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Best Dish in a NJ Restaurant this Summer- What's Yours??

Just had the dish of the summer at AMA Restaurant in Atlantic Highlands- ANGRY SOFT SHELL CRAB!- A fantastic dish of soft shell in the chef's secret "angry" sauce. All with different local Jersey tomatos...A true taste delight in every bite. You just have to try this dish!!

OK, what did YOU love this summer....and from which restaurant, and why....

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  1. The grilled cheese short rib sandwich at Coda in Maplewood could be the best thing ever put on a plate. It used to be Indigo Smoke...changed about a month ago. Gooey muenster-type cheese, melt in your mouth short ribs on texas toast with some of the best potato wedge fries ever...this is something you simply must try.

    4 Replies
    1. re: coldbeer

      Is Coda actually in Montclair? I couldn't find a website for it.

      1. re: diva360

        Maplewood...right in the middle of the village. Good bar, good food.

        1. re: coldbeer

          My confusion arose because I had eaten at Indigo Smoke in Montclair, which I didn't think was very spectacular. It wasn't bad, but Mr. diva and I, having lived in Austin, TX, expect a lot from BBQ--good smoke flavor and down home sides. We'll have to try this Maplewood joint out--is Coda on Springfield Ave.?

          1. re: diva360

            It's downtown..where Lorena's is. The BBQ is so-so, but it's getting away from that label as far as I can tell...lots of other selections, all pretty good.

    2. The grilled octopus appetizer at Copeland in Morristown. It was served over a white bean puree and was sublime.

      1. Dinallo's in River Edge.....

        Pounded Veal Milanese over Arugula with Chopped New Jersey Beefsteak Tomato and Fresh Moxzzarella.....Olive Oil and Fresh Lemon.

        1. Soft shell crabs with Thai Basil at Brookside Thai.

          Brookside Thai Restaurant
          380 Broad St, Bloomfield, NJ 07003

          1. And another vote for soft shell crabs .... at Restaurant Nicholas: Crispy Soft Shell Crab, Jicama Salad, Citrus Basil Vinaigrette. Best deep-fry batter ever. Went back just last week to have them again!

            Restaurant Nicholas
            160 State Route 35, Red Bank, NJ 07701

            2 Replies
              1. re: equal_Mark

                Yup. That's where I ate Friday night; had a selection of small plates with a couple of friends.