Sophie's Bistro
This casual, moderately priced French bistro is named for a friend of the owner's family who was a cook at a small bistro in southwestern France. The menu features bistro standards like steak frites and duck confit, along with a house stew with chicken, fresh fish entrees and a New Zealand lamb shank, all with a focus on organic ingredients. Simpler food that kids might enjoy include a Black Angus hamburger and a melted-cheese croquet served with french fries. Sophie's has an extensive wine list featuring French and U.S. labels. It's open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday, and dinner only on Saturday and Sunday. Outdoor seating is available, and reservations are highly recommended.
Sophie's Bistro
700 Hamilton St.
Somerset, NJ 08873
(732) 545-7778
sophiesbistro.net
Asare's Den
The casual, moderately priced Asare's Den was opened in 2007 by a former grade school teacher and middle school vice principal. The decor features African art and accents, including doors from Ghana, and the staff dresses in native wear. The menu focuses on West African, Caribbean and Southern American foods. West African specialties include omo tuo, a soup made with mashed rice balls and ground nuts. Caribbean dishes include a stew of rice and oxtail, and Southern fare includes fried chicken and fried fish. Asare's Den does not serve alcohol, but diners can bring their own wine or beer. Asare's Den features live music on Fridays. It's open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, and until early evening on Sundays.
Asare's Den
855 Hamilton St.
Somerset, NJ 08873
(732) 246-7660
asaresdenrestaurant.com
Chao Phaya Thai Cuisine
The casual and inexpensive Chao Phaya has an extensive menu featuring all the Thai standards, including pad Thai, broccoli in oyster sauce and panang curry, and a decent selection of vegetarian dishes. House specials come with interesting names, including the "Siam Tornado" (shrimp, Thai basil and chili paste), the "Casanova Fish" (crispy fish with garlic and black pepper sauce) and the "Lasting Cloud" (chicken with chili paste, broccoli and peanut sauce). Meals are served with jasmine or brown rice, and diners can specify the level of spiciness. The restaurant does not serve alcohol, but customers can bring their own wine or beer. Lunch is served Monday through Friday, and dinner is served seven nights a week. Call for a reservation on weekend nights.
Chao Phaya Thai Cuisine
900 Easton Ave.
Somerset, NJ 08873
(732) 249-0110
chaophayathaicuisine.com
About The Author
Based in the Southwest, John C. Lauzon is a freelance writer and editor who has been writing professionally since 1997. His articles have appeared in "Details," "New York Press," "Entertainment Weekly," "British Esquire," "Penthouse" and "German GQ." He worked in magazine publishing for 10 years in New York City. Lauzon received a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from Indiana University.
