xny556cip's Profile
North Jersey Barbecue
Tried the chicken and babyback combo last week.Surprisingly the ribs were somewhat dried out,yet the chicken was juicy and tender.I'm guessing it was brined beforehand.There's numerous signs saying the place is Under New Ownership,so I don't know how it comares as this was my first visit?The service was good and friendly and it seemed like a favoritelocal watering hole.Next time I go i'll check out the wood fired pizza.I saw the oven flaming as I was leaving and a lot of the bar customers seemed to be enjoying it.I'm thinking that this place may be flying under the radar with the Palm Terrace Steak House right next door.
Varka - Greek Seafood - Ramsey
I had the good fortune to discover this gem a few weeks ago and have been back to make sure my initial opinion was not blurred by fatigue or alcohol.Tucked away down a nondescript side street in affluent Ramsey I had one of my best dining experiences yet in New Jersey. A decent sized outside patio looked inviting,but as i was solo,I chose to dine at the bar.The Architects who put this place together had a clear eye and subtle hand to do just enough to transport you to the Med without it becoming a cliche.Plenty of comfort and room it this spacious well appointed restaurant.From the moment I took my seat,I knew I was in the hands of experienced professional people.The bartender was attentive,informative and a classic that I would have more expected to encounter in a 5* Hotel than a suburban NJ restaurant. First Class .
I returned with a friend and sat in the restaurant last week.We spent about 3.5 hours over a dinner of mostly shared appetizers,trying to get a feel for the menu and dining more like a tapas bar than what this place really is.We were never rushed or felt hurried.I wish this type of place existed in Monmouth County as it was truly refreshing to find a restaurant of this style and calibre.I have become jaded and bewildered at the praise heaped upon Shore establishments that are nothing more than ordinary - yet get away with pretending to be( and charging ) something they are clearly not. Varka is not inexpensive , yet it delivers on every aspect and this is what makes it worthwhile.If I had one complaint it is that the food runners can be a little frantic and over excited.This is just youth and inexperience,and i'm sure that more time spent with the seasoned ,mature waiters will temper thier rush.
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Varka
30 North Spruce Street, Ramsey, NJ 07446
CIBO, Red Bank
This IMO is the best i've found in the County to date.It is much better than I remember the Bradley Beach one ,but they may have changed the dough regimen sice I was there a few years ago and never returned.The dough here is light and tender.Depending on who is manning the oven and how much attention they a paying will determine the quality of the cooking.I've had three to date - one was good,one was o.k. and one was burnt.I put it down to teething problems as none of them were ordered while they were busy.I do not like the way they put the cheese down first and add the basil after cooking ,but thats a personal thing and i realise that they are going after a different style than my preferred Neapolitan.I hope they do well as they are the best of the new bunch to open in the past six months.
I tried the other new place in town last week,and that was mobbed on Friday night.It must have been the cougar bartenders,'cause everything else was a let down.Roman style wafer thin in a place that was originally promoting itself as Neapolitan.(Poor) style over substance.If there was a "Jersey Shore" for the viagara generation then this would have been the hangout.
Trader Joe's to open in Monmouth Co
Nothing about it on the TJ website,but i've heard that this is going to happen soon.Anyone else?
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Trader Joe's
725 River Road, Edgewater, NJ
One night in Newark...amazing dinner and great bar for later.
I like the bar at Adega and the girls are very attentive.I've also only had food at the bar and it has never exceeded anything but mediocre.I don't know why,but i've had the chorizo served over a flaming dish in a couple of Portuguese places and it has always been dry ,charred and ruined IMO.I no longer order it at Adega.I second Valencia for a good Iberian neiborhood bar and fairly priced,simple food.It's off the beaten track but I think it's worth the detour.
World Cup - Ironbound/Newark
I have just written a list of places I need to try in that area:
Coimbra
Katekero
Agarimo
Campino
Allegro
Boi na brasa
Unfortunately I didn't mark which ones were showing the games,but all popped up with decent food recs.There is a lot more to the Ironbound than Ferry Street.
