coldsolderjoint's Profile
Jersey Shore Food Truck Wars
Yeah, and its such a crappy place if you don't gamble.. lol.
I'm just saying that if they go really big with sponsors and get a company like food network to come in, they can easily out price the spirit of the event and ruin a good thing. That's all my comment was meant to say.
Jersey Shore Food Truck Wars
yeah.. come to think of it, might be a pretty good idea..
It would just have to be carefully put together. The thought of the AC Food Network stuff comes to mind. I haven't been to the food network things with celebrity chef's down in AC, but they seem to like to turn it into a "festival", then you have to buy tickets which are $30+
Yeah, it cost my fiancee and I $9 to get in ($3 each plus $3 parking).. but thats still a far cry from $60 or so just for the tickets to a food network event.
This event was cool because its basically street food that one could conceivably just go buy wherever the truck might be.. but all the trucks grouped together for an event.
Come to think of it, we didn't vote at all.. simply because we wherent able to try enough trucks to be fair (in our minds). And just from the replies here, seems like we might not have been too out of line with the norm. Not that the winning trucks didn't deserve it, but that point just irks me a bit.
Jersey Shore Food Truck Wars
Well, yeah I agree with you there.
I have no idea of what the compensation/cost factors where for the trucks.. but I'm sure the track mgmt didn't let them in for free.. and it didn't cost the track nothing for the staff, clean up, etc.. and advertising..
So I guess it would be a money thing to have it somewhere else vs re-arrangement of the layout.
But the event was too busy.. which as a business owner/promoter.. is generally a good problem to have.
Jersey Shore Food Truck Wars
I was thinking that too, theres a lot of space in the front, but then, they'd have to re-arrange the ticket booths for people to pay. They aren't going to let you in unless you pay your $3 plus $3 for parking. Lol..
Looking at an Ariel of the track, I'm not sure how they would be able to do it next year and allow for more trucks and better organized lines, unless they use up a parking lot, and reduce the number of people who could physically get to the track.
Doing it on a day when there isnt a horse race might be better if we are thinking about it from soley a food perspective.
Jersey Shore Food Truck Wars
We had a good time but lines where insanely.
Dumplings where great but not worth the wait in our opinion.
Waffle truck was awesome. Had a sweet one with beer flavored ice cream and gingerbread sauce. And also the pulled pork waffle.
Mustache mobile had one of the best cheesesteaks I've ever had. I don't really like spicy stuff but this thing was incredible. Pizza was great too.
My complaints are the same as everyone else. Hopefully next year they will have more space for the lines.
Looks like they wherent expecting this many people. Trucks where overwhelmed and running out of stuff. Next year I'm sure they will be better prepared.
Other complaint was it was next to impossible to just buy a bottle of water. But beer everywhere. Guess we will just bring our own water next year.
Wish I coulda tried more trucks but all in all a good time.
Grimaldi's Coal Brick Oven Pizzeria.....$5 Bucks For Bread? What's Up With That?
No, I get what your saying and your numbers make sense.. but having worked in the restaurant industry. It isn't always as cut and dry as that.
I'm not sure your $15 per hour figure is right, most line cooks aren't even getting paid that much.. so I doubt a delivery boy who would make the run is getting that.. but that's not the point of my post.
The owner of one place I know of has a friend who has family in Brooklyn, and is going over there every week or every two weeks as it is. So a few 5 gallon containers in the trunk is really $0 out of pocket.
And if the restaurant got so busy to need 19 gallons of water a day for just dough.. they wouldn't do it on a daily basis, they'd get a van or small truck, and load up on it. So the Gas and Tolls figure is spread out among many more gallons of water. Water is heavy around 8 lbs a gallon, but for the amount we are talking here, I could fit over 100 gallons in the back of my small pick-up no problem, which using our theoretical numbers is enough for a week.
We could go back and forth all day on numbers without knowing the real facts, but the point of my post is to just say that there are restaurants who DO actually bring in the water from Brooklyn. I've seen it with my own eyes.
