NEW JERSEY: For foodies looking for something fresh and close-to-home-cooked Indian cuisine in New Jersey, Ganges Indian Authentic Cuisine in Princeton is stirring up interest under a new management.Located near the new Princeton Junction station, Ganges was known to locals for its Hyderabadi and north Indian cuisines.

But now, under the stewardship of Jaya Sinha, who claims to be a cook first and then a businesswoman, Ganges is offering a delectable and more rounded fare from across India. "We have the best of the dishes from North Indian, Lucknowi, Goan to South Indian specialties," says Sinha.Ganges was always famous for its Biryanis and kababs, but with Sinha bringing her own culinary skills to the restaurant's kitchen, even the regular menu has been improved.

"The quality of the buffet is much better, we have more number of dishes in the buffet, and also, we have made the prices more affordable," says Sinha.Sinha recognized the near saturation of Central Jersey, especially the Edison areas, in terms of Indian restaurants when she decided to take over Ganges.

"There's a demographic shift. More and more Indian are moving away from crowded areas like Edison towards South Jersey, which is known for its fine schools," she says. "In fact, demographic trends show that West Windsor and Plainsboro areas in South Jersey are going to be the future Edison."Sinha's passion for cooking goes back to her childhood and over the last 20 years, she has been researching on different cuisines and spices.

I collect all kinds of spices from around the world and have a cook book library of my own," she says.To make Ganges unique, Sinha has introduced special festive fare as well as specialty food nights with a free mocktails bar. Upcoming events include the Valentine's Day grand buffet on Feb 14, complete with DJ music and dancing; a Biryani and Kabab Night on Feb 28; a Karaoke Night on March 14 and Holi Hungama on March 23.Sinha feels her own hand-on involvement in the restaurant's kitchen and a keen eye for the smallest of details makes the food at Ganges all the more special.

"Cooking for me is a passion. I just love it when I see the satisfied smiles on the face of the people when they enjoy my food." She even offers to cook up specific dishes if specially requested by her regulars, provided they inform her in advance. Ganges' fine dining cuisine with elegant ambiance offers food ranging from Kababs, Kathi rolls and Lamb Chops, Laziz goat and chicken dishes, Delicious vegetarian entrees, Indian style Chinese food, Hyderabadi and Mughlai Biryani with Mocktail bars.

Sinha hopes to expand her business plans with corporate orders and perhaps another restaurant in future, but for now, "I want to take one step at a time," she says.