery – Known for its micro-brewed beer and appetizers.
• Witherspoon Grill – 2011 Wine Spectator award-winning wine list.

Beyond Princeton

• A Taste of Crete – Greek groceries and prepared foods.
• Bagel Barn – A large variety of New York-style bagels.
• Eno Terra – In-house salumeria, and farm to table Italian menu by James Beard recognized Executive Chef Christopher Albrecht, who worked at Craft under Chef Tom Colicchio.
• Chambers Walk Cafe – Local and organic New American.
• Gary & Lenny’s New York Delicatessen – NY-style deli with a pickle bar, including half-sour and garlic varieties.
• Nomad Pizza – One of the favorite pizzerias in the area. Wood-fired, brick oven, gourmet pizzas.
• Osteria Procaccini – The new kid on the block. Open-fire brick oven pizza, panino, salads, and antipasti, all made with whole ingredients.
• Pulaski Meats – European-style meats and cold cuts at the Trenton Farmer’s Market.
• The Blue Bottle Cafe – Culinary Institute of America trained chefs and owners Aaron and Rory Philipson serve up New American/French cuisine in a romantic atmosphere.
• The Rocky Hill Inn Eatery & Tavern –  New American cuisine is presented in a romantic or tavern atmosphere under the helm of French Culinary Institute chef and owner Evan Blomgren.