Some chef-recommended South Jersey restaurants to take out-of-town visitors
South Jersey has a diverse dining scene with a plethora of choices, everything from finger licking soul food, to seafood, to diner food, Italian, Chinese, steakhouses and everything in between, but swaying out-of-town visitors about places to go sometimes may mean you have to eat your words.
We asked some local chefs, many with their own restaurants, for their must-dine spots if you want to convince outsiders that South Jersey knows good food.
Chef David Murray, co-owner of Crumbs Sandwich shop and Gouldsburger's.
“My wife and I don’t get to go out as often as we’d like because of our busy work schedules. When we do get to go out we try and support the local small businesses and try to avoid the chain restaurants.
We tend to go out for brunch more often than anything else. For brunch which we love Wanda Byob and Cafe Lift Haddonfield, ironically both in Haddonfield.
At Wanda, we love their signature Eggs Wanda which is sliced filet mignon and wilted baby spinach served with perfectly poached eggs and sauce foyot (classic béarnaise with the addition of glacé de viande) over griddled brioche toast. (Served with perfectly seasoned home fries.) The dish is perfectly executed every time.
At Cafe Lift, we love their version of huevos rancheros. It’s a generous portion for a big guy like me consisting of perfectly fried corn tortillas, chorizo, refried beans, roasted peppers, Chihuahua cheese, salsa Mach’s, avocado, onion and cilantro.
I would say the thing that stands out about these two local businesses is the execution is there and it’s evident that the kitchen cares about the quality of product they are serving their guests.”
Chef Georgeann Leaming, adjunct culinary instructor at the Academy of Culinary Arts, the Director of Culinary Development with the AMG Collective
“I currently live at the shore and two of my favorites restaurants to eat at in South Jersey are in Atlantic City,” said Leaming, who's also currently doing a pop-up shop, Zang Croissants, with her daughter on the Atlantic Cape Community College campus.
“One is Setaara. The French/Afghan menu is great and I enjoy dining in their open-air atrium. Another AC fave is Girasole. When I worked at Ramsay Steak, the GM told me about this restaurant his family owns. The food and friendly family atmosphere is amazing.
Prior to moving to the shore, I lived in Buena Vista for 16 years and another two of my go-to places that I really have enjoyed eating at over the years are in Vineland.
The Maplewood is so totally old school with the old dark dining room but I just love their gnocchi, bread with dipping sauce and their salad. The other in Vineland is Olympia Greek restaurant. My usual would be the Greek Combination #1 – a portion of gyro, chicken souvlaki, grilled shrimp and feta cheese, served with rice. So good!”
Chef Timothy Witcher, owner of The Wing Kitchen, which has stand locations at Clementon Park, Lincoln Financial Field and Subaru Park
“It’s a newer place, it’s called Hot Butter Soul Supper Club in Pennsauken. She’s (executive chef and owner Keeya Benson), amazing, her family’s amazing, her food is amazing.
Their soul rolls with the mac and cheese, the yams and the greens, and the chicken, they’re incredible. Her flavor is more than soul food. The vibe in there, the atmosphere, it’s just all incredible.
If I want to go have a good time and relax…Their brunch. Their grits, the egg game, the waffles. The stuff she does is amazing. You can taste that the love’s in there, the flavor and all that kind of good stuff.
That’s one of the spots. You’re coming from out of town, especially those brunches, everybody’s having a good time, good music, good vibes. It’s incredible. I recommend that to anybody from out of town if they want a nice experience, a good vibe, a good time. That’s it right there.”
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Chef Jose Axo Lorenzo, owner of Axo restaurant in Lindenwold
“One of my favorite restaurants in South jersey is El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant on Delsea Drive in Glassboro.”
Lorenzo loves the authentic restaurant and says he enjoys the Comal platter.
The El Comal Platter for two is served in a large skillet with beef ribs, pork chops, Mexican sausage, grilled chicken, carne asada, shrimp, corn, cactus, pineapple, rice and beans, according to the El Mariachi menu.
“Chef Jesus makes some great authentic Mexican dishes,” Lorenzo said. “It is my favorite spot because it reminds me of home. Everything is homemade. I probably go there two to three times a month.”
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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Here are some South Jersey restaurants chefs recommend for visitors
