Who would think that two iconic New York dishes–pizza and lox and eggs–would be made better in New Jersey?

The Times today recounts how the owners of Ray’s Real Pizza migrated to the Garden State to set up shop. They were a mainstay in West Midtown, serving ordinary diners and celebrities alike. All who tasted this pie sang its praises.

Then the rent went up. So the brothers Russo, Joe and Marco, decamped to Hazlet, NJ, a hamlet right off the Garden State Parkway and a short drive from Jersey Shore communities like Atlantic Highlands and Sea Bright.

It sounds like the quality of this pizza may justify a special trip to our fair neighbor across the Hudson.

Best Lox and Eggs

Meanwhile, skip Barney Greengrass and head straight for the West Avenue Grill in Jenkintown, PA, a suburb of Philadelphia. Full disclosure: the place is owned by my husband’s cousins.

Still, even without this family connection, I’ll be back for the exceptional lox and eggs. Unlike many attempts at this dish which render it dry and tasteless, the West Avenue Grill’s lox and eggs are rich and full of flavor. Together with a serving of fruit and a bagle, it becomes a magnificent brunch.

West Avenue Grill also serves a full menu of sandwiches, salads and egg dishes. Nothing on the lunch menu is more than $10. Dinner is also served.

Ray’s Real Pizza

Rte 35

Hazelet, NJ

(732) 203-1600

West Avenue Grill

718 West Ave.

Jenkintown, PA

Related posts:

1. Is the New York Pizza Slice Dead? Find a Fine One at Penn Station
2. Lox Gets a Thumbs Down from ultra-Orthodox Rabbis
3. Upper West Side: Two Boots Pizza Plans Soft Opening Next Week at New Broadway and 96th Street Location