Pho Le Redbank NJ

I went there for lunch today. I got the crepe appetizer. It was tasty when eaten wrapped in the lettuce and coriander and dipped in the dipping sauce. It is messy eating. Ask for extra napkins up front. I recommend cleaning your hands before eating. The plate kept sliding around when I tried to slice the crepes. I had to bring the 2nd crepe home for dinner. My friend had the curry chicken with rice and said it was good.

The place was not crowded but it was noisy enough to make it difficult to hear conversation and it was uncomfortably hot. The waitress did not automatically refill my water glass when empty.

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Ocean Cafe Shrewsbury, NJ

Ocean Cafe has a variety of healthy, tasty choices at reasonable prices. I just checked out
this place for lunch with 2 friends. I had the Thai Ice Tea which was a little on the sweet
side and the Vietnamese Salad which was very fresh. You can eat healthy here without feeling
deprived. My friends liked everything they ordered and said they would come back too.

It’s in a strip plaza on the north bound side of Rt 35 just south of Rt 520. Didn’t look like
much parking. Its a small place with tables for 2 which can be moved around. The waitresses
were friendly. The service was quick but we had gotten there early, before noon. Its was a bit
noisy from the other patrons with little kids.

I plan on going back to try their other selections and would definitely recommend this place for anyone wanting to eat healthy and tasty fare.

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Bandu Restaurant in Middletown, NJ

I've been here a couple of times with chinese friends. They always do the ordering, family style and I just sample everything. We were there for their Chinese New Year special in 2009 and everything was delicious.

As an American born Chinese person who has eaten authentic chinese food but can't speak the language, I'm really disappointed with all the American Chinese restaurants that offer the same greasy dishes drowning in brown sauce.

What I like about Bandu is that they offer authentic chinese dishes AND they have an English/Chinese menu of their authentic selections which means even a "juk sing" like me can order authentic dishes.

The lunch prices are very reasonable. The staff is courteous unlike many other chinese restaurants. Service is quick.

I highly recommend Bandu for anyone into authentic chinese food or adventuresome. Its best enjoyed with a group of people with the dishes shared family style. I'm not overly fond of meat and find they are a little skimpy with veggies and would order a vegetable dish to balance things out.

Its on the northbound side of Rt 35 just north of Apple Farm Rd. Its set far back from the road so you'll miss it if you're driving fast. Just slow down, I think its the 1st driveway after you pass Apple Farm Rd.

wannasmith in New Jersey

Los Papagallos, Long Branch, NJ

It's a tiny place in the River's Edge Plaza just north of Atlantic Ave. They have a wide selection of authentic mexican dishes.

I ordered the chicken enchilada lunch special. Comes with 3 enchiladas, rice and beans for $7. I asked if I could substitute one of the enchiladas with salad. They accomodated, giving me some fresh shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes and avocado slices. Everything was fresh and tasty. It had a healthy feel about it, i.e., not oversalted, not drowning in heavy, greasy sauces.

They were out of flan so I had one of their Gelatina for dessert. It was unsweetened lime jello with slices of manderin orange and topped with strawberry custard that reminded me of Junket. They were premade in plastic cups for $2.50. I don't care for overly sweet, rich desserts so this was perfect for me.

Service was friendly and quick but there weren't too many other diners present for a Friday lunch hour. This place seems kind of tucked away in a predominantly residential area so it doesn't draw the usual work crowd. I found the piped music too loud to hear conversation, one of my pet peeves about eating out.

Overall, I liked the food and will come back on occasion, perhaps I will be daring enough to try some of their other dishes.

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Los Papagallos
225 Liberty St, Long Branch, NJ

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