By Amanda Rosenblatt
Amanda Rosenblatt is a writer for Federal Home Loan Centers in San Diego. You can follow them on Twitter @fedhomeloan or check out their site FedHomeLoan.org.
New York, with Manhattan as the culinary centerpiece, is of course teeming with great Haitian food restaurants. The entire tristate area is no exception, but sometimes we forget about the hidden gems outside of the New York metro area. Here are three great New Jersey Haitian eateries to check out.
With a four-star rating on Yelp, this popular eatery in Montclair, N.J. has a beautiful patio for summer days, and enticing food. The different soups are enjoyed by visitors at $10 per bowl, as well as the Haitian caviar of smoked fish paired with tostones and goat cheese at $13. The restaurant also prides itself on helping its community and doing events like cooking classes. Be sure to try the Vegetarian Sampler or the Saveur Créole Sampler, both at $17 per serving.
First Republic Lounge and Restaurant
This four-and-a-half star Yelp darling is a great option in Elizabeth, N.J. Akra and fried Plantains are the least expensive items on the menu at $5 and under, not counting the diverse side dishes. There are many tempting entrees varying from fish, to meat, to vegetarian, at prices from $7 all the way up to $22. With an item like red snapper cooked with bell peppers and onions, steamed or fried, alongside your choice of two sides from six options, it’s worth the splurge.
Jacob’s Restaurant
With a five-star rating on Yelp, this Haitian Tavern in Newark that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner is a must. Start your day with traditional Haitian dishes like mais moulin and bouillon eete cabrit, or traditional American dishes like 2 eggs any style of the omelet of the day, there is something for every morning person. A spread of appetizers await you at $11 and under, featured dishes of the day each day of the week from $8.50 to $13.50, and Haitian entrees that are craved by vegetarians and carnivores alike at a $15 maximum for lunch, $18 for dinner. Contact restaurant for breakfast prices.
We hope your bellies are growling and you’re ready to check out these spots. Stay tuned for our next piece about Connecticut Haitian dining joints.