Matt Martin’s Texas-style wood-smoked barbecued meats gained legions of fans during its years at the Stockton Market — enough, in fact, to open an outpost earlier this year in Easton PA’s Public Market.
In October, More Than Q closed up shop in Stockton and relocated to 13 Klines Court in Lambertville. The casual new space, done up in rustic woods and metals, seats 40 walk-ins. Smoked meats — brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, turkey, pork spareribs — are sold by the pound, as a slider, and in sandwich form. Scratch-made sides range from the traditional-with-a-twist (burnt-end baked beans, cheddar cheese grits, five-cheese mac n cheese) to housemade pickles. One item unique to the Lambertville menu is kale and brussels sprouts salad.
Owner/pit master Martin was not raised in the South — he hails from the Newtown area — but he fell in love with barbecue while working for the owner of the original bbq stall at the Stockton Market, whom Martin eventually bought out. More Than Q is open in Lambertville for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Sunday.
Gift for a new mom
Despite its not very elegant title, I heartily recommend “Around the World in 80 Purees,” a cookbook by New Jersey resident Leena Saini. Saini gave a talk and tasting at the Princeton Library and Farmers Market in September, and her applesauce with saffron was a big hit with the new mothers who attended.
Saini is dedicated to the idea that babies’ palates can and should be developed by introducing global flavors, ingredients, spices, and customs as soon as they start on solid foods. She delivers on her promise of quick, easy, and imaginative fare that draws from an international flavor spectrum, including India, China, France, Lebanon, Mexico, Ethiopia, and Morocco. “Studies have shown that babies who are exposed to a wide variety of tastes grow up to be more adventurous, less fussy eaters,” she writes. “Just go slowly and add one new flavor at a time.”
Saini emphasizes safe, baby-friendly spices and ingredients and shares many tips and techniques for easy preparation. Her own initially unhappy experience with her firstborn was the inspiration for the book, and she admits that whenever she travels she zooms in on what mothers are feeding their infants.
Around the World in 80 Purees: Easy Recipes for Global Baby Food (Quirk Press, 2016). masalababyfood.com.
