Tucked away in a strip mall on Passaic Avenue is the Caldwells newest top-notch restaurant, I Asian Cuisine. Located in the spot formerly occupied by David’s Deco-tessan at 555 Passaic Ave., this powerhouse, yet unassuming, restaurant is small enough for a quiet lunch or dinner or a family-style dinner. When we arrived on a recent Sunday afternoon, the restaurant had just opened. That didn’t stop the waitstaff from immediately pushing together tables and rushing to get us seated and comfortable. We enjoyed looking at the beautifully prepared menu, which features Thai, Chinese and Japanese …

Sometimes finding great Thai food can make you feel a bit like Goldilocks. The food can be too sweet, too spicy, too bland, or too salty—that is, before finding a place like Boonsong Thai Cusine that hits the mark with just the right mix. Boonsong, on Broad Street in Bloomfield, offers reasonable portion sizes with the true flavors that longtime Thai fans love. The menu boasts all the usual suspects including a brightly flavored Pad Thai noodle dish, and a lush Panang Curry with coconut milk, as well as the less familiar Gang Pa or jungle curry. An extensive vegetarian menu also offers tofu …

Valentine's Day seems kind of blah when it falls on a Monday. To counteract that, why not try the menu at Restaurant Passionné? Or try one of these romantic recipes below? Chef Michael Carrino will offer his regular menu or the option of a five course “Sweetheart Couple’s Tasting” for $150 per couple that will include: First Course: Salad of Baby Spinach and Arugula with pralines, a maple dressing and crispy house made prosciutto served with a crostini of Pecorino Gregoriano (a blue pecorino cheese) with pine honey. Second Course: Borscht—A traditional beet soup. Third Course: Tuna poke—Ahi …

Looking for an old-school lunch counter, with homemade taste? Head over to Ray's Luncheonette, a time warp of a restaurant on Walnut Street. Step inside the door, and it feels like the 1960s all over again, minus the cigarette smoke and Mad Men glamour. The counter serves everyone from commuters on their way to the train to construction workers and students. Small tables hold families and friends looking for a cup of coffee, a cup of homemade soup—like tomato basil or lentil—or a full-blown meal. This Montclair institution offers breakfast, lunch, and early dinner Monday through Saturday with…