dkupersmith's Profile
Pho Xinh (So Jersey)?
Tried Pho Xinh on Evesham Rd and found to be inconsistant.
The two I enjoy the most in Cherry Hill area is the new Pho Garden? on Kings HWY by CVS and my favorite is the Pho 38 in Pennsauken. It is at the end of the center where Flower World, "we never close" closed.
The broth at Pho 38 is what keeps me coming back. Anyone can grill the meat well, the subtleties are in the broth.
I found great real rye bread in NJ!
Had to be in the New Brusnwick area Sunday so based on Chowhound comments went looking for Ofi Yofi in Highland Park. Had a little troubnle finding it because the bakery has changed hands and is now "Mordy's"
Everything lookied great and we got an assortment of goods including the previously mentioned Rye Bread.
Some (I can't tell How much) of the product is brought in from outside.
The doughnuts (which are brought in) were great!
However everything else was just okay. The bagels had the consistancy of a roll and the Rye Bread also was too light to be a good Jewish Rye like those brought up in NY would be expecting. I wouldn't say anything was bad, just nothing worth a drive for.
David
Matouk's
Matouk's are my favorite hot sauces. Just brought back a few from St. Maartin.
Don't know any local source but I know that you can find online. Good Luck and enjoy.
Mr. Shrimp - Belmar
After seeing earlier comments on this place we drove from Cherry Hill for Fried Belly Clams. I've got to agree with Applecheeks. The quality of the clams were great but the breading was too dense and overtook the clam. We also had the fish and chips. Once again the quality of fish was excellent but the batter was heavy.
Fish in the market looked beutiful and if I were to eat there again I think I would try to stay away from breaded items.
Marlton Farmers Market: anyone been there yet?
RapiNJ - You are right - the name Farmers Market is a misnomer. Putting that aside, I have found it to be a convenient place - especially for fish. We have gotten whole bronzini from there which cooked up beutifully and this afternoon just got some Tuna that is going on a flat top then into a salad.
The fruits and vegetables are nice and I have spoken to the owner about seeing more organics. He indicated that when local is available he will bring more in. The appeal to me is that I don't have to buy the large quantities of a Produce Junction.
The rest of the market is really more of a traditional small supermarket and doesn't really fill any need of mine.
For "IndigoOnThe Go"s comment above - it is definately NOT a foodie destination but another resource for local shopping.
Where can I find Soup Dumplings?
If you are ever in South Jersey, go to Hong Kong Fusion in Cherry Hill.
ORGANIC MEAT, ORGANIC PRODUCE & ORGANIC PACKAGED FOODS
"We are not wealthy and I cannot afford to shop at Whole Foods".
Please don't be short sited and give up on Whole Foods for your organics. I agree that many products will cost more there but we find that if we stick to the store "365" brand, they are almost always less than the organics at Shop Rite and often less than Trader Joes.
I agree that you do need to know your prices and compare but for organics you may find many of their own items to be your best value.
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Trader Joe's
725 River Road, Edgewater, NJ
Dublin Square Cherry Hill
Went back for the Burgers and Onion Rings and they were indeed quite good.
15 Minute wait on a Wednesday at 7:30.
Under The Moon - Bordentown
We shared empanadas for starters, enjoyed the beef more than the seafood.
My wife had the short ribs as her main -increadible tender; and I had the Beef Wellington. You are right, we did have trouble choosing with all the eclectic choices.
I felt that the prices were very fair for the size portions but was a little suprised on the check to see my brownie was $7. Next time we will probably skip dessert.
Loved the atmosphere and the owner was quite friendly and very attentive.
Under The Moon - Bordentown
Thanks to all the posts on this thread we drove to UTM tonight and were rewarded with a very enjoyable dinner. Worth the drive from Cherry Hill, we plan on returning.
Bueno's Marlton. Not really.
Maybe they are getting their act together. I hope they do because I would love a second good mexican restaurant to choose from.
Southern Fried Chicken?
Is there anywhere in the Camden/Burlington area to get real southern style fried chicken? Not interested in atmosphere - just good chicken.
Bueno's Marlton. Not really.
