Cool Off with These Four NJ Morris, Union Counties Food Hot Spots

What better way to enjoy the summer of 2023 than eating your way through New Jersey’s Morris and Union Counties plentiful delicious restaurants? The food is sizzling as a Garden State summer is hot. 

Here are four New Jersey eateries that we visited on various recent voyages to cool off while dining in some of the finest spots in Morris and Union Counties.  

Chatham Sandwich — 253 Main Street –Chatham, N.J.

Over a year and half ago, Chatham Sandwich Shop experienced a fire that forced its closure. But it has been back for a few months now, and doing what it does best: making phenomenal sandwiches/subs, salads, soups and breakfast fare in a brighter, more aesthetically pleasing setting.

In business since 1979, Chatham Sandwich Shop is a borough favorite. And for good reasons.

Our party enjoyed The “Italian” — ham, salami, pepperoni, capicola, provolone, tomatoes and onions — proved to be a big hit as well, while I devoured a Veggie Crave — grilled zucchini, bell peppers with brie cheese, granny smith apples, arugula and homemade fig jam.

The Mediterranean Salad — Feta cheese, Kalamata olives, grape tomatoes, bell peppers and red onions over mixed greens served with Greek dressing — was a break from the bread and rather scrumptious.

The Turkey Sloppy Joe — a New Jersey double-decker sandwich made of deli turkey, Swiss cheese, coleslaw and Russian dressing — is highly recommended.

How can you go wrong with that outstanding lineup of comfort fare? In fact, we have been back there twice over the last month, so it must be incredible. Spoiler alert: it is as delicious advertised.

Toastique Chatham — 11 South Passaic Avenue, Chatham, N.J.

Toastique is one of Chatham’s newest eateries, which opened approximately a month ago in the town’s thriving downtown area.

Serving artisan toast-focused, unique and healthy fare, it is a welcomed fresh option for Chatham residents, plus patronages from the surrounding areas. Its decor and atmosphere just add to the amazing food experience.

I ordered the Spicy Crab – lump crab / melted Swiss and Fontina cheeses/ sriracha oil / tomato / bibb lettuce / jalapeño / microgreens / lemon twist – all placed atop Rustico toast and served on wooden cutting board. Which is a nice touch!

Yes, it is amazing as it sounds and looks. The Spicy Crab Toast dish had the right amount of spice and heat without being overpowering, even with jalapenos tossed into the mix.

Furthermore, all the lip-smacking ingredients just meshed and worked so well together that each and every bite made life seem so much better and cooler. Ahhh….joy.

My girlfriend Maggie had the Tomato Buratta – herbed ricotta / tomato / buratta (Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream) / basil / balsamic glaze – all put together on a Rustico Toast.

Slightly sweet and abundantly delicious, it is another surefire winner for your tastebuds. The way the buratta melts into the tomatoes forms a terrific, creamy sauce-like creation.

Toastique also offers up various bowls, juices, smoothies and coffees. A franchise, the owner also owns New Jersey outposts in Hoboken and Stone Harbor. Plus, Toastique eateries located across the country.

DiFarina Pizzeria — 107 E Broad Street in the heart of downtown Westfield, N.J.

DiFarina has been on my must-visit pizza list for some time now since I have been to the one in my hometown of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, N.Y., and I really enjoyed it.

Well, the New Jersey outpost did not disappoint. Maggie had the Chicken Française Pizza — chicken made with lemon-butter and white wine sauce.

Let’s face it, if the Chicken Francaise is made correctly, which it was, you can place the chicken on cardboard, and it would still delight. Thankfully, the Chicken Francaise sits atop of a tasty, crispy crust. Maggie went as far as saying it was the best slice she ever had. That is pretty high praise.

I enjoyed the Margherita and Grandma Sicilians, which were both outstanding. If you are a fan of thin crust, like I am, then the Grandma is the offering for you.

But the Margherita, made with San Marzano tomatoes, loads of mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, salt, and extra-virgin olive oil, appealed to my Neapolitan Italian root’s taste buds.

Therefore, do not sleep on this variety, trust me. Either way, you cannot go wrong.

DiFarina also has a spot at 1756 Forest Avenue in Staten Island, N.Y.

Pizza Vita — located at 7 Union Place, Summit, N.J.

What do you do when you are at an outdoor concert in Summit, N.J., seeing legendary cover band The Nerds?

Well, if you are me, you order two pies from Pizza Vita, who was on hand at the Village Green, firing up pies for the Nerds’ faithful.

For us, we ordered a mushroom pie, which was loaded with decadent fungi. I loved it, as the mushrooms were fresh and not soggy. The other pizza was the Margherita Pie, a solid choice, as its crust was just slightly charred to avoid tasting like charcoal briquets.

Additionally, the Margherita possessed all of the other elements of a mouthwatering pie: delicious sauce and fresh, tasty mozzarella. While the basil was unwilted and flavorful, we could have used a few more leaves for that extra pizzazz.

But that is just me, as I especially love basil because my dad would grow it in our Brooklyn backyard every summer for over 40 years.

Whether in-house or from a remote locale, Pizza Vita pizza makes a tremendous complement to a night of pop and rock n’ roll. 

– Jerry Del Priore