Cafe Bua in Piscataway: Viva la fusion cuisine!

This is what I wrote to Peter Genovese of the Munchmobile recommending Cafe Bua as a Reader's Choice...

"Figured I would recommend my new staple, Cafe Bua in Piscataway since it is conveniently located near sooo many major roads (Near Rts. 287, 1, 27, 18, 22, 35, 440,95/Turnpike, Parkway) and would be easy to add to any route.

Cafe Bua first started as a breakfast/lunch place late last year in the former Majestic Cafe location (next door to Four Seasons Thai Restaurant) but has since expanded to offer dinner.

There really is something for everyone (even the real pickyeaters): I was not a fan of the banh mi and have not tried the soups, but everything else is like, da bomb (if I was still in 1997)...

The Bulgogi Korean Tacos, Red Curry Meatballs and Noodles, Hainanese Chicken, Grilled Skirt Steak with Bordelaise Sauce, Korean Spicy Pork and Eggs (breakfast), Chicken and Waffles... The Tonkatsu Chicken Cutlet comes with the most amazing asian coleslaw. But whatever you do decide to get... make sure you try the Peking Duck Roll as an appetizer.

So dessert... Shaved Ice or Creme Brulee? The trick is to come with at least one other person and make them order dessert so that you can have both ;)

They do sometimes run out of items but are great at improv, so go with it. The owners Oat and April are the sweetest people and definitely are putting their hearts into this restaurant."

www.urbanspoon.com
www.cafebua.com
1353 Stelton Road Piscataway, NJ 08854
Phone: 732.819.3900 • Fax: 732.819.3910 • Email: info@cafebua.com

Il Sogno Dolce: A "Sweet Dream" in Middlesex, NJ

Adam's Cafe, Olivia's, Mi Sueno... The tiny restaurant on 619 Bound Brook Road (Rt. 28) in Middlesex, NJ has gone through a lot of hands. The current incarnation is Il Sogno Dolce. This nine-table cafe, a few doors down from a tattoo parlor, has become my new place to celebrate special occasions (or just escape from the real world). It's casual enough to bring the kids, or hang with friends, as long as they dig the BYOB, Andrea Bochelli type of place. But sophisticated and intimate enough for a "wedding proposal dinner."

There are plenty of ways to start the meal off right. My three faves are the spicy chorizo bites with a balsamic glaze ($9), the herbed crabcake made with lump crabmeat and served with a remoulade sauce ($11), and the mesclun salad dotted with dried cranberries, candied pecans, and gorgonzola cheese, tossed with the right amount of balsamic vinaigrette ($10).

Now for the main course! The lobster ravioli with lemon marscapone sauce ($15) are homemade and filled with actual lobster pieces. My husband (and I, sneaking a couple of bites) fully enjoyed the pecan-encrusted tilapia with a white chocolate buerre blanc ($20). The filet of beef topped with boursin cheese, balsamic glaze and walnuts ($28) is high quality and definitely worth the splurge. But my favorite of all of the entrees is the chicken skewers with a coconut curry sea salt ($15), tender and tasty.

The owner, Michael is the chef on most days and also creates all the desserts. Many of them are available at Il Sogno Dolce's website bakery. All the desserts are delicious and whatever you pick will be great but there is ONE THING I am totally obsessed with: the Earl Grey chocolate mousse ($8). Normally, I don't spend much money on dessert and if I do, it's for a dessert that is split. The Earl Grey chocolate mousse is something that I do NOT share (so don't even try. I mean it.) The subtle tea flavor makes this mousse something for grownups only (like Peek Freans). It's not sold online but you can try the Earl Grey fudge which I understand is just as good. Want to wow everyone at your next party? You can also order baked goods ahead and just pick up at the restaurant.

Like to save money? Check out the Il Sogno Dolce Sweet Awards program.

Parking is available behind the restaurant's building. You can also park on the street after 6pm but I wouldn't... just from living in the area, I can tell you that people like to speed on that little stretch of road.

Tuesday-Thursday: 5pm-9pm
Friday-Saturday: 12pm-10pm
Sunday: 12pm-8pm

3-13-13 Il Sogno Dolce has closed.