Central Jersey doesn't exist.
Or, at least, that's what people from Montclair, Fort Lee, Sparta or Wayne say.
As far as residents of the 201 — or 973 — are concerned, the tip of the pork roll zone is a figment of our imaginations; a hypothetical boundary that denotes a region which (ideologically and environmentally) isn't all too different than those above and below it.
But, regardless of where you stand on that debate, there's no denying: North Jersey ends somewhere.
And, wherever that is — whether Central, South or West Virginia — Morris, Essex and Bergen locals draw their driving line; commenting (often) on my @northjerseyeats video recommendations "butttttttt that's Edison! It's soooo farrrr."
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Restaurants, from Rutgers to Manhattan, however, are sometimes worth leaving Ridgewood for.
More:What are the best waterfront restaurants in North Jersey? Here are seven of our favorites
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So, the next time you're looking to hop in the car and head to a not-so-far-but-still-far-enough destination, refer back to this guide.
Here are five restaurant road trip reasons to leave North Jersey.
The dining 'on top of the world' road trip; White Plains, New York
White tablecloths, sweeping views and 10-course tasting menus are the name of the game at The Restaurant at Kanopi; a gorgeous Portuguese fine dining concept by chef Anthony Gonçalves.
Located on the 42nd floor of the Opus Hotel (formerly the Ritz-Carlton of White Plains), the experiential gem — with food to rival its aesthetic — takes guests into the sky for dinner amongst the clouds. Book a 7 p.m. table, and you'll watch the sun set behind your multiple plates of fish, breads and pasta.
When I first entered the space, I was blown away by the floor-to-ceiling windows; each revealing views that extended far beyond the affluent city. Servers in pressed suits showed me to my seat, and sommeliers spoke to me about smooth European wines (of which a pairing was optional, and I opted).
By the time I glanced at the menu —which was pre-customized for the evening — my expectations for the meal were high; yet, somehow, the dishes that came surpassed the 42nd-floor ceiling.
Seared sea bass over crispy chorizo-infused fava bean purée was followed by melt-in-your-mouth prawns, cresti de gallo mushroom pasta and tuna tartare. Upon my fourth round of dessert, I was convinced the drive to White Plains was well worth it.
Go: The Restaurant at Kanopi: 1 Renaissance Square, White Plains; 914-761-4242,kanopievents.com/restaurant.
The dining in the 18th century road trip; New Hope, PA
Marketers will tell you: nothing sells like nostalgia — and nostalgia comes in droves in the southeastern Pennsylvania town of New Hope.
A few miles over the New Jersey border, the quaint city was first settled in the 1700s, and, today, still retains its Revolution-era charm. Rustic lampposts and clocks line the streets, while craft shops are housed in cottages that look like they were plucked from a miniature Christmas village. Just down the road, George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware.
In the center of the town lies The Salt House; a restaurant whose architecture pre-dates America's independence. Built in 1751, the cobblestone former residence is now home to chef Steven Lau's creative gastropub. Dishes from charred Brussels sprouts to black garlic molasses duck meatballs are on the menu, each amusingly juxtaposing their modernity against a background of roaring fireplaces and antiquated libraries.
Whether you're a history buff looking to traverse the same grounds as Aaron Burr, or a hopeless romantic longing to escape into a fairytale, this old-world abode has got you covered.
Go: The Salt House: 7 E Ferry St., New Hope; 267-740-7908, exploretock.com/thesalthouse.
The try-not-to-break-the-bank road trip; Greenwich, Connecticut
Greenwich, in this food writer's world, is known for two things:
- Hosting the biggest food festival in the country (after NYCWFF and South Beach)
- Being wealthy
So, in other words: The city's going to have some of the best food in the U.S. — but it's also going to cost you.
That is, unless, you go to Il Pastaficio.
A hole-in-the-wall gem in the Greenwich neighborhood of Cos Cob turning out authentic, affordable Italian pastas on the daily, the spot is one of my favorite restaurants in Connecticut (if not anywhere). Bigoli is served with white wine duck ragu; and a creamy lasagna al tartufo features béchamel, mushrooms and a luxurious truffle sauce. The spinach ravioli comes with butter and sage, and the red lasagna is loaded with a Bolognese that could rival any made in Manhattan.
By the time you reach the Sicilian cannolis, you'll be stuffed to the brim; wondering how your appetizer, entrée and dessert bill was less than $100 (but thankful that it was, because that Lululemon down the street totally has your name on it).
Go: Il Pastaficio: 213 E Putnam Ave., Cos Cob; 203-900-1199, ilpastaficio.com.
The 15-course tasting menu road trip; Princeton, New Jersey
Oysters, kanpachi, squid, lamb and caviar; a parade of land and sea — punctuated by fresh courses of vegetables — await at Elements in Princeton. A farm-to-table restaurant a little over an hour from North Jersey, the spot is known for its never ending prix fixe menu that evolves based on seasonal produce.
Each morning, the team plucks herbs and forages for ingredients to be used in that evening's seatings. Guests then enjoy those, amongst the finest meats and international fish, in a 15-course grand feast of decadence.
Dinner at what our former food writer called "possibly the best restaurant in the state" begins with light seafood-centric bites and cleverly plated plants. Crab and abalone are chased by mushrooms, and smoked brassicas (cabbage) precede all three. Following a serving of skate cheeks, the menu progresses into heavier courses, which can range from chamomile-black pepper salmon to ribeye with potato aligot. Various ice creams, chocolates and berries have all been seen at dessert.
Parades of food, amicable service and flowing rivers of wine — if you opt for it — this meal is as close you'll get to stepping into the "Be Our Guest" scene from Beauty and the Beast.
Go: Elements: 66 Witherspoon St., Princeton; 609-924-0078, elementsprinceton.com.
The ultimate vegan road trip; Woodstock, New York
Woodstock has a history of being one of the most peaceful places on earth. Nestled in the heart of the Catskill region, the spot has been home to hippies and hipsters alike since it was supposed to host the nation's most iconic music festival in 1969. Though the three days of concerts ended up happening down the road in Bethel, the attendees still lived in Woodstock (and, today, continue to do so) thus allowing their culture to develop and thrive in the unique city.
Often associated with the demographic is the push for farm-to-table products and cruelty-free cuisine. Peace and kindness, the group believes, should extend to all living creatures. The Woodstock Farm Sanctuary exists in the town as a refuge for "rescued farm animals," and vegan dishes are on the menu at every restaurant on its central Tinker Street.
The queen of serving plant-based dishes, however, is The Garden Cafe Woodstock.
An indoor-outdoor eatery with an al-fresco dining area that looks like fairies could dance through it, the charming spot is known for its creative vegan fare and welcoming atmosphere. Pan-seared peanut noodles, and other specials, are written on rustic chalkboards, and fresh-squeezed juices (even at 8 p.m.) are made by servers in floral dresses and fruit-stained aprons. From the aesthetic to the bites — of which we recommend the buffalo cauliflower tacos and portobello panini — every aspect of the spot screams "love and happiness."
Go: The Garden Cafe Woodstock: 6 Old Forge Rd., Woodstock; 845-679-3600, thegardencafewoodstock.com.
Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can't find her in Jersey's best restaurants, she's probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram:@karanicolev&@northjerseyeats, and sign up for herNorth Jersey Eats newsletter.
