Sushi in Marlton, a beer garden in Pennsauken and Turkish specialties in Delran -- all to be explored.
OH, SUSHI
Look for bold flavors at OSushi Japanese Restaurant, a new sushi joint from the Li family, owners of Asian Palace in Cape May. The Marlton Crossing eatery, tucked away behind Champps Sports Bar, is getting raves for its pristine fish, some flown in daily from Tokyo's Tsukiji market and some sourced locally by Samuels & Son Seafood. What's wow-worthy? A swab of wasabi on the rice in every nigiri under the succulent fish, that's what. Located at 101 S. Route 73, Marlton; (856) 574-4960; osushinj.com.
Cooper House, in Pennsauken, includes gorgeous river views, a 1,000-square-foot beer garden and a menu of regional and American favorites. PERFECT TIMING
Restaurant openings are notorious for being delayed -- good news for chef Tyler Turner, top chef at Cooper House, which (yay!) opened in June. Turner, whose resume includes Philadelphia's Susanna Foo in Center City and El Vez, as well as The Hotel Hershey, stepped in for the previously announced chef Tony Clark, who took another job while the project languished. Captained by Kevin Meeker, owner of nearby Keg and Kitchen in Haddon Township, Cooper House, which cost $2.3 million to renovate, includes gorgeous river views, a 1,000-square-foot beer garden and a menu of regional and American faves. Located at 5300 N. Park Drive, Pennsauken; (856) 333-6653; cooperhousenj.com.
A plate of chickpeas and lamb, from Star Manti in Delran. TURKISH DELIGHT
If you've been to Turkey, one memory that lingers is the hospitality of the people and the delicious, healthful cuisine. Now, Star Manti can save you a trip. The Burlington County family-owned halal eatery is no frills from the outside, but come in and a rich feast of well-priced Turkish specialties awaits. Try the chickpeas and lamb, pictured, and, of course, the baklava. Located at 4000 Route 130, Delran; (856) 461-0024; starmanti.com.