Grimaldi's Coal Brick Oven Pizzeria.....$5 Bucks For Bread? What's Up With That?
Lets get a bit technical on this for a minute.. a quick google search shows that most pizza dough recipies call for 1 cup of water per pie. There are 16 cups in a gallon, and 80 cups in a 5 gallon container. 80 pies is a lot of pizza. so even if a place is selling 300 pies a night, they would only require around 19 gallons, or (4) 5 gallon containers.. That can easily fit into the trunk of a large car. The poland spring office water dispenser jugs are usually 5 gallons.
There probably isn't a need for installing a water tank for holding trucked in Brooklyn water at a pizzeria in NJ.
Grimaldi's Coal Brick Oven Pizzeria.....$5 Bucks For Bread? What's Up With That?
I know of at least one place who does really bring in the water from Brooklyn. In 5 gallon containers. I guess it really depends on the volume of pizza dough being made daily, but it wasn't really a big deal for the place I know of. I used to work for a place that did the same thing, and he was pretty high volume and it didn't seem to be an issue for him either. He had family who would make a weekly trip and bring the water.
Whether the water makes it better or not, I'm not qualified to tell you. But, I do know that the Food Network did a test on this on the show Food Detectives with Ted Allen. They had a NYC pizza chef cook two identical pies with the only difference being the water, with the containers labeled 1 and 2 if i recall correctly. Only the producers knew which water was from where. Then they had a few celebrity judges pick which pizza they liked better, and they all picked the pizza made with NYC water.
Whether or not it makes it better, i dont know, but I'm pretty convinced it makes a difference.
Beasty Burgers - Red Bank
oh.. i forgot to mention.. the sizes of the burgers..
cantkick.. you asked. in the first reply..
I didn't bring my scale, but I have been practicing making burger patties at home using a small press, and I know that a normal diner burger is usually 8 oz.
So my estimations:
My Burger was probably an 8 ounce.
My finances burger which was the JR size was probably around 5 oz
Beasty Burgers - Red Bank
I have to add a +1 to this thread. I found myself at river view this evening with my fiancee. I had a long wait in the ER and was getting hungry and avoided the vending machine. We finally decided on Beasty Burgers. I haven't posted anything on here lately because we started Weight Watchers and successfully lost a lot of weight .18+ pounds for me. And you guys know the kind of greasy spoon type food the old me used to like. But we decided we could fit it in with our weekly extra points and step up a level or two in class.
I'm glad we did. It was well worth the Weight Watchers Points we had to "spend".
Cliff's notes: Pros - everything was delicious Cons- a bit on the spendy side.. but I knew that going in.. and it was probably worth it.
I had the Cowboy Burger and a side of fries (big enough for two), my Fiancee has the Pixburger JR and a side of Mac and cheese (which we also shared).
The cheese sauce is a great creation and is a taste you can't get anywhere else. That Au Jus is to die for.. I wanted to drink it right from the little cup. The french fries where just.. Awesome.. crispy on the outside, just enough potato-ness on the inside, and salted perfectly. After doing some heavy avoiding of carbs for the past couple weeks.. These fries where WELL worth it..
The sandwich sits alone in my opinion. Its not like another burger around. Its moist and not greasy, and is also full of flavor. The BBQ sauce, Cheese Sauce, Frizzled onions, bun, and also the raw Lettuce Tomato Onion really worked in Harmony. The Sandwich and it's ingredients where really put together by someone who knows what they are doing in my opinion. It is a complete experience. To take it to another level.. take some of that au jus and slather it on.. I would love having it on a steak sandwich... be sure to ask for extra napkins.. ur gunna need it with a masterpiece of sandwich that is this burger.
Service was friendly, accurate, efficient, and kept our drinks refilled. We sat outside on the sidewalk. Was really nice actually, Red bank was getting pretty slow around the time we showed up. Fiancee was on crutches, so I was thankful to get a nearby spot.. which on the weekends, we all know is impossible.
