ChowJon99x's Profile
Amazing Desserts!!! - French Pastry Shop in Montclair
Petit Paris is a little French pastry shop that opened on Church Street in Montclair.
10 Church St
Montclair, NJ 07042
(973) 746-0288
We bought my mom their tiramisu. She said it was the single best dessert she ever had. And she loves sweets.
We had the macaroon cookies. Just amazing. They included one with rose. Never had that before and just wonderful.
Good breakfast/lunch place - Union, NJ
If you are looking for a very good place for breakfast or lunch in Union, NJ (Union Co.), check out Cafe 401. Owner is a real foodie, with the love for food that is clearly evident in his menu. Place is spotless, food is like it is home-cooked.
Here's the website:
http://www.cafe401.com/
Trinity Keyport
check out thread on Keyport Fishery. Not related to night life down there, just good food.
Looking For Elegant Mother's Day Brunch in North Jersey
Ana Beall's Tea Room in Westfield is very nice:
http://www.anabeallstearoom.com/
in addition to brunch, they do afternoon tea and high tea.
make sure you make a reservation for the upstairs room...decor is really special..
I took my mom there for mother's day, we did tea, complete with scones and finger sandwiches, was just wonderful....
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Ana Beall's Tea Room
415 Westfield Avenue, Westfield, NJ
Best Food in Bergen Co, NJ
did folks mention Park and Orchard in Rutherford?
http://www.parkandorchard.com/P&O/Home.html
I've eaten there several times, always very good.
from the website:
"One of the best restaurants in the country"
Zagat's 2003 - 2010
Grand Award Wine List Winner 1991 - 201
There are only 86 in the whole world
5 Times "Very Good" Rating
The New York Times, 2000
"One of the most popular restaurants in New Jersey" 1997-2010 Zagat's Guide (Top 10)
"One of the Top Ten Restaurants in New Jersey"
Star Ledger
Four "Best of the Best" Awards
Readers Choice - New Jersey Magazine
Sixteen Best Wine List Awards
Readers Choice - New Jersey Magazine - Latest 2010
Critics Choice Award
New York Times
3 Stars
New Jersey Magazine
3 Stars
The Record
Real New Jersey experience
yes, I agree, diners are very NJ. Maybe some other people know of the best ones. Union has two good ones...the Huck Finn on Morris Avenue and University Diner down by Kean University. I think University Diner is just over the border into Elizabeth. Just good, classic diner food, well done. University Diner, in addition to the great food, is actually very cheap in price. I guess they keep it low for all the college students....
Tick Tock is a classic NJ diner, right out there on Route 3....haven't been there in about 10 years, but was always good. I would say the food at the two Union area diners above are a bit better than Tick Tock was 10, 12 years ago.
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Huck Finn
2431 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083
University Diner
580 North Ave, Union, NJ 07083
Rita's Italian Ices and Custard
Rita's Custard and Italian Ices -
http://www.ritasice.com/
oh yes, my friends, it is wonderful. They had one in Roselle Park for years and one opened in Union not too long ago. My gal had custard (I had a taste...was great) and they have amazing ices. I had sugar free lemonade italian ice. Sounds pretty mediocre, but actually was great...
great flavors, lots of variety...
Any such thing as a "taco stand" in NNJ?
not a Taco stand, but Tinga is very good:
http://www.tingausa.com/tingahowto.htm
fast food style restaurant, but much better quality.
in Montclair, Millburn, Westfield. Don't know if there are other locations...
Real New Jersey experience
I don't know about "Jersey" foods, but I know of some decent places to try...
Lorena's in Maplewood, 5 star place. tiny, out of the way, very high ratings, and deserved. Elegant French food...contact early to get chance for reservation....only about 15 seats. We ate at Bobby Flay and Wolfgang Puck in Atlantic City. Lorena's was a full step above those. Absolutely 5 star (and rated one of best restaurants in nation, not just Jersey).
http://www.restaurantlorena.com/
+++
Best Israeli - Elizabeth, NJ - Union Co.
