taste test's Profile
Jersey Shore Food Truck Wars
I just got back. The place was mobbed and the lines long so we only got to the lobster truck. I got a Maine roll and husband got the Bacon, Lobster, Tomato. Both were great. After that we watched the band and then a race, which was fun.
I'm not the best reviewer for food festivals because I'm always trying to keep my weight in check and so can never go all out with the food. Still, I enjoy going and trying at least one thing.
I hope they do this again with more trucks next time.
Red Bank Flavour Festival ~ May 6th?
I just got back...can't say that I recommend this event which seemed more about drinking than about interesting food. Many of the stands had combos like...Korean Tacos, Deep Fried Oreos.....it didn't inspire confidence that they were any more than standard street fair food stalls. I was hungry and opted for Lamb and White Bean Stew from Bienvenue French Restaurant which was pretty good. Still, I would never go back. The music was loud and rough.
Niko's Trapezi A Greek Taverna Long Branch NJ
I used to be a big fan of this place. I went for lunch about two weeks ago and had a mediocre meal. The service was slow and weird and the place was filthy. The bathroom floor was atrocious and it used to be so clean. I was sad to see this place go so downhill and I'm surprised by these recent positive reviews. I can forgive an occasional off day but the filth really put me off.
Is there no lobster salad in Monmouth Co.?
Thanks for this heads up- I just picked up some lobster and shrimp salad (with dill)- both were delicious.
Jersey Shore (Keyport) - Amazing Fish
I love this place. I almost always order soft shell crab, oysters, clam chowder or scungilli salad. My husband always gets the fried shrimp.
I'll have to try the fish cakes and I'd love to hear anyone else's favorites too. I feel like I've only scratched the surface of the menu.
Mo' Greens Roast House BBQ in Manalapan
We went again yesterday and had two small plates...I had the brisket and braised red cabbage, my husband had the pork and house made chips. They were out of ribs. I think the food is terrific and a good value. The portions were generous enough. We also took home a pound each of brisket and pork.
The owner came out to chat with people and ask if everyone enjoyed their meal. My favorite places are run by individuals who take pride in their food.
Only down side is the guy at the counter who just isn't fast enough to take orders and run the register. He seems like a nice kid so I hate to criticize but the situation might actually hurt business.
Mo' Greens Roast House BBQ in Manalapan
I tried this place yesterday and thought it was great. I wish the service and ambiance were better but the bbq is worth it. I'm a carnivore and I'm usually disappointed with bbq places due to heavy sugary gloppy sauces. I ordered take out by the pound- ribs, brisket and pulled pork. I ate the ribs and brisket as is and dipped the pulled pork in a little side of bbq sauce because it was a bit dry. The flavor and texture of the meat was wonderful....I'll definitely go back. I try to stay on a low carb-ish diet so no deep fried mac and cheese or candy bars for me which required a painful amount of self control.
Picnic Garden in Edison - Korean BBQ all you can eat
After reading this thread, I drove by the Hmart shopping center yesterday. We were too early for the BBQ so we ended up at Kimchi Hana. The food was great but the smoke from the grill was overwhelming. There was some kind of draft that sent all the smoke my way. I noticed that the Korean tables had their food cooked at an empty table and brought to them. Considering my smoky experience, I think I will opt for that next time. Does anyone know if you just ask them to do this directly? I guess it is contingent upon having an open grill table.
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Kimchi Hana
6101 Middlesex Mall, South Plainfield, NJ 07080
Ideas for traditional Thanksgiving dinner in Monmouth county?
I'm looking for a good quality version of the standards rather than anything innovative.
Ada's Latin Flavor ~ Long Branch
I'm not the woman from Ft. Monmouth but another who recently tried and loved Adas. She asked where I heard about the restaurant and I also said Chowhound.
My husband and I ordered the beef ribs, pernil, avocado salad and a cubano. We wanted to try several things and took the leftovers home.
This restaurant made me realize how important a nice (if humble) atmosphere and a friendly, efficient host/wait staff is to an enjoyable dining experience. I love mom and pop type places with good food.
Where to eat breakfast outdoors
Zoe's on Center Street in Atlantic Highlands has a small outdoor patio. Food is good, the service can be spotty. Sissy's at the Atlantic Highlands harbor also has outdoor seating with a nice view.
Sushi in South Orange, Maplewood, Milburn?
Can anyone recommend a good place for sushi in any of these towns?
Best Sushi in Monmouth?- Let's hear your opinion
I just went last night...great uni, live scallop, hamachi, tuna, etc. I got a little down on this place at one point but after last night, it's at the top of my list for the county again.
Best of Mitsuwa Marketplace?
I like the pork shio ramen and miso pork ramen at Santoka too. I also really love the cold noodles / hiyashi chuka there but if I remember correctly, they don't start serving them until April-May.