Every review NEEDS a critique right? Well, I could only dig REALLY deep and find two. 1. Prices are a bit spendy.. but.. in all honesty.. for the quality and flavors you are getting it is NOT out of line. We paid $32 for two burgers, 2 sides, and 2 sodas. The same food items ordered would be around $26 or so at a diner... and at that point, we aren't even really comparing the same thing. Don't get me wrong.. I love a good quality Diner burger and quite enjoy them, but lets be honest, those are frozen patties from Restaurant Depot or US Foods or the like, they are thawed out, and thrown on the charcoal while the cook is making 37 other things... its not a dedicated higher class burger joint... you are almost never going to find Guinness Cheese Sauce with Shallots and Roasted Garlic in a Diner.. and I've eaten probably hundreds of pounds worth of diner fries in my life, and not once did they ever compare to the Fries at Beasties. And.. it's Red Bank.
Second negative Critique I could manage to find. The Coleslaw was a bit too creamy for my tastes. But to preface that, I'm not a fan of mayo on anything, and the pixburger seems to use coleslaw instead of mayo, so it is natural to assume that it would be a bit more creamy. I like coleslaw to be more cabbage-y.. but its a personal taste thing. My Fiancee prefers Creamier to Lighter..
So all in all.. I'll be back for sure. I also noticed that the coffee shop has milkshakes and few desert type things. Also Iced Coffees, so it might be a nice thing to look into for dessert after you destroy that burger work of art.
A Welcome Addition to Red Bank in My book. I hope they do great. Well worth the Money and the Weight Watchers Points!
Grimaldi's Coal Brick Oven Pizzeria.....$5 Bucks For Bread? What's Up With That?
Is this location connected with the one in highlands?
Good steak or Italian between EWR and Edison
arthurs steakhouse in north Brunswick is very good.
I heard from my father-in-law that the dragonfly restaurant in linden has good steak, but have not been there myself.
Chipotle coming to East Brunswick
ut oh.. you mentioned moes.. everyone here hates that place..
anyways.. there is also one in somerset now off of easton, and they have a mini carvel station inside too.. get some ice cream and burritos!!
and since my reputation precedes me here.. the new Dorito taco from taco bell isn't very awesome in my opinion, might be better if they just made "double" nachos with regular Doritos.
25 Burgers in Branchburg
I was at their original location last week for lunch, and it was packed for the lunch rush.. We had to drive around the block for 20 minutes till a spot opened up, and we all had to squeeze into a booth, food was great, I had the gyro burger (made of ground lamb) and has been very consistent every time we've gone. Great to see a place doing well especially in these hard times.
Moe's Southwest Grill coming to Marlboro
Abbys, tacos no problem, juanitos, a place in south bound brook (forget the name), chilangos, crazy burrito, probably a few others, I'm forgetting about.
Although not Mexican, I've been to some small Hispanic restaurants in the somerset and new Brunswick area with co-workers (the lunch special type places), and although most are not bad, I don't find myself going back.
I'm not saying I'm "driven" to chains, I'm just saying that Moe's is not your standard chain in my opinion, and I enjoy their food. Just like.. gasp.. every once in a while I get a craving for the chemically taste of pizza hut's deep dish pizza. ("Did he just say that?! we are in NJ for Christs sake!! someone get the stake and fire!")
In Fact, My absolutely favorite Tex-mex place is not a Chain. Casa De La Tortilla in Somerset on 27. Its a small family business and is actually run by Asian people. Go figure.
In a pinch, Kings Pizza on Veronica and 27 in somerset makes a gyro which was better than most NJ diners.. and it was made by a Hispanic gentleman.. who rolled it tight like a burrito :-D go figure again.. (this was a few years ago when I worked over there, not sure if its still like that).
Just like say Mediterranean food, Efe's in NB, Evelyns in NB. While their food is fine, its just not to my tastes, I'd rather stick to a good gyro or souvlaki (Greek). I did really like the Lamb Gyro Pita Sandwich from Troy on 9th and 44th in Manhattan though.. but I'm guessing although the greasy fatty fresh off the spit lamb was doctored up with a more "American Greek" Tzatiki, as it seems like the Turkish/Lebanese sauce is usually like a tahini sauce (not a fan). I've also been to Ibby's Falafel and wasn't loving their food. although there where no notable problems at any of these restaurants, I think it's just my tastes.. and the recipes and flavors I wasn't in love with.
