Tula Restaurant and Lounge

If you just eat, rather than dine, if you feel more comfortable with a paper bib rather than a cloth napkin, or good manners make you uncomfortable, stop reading immediately. TGIF called, and they’re holding your (lack of) reservation for you. For all of you still reading, Tula is on the way to becoming the best restaurant in New Brunswick. The food is beyond reproach- feel free to complain about anything, but you’re probably wrong. The interior is immaculate- natural colors, exquisite tiling, perfect sound, and wispy curtains to prevent any uncomfortable, outdoor draft. The staff is well trained, knowledgeable, and attentive. Without even tasting the food, one can already tell this is one of the best in the city.

Our appetizer was a watermelon ceviche. The ratio was perfect: about 2 parts chopped, lime-marinated seafood to 1 part crunchy vegetables. The acidity in the lime begins to breakdown the crab, tilapia, and shrimp, tenderizing the seafood, turning every piece into a morsel. Our main course was a lemon risotto with cherry tomatoes and scallops. The rice, with a perfectly light lemon flavor, enhanced by lemon-zest oil, was the piece de resistance. Skip the scallops, as their texture does nothing to enhance the risotto. Instead, go with a side dish outside your comfort zone. The truffle sautéed spinach, for example, was deliciously earthy. Lastly, a balsamic marinated, grilled Portobello mushroom salad balanced out the meal. The sharp greens, with sweet balsamic and mellow mushrooms were a nice counterpart to the previous lime and lemon flavors. In addition, a nice bleu cheese was crumbled on top. This was not average, mayonnaise covered, hot-wing dipping sauce. This was authentic, room temperature, French bleu cheese. It was dry; meaning the cheese is not kept in an icebox where it dies, but in a room temperature environment where the natural flavors can come to the forefront.

With each course the staff dutifully cleared all plates and silverware, making each course seem as if a mini-meal unto itself. This allowed us to enjoy each dish individually, resulting in an experience that was greater than the sum of its “plates”. Dessert was not an option after eating every bit of our meal; it must be delicious, however, in that the menu proudly displays Tula’s use of Thomas Sweet ice cream in every dessert.

For a little more than the price of a "'Boli and a Beer", one can have a wonderful evening out in a terrific atmosphere. Make a reservation ASAP for a table near the front on a balmy evening. The windows open floor to ceiling, feeling like an Old World bistro. As you see the last rays of the Tuscan sun dip below the horizon, your senses will feel as if you are in Europe, without ever having left idyllic New Jersey.

Marita's Cantina

The words “authentic” and “Tex-Mex” are found together in a food review about as frequently as the appearance of Halley’s Comet. If this is what one prefers, look no further. From start to finish, Marita’s Cantina is the epitome of “Tex-Mex”. The menus were delivered with corn chips and salsa. Not too spicy, not sweet or plain, it was predictably predictable. To start we ordered the “go to” appetizer of American dining out- Artichoke and Spinach Cheese dip. We each ordered an entrée from the specials menu. Spicy Tequila Shrimp over a bed of penne pasta, and Chicken Ensenada.

The pasta and shrimp dish is most accurately described by calling it “spicy macaroni and cheese” topped with shrimp. The Chicken Ensenada was marginally better, the chicken breast grilled but still moist. Unfortunately, this was covered with liquid queso, canned jalapenos, musty olives and a few pieces of chopped tomatoes. If dining out with friends who like bland food, this is the perfect place to bring them.

As uninspiring as the food was, the staff and service were the exact opposite. We were greeted the moment we walked in the door by a friendly host. Shown to our seat, our waitress arrived shortly, and our drinks were out in a flash. The Spinach and Artichoke Cheese dip, 3 different types of piping hot cheese melting over the side, arrived on the table. The chips, freshly from the fryer, were still glistening with oil like a disco ball in dim light. The smell of the fresh cheese jumped from the plate, with the earthy smell of the fresh corn chips lingering behind. The manager was even walking around, ensuring diners were happy and that the food was hot & expeditiously served.

We decided very early on that the tequila we had with the hot, melted cheese dip was the best part of the meal, and so decided to stay at the bar after dinner. The drinks are strong, the bar tenders attentive, and the drinks are strong. The DJ was just starting his set, and the music was a thorough review of hip-hop.

Marita’s is not a restaurateur’s restaurant. However, if you’re looking to avoid the sweating throngs of drunken AXE wearing 21 year olds, or young women holding hands pushing rudely through crowds, Marita’s is your place. The eclectic crowd, attentive staff, spacious layout, different DJ’s 4 nights a week, and yes, strong drinks, make it a great place for night life in New Brunswick. Your next night out, arrive at 10pm, order an appetizer, enjoy a margarita, and put on your dancing shoes. You’ll be hungry when you leave at 2am, but this is New Brunswick-- just order pizza.

**Credit Cards as well as RU Express are taken here. Reservations not necessary.**

'Spice In' Indian Restaurant

The meal started the minute we walked through the door- the exotic smells emanating from every copper dish were intoxicating. In a stupor from the smell, one is tempted to obnoxiously point to a dish and exclaim to one’s waiter, “I WANT THAT!” That must happen a lot, because every member of the staff, from busboy to owner, can deftly explain every dish on the menu.

To begin, the complimentary hors d’oeuvres were a very thin cracker, the taste disarming at first. Caraway seeds are usually only found in rye bread; here they are in the cracker dough, giving it a nice, slightly bitter flavor that clears the palate and prepares one for the meal. The crackers are served with 2 sauces, a green pepper purée which is just spicy enough, and a brown sauce, which is a tamarind and honey sauce. The best way to describe it would be a sweet, Indian BBQ sauce. Tamarind trees are numerous in southern India, yet the acidic, sweet flavor is found only 1 place in Western cooking: Worcestershire sauce.

Upon the arrival of the main course, a steaming copper bowl and spoon accompany a copper tray of Basmati rice to the table. This allows for a perfect amount of rice and sauce to be doled out, as well as allowing easy sharing with company. The first entrée we ordered was Chicken Korma. Large, moist chunks of chicken breast were served in a creamy sauce, flavored with yogurt, tomato, pepper, and mild curry. Served with a fresh parsley garnish, the verdant parsley on top of creamy orange sauce is visually stunning. Indian food novices, or those afraid of being overpowered, will surely love this dish. Also, a side order of naan (bread) can help dilute any flavors one finds too overwhelming.

The second entrée was Boti Kebab Masala, a lamb dish with an intense flavor. At once stunningly sweet and profoundly spiced, the red sauce was a perfect compliment to the grilled lamb. Although lamb can sometimes be gamey, the grilling, accompanied by the sweet yet spicy sauce, allows the true flavor of the lamb to the foreground. If the gods drink ambrosia, they certainly dine on Boti Kebab Masala.

Stuffed at this point, we were unable to eat dessert. Worth trying, however, are the fruit juice, smoothie-like drinks, either as an appetizer or for dessert. Parking is difficult, so consider walking or taking the EE bus. A lighter, fruity wine is preferable, as red wines begin to taste heavy and boring in comparison to the spicy food. There is no dress code, but Spice In is one of the few reasonably priced restaurants in New Brunswick that has cloth napkins and tablecloths- a definite plus. The simple, neat interior keeps the emphasis where it belongs…on the food.