dining out
Everything Tastes Better
Outside
When the weather turns nice, local diners turn out for al fresco dining
WRITTEN BY JOYCE VENEZIA SUSS
THE LITTLE
FOOD INN
The décor of this popular res-
taurant has been described as
cute, cozy, quaint, and even
adorable, but the entrées, which
are based on seasonal ingredi-
ents, have culinary clout. The
menu spans continents, with
specialties from a wide range
of international cuisines. The
outside patio, which has the
same rustic feel as the restau-
rant’s interior, is mostly covered.
“But we also have a couple
tables in the sun, because some
people enjoy that,” says Dana
Vandecker, who owns and
operates the restaurant with
her husband, Aaron. The patio
opens in mid-spring and stays
open into the fall “until it gets
cold,” she says.
I
f you live in California, eating outdoors may be no big thing. But in New Jersey,
with its four seasons — and blizzards in March — eating outdoors is a highly
anticipated pleasure.
Fortunately for us, the greater Wayne area is blessed with a wide variety of
restaurants that offer seasonal outdoor dining. Here are some great spots for
enjoying fresh air and fine meals together.
54
MAY 2018 WAYNE MAGAZINE
SUGGESTION: Enjoy one of
the “Salad le Entrée” selections,
such as Tuscan Shrimp Chopped
Salad, with grilled shrimp, roast-
ed peppers, goat cheese, red
onion, chick peas, capers, and
hand-cut croutons served over
mixed greens with the house-
made balsamic vinaigrette.
575 NEWARK POMPTON
TURNPIKE, POMPTON
PLAINS, (973) 616-8600
MOST ENTREES OVER
$15-$20, BYO, CLOSED
SUNDAYS, DELIVERY,
FAMILY FRIENDLY,
TAKE OUT