IIRC Boi Na Brasa is a spacious Brazillian Bar and BBQ place that is showing the games.Good luck .
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Coimbra
637 Market St Ste A, Newark, NJ 07105
Boi Na Brasa
70 Adams St, Newark, NJ 07105
Katekero Cafe & Restaurant
77 Jefferson St, Newark, NJ 07105
The Inlet - Atlantic Highlands
Isn't this in the Highlands? Atlantic Highlands in another town North of the Highlands.
Clarks, Red's, Shrimp Box, LobsterPot...
Recently hit Reds and Spikes.Spikes was very disappointing. Admittedly I had a take out,but it was just poor and lackluster in taste,presentation and value.Reds however was decent dining with a bright fresh and clean atmosphere,pleasant service and good food (though very under seasoned )They have a lot of interesting specials and unfortunately they are not seafood shack prices.Out of all the PPB places i've tried,this is the one i'ld return to for the food.
Ah' Pizz -- Authentic Neopolitan pizza in Montclair
I took you at your word on Sotto and was quite disappointed by what I found.Sadly the lemon rosemary was not available,but I did try a number of others and they all pretty much missed the mark for me.I tend not to like many of the domestic Gelateria offerings as they are often over sweetened to suit American tastes.The problem I found here was that there was no consistency or balance in any that I tried,apart from good texture.The Chocolate was dense and intense,but really needed more sugar.The Pear wasn't bad (and this is usually a difficult one to get right ) but was weak in flavor.Overall the Strawberry was probably the most satisfying,but I couldn't even call that a standout after many weak samplings.Amanos Gelato s always seemed like an afterthought to me and of questionable consistency.The PreGel packages just don't cut it for me.
I hope to hit the pizzeria in Montclair sometime soon.A lot of aspiring people have been through the Neapolitan pizzerias in the area,some have been good and some not ,so it's a crapshoot what you get and where and when IMO.
Tommy's in Red Bank
Didn't the Pizzeria just down the road close (Tuscan Hils if I recall correctly?)
New Delicious Greek Restaurant in Highland Park!! PITHARI TAVERNA
Yes RGR the seating was cramped,but overall I still preferred the atmosphere at Pithari over Niko's,but the food is the most important thing here and Niko's wins on both food and service.BTW it was nice to see your blog from the flickr link.
I'm planning a South Patterson trip soon to check out the shawarama.I have it on good authority from a Syrian friend that Patterson is the place to go for this.It really can't be that difficult to be better than most all the places i've tried so far in NJ !
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Pithari Taverna
28 Woodbridge Ave, Highland Park, NJ 08904
New Delicious Greek Restaurant in Highland Park!! PITHARI TAVERNA
Maybe my expectations were set a little too high after reading the reviews and visiting their very nice website,but I was not impressed.My only comparrison in NJ is Nick's Trapezi which I fouund to be better for food.The place was very busy,but still had people waiting when I counted over twenty empty seats due to the fact that all the four tops had only two people seated at them.Typical Greek organisation ! Service was generally poor,our BYO wine was opened and we were left for a long time without glasses.
Meatballs seemed to be deep fried,which was sad.Everything had far too much herbs.I do like Oregano,Marjoram etc,but the amounts used were just overpowering.A simple Chicken Giro platter was overloaded to the point of being unappetising.
The decor was bright,clean and very typical of any Greek taverna.No overpowering Greek music thankfully and overall a pleasant atmosphere,just let down by pedestrian food.
I don't understand what the fuss is about?
Raavi Nan Kabob Old Bridge, anyone?
There are a number of variations depending on where you get the naan from but the aloo is a standard layer of potato in the bread and then baked.It has a little spicy kick to it also.
Pizza in Monmouth County
No,because many of the new places opening are bucking the traditional slice and going for the 12" personal pizzas with better quality toppings or even following the roman square slice style,again with better quality.I do think that good pizza can fair better than many in this economy,it's just my opinion that it is lacking in Monmouth Co,and also IMO pizza is probably hurting here more than some of the better pizza available in other areas.
