Mediterranean Greek Meets Knick-Knack Retailer

Taste of Crete

400 Route 206 South

Hillsborough, NJ 08844

Phone: 908 685 2035

Http://www.TasteOfCrete.com

            The Taste of Crete is pushed off the side of 206 in a small corner easily overlooked by most who pass by. What was once a home décor center, this location is now a privately owned store and deli by a few women who love their Greek heritage. At first, one wouldn’t expect this establishment to be any more than a novelty shop. Upon further inspection, we found that they do in fact sell food. Curious about this new restaurant, we took it upon ourselves to check out the local cultural bistro.

(from top to bottom, left to right): Melitzanosalata,
Santorini Tomato Hummus, Spanakopita.

            Walking in, we questioned whether food was even available; the store seemed to specialize in novelty items like Greek souvenirs and kitchen necessities.  We had to ask one of the workers, who was occupied with promoting one of the store’s trinkets to a customer, to direct us to fresh meals. She walked us over to a corner, far on the other side of this small shop. We didn’t know what we got ourselves into… They seem to specialize in refrigerated to-go deli specials (gyros, moussaka, and spanakopita), appetizers (hummus, melitzanosalata, etc.), and Greek olives in olive oil. We were surprised to find that they did not offer made-to-order dishes. Their seating arrangement was less than traditional and more so cafeteria style off in an annex in the building storing mostly postcards and keepsakes.

            We chose santorini tomato hummus (a traditional chick pea and olive oil blend), melitzanosalata (an eggplant dip normally paired with pita bread), spanakopita (phyllo dough cooked with spinach and goat cheese), and blaklava (phyllo dough, olive oil, and nuts) as a desert. We can tell (by the flavor and the sneak peek we took in the back) that the dishes were all prepared on sight by hand. The hummus was strong in flavour, but if you aren’t a fan of garlic, this dish isn’t suited for you. Personally, it seemed a little overbearing. The melizanosalata shared the same qualities, but we definitely preferred it to the hummus. It had a nice blend of cilantro and complimented the eggplant well, especially when served on pita. The spanakopita was sold in the fridge and we requested it to be warmed up. They microwaved it, which was offsetting in texture. The dough, traditionally flaky and pastry-like, was soggy and unflattering to the filling. The filling itself had a satisfying flavour and hint of rosemary. The baklava was super sweet and satisfying (in our opinions, obviously), but with practice, it isn’t too challenging to master and recreate.  Overall, the experience was a little disappointing; we were expecting a traditional Greek kitchen with fresh Mediterranean cuisine. The cuisine was there, but the fresh was not.

            Just a word of advice: If you plan to offer a sit-in restaurant, the food should be prepared in a more thoughtful way, despite the time-consuming nature of popping it in a toaster oven. The gift-shop atmosphere was a turn off while we ate, but we accept that the Taste of Crete doesn’t use food service as an advertisement device.  In the end, if you’re looking for a unique gift or quick pick-me-up, this is the place to go, but if you’re looking for a authentic dining experience, keep driving.

Authentic Mexican Cuisine Meets Hillsborough

Top from left: tamales, torta de quesillo, tostadas

La Costenita

450 Amwell Road

Hillsborough, NJ

908-874-0091

Mon- Sat 6AM-9PM

Sun 8AM-7PM

Tucked away in the corner of a strip mall overlooked by hungry Bagel-Bistro (formerly known as “Bagel Bop”) seekers is an ethnic experience unlike any other for this Wonderbread town. La Costenita is the epitome of food espagnol. Throw away the taco-bell notion of Spanish food… La Costenita is the revolution of whatever you thought Mexican food was.  People complain to us about their quest to find decent Spanish food in the tri-state area. And before this place, we pointed our fingers to chipotle. One day, needing to use the restroom, we stumbled upon one of the better, quainter, and overall more delicious restaurants around.

La Costenita, meaning “the little kitchen,” made us feel right at home in the midst of a Spanish grocer.

To test the waters, we played it safe with a “torta de quesillo” (a cheese sandwich native to the the owner Alicia’s home country, Mexico). This sandwich was served on a Kaiser roll (fresh, of course). Before you think this is some white person's interpretation of Spanish food, let us explain…. The cheese, oaxaca cheese, is imported and unusually salty, chewy, and fresh. With this is a layer of homemade refried black beans, lettuce, tomato, avocado, onion, and mayonnaise. But what really sets this sandwich apart was our choice to add cilantro and their homemade salsa verde (green, spicy, and original). Needless to say, eating this sandwich for the first time was nothing short of a religious experience.

Along with this single [wonderful] dish comes friendly service. The women behind the counter still recognize and welcome us each time we return. Although you might want to brush up on your Spanish before visiting for your first time, nothing bad can ever be said about the latin ladies working in the kitchen that are willing to make your experience something special.

Many dishes are served here – from tacos, to enchiladas, to burritos, to picaditas… They are well known in the local Spanish community for their homemade Mole (a spicy chocolate stew to pair with meat). Their tacos are made in fresh tortillas, with the choice of beef, chicken, or pork with fresh cilantro and a slice of lemon… a true cantina taco. Enchiladas are smothered in wonderful green and red sauce and delicious fresh cheeses, with the same meats listed above. Of all the choices, we prefer the Tortas (“sandwiches”)… all available with the classic selection: beef, chicken, or pork.

Next time you pass by Bagel Bistro or Victors Pizzeria, stop in and send a big HOLA for us to the neighborhood’s newest establishment… delicioso!

-Jackie and Greta