Aoyama or V'ra? It's a French-Thai 'Face/Off' for Local Diners

One boasts Boulder Run parking and visibility, the other claims its acclaimed chef has .

But which will be favored by hungry township residents for years to come?

Earlier this year, Wyckoff was hit with this improbable, if not a little strange, culinary coincidence: two restaurants serving a melange of French/Thai cuisine opened just a couple hundred feet from each other. 

The inspiration for each restaurant's menu is where most similarities between the intimate V'ra, located at 314 Franklin Ave., and the expansive Aoyama, at 319 Franklin Ave. in Boulder Run.

Aoyama, Japanese for green mountain, begs its name to hint at one of its regional distinctions: the restaurant's full-scale menu is broader, listing a more familiar fare that includes bento boxes, and a unique sushi selection alongside steak au poivre and pan seared ostrich.

The measured menu at V'ra leans more heavily on its French bistro/Thai heritage; from the escargot en croute to the Panang curry, its selection is focused and unique without forgoing the traditional.

Neither restaurant claims one of Wyckoff's coveted liquor licenses (can you name each of the seven businesses that has one?) so you'll have to bring your own bottle if you're lusting after libations.  

In the great "Face/Off" tradition, Wyckoff Patch is asking local diners to become food critics for a day and tell the world what they think of these restaurants. 

Have you been to both V'ra and Aoyama? Which did you prefer?

Have you been to only one? Tell us about your experience there.

Editor Joseph M. Gerace will be stopping by both restaurants this weekend and sharing his thoughts on the Wyckoff Patch Facebook page, so log in and like the page to read his opinion on this French/Thai Face/Off. 

Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Joseph M. Gerace at Joseph.Gerace@patch.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox every morning, sign up for our daily newsletter.