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Mexican - The common Mexican food served in the U.S. is actually uncommon in Mexico, but probably originated from New Mexico. In contrast to Mexican restaurants prevalent in the Western part of the U.S., the Mexican food offered in the NJ and the NYC area may be part of a Latin American menu, which would include food from Peru, Colombia, etc.
| Chipotle | An excellent and healthy fast food chain restaurant, available throughout Manhattan. Very reasonable. | | QDoba | Similar to Chipotle, but less generous portions | | Toro Loco | A full service restaurant and bar in South Orange, NJ - suprisingly authentic and good. Order a margarita and relax... |
Pizza - The trick to great pizza is a (1) crust that is good to eat by itself, a (2) sauce that is well spiced and balanced, (3) cheese that is fresh and of superior quality, and (4) proper baking process. Any variety is then based on personal taste, as long as those four requirements are met.
| Maplewood Pizzeria & Family Restaurant | Near Columbia High School - 513 Valley Street, Maplewood, NJ 07040 (973) 378-8588 | | Bunny's Restaurant | Family oriented. Walk through the bar to get to the dining area. 12 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ 07079 (973) 763-1377 | | Tratoria Gian Marco | Also an outstanding Italian restaurant. 301 Millburn Avenue, Millburn, NJ 07041 (973) 467-5818 | | Michael's Pizzeria | 669 Bloomfield Avenue, West Caldwell, NJ 07006 973-226-8862 | | Italia Pizzeria | 48 Washington Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003 | | Alba Ristorante & Pizzeria | There is also a great Italian pastry shop next door and a nice Russian groceries store on the same block - 137-65 Queens Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11435 718-291-1620 |
Middle Eastern - Our priorities are great falafel, mediterranian salad, stuffed grape leaves (dolma), baklawa (baklava), strong fresh coffee, and mint tea.
| Jerusalem Restaurant | Also has excellent sushi and pizza. The noodle kugel is out of this world - never had any better!!! 99 West Mount Pleasant Avenue (Rt. 10) Livingston, NJ 07039 973-533-1424 http://www.jerusalem-restaurant.com/ | | |
Vietnamese - A wonderful cuisine influenced by Asian, Tropical, and French tastes.
| The Little Saigon | It was not easy finding this excellent and authentic place - better appreciate it! Still, wish they had more shellfish offered... 19 Elm St., Montclair, NJ 07042 973-783-3914 | | |
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