I do like trying new places, but don't like to be disappointed, and often there is a trepidation about cultural differences, especially when dining with my finance as she is a lot less adventurous when it comes to food, if there is some "gnarly looking" fat on some chicken breasts, she will through the entire lot out and either cook something else, not eat dinner, or we will order something. Her chicken is cooked till its pretty much hard, all red meat is cooked well well done. Getting her to eat a piece of steak medium well is like torture. LOL. Oh yeah.. after waiting almost 2 hours to try out the new picnic garden BBQ in Edison in the tightly packed lobby, the unmarked raw meat trays caused us to need to walk out.. man.. was I pissed that night. In embarrassment, I left $20 on the table for 2 soda's.
But.. we did just discover Bahn Mi's a week or two ago. A year or two of hearing about them on Food Network finally kicked in I guess. And we loved those sandwiches.
I think a lot of the time, restaurants sort of portray themselves as the customer is supposed to know what they are to order. And like when I was sort of interviewing the bahn mi guy about the food, she was covering her face in shame. ugh..
Take for instance.. Indian food, I've only had a small sample maybe 3 times in my life, and havent found something I like yet. "Yellow" chicken curry from some Bangladeshi guys I work with.. wasn't a fan, and at a former job, there was a pot luck BBQ, the American technicians where bringing hotdogs, hamburgers, cole slaw, etc, and the Indian Developers where bringing their traditional foods. They invited to try as did we, but there wasnt much cross over. I ended up taking what I though was garlic bread, but I later embarasing learn that there was a vegetable paste that was supposed to be spread on that bread. I did take some paste, but once again.. wasn't impressed. If I was to try a sit down Indian restaurant.. I'd need a friend who was well versed to tell me what to try and explain stuff.
I've been wanting to try Thai food, as I've heard from here and other places that a lot of it is really good, but once again.. it falls into the same kind of situation as the Indian Food.
Some restauranteur/marketing genius should come up with an awesome affordable priced fusion restaurant and sell to Americans like me. I'm sure there are plenty of flavors and dishes that are great.. but people like me and my finance probably won't find them on our own.. I know it's ignorant on my part.. but it is what it is.
Moe's Southwest Grill coming to Marlboro
That's fine.. less time to wait in line for me! HAHA :-D I've tried quite a few of the recommended "peasant" Mexican places on this board and I've eaten a limited selection of foods in Mexico on a few vacations, and I'll be honest, I really would prefer the Americanized "Tex-Mex" style of food. But on the other hand, I have doubts that I would enjoy "traditional" Chinese food either. I grew up eating chicken and broccoli from the white take-out containers.. so.. ehh.. free market shall prevail..
Moe's Southwest Grill coming to Marlboro
I would say the format (ordering) is pretty much the same as Chipotle, but I happen to like Moe's food, and do not really like Chipotle or Qdoba. Oh well, different strokes for different folks.
Moe's Southwest Grill coming to Marlboro
All their entrees are under $10, the one in North Brunswick has a burrito/chips/salsa special on Mondays for $6. The one in North Brunswick is always sending out coupons via text message if you sign up, and corporate has coupons in the weekly circulars on a fairly regular basis.
Moe's Southwest Grill coming to Marlboro
Well, I know its not up to most of the chowhounders palates here, but for what it is, it is pretty good.
Compared to the other tex-mex style chains.. my fiancee and I enjoy Moes the most.
Supposedly, there are no freezers at moes, no microwaves, and they are into the "natural food thing" as much as possible.
I've gone in sometimes and there is sometimes a slight delay because the protein i chose (chicken, steak, etc) is not done cooking yet.. so at least its not as bad as some places that literally cut open a bag and serve.
But.. I digress.. back to my plebeian greasy spoon, and cheap liquor cave....