Tried a second new restaurant for the week. This one was very dissapointing. Bueno's Mexican in Marlton, open two weeks in the old Hardshell Cafe site. Walked in to a cold restaurant and had food that didn't warm me up. The wait staff seemed poorly trained. Only two servers and one didn't remember the second of two specials. Listening to the other server being unable to describe dishes made me think it was not going to be a promising run. Our server described the restaurant as authentic Mexican...everything is fresh. Apparently authentic doesn't refer to flavor - the dishes were all underseasoned.
The best of the night were the fresh nacho chips and the flan. Inbetween the plates were not up to the standards of some of the other "real Mexican" places such as La Esperanza in Lindenwold and the still missed Mexico Lindo in Camden, Two salsas came with the nachos, a verde and a mild red. I asked if they had anything that was a little hotter and the waitress offered to bring Tabasco. I guess that was the authentic Avery Island district of Mexico. After my wife suggested some chopped peppers they did bring out some freshly chopped Habaneros which did make the red salsa much nicer.
I ordered one of the specials which was a Shrimp Burrito. For $15 it was quite small and needed the addition of Habeneros and Jalapenos(which were from a bottle-not fresh) to give it some flavor. As I got to the end of it, I bit into a shrimp that was undercooked. When I pointed this out to the waitress her reply was that the others were probably done ok because I would have tasted it otherwise. She claims she knows this because she eats a lot of seafood. I am thinking that since there weren't many shrimp and they were small (31-40 size) I may not have bitten into any others and eaten them whole so therefore not noticing the texture being off.
I was so turned off by this response that even if the food was good, I would not be back but the food would not draw me back either. Instead of going for good (Bueno) I will keep going for Hope (La Esperanza).
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La Esperanza Restaurant
40 East Gibbsboro Road, Lindenwold, NJ 08021
Dublin Square Cherry Hill
Tried this new restaurant earlier this week. Open 1 month, this is the third restaurant in this spot at Short Hills. Before going had heard about problems with service. Didn't find this to be the case at all. Server was very attentive. The manager was also very good, unfortunately he had to be, because the kitchen is still working out kinks.
Started with some impoted draughts - decent selection offered.
Next was an Irish sausage in a puff pastry. The first one came out underdone, so a second was quickl.y refired. This one looked much better - golden brown and puffed up but on cutting in, still was undercooked. The manager handled well and said he was going to have the kitchen make one for him so he can check.
For main dishes we had fish and chips -the fish was nice and flaky, but the batter was greasy as were the chips. Also on tap was the meatloaf which came out only lukewarm.
Once again the manager was attentive.
The burgers looked amazing and the onion rings sounded good with a black and tan beer batter. I may give this place another try based on how they handled the complaints but after a month the kitchen ahould be running a bit smoother. How do you say "get your act together" in Gaelic?
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Dublin Square
167 US Highway 130, Bordentown, NJ 08505
Il Fiore - Collingswood
I have been there several times and have enjoyed my meals each time and a great value too. Love their Clamari (grilled) app. Last time was an Eagle playoff Sunday so there was no problem walking right in.
My only complaint is that I never have room for desset.
Picanha Grill
I agree with the previous post that sometimes very over salted, but I still would choose this over the fancy Center City places.
Don't forget to bring a bottle of Cachaca so they can make Caporhienas. A few of these and the exttra salt is just fine.
Marlton All You Can Eat Sushi
Tried a new place - Sushi Kingdom - on a recomendation. Nice concept $18 weeknights (more on weekend) for not only sushi but soup, salad, apps, terryaki. Everything is fresh made and some interesting rolls are included.
Started out well - The miso soup was tasty and the tempura light and crispy. BBQ squid was overcooked but they brought out a new portion that was tasty.
Moving on to sushi - all was adequate but nothing was outstanding. The terryaki was a disappointment. the brocolli seemed to be steamed and then a thin sauce poured over. Similarly the chicken was not cooked with the sauce and seasoning seemed to have been forgotten.
If you are looking to eat sushi on a budget, this is the place. Otherwise there are too many good options very close by.
We will stick to Megu.
Jacques Imo's tomato creole sauce
Need to know how they make this to complete the Shrimp and Alligator Cheesecake. I am able to find the cheesecake recipe, but not the sauce. Making it for a theme party this weekend.
