The "New" New Jersey Diner - Edison, South Brunswick, and East Windsor, New Jersey

Ever since we heard Craig Shelton, the celebrated owner/chef at the former Ryland Inn (considered New Jersey's best restaurant in its day) was consulting on the Skylark Diner menu, we knew something special was happening to New Jersey diner culture. The next time you find yourself on NJ's lackluster Turnpike, make a detour to one of these gems for something new and different.

Americana Diner
359 Route 130 North
East Windsor, New Jersey
609.448.4477
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Skylark Diner
Route 1 and Wooding Avenue
Edison, New Jersey
732.777.7878
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Colonial Diner
560 Highway 18
East Brunswick, New Jersey
732.254.4858
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Rutgers Gardens - New Brunswick, New Jersey

Rutgers Gardens
112 Ryders Lane
New Brunswick, New Jersey
732.932.8451
Wasn't sure we'd ever have a place in New Jersey's urban/suburban Middlesex County to feature. But that's because we sometimes forget about this little gem hidden just south of the intersection of Route 1 and the Jersey Turnpike. Although small, we like it even better than the New Jersey Botanical Gardens. Stopped by last Friday for the Rutgers Garden Farmers Market and figured we'd let the world know about this special place.

Maybe there are a few more Middlesex County places worth a look. Try Historic Cranbury in the southern part of the county. A lazy but very impressive collection of antique homes. Nearby is the Crate and Barrel outlet center. And Kingston (just a small village, no official website) which actually straddles three counties - Middlesex, Mercer, and Somerset. Head north from Princeton on Route 27 or take Ridge Road off of Route 1 to this tiny tree lined enclave with a few shops worth a visit.

Crate and Barrel Outlet
315 Cranbury Half Acre Road
Cranbury, NJ 08512
609.819.0200

Palermo's Tomato Pie - Bordentown and Trenton, New Jersey

Very few people agree on the best pizza so discussing it is usually meaningless. But this is our blog so here's my take. One of my favorites is the Greek-style pizza from Rhode Island, probably because that's what I grew up on. No its not feta and olives, the restaurants are usually owned by Greeks not Italians. They premake the crust in a deep dish pan and pull them out as needed. Its very much like Pizza Hut but so much better.

My other favorite, which I am lucky enough to be (sort of) near is Trenton Tomato Pie. Thin crust, tangy tomatoes and just enough cheese. DeLorenzo's is the most famous and the original. They've just opened a new restaurant in a suburban strip mall, putting their ancient Trenton location in jeopardy. But my favorite and if you are ever on the NJ Turnpike, near Bucks County, or within a day's drive, get to Palermo's Pizza. I keep meaning to try the Sicilian but I cannot stop eating the tomato pie! If you are a fan of DeLorenzo's give this one a try. Just don't show up on Friday or Saturday night, you'll wait for hours.

Palermo's Pizza
Glen Brook Shopping Center
674 Route 206 South
Bordentown, NJ
609.298.6771

Palermos II
Corner of 5th and Main Street
Roebling, NJ
609.499.9195

Palermo 's III
1292 Lower Ferry Road
Ewingville, NJ
609.883.0700

Mill Hill - Trenton, New Jersey

Okay its not country but it is charming and quite a surprise given Trenton's reputation. Revitalized over the past 30 or so years, Mill Hill is an amazing collection of antique row houses along several quiet streets. Stop by for one of their many annual festivals and events. While you're there, head to Cafe Ole for a snack.

Rockingham - Kingston, New Jersey

Rockingham Historic Site
Kingston-Rocky Hill Rd
Kingston, NJ
609.683.7132
One of George Washington's headquarters during the Revolutionary War.

Decorators Consignment - Hopewell, New Jersey

Before you buy your next piece of furniture, consider the many consignment shops around the country. Decorators Consignment has been around since 1993, offering great prices on brand new and slightly used furniture. I'm proud to say I am a customer. While in Hopewell, a sleepy town west of Princeton, head down the street from Decorators Consignment to the Tomato Factory Antiques.

Decorators Consignment
52 Railroad Ave
Hopewell, NJ
609.466.4400