Did you know that Bloomfield, NJ was called the “horseradish capital of the world” in the 19th century? Or that the Blow Pop comes from Bloomfield thanks to the Charms Candy Company, which was in Bloomfield until the mid-70’s? These historic foodie-facts are just a taste of what was shared during the August Walking Food Tour with the Bloomfield Center Alliance. Participants enjoyed stopping in at four downtown Bloomfield eateries for samples, hearing from the owners of the local businesses, and getting to know the area just a little better this weekend.
First on the stop was Q’enko Organic Cuisine, a Peruvian infusion restaurant at 68 Washington Street. The bright interior featured murals and colorful accents. The presentation of the food was just as vibrant. The perfectly balanced ceviche featured edible flowers, and the rolls included a shrimp and avocado sushi roll and a subtly spiced potato and chicken roll. Each dish was accompanied by two sauces and roasted corn. The aji verde sauce was especially delicious. Q’enko has been open less than a year, but its presence is already a mainstay.
The tour continued to the northernmost area of downtown Bloomfield to BGR, aka Burgers Grilled Right. On the outskirts of the Bloomfield College campus at 56 Broad Street, BGR features dozens of burgers for every taste and appetite. Samples included a cheeseburger slider, perfectly prepared tater tots, addictive garlic parmesan fries, and the newest addition of chicken wings in a spicy and a sweeter sauce. With an airy, open atmosphere, BGR is a casual option for eating in or take out. Tour participants learned about the upcoming promotion of limited time burgers, beginning with Wild Boar going on now and including Bison and a Wagyu Beef option later this year. For vegetarians, any of the burgers on the regular menu can be made as a Beyond Burger.
Aptly named, the Six Points Pub is on the corner of Bloomfield and Glenwood Avenues at 574 Bloomfield Avenue. The roomy bar is home to “Bloomfield’s Cheers,” with televisions showing games and matches, and regulars welcoming old friends and newcomers to the space. The tour participants were given samples of two different beers on tap and a crisp and tasty flatbread made fresh to order. With trivia nights, karaoke, and the occasional Bingo game in addition to cheering on favorite teams, there’s something for everyone on the menu. The outdoor seating is lit with strings of lights, and the indoor tables and booths have local street signs and a warm bar atmosphere. Don’t miss the handcrafted cocktails!
The tour ended at relative newcomer Casa de Flora Bar at 75 Washington Street. The lush venue is covered in decorative displays of flowers and inspirational messages. The tour participants received a taste of delicious cronuts and a choice of refreshing lemonades that included lavender, passionfruit, lime, and more. At once cozy and elegant, the space is gorgeous and highly photographable. The food offerings include light sandwiches, rich cupcakes and baked goods. The beverages boast coffee drinks (the lavender latte is recommended!), mocktails, and summer sips. The team is continuing the popular “Sip & Clip” that riffs on the popular beverage and activity event offerings, but with flower arranging instead of painting.
Several participants in the latest food tour had been on past Bloomfield Center Alliance food tours and were still raving about past stops like So Juicy at 24 Broad Street and Bucco at 61 Washington Street. It’s clear there are many choices for delicious meals all over downtown Bloomfield!
Through October 14th, Bloomfield is hosting Dinner Under the Stars every Friday night from 6 – 10 PM on Washington Street with live entertainment, community tables where participants can bring food from neighboring restaurants to enjoy, and the Washington Street venues have specials and deals for visitors. Reservations are not required to enjoy the event, but for those who want to eat at popular eateries like Anthony’s Cheesecake and Bucco, they are recommended.
This was the Bloomfield Center Alliance’s last Walking Food Tour of the season, but stop by the Festival & Block Party on September 10th and make sure to follow their Instagram and website for news on upcoming events and future tours!