Pizza in Monmouth County
I don't think I said they were suffering more? I would imagine that I notice them more as I have a particular interest in pizza though.Ironically ,from reading about the many new places opening (Tri-State),it would appear that pizza is one of the few sectors of the industry that seems almost recession proof ?Four in Red Bank alone,and still none so far that IMO are outstanding.
Having said that ,these new places are mainly wood / coal burning and are following the recent trend as opposed to the regular gas / electric places.The fact is great pizza can be produced with any fuel source if the quality of ingredient,care and knowlege are all taken into consideration.
Raavi Nan Kabob Old Bridge, anyone?
I have become somewhat of a regular here,as they produce some of the freshest ,tastiest Naan anywhere.It is a Pakastani owned establishment and over the past few months i,ve spoken to the Father and two sons who run the place.Super friendly and eager to please.Each time i've been there has been a string of asians coming in to collect piles of steaming hot bread to take out.I usually get six to eight and freeze them when I get home.The Aloo Naan is a favorite.The marinated chicken tikka is not on display,but taken fresh from the walk-in and cooked to order,so be prepared to wait 15 minutes or call ahead (732 707 4177 ).It is really juicy,succulent and tender.My only criticism is that it could use just a little more salt.Unfortunately they are set up as a basic grocers / halal
butchers store .The take out food on display is spartan to say the least,and is not particularly appealing.With that in mind and the understanding that this is a not a fast food take out place ,you should not be dissapointed.The exterior is nothing special,but don't let the lack of decor stop you from tasting some excellent Asian staples at a superb price.
1297 Rt 9 North,Old Bridge NJ 08857.
Take the exit into Outback Steakhouse and approach rte 9 North from there.It is a lot easier and the traffic is a little more forgiving !
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9 North
37 Berdan Ave, Wayne, NJ 07470
Pizza in Monmouth County
Elitism?Possibly,but I seek out places that are that I consider have raised the bar and care.I do not frequent places to just "Scarf " a slice.That is just something i'm no longer prepared to do.That is also possibly a reason that seemingly so many of the generic slice joints are suffering.Maybe more people are voting with thier feet and really do care about quality.I am a local btw.
Pizza Show Down - Columbus Market - Pete's -vs- Kate and Al's - Columbus, NJ
Out of the two ,I prefer K&A,but I dont like the after taste the oil from the pan leaves in my mouth.It's a real turn off.
Pizza in Monmouth County
Yes I vote with my feet now. As much as I crave pizza and it's convenience , I very, very rarely purchase it when i'm on the road and prefer to hold out and make it a "Destination" meal occasionally at a place I know I can trust.Unfortunately none are in the Central NJ area.
Pizza in Monmouth County
Is it just me or have others noticed that a number of regular Pizza joints have been going under recently ? I was speaking to an owner the other day and he was crying to me how the business has declined over the years.I must admit,I would eat a slice everyday if it was good,but the fact is 99% of the stuff pushed out is low quality garbage. I 've commented more about pizza than anything else on this forum and tried endless places.You can talk all you want about which is best and devour your way through the lists compiled,but were just comparing mediocre to mediocre in almost every case.
Downtown Cafe Red Bank
After browsing the Best Burger thread earlier,I was jolted out of my apathy after a recent disappointment at my previously most favored place.I jumped to a return visit to Downtown Cafe in Red Bank.Now i've been here twice before and both times i've ordered a burger and was satisfied.For me it beat out BBills,was better value than some others yet needed a few more visits before I could call it my "Go To" local place for a good Bar burger (which i'm still searching for since the demise of Hook Line ).My first visit was a few months back during our first big snow storm of the season.We were two of about eight people scattered around this cavernous space that had braved it to venture out to eat.The next visit was on a Friday night when the place was mobbed by what looked like a casting call for the Real Wives Monmouth Beach.Nevertheless on both occasions we had good service from the bar and a Burger the way we requested.
That is with Raw Onion as opposed to the Menu listed Cooked....
