When most people think of a food tour, they picture a guided tour through a bustling city. But Chow Town Food Tours offers a twist, instead focusing on the often-overlooked suburbs of North Jersey. Chow Town aims to prove these suburbs are more than just pizza and bagels, but unexpected culinary gems.
“There’s a beautiful and unapologetic restaurant scene here that deserves recognition,” says Max Gray, Founder of Chow Town Food Tours. “In the suburbs, you never know when you’re going to stumble upon an amazing Thai fusion spot, a Bavarian bratwurst stand, or any number of other surprises.”
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A Unique Tour of the Suburbs
Each food tour hosted by Chow Town lasts from two to three hours. Participants enjoy a curated mix of tastings while also learning about the local history and community in towns like Montclair, South Orange, Morristown, and Madison.
Each neighborhood featured on Chow Town Food Tours offers its own lineup, ranging from street-style taquerias to microbreweries. One stop showcases a restaurant that uses 24-year-old Sicilian sourdough starters; while another highlights a chef who regularly returns to their hometown in central Mexico to ensure their menu’s authenticity.
Every tour thoughtfully balances familiar favorites with more eclectic, adventurous bites. While menus are curated in advance, tours can accommodate various dietary needs. Guests are encouraged to notify their tour guide at least one week ahead to ensure a personalized experience.
Highlights from Each Tour
Chow Town Food Tours in South Orange and Madison spotlight lesser known (but exceptional) eateries. These routes often leave guests surprised by the quality and creativity found just outside of major cities. Conversely, Montclair tours highlight some of the area’s favorite businesses featuring well-known culinary talents.
In South Orange, the tour stops at a small business incubator that helped launch the beloved local cheese shop, Wheelhouse. The shop is now a cornerstone of Maplewood’s growing culinary scene. Meanwhile, in Madison, visitors can enjoy a fresh Portuguese pastel de nata just steps away from a museum; located inside a historic mansion once owned by an 18th-century mining baron.
Meanwhile, Montclair stands out as one of the tour’s most dynamic stops. “That bubbling cauldron of energy and multiculturalism creates the perfect conditions for a thriving restaurant scene,” Max explains. “Our local restaurants reflect the community’s diversity and express its aspirations for the future.”
In Montclair, the Bloomfield Avenue tour might begin with a welcome and a brief history of the Wellmont Theater. Culinary stops can include Teglia’s Pizza Bar, Zeugma Grill, and Fusionista. The experience wraps up with artisan French pastries at Jayce Baudry French Pastries and a group toast at Bar Franco. Meanwhile, the Walnut Street tour visits widely-beloved restaurants like Brick and Dough pizzeria and Walnut Street Kitchen. Other stops on this tour include charcuterie from Butler and the Board, plus a visit to Boschetto for gelato.
About Chow Town Food Tours
Anyone with an appetite and a sense of curiosity will love these action-packed forays into the surprising culinary world of North Jersey. Chow Town Food Tours offer something for everyone, from food lovers and culture seekers to casual meetups with family and friends. Chow Town also offers popular tours that are customized for corporate groups. Each experience blends social connection with local storytelling, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for NJ’s suburban food scene.
Suburban North Jersey is brimming with culinary creativity, and Chow Town Food Tours serves as a megaphone for these businesses. By working closely with independent restaurant owners, tours amplify their reach and encourage a sense of community and support. According to Max, collaborating with passionate entrepreneurs feels like taking part in a larger, communal project.
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