(NOTE: Garden State closed in October 2011)
(Original Review -- August 2011)
I ventured back to the Mississippi Marketplace food pod two days ago (10/8) because it was Garden State's last weekend before shutting down for the winter. It would also be owner Kevin Sandri's final weekend before moving on to new endeavors.
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Kevin writing up Garden State's menu on its final weekend |
Before Garden State closed, I had to try the arancine and the meatball sub, two dishes that have received extremely high marks from many people ($6.50 for the sub, $1 for each arancine ball).
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Kevin manning the food cart one last time |
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Menu (weekend of Oct. 8 and 9)
(Garden State's final weekend before shutting down for winter) |
The meatball sub,
which has likely been on the menu since day one, has house-made meatballs and marinara, with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Arancine is a deep-fried saffron risotto ball stuffed with seasonal vegetables and fresh mozzarella cheese.
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Meatball sub (Garden State) |
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Arancine (Garden State) |
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Inside the arancine |
I started with the arancine. A well-seasoned, thin fried layer surrounded perfectly cooked risotto. Every ounce of the arancine had incredible flavor. The saffron provided a heavenly floral experience and did not overwhelm the other ingredients. Squeezing the lemon on the arancine cut through the richness and enhanced everything. Just blown away here.
Then, when I didn't think life could get better, it did. The meatball sub never stood a chance from the minute I started eating. I personally cannot recall having a better meatball sandwich. The seasoning on the meatballs was spot-on. The simple addition of marinara, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan is just comfort food for me, plain and simple. The bread stayed firm to hold everything in place, but a soft bundle of awesomeness when eating the sandwich. I think the only thing that would have made this better: I shoulda asked for more meatballs. I woulda paid more money just to get a large container of meatballs, marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
It's honestly a bittersweet moment for me. On the one hand, I feel privileged to have enjoyed three of Kevin's top-selling menu items (the third being the Chickpea Sandwich). On the other hand, it does pain me that this food cart gem is taking a hiatus this winter. I wish Kevin the best of luck in his future endeavors, and I'll be waiting for Garden State's re-opening.
9.5/10
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