jsfein's Profile
Great Tacos at Englishtown flea market!
Any idea whether its related to Cholula, a mexican joint just down the street from the auction? Had take out from Cholula recently while visiting a friend in the area and he mentioned that they operate (or used to operate) a taco stand at the auction. Food was pretty good at Cholula and seemed relatively authentic with plenty of interesting meat choices for those so inclined (tongue, goat, etc.).
Puerto Rican in Freehold
wench - that was a dish I wanted to try, but based on that photo I've lost interest. As they appear to keep their food in steam trays, getting dried out food is a risk ... guess it depends on the time of the day. Whereas your plaintains were dry and hard, mine were perfect. Hopefully they improve on their consistency in order to survive.
Puerto Rican in Freehold
Sampled a very limited portion of the menu. First off, very difficult to park. There are 4-5 spaces right in front. If you don't get one of those, good luck. Milly's Cafe, which I've never been to two doors down has its own little parking lot, but is clearly marked for Milly's only. SBC is a storefront business with no seating and some counters where you can stand. Took mine to go. They have an impressive looking empanada display. Tried a plain beef empanada which was fine, but nothing special. Next time will go for something spicier. The menu is broken down to breakfast, caribbean sandwiches (like paninis), a few appetizers (like the empanadas), and a few sides. There are a handful of daily specials that serve as the entrees. I chose the pernil (roasted pork), with yellow rice and pinto beans, and a side of plaintains. A small for $7 is a very good sized portion. Everything was very tasty, a small portion of the pork was dried out and fatty but plenty of delicious, tender chunks. The sweet, fried plaintains were excellent. The girls behind the counter were very friendly and eager to recommend dishes. Will report back as I try more of the offerings.
Puerto Rican in Freehold
Jersee - are your comments about Salsa Latina or the subject of this thread, Salsa Borinquen Cafe? If Salsa Borinquen, what are the apps you like?
Puerto Rican in Freehold
Just around the corner from Ibby's. Might have to make a run this weekend to check it out.
Best Breakfast Monmouth County
For something completely different, go for the dim sum on Saturdays and Sundays at Crowne Palace in Marlboro.
Asking for updated info on Korean (with BBQ) in Ocean/Monmouth Counties / Vietnamese also
A thumbs-up to KHJ. Went with a large party last night and we had a blast with the bbq and several other menu items. We were the only non-Asians and were treated very well by the staff who went out of there way to help us with the menu and to explain the various dishes.
Krispy Pizza, Freehold & Old Bridge
Several of my Freehold neighbors who hale from Brooklyn have been eagerly awaiting the opening of Krispy's new location at the iPlay shopping plaza in Freehold and their inial reports were all good. On our recent visit, we found it to be just another pizza joint. We started with a large cold antipasto salad which was listed as coming with salami and cheese. For $9, the cheese portion was average (there could have been more) and the salami, a few deli slices, was practically non-existent. We ordered a couple of standard dishes from the kitchen which were both pretty good ... spaghetti and meatballs and chicken parm. The red sauce, albeit a bit on the sweet side, was tasty. With some high expectations, we also ordered a grandma pie which Krispy touts as their specialty. This was a big disappointment. I hate to say this, but It looked and tasted like an Ellio's frozen pizza. Nothing special about the pie at all. Will likely return to try more food from the kitchen and give their standard round pie a taste, but I was hoping for so much more.
Looking for Bachelor party recomendation near Jersey shore.
Of the two Shipwreck's, Shipwreck Grill would probably be better suited to a bachelor party than Point which is considerably more subdued and confined. Both serve good to very good food.
Red Bank, pre-Basie dinner
I've been wanting to try Temple Gourmet (pan-Asian). On-line reviews not so great, but at least one 'Hound whose opinion I trust rates it well. If your show happens to be on a Friday night, you may want to consider dropping by the Cheese Cave where for $5 entry fee you can bring a bottle of wine and graze on cheese, cured meats, olives, etc. I haven't done this yet, but I intend to soon.
Great Pizza!
Loved it. Cool space. Long communal tables. Strung lights. Great vibe. And the food...delicious. Started with the formaggi e salumi which consisted of three cured meats and three cheeses (a soft goat and sheep, and a hard something else), pears, olives, honey and aged balsamic. We tried three pizzas ... margherita, regina margherita (the difference being bufala mozzarella and cherry tomatoes), and carbonara. Echoing bgut, the carbonara was excellent...loved the drippy fried egg. We also had a "double" order of cacio e peppe. This preparation came with arugula on top. The taste of the pasta was very good, but could have been more al dente. The portion size of the "double" was entree size. Really wanted to try the wild boar ragu, but just too much food. Will be returning.
Pig Wings....
Had me some Pig Wings for the first time at Pete's Steakhouse in Hamilton (Mercer County) today while watching March Madness. They were really good and definitely worth seeking out. The cheesesteaks were also above average.
Foie Gras in Old Bridge!?! New "JUST Restaurant" opens on Route 9
Its tucked behind a Delta (?) gas station (think its just South of Jake Brown Road).
McLoone's Supper Club, Asbury Park
I know that the McLoone's restaurants are known more for their high prices and good views, than the food. But, has anyone attended a private party event in the upstairs space at the Supper Club? If you can get past the Howard Johnson's facade, the upstairs space is very attractive and sophisticated (imho). My family is thinking of booking an event, but would really like to hear from someone who's attended one and can comment on the experience.
