Hey #HipNJ! Today is #GreasyFoodsDay! To celebrate, let’s take a look at five of the most mouth-watering, greasy foods found in the Garden State!
1. Fat Sandwich, RU Hungry, New Brunswick
Launched in 1979 and aptly nicknamed the “Grease Truck,” RU Hungry is Rutgers University’s grease epicenter. The first fat sandwich they debuted was the Fat Cat which consisted of two cheeseburgers with lettuce, tomato, and french fries all on the sandwich. Their current best-seller is the Fat Darrell which consists of chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, french fries, marinara sauce, lettuce and tomato. I’ve had the Fat Darrell and can confirm it is delicious! Want to coin your own sandwich? RU Hungry challenges worthy participants to eat any five fat sandwiches in under 45 minutes. Those who succeed get to have their sandwich featured on their menu. Man vs. Food’s Adam Richman tried the challenge and failed. I couldn’t imagine eating five of those monstrous sandwiches in under an hour!
2. Italian Hot Dog, Jimmy Buff’s, Kenilworth
Originally founded in Newark by James “Buff” Racioppi in 1932, Jimmy Buff’s is the home to the famous Italian Hot Dog loaded with two fried hot dogs, peppers, onions and potatoes. I’ve visited the Kennilworth location and can confirm the authenticity, grease, and tastiness this sandwich boasts. This location featured an open kitchen so you can watch all of your sandwich fixin’s being deep fried right in front of you, which only makes your mouth water more before your served. Jimmy Buff’s is one of NJ’s oldest food traditions and there’s no wonder why it’s still going strong today.
3. Maui Burger, 30 Burgers, Branchburg
This relatively new NJ burger chain features 30 delicious, fresh and juicy burgers. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the Branchburg location which has a very diner-esque feel to it. I had the Maui Burger, topped with grilled pineapple, smoked ham, teriyaki glaze, cheddar, lettuce, tomato & sweet mayo , and it was SO good! Other burgers that are worth trying include the Trenton Burger, topped with pork roll, American cheese, and ketchup, and the El Paso Burger, topped with roasted pablano peppers, sautéed onions, bacon, pepperjack, guacamole, lettuce & chipotle mayo. Yum!
4. Cheesesteak & Cheese Balls, Steaks Unlimited, Seaside Heights
Nothing says boardwalk food like a good ‘ol fashioned cheesesteak! Steaks Unlimited has one of the best cheesesteaks on the Jersey Shore. Paired with deep-fried, bread-crumbed coated, cheddar cheese balls, the cheesesteak and cheese balls combo is a Jersey Shore classic! When I visited, I was feeling daring and put cheese balls in my cheesesteak. Best idea ever!
5. Chonut, Kimchi Smoke, Westwood
This new Texas Korean BBQ fusion restaurant boasts perhaps the most intriguing, greasy, and glorious sandwich on this list. Dubbed “100% Ridiculousness,” the Chonut is brisket, smoked Kimchi, Fatboy bourbon chipotle sauce, bacon, cheese, and scallions sandwiched between a sliced glazed donut. Oh my! I have yet to try this delicious monstrosity but it is on the top of my To-Eat list!
Now that I’ve made your stomach growl, go out and celebrate #GreasyFoodsDay at one of these fine establishments!