Thanks
Peri Peri
Are any restaurants in Philly or New Jersey Suburbs doing any dishes with a Peri Peri sauce? I like the flavor and heat of this Caribean/African spice blend but don't know of anywhere locally that offers it
Pollo Tropical - East Brunswick
I have tried them in Naples. FL and been impressed for quick food. Fairly healthy options available. I would be happy if one came to Cherry Hill
New Chinese Cherry Hill - Hong Kong Fusion
Hong Kong Fusion. It is on Rt 70 in the shopping center next to Marketplace (Bobby Chez, Megu...).
New Chinese Cherry Hill - Hong Kong Fusion
Have been to this new Chinese Restaurant on Rte 70 in Cherry Hill 3 times now and have been impressed each time. The food is a bit more upscale than most Chinese choices in the area, but the price point still very moderate.
The sauces tend to be lighter, not overpowering the protein's flavor. Tonight I had the Shrimp and Scallops in garlic sauce but can also recommend the Pork Chop in Black bean I had on my first visit, The pork chop was the most tender I have ever had. My wife had the duck which was crispy and not fatty. Last time she had Salmon which was also very good.
Its new and just put a banner up so very empty with attentive service. We'll see what happens when they get busier but this is one place I hope makes it.
How much should I tip the delivery guy?
On a related note - what do you tip when you go pick up at a restaurant that has curbside pickup?
Onasis in Cherry Hill, closed for good
I noticed it was closed ove rthe weekend. It is a shame as the owners were always nice and the quality consistant. I am afraid that the majority of the public would rather wait for a mediocre chain than tp try a local spot.
The final nail was probably Blue2O down the street. Haven't been there but it is a mediteranian seafood concept from Quality Dining Inc. the same group who owns the local Chilis franchises.
As for location, I agree, this was the first restaurant in that spot that was worthy of surviving.
Shawarma
In the past 6 months, I have found 2 sources for Shawarma near Cherry Hill. First was Mama's Grill on South St. I have been there several times and have loved the food each time.
This week I heard about Skewers on Rt 73 in Marlton - a lot closer so we tried it.
If there was not another option, I think I might try it again, but compared to Mama's the meat is not as well seasoned and the portion much smaller..
Second point of comparisson -Pita: Mama's makes their own (white or whole wheat) while Skewers uses a greek style pocketless pita that is wrapped around the meat.
Fries - hands down to Mama's
10 Arts
I too was at 10Arts last night and agree with much of what you said but walked away with a different impression.
I agree the ambience is beautiful and relaxing. The drinks great and the GM was very knowledgeable about the wine list (as well as being very personable). The mussels as mentioned - fantastic as was the grilled octopus appetizer (my favorite of the night). The entrees though were somewhat disappointing - while good, the steaks were nothing more than I would expect from most home kitchens. The Striped Bass on the other hand was delicious.
Service was the spotty at disorganized at best. Our server was friendly but the appetizers were served staggered, and coffee came after desserts were sitting too long on the table...as just a few examples.
Having said that - as noted in the previous post - it is only the secend night and with some tweaks (which are probably already being discussed) I think that this could be a strong addition to the dining choices.
I would probably wait a month or two before trying again but it was fun being at a chef of that levels opening week and meeting Chef Ripert.
George Perrier also said hello as he left as did Mayor Nutter.
best donuts in S. Jersey?
There is a bakery in Burlington on High Street (JB's??) that makes very good donuts.
Enjoy
David
Corkscrewed?
Read recently that Wegmans bought corkscrewed liquor license for their Cherry Hill store.
Not sure what department is going to be cut out to make room for this since I beleive that it has to be seperated from the rest of the store by a permanent barrier.
New Greek: Kuzina in Cherry Hill
I haven't tried it yet and wondered if it was simply a new makeover with the same owners, or is it all new people?
One place I would never expect to find good greek/mediteranian food is in a "mart", but that is exactly what I found at the Willingboro Grand MarketPlace. The food court is clean and the meditaranian stand has good food (read - not gourmet but good). The owners clearly have immense pride in their product and love to show it off. I don't know if it is worth a special trip, but if you are ever near ther - give it a try.