Klein's in Belmar AND Colts Neck Inn- Need options on BRUNCH and PRIVATE PARTIES, please!
My wife's family had a 90th birthday party at Branches in West Long Branch a couple of years ago that was nice enough (certainly in line with what you're considering). I don't know with any certainty, but my best guess is you can do something there for around $30/person. There's a very nice outdoor courtyard there too and ample parking.
Best Lobster (and/or lobster roll) in Monmouth/Ocean counties?
Thought I posted a similar query last year, but it must be my imagination as I can't find it. I must have had six or so lobster rolls last summer in Monmouth County that were at best average and for the most part pretty bad. I hope someone has some suggestions as well.
Restaurant with private room at jersey shore
I believe Stella Marina (Italian) in Asbury Park books its upstairs dining room for private parties.
JR's Coming to Red Bank!
Joon - agree that's quite a bit to pay for burger and fries, especially since I always thought that Jr's catered to the Monmouth Univ student body with its late night hours and delivery. Always liked their burgers, but haven't been back much since Surf Taco opened down the block. Even though I haven't been frequenting them, I was glad to see that Jr's wasn't lost in the fire that swept its neighbors.
Looking for really good Chicago style deep dish pizza in Jersey
This place is a few minute walk from my office and I had no idea it was even there. Will hit it up this week for sure.
Looking for really good Chicago style deep dish pizza in Jersey
njfoodies - what's the Trenton hot dog joint?
A Little Bit of Cuba Dos
Wife and I had a really nice time at A Little Bit of Cuba Dos in downtwon Freehold Boro last night (Saturday). The newly located restaurant (I think its been operating at this location for at least a few months) is a complete overhaul of the storefront they previously occupied in Mounts Corner in Freehold Tp. The place was absolutely hopping and LOUD. This is NOT the place to go if you want a quiet meal on a Saturday night. I have to imagine that there is a different vibe on an early weeknight, but as we were out with friends it was the perfect environment. For those who have visited Dos's space previously occupied by Cornerstone Cafe and Zebu, you will hardly recognize the interior. Booth seating lines the walls and there is drapery throughout...very attractive what they have done. The biggest drawback from a diner's perspective is they have squeezed as many tables as possible into a relatively small space. While we had the fortune of being seated in a booth, the tables on the floor were lined up directly next to their neighbor.
We tried making a reservation for our party of 4, but they only take reservations for parties of 6 and larger. We arrived at 7 pm and were told that we were second on the list, but not quoted an approximate wait time (annoying). We asked and were told "it shouldn't be too long." 35 minutes later our table was ready. The restaurant is not equipped to handle more than just a few people waiting for tables. There is not much of a vestibule in the front entrance and what does exist was occupied by a three piece Latin band (they were absolutely awesome and really enhanced the night). We came equipped with a couple of bottles of white wine, but as we saw pitchers of sangria being made at just about every table, we popped into the liquor store across the street for an inexpensive red. Once made the sangria was tasty, if a little lacking on the amount of fruit.
They started us with a warm bread basket with a spread that tasted a bit of apple butter (not sure what it was). The bread was not refilled (which was probably a good thing as I could have eaten several more), but they should have asked if we wanted more. I think the menu is a bit more extensive and varied than the previous location, but without having them side by side to compare I'm not certain. Two appetizers off the specials menu spoke to me...red snapper ceviche and crispy pork skin. Unfortunately, they sold out of the pork so we went with the ceviche and chicken empanadas off the regular menu. The ceviche prepared with mangos was excellent. I had a small bite of the chicken empanadas which were good. For mains we ordered skirt steak (me), garlic shrimp, branzino (special) and mussels. I didn't taste anyone else's entree, but can say that the skirt steak was out of sight good. Perfectly cooked medium rare with a great spice rub. The accompanying chimichurri sauce could have used some more heat, but complemented the steak well. Rice and beans were standard, but good. We also ordered sweet plaintains as sides which were my favorite dish at the old ALBoC. These were a disappointment. They could have used another minute or two of cooking time and weren't as sweet as I like. Nevertheless, we finished them all. For dessert, they were out of the traditional tres leches cake and only had chocolate tres leches left. This was good and not too sweet. We also ordered a chocolate mousse like dessert which was laced with espresso and cayenne. This was very interesting and had a nice bite from the cayenne. As we BYOB-ed, with tip we got out for about $100/couple. IMO, reasonable for the amount and quality of the food, and the great time had by all. I really hope that my experience last night will be consistent and replicated again as I plan to return soon.
White Castle coming to Marlboro
Route 9 should be renamed "White Castle Corridor." In a 20 mile stretch, there are now 3 White Castles in Old Bridge, Marlboro and Howell. Harold & Kumar no longer need to drive down to Cherry Hill!!
Foie Gras in Old Bridge!?! New "JUST Restaurant" opens on Route 9
Nice to have another trusted review of Just. Thanks for the detailed post.
Fireside Grill and Bar in Marlboro
I've been a couple of times in past few months, If passing by, its worth a stop for a salad, burger, sandwich, etc. Not to go out of your way for. Service has been very spotty on each of my visits. If you have kids, they give cotton candy for dessert on the house.
Pom Pom BBQ on Route 33 in Millstone
Just said to the Mrs. that we are overdue for a visit. Maybe this weekend.
1 From Column A, 2 From B
None that I know of. Your post made me think of the Pu Pu platter that my folks loved to order. And there was always an order of chicken chow mein on the table.