Jonesing for some Coconut Cake
The Flaky Tart sells it by the slice- a huge slice- and it's delicious. Also, Dearborn Farms sells mini coconut cakes (as well as large ones) that are great when they are fresh.
Bando (formerly Hunan House) in Middletown
I didn't have the time to drive in, but the parking lot was plowed today. Maybe they are getting geared up to re-open.
Where can I find soup pork dumplings(xiao lung bao) in Monmouth/Ocean County?
For starters:
Grand Shanghai, Route 1 Edison
Shanghai Park, Highland Park
Shanghai Park, Princeton
Sichuan hot pot in NJ?
How about Dragon Palace in Edison? I know they have hot pot and I've had some really great meals there. The one drawback is that their Chinese menu is not translated into English. I usually order the few Sichuan dishes that I know and then look around the tables and point to something that looks interesting. It's a little embarrassing but has proven effective. There is also one waiter that has been helpful. I think it's worth a shot.
Best Dishes in Monmouth County NJ
I just got back from a taco run to North of the Border. I tried steak, carnitas and goat- all were great with cilantro, onion, some terrific hot sauce and a piece of grilled cactus. The cactus didn't have much flavor but I appreciated trying it.
I'm still trying to wrap my head around going from Nicholas to there- quite the contrast!
Thanks for the rec MGZ, nice to know since Mi Mexico is pretty far from where I live.
Best Dishes in Monmouth County NJ
I really like the idea of this post and I'm glad it is being revived.
I will second the fish tacos at 10th Ave Burrito in Belmar
Tripe soup at Diaz Flavor in West Long Branch
Grilled Bronzino at the Greek Grill (Niko's Trapezi) in Long Branch
Any taco at Mi Mexico in Point Pleasant
Sashimi Platter Deluxe at Sushi by Kazu
Fried Shrimp and Soft Shell Crab at Keyport Fishery
Diaz Back?
I'm guessing it was a special. When I went, he had a great sounding osso bucco dish that I wasn't hungry enough to order. I wish I knew his special schedule because these are the things that I really want to try.
Sushi by Kazu
I've only had one lunch at Jo Sho but I'm thinking that the fish is fresher there and the menu more varied but the service was a little brusque (not bad though).
I've had such nice experiences at Kazu- warm, small, nice wait staff, I always go before it gets busy- so I think that's why I put it at the top.
I really need to go back to Jo Sho and try more things.
Sushi by Kazu
I have praised this place highly and I will still stand by the sashimi deluxe platter, at least as it compares to most other places I've tried in the area. We always go at 5pm so it's usually not too busy. That said, my husband gets rolls and is never too impressed and once we ordered spicy pork miso soup which wasn't good (and shockingly cost $6/bowl).
I will go back for the sashimi until I have a bad experience. It's too bad most good places end up slipping. I thought this place might be different. Last week I tried Jo Sho in Somerset and the sashimi was great there. They also had some very interesting specials not usually on the standard format Japanese menu. I look forward to giving this place a few trys.
What is calorie a measure of?
I'm with you mcf. The only carbs I eat are vegetables. I am thin and healthy- not starving- and I know many who have overcome huge health problems by making dietary changes.
Taubes is a science writer, not a conspiracy theorist (I find that those who say this have never actually read his book). My aunt is a thin nutritionist and says that she can eat all the carbs she wants and not gain weight. To me that's like a non alcoholic telling an alcoholic that they should be able to drink socially. Many people just can't handle carbs. Look around you. See rampant obesity and diseases of civilization.
What is calorie a measure of?
Great answer mcf but my question to you is how has knowing this changed your eating? SInce reading Gary Taubes' "Good Calories, Bad Calories", I can barely keep up my chowhound status. I'm healthier but I've cut out about 80% of things that I regularly used to eat- including delicious breads. Reading about the consequences of high insulin scared the heck out of me.
Mid-Atlantic 3/50
1. Sushi by Kazu- Howell
2. Keyport Fishery
3. Mi Mexico- nice family, great food.
Best Sushi in Monmouth for Nigiri/Sashimi
I only eat sashimi so I'm particularly sensitive to this issue. Huge, poorly cut, not quite fresh enough fish is pretty revolting. My husband eats maki and often his rolls seem fine but my sashimi can be pretty bad.
That said, my favorite place so far is Sushi by Kazu in Howell on route 9. I also like (not in Monmouth County) Ajihei in Princeton and Shumi in Somerville. I've read some good things about Jo Sho in Somerset and I will post after I try it this weekend.
Wasabi House- Matawan?
In all fairness, my husband got maki rolls and really liked them. I would just stay away from the sashimi.
Sushi by Kazu
I love this place too. I get the sashimi deluxe...super fresh, proper pieces of sashimi (not those huge slabs like other places serve).
I also like the relaxed vibe.
