Welcome to Em & M: the first-ever meal critics of The Echo. Sparked by a love of chocolate and a play on words, we, Emily Dayton and Malini Jathavedam, are excited to take you along for our 3-year-long tour of the finest restaurants, Cafés, and eateries near Tenafly, New Jersey. We call ourselves “meal critics” rather than “food critics” for one very particular reason: we review more than just food. We will be exploring other factors such as service, price, ambiance, vibes—everything it takes to create the perfect dining experience. As food connoisseurs, we sample foods from both vegetarian and meat-eating perspectives since we aim to share the best meals for all to try.
Café Angelique is hands down one of the most staple restaurants in Tenafly. Converted from a train station, Café Angelique serves as a delicious place to eat located in the heart of the town. One of the best parts about Café Angelique is that it is almost like a three-in-one destination: it’s an ice cream shop, coffee shop, and restaurant (with indoor and outdoor seating) all in one place. Read more about the history of Café Angelique in this article featured in The Echo.
Our favorite item at Café Angelique is not actually a food item; the best thing they have on their menu is their chai tea latte. It’s got all of the necessary elements for a good chai drink. While we wouldn’t call it the traditional chai, it’s smooth, sweet, creamy, and has the perfect spiced foam on top. The only critique we have isn’t about the drink itself, but its name. It’s called a “Chai Tea Latte,” when really, “chai” means tea. So essentially, it means “Tea Tea Latte.” A quick change to “Chai Latte” would make more sense. Although we both agree the chai tea latte is a must-get at Angelique, we disagree on how it should be served. Malini claims hot is the way to go, whereas Emily says it must be iced. However, you really can’t go wrong with whichever way you choose.
Another one of our favorite drinks is the mint lemonade. Imagine it’s a hot summer day and you’re taking a stroll through Washington Street. You stop in Huyler Park to take in the beauty of a Tenafly July, but you can’t stop thinking about how thirsty you are. But then, you turn to your right and the perfect, more refreshing, thirst-quenching drink lies before you. That’s Café Angelique’s mint lemonade. Although we aren’t too sure how good they are after the summer months (because as soon as there’s a chill in the air, we run right back to chai tea lattes).
For food options, there are a variety of Mediterranean dishes to choose from. We recommend starting with the hummus as an appetizer. The cool, creamy hummus pairs perfectly with their freshly baked pita, and it’s an excellent way to start off the meal. For mains, you can’t go wrong with either the spicy or pesto chicken sandwiches—Emily personally loves the spicy chicken. It was the first thing she got for breakfast after being away from home for four weeks, which really shows that Anelique has a special place in both of our hearts. The chicken in the sandwich is perfectly seasoned so that it’s not too spicy, but still flavorful, and it’s packed between two crispy pieces of bread. If you’re looking for a healthier option, Angelique’s harvest bowl always hits the spot. It has kale, farro, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, edamame, pumpkin seeds, avocado, and feta cheese on top. The ingredients pair so well together, and it truly is the quintessential fall dish.
If you’re looking for a grab-and-go breakfast, Angelique has you covered. With multiple types of muffins, an array of croissants, and endless bourekas, their options are unmatched. We personally love the bourekas, with their crispy phyllo dough shell and cheesy insides. In addition to their bakery breakfast items, Angelique also has an assortment of sweet treats. From French macarons to cake pops, Angelique has it all. With their crispy outer shells and delicate inside fillings, these macaroons are the perfect way to end your meal.
Eating a meal at Café Angelique encapsulates the feeling of Tenafly. From walking in the teal room with the wall map of Bergen County to sitting in the high-ceiling dining room, it’s got every aspect for the perfect brunch. The train station location gives off small-town vibes that feel as if it’s right out of a television show. If you’re strolling through Tenafly and looking for a food place that has it all—and more—we highly recommend you take a trip to Café Angelique.