New Greek Restaurants in Bridgewater/Somerville
I have no idea what the people from Grill 85 are planning to do, so I didn't want to post that they are "out of business". But at the 85 Old York Rd Restaurant, it's now Neil's All American Grill. There was no mention of any Greek or Mediterranean on the menu. It was an array of breakfast, deli items, chicken sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, cheese steaks, and some Italian items like Meatballs, Sausage and Peppers, Eggplant, etc. They also had a special that you can get Free Coffee in the morning.
New Greek Restaurants in Bridgewater/Somerville
Grill 85 is no longer in that location and has been replaced by Neil's All-American Grill.
Baguette Delite/Banh mi viet in Edison.
I stopped by today after seeing your pictures, and as a disclaimer, I'm a white guy who has never tried a Banh Mi in 25 years of eating :-P.. wow.. what did I miss out on. The more "ethnic" foods tend to scare me away for the fear of the unknown.. but wow.. this little place impressed me.
I asked for the counter guy's recommendation, and he said for first timers, either the BBQ Pork or the Lemongrass Beef like you got. So my finance and I got one of each.
When they came out, we took our first bites of each and basically fell in love. It was one of the most balanced sandwiches I've ever eaten, between savory, sweet, a bit of spice, moist fillings, with soft AND crunchy bread. It was basically a finely tuned piece of art in my hand.
I'm still kicking myself in the ass for not trying a Banh Mi before.
While we where there, I decided to also try a bubble tea, Mango. I had seen these once before in New Brunswick, but always just wrote it off as "too weird". The Mango flavored tea was very nice, but for me, the bubbles where just a bit too weird, sort of like gummy bears. I'm sure that's the way it's supposed to be, but its just me being used to my old norm. LOL
I'm planning on making this place a regular rotation into my lunch breaks at work and planning on bringing back some coworkers who are always looking for new lunch spots.
Highly recommended.
Mango's--Indian/Mexican Fusion Restaurant (Parlin)
why would you go to outback? Free coupons?
At least Texas Roadhouse is much better and right there...
Getting tired of beef, lamb and goat - ready to try something new
Clydz's in New Brunswick features Exotic Game Meats.
I've only been once, and it was pretty good.
I beleive I ate Rattlesnake, Antelope, and Bison? in that trip.
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Clydz
55 Paterson St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Turducken in New Jersey?
Saw a sign at Shoprite in Woodbridge Yesterday advertising Turduckhens. I beleive normal price was right around $60. If you do the savings club and get $300 of groceries before thanksgiving, it drops to $39 i beleive. Didn't actually see the stock, but they where probably around somewhere.
The Dog House
I stopped by on Tuesday, It's in the same plazza as Zippos' Auto Electronics, Directly across from Camp-Out Trailers.
918 Route 22 East
North Plainfield, NJ 07060
908-791-9800
Nice Little place, clean and friendly.
They also have cheese steaks, burgers, breakfast, etc. And they advertise a pork chop sandwich with mustard and fried onions. Sounds interesting.
The guy told me that the Italian hot dog was a foot long instead of the regular size.
I enjoyed the hot dog a lot. I like the all beef flavor better than the mixed dogs most of the places on 22 serve. Fries where freezer fries, but cooked very nicely and crisp. Can't complain there. Also Agree with Hot Dog Lover, They have good basic toppings. Not crazy like Jacks or the former Amazing Hot Dog, but that's OK with me too.
I got the 2 dog combo, and had chili, cheese, and raw onions on them. The whole dog was great, and was balanced pretty well, just minimal mess left at the end (what you want). Chilli had just a little kick, and had just a faint taste of Cinnamon, which is the "North Jersey" style, and as long as its not too over powering, I'm ok with that.
I really like the fact that the plates they serve the food in look like dog bowls.. aka "The Dog House!"
I've only been there once, but I had the feeling that these guys would be capable of pumping out consistent food over and over.
So all in All, Yes, I'd go back.
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Dog House
141 State Route 94, Blairstown, NJ 07825
The Dog House
Thanks, I work close enough where i should be able to check it out for lunch
