Empire-builder Marcus Samuelsson has been attracting suburbanites to Newark since his much-anticipated restaurant, Marcus B&P, opened last fall -- finally -- in the renovated digs of the former Hahne & Co. department store building.

Marcus B&P is the chef's 14th spot and features the star chef's take on Mediterranean and American classics. Yet, Newark offers a considerable number of attractions for foodies, including the Portuguese and Spanish restaurants that have long defined the culinary scene in the Ironbound.

For an insider's perspective, check out the urban tours run by Emily Manz and Antonio Valla. Both Manz and Valla bring intense backgrounds to the work (she's a graduate of the University of Delaware and Rutgers; he hails from Dartmouth and Harvard).

Manz is particularly excited about the city's future and cites a recent food tour visit by the New York Women's Culinary Alliance. As Manz says, everyone is always looking for a new culinary adventure. Indeed. For more information, visit haveyoumetnewark.com.

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Cargot, an elegant but minimalist French brasserie in Princeton, has earned a reputation both for innovation and sincerity since it opened last year.

The restaurant, part of Jim Nawn's Fenwick Hospitality Group and a cousin to Agricola, features local produce from Nawn's Great Road Farm. On the menu are classics -- cassoulet, tartare and pomme frites -- but guests should expect breakthrough interpretations from chef Alex Spitale. Visit cargotbrasserie.com.

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