Now on my latest visit ,i'm in the bar and there are three other customers............THREE !
I order my Burger and get refused the substitution of Raw Onion.I explain that i've had this here more than once before,but it fell on dreadlocked deaf ears.I asked if I could speak with the manager and was informed that "I am the Manager" .No .........The Chef won't do it . No.
Well Sir,I suggest that you manage your other Bartenders better as they have a track record of providing customers with what they request and keeping them happy.
Second,since when did the burger flipper dictate to the "Management" what he's willing to do?Seemingly you can afford to lose customers in this ailing economy, just as all the other failed and empty store fronts in Red Bank are witness to?
Thirdly,you advised us that you have had this same request and discussion on hundreds of previous occasions before.! Doesn't this TELL you something ? Maybe make a Management decision?
So I left and I will not return.I took my $50 bucks worth of early dinner business to The Molly Pitcher this time.Only a small loss for me really as I quite liked the quiet ,early hours of your place for a local bite.However it is a much bigger loss for you as it is obvious than the show is being run by someone with deep-pockets who has people working who do not understand the concept of the "Hospitality " business.Que Sera.
Niko's Trapezi A Greek Taverna Long Branch NJ
Two things:
My comments were in no way about safety concerns,merely the overall drabness of the area and traffic .Exotic Astoria ? Ha Ha!
Yes Elias is overrated and is probably living on it's laurels,but most importantly they do sell a lot of fresh fish,and as far as i'm concerned - the fresher and simpler the better.
Great pizza in Hell's Kitchen?
Forget Co......Go to Jim Lahey's Sullivan St Bakery and get the slices there .It's the best in HK and it's what he knows how to do.His venture into Co. and that style is a disaster.
http://www.sullivanstreetbakery.com
533 West 47th Street, New York, NY
Great pizza in Hell's Kitchen?
Haven't had a chance to get up there yet,but this might be worth a shot ?
It's some of the ex Cacio Vino people and I know they used to do a pizza there?
http://mercatonyc.com/mercato
Tommy's in Red Bank
Although it's a seperate business - i'm guessing that the Cafe at the other end of the building is also the same Tommy ?Very nice space that would probably do well in a more prominent location. I tried a Vanilla / Fig Gelato cone there recently and apart from "sticker shock" @ $5.30 for a small cone,was dismayed at the total lack of taste or evidence of Figs.If i'm correct ,sadly they are using the Instant "Pre-Gel brand Mixes" which really do not do justice to Italian artisan produced Gelato (Capogiro in Philly is a good rule of thumb ) and only contribute to mediocrity - both in Italy and here.It certainly does not warrant the Grom-esque price tag.
Tommy's in Red Bank
Tried it for a take out. Nice cosy atmosphere and friendly Hostess.Sadly the Pizza was just mediocre.Tasteless Mozzarella.The balance of toppings was right (sauce/cheese/basil ) but it just never combined to meld and make that magical combination that great pizza can.Sometimes the simplest is the the hardest as this proves.I think they will probably do O.K.,but I would probably only return if I was looking for a quiet drink in a warm atmosphere - not for great pizza.
Niko's Trapezi A Greek Taverna Long Branch NJ
A bit late to the party on this one....but better late than never ! Dined mid-week and was surprised at the extensive menu (Particularly Fish ).The place was virtually empty and that bothered me initially (as well as the bank of microwaves in the kitchen ).Without going into detail ,I kept it very simple and ordered something basic - meaning grilled and deep fried.
It was decent.
By that ,I mean it was head and shoulders above IAGTM,did not resemble anything offered in a Diner - but it failed to transport me to Athens or Astoria.I will go back on a w/e when I hope they are very,very busy and may try some of the fish.
Driving 1 1/2 hrs. to Elias's and trying to navigate the borough that most resembles Beiruit was never fun.
Neapolitan Pizza
Artichoke & Co. are not Neapolitan in any way. All the others do some interpretation that win and fail on various points.089 in the Bronx should be included.
