Southern Restaurant Life vs. New Jersey restaurant life

I had no idea how significantly my daily eating habits would change. In the South, dining out is quite different from what I'm used to. Growing up in New Jersey has given me the opportunity to sample many pizzerias and Italian-style restaurants around northern New Jersey. On the other hand, eating habits undoubtedly changed after moving to North Carolina for school. Most of the eateries in High Point feature American cuisine, including the classic fried chicken and barbecue dishes. To examine the variations in the culinary cultures of northern New Jersey and High Point, North Carolina, I will select my top three dining establishments!

Northern New Jersey:

Calandras Fairfield, Nj

Calandras is known for being a family built legacy Founded in 1962, Calandra's Bakery began when Italian immigrant Luciano Calandra opened a small Italian and French bakery in Newark, New Jersey, just five years after arriving in America. Working alongside his wife, Ortenza, they quickly built a reputation for exceptional bread. Once the bakery reached success, that's when this establishment expanded into a restaurant, which didn't end there. Calandra's is known for their own in-house olive oil, coffee, pasta, sauces , and wines from their very own Italian vineyard.

Se7te Totwa, Nj

This pizzeria stands out with its magnificent imported wood-fired oven—the soul of Se7te—and what truly distinguishes them from ordinary pizza establishments is that each pie is lovingly crafted by hand, ensuring a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure with every visit. Beyond the extraordinary pizzas, Se7te offers a rich tapestry of Italian-American classics. These treasured family recipes, passed down through generations, capture the essence of our heritage. We insist on only the freshest ingredients, a commitment you'll taste in every bite.

Pazza Franklin Lakes, NJ

Pazza is more than just a restaurant—they have cultivated a sanctuary where authentic Italian comfort food nurtures both body and soul. Their culinary tradition celebrates the timeless recipes that Italian families have gathered around for generations, offering a genuine taste of Italy's diverse regional cuisines. Each dish at Pazza symbolizes their handcrafted pastas lovingly prepared with time-honored techniques to our slow-simmered sauces that capture the essence of Italian home cooking. Pazza is the place to go for a chill, comfortable Italian meal.

High Point:

Sweet Old Bills

Sweet Old Bill's is traditional BBQ with contemporary Southern cuisine. Sweet Old Bill's prides itself on quality food and excellent service. Sweet Old Bill's offers the most delicious burgers made right in-house. In addition to BBQ, SOB’s offers a wide range of fresh salads, amazing appetizers, homemade fresh sides, and decadent desserts.

Magnolia Blue

Magnolia Blue is inspired by the eclectic cuisine of the southern US. Magnolia Blue serves so many amazing dishes, such as shrimp & grits, pot roast, chicken & waffles and so much more. They use quality ingredients sourced from the best suppliers around and carefully prepared with the best flavors. Magnolia Blue also serves fine wines, aged bourbons, other premium spirits, and handcrafted cocktails.

Fradys Taphouse

Frady's Taphouse and Eatery is known for its comfort cuisine and a wide selection of craft beers and other handcrafted cocktails. Their menu features mouthwatering meats, hearty burgers, and other delicious offerings that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Frady's offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere to the greater surrounding area, where customers can gather with friends and family to enjoy great food and a diverse selection of beverages.

My relocation from northern New Jersey to High Point, North Carolina for school has majorly transformed my dining experiences. Growing up in New Jersey exposed me to numerous pizzerias and Italian restaurants, creating a culinary foundation shaped by these influences. However, North Carolina introduced me to a distinctly different food culture centered around American cuisine, particularly southern specialties like fried chicken and barbecue. The contrast between these two regional food identities is striking, each offering its own unique flavors and dining traditions. By highlighting my three favorite restaurants from each location, I've been able to explore and appreciate the culinary diversity that defines these different locations of the United States.

Girls Go South is a podcast created by friends who relocated to North Carolina for college, sharing our journey of discovering Southern culture, food, fashion, and adventures!