Jerusalem Pizza
150 Elmora Ave # B,
Elizabeth, NJ - (908) 289-0291
www.jerusalem-pizza.com
Local place, not gourmet, just fun and very good. Falafel is very good, pizza, all vegetarian and Kosher as well
but it is the best baba ganoush and humus I've ever had
+++
here's a Jersey experience
Jersey Shore (Keyport) - Amazing Fish
Locals know all about Keyport Fishery:
http://www.keyportfishery.net/
Dating back to 1936, these folks had a booth up at the Fulton Fish Market in NYC. That is how my Dad learned about them.
This tiny little "fried fish" shack, served just about some of the best seafood anyone has ever tasted. Scratch that. Just about the best food anyone has ever tasted. Just that good. People would literally drive down from Connecticut just to get some.
Unfortunately the original owners finally sold the place. The quality of the food dropped. But we just went back. I don't know what changed, but it is back to very very tasty stuff. Not quite what the original owners had, but still probably the best fried fish you will ever taste.
I would particularly recommend the fish cakes, the crab cakes and the scallops. The fish cakes are just about as good as they used to be. Basically, until you have eaten these, you have never eaten a fish cake. They shouldn't even call it a fish cake, because it is just something else entirely.
They also have tons of fresh fish if you want to buy.
No seating! Buy some stuff, walk across the street and eat the food sitting right by the bay, like we regulars have been doing for years (me since the mid-60's). It may not sound like gourmet, until you take that first bite of the single best scallop (fried or otherwise) you have ever tasted.
+++
Atlantic City now has some good places. At Borgata, there is both Bobby Flay and Wolfgang Puck. I would recommend taking a reservation at a more off hour...beat the crowd and have quieter experience.
+++
The boardwalk at Jenkinson's is a bit touristy...but pleasant. You can eat at a restaurant on a pier, overlooking the water:
http://www.jenkinsons.com/
there are other locations in Jersey that have that, restaurants right on a pier on the ocean..always very nice.
+++
NJ Monthly Magazine has done features about the best food in NJ. You might want to look up some old issues. My take on that is the lists tend to be the places with the best connections. But you still can find some good places through their lists.
http://njmonthly.com/sections/restaurants/
+++
there definitely are amazing places to eat in Jersey, brain not working that great here at 3AM, but keep trying and you should find some great places.
Enjoy!
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Keyport Fishery
150 W Front St, Keyport, NJ
Best Chocolate Ever! - La Maison du Chocolat --- now at Short Hills Mall
La Maison du Chocolat - now at Short Hills Mall
http://www.lamaisonduchocolat.com/en/#/home
went in, tried a free truffle. Better than Godiva, better than Lindt, may be single best chocolate ever had.
My Favorites List - Union, Essex County mostly
Best Thai that I've found - Bloomfield
Brookside Thai Restaurant
380 Broad Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
http://www.brooksidethai.com
(973) 566-0057
Not "regular" Thai, more like traditional cooking, a more gourmet sensibility.
Folks might know places that are even better than this, but this is the best one I've ever come across...
+++
Crepes! - Montclair
Bonjour Montclair
254 Park St,
Montclair, NJ
(973) 655-1300
has sweet and savory crepes...and a bunch of other wonderful stuff too!
Enjoy!
+++
Fast Food - Gyros, Union County
Galloping Hill Grill
325 Chestnut St
Union, NJ 07083
(908) 686-2683
+++
Best Israeli - Elizabeth, NJ - Union Co.
Jerusalem Pizza
150 Elmora Ave # B,
Elizabeth, NJ - (908) 289-0291
www.jerusalem-pizza.com
Falafel is very good, pizza, all vegetarian and Kosher as well
but it is the best baba ganoush and humus I've ever had - anywhere
+++
Excellent Deli - Montclair, NJ, Essex County
Alan's Avenue Deli
405 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07042
(973) 744-4545
excellent sandwiches. our favorite is the turkey sloppy joes...
+++
Just ate at the Spanish Tavern in Mountainside.
Here's their website:
http://www.spanishtavern.com/home.html
Just a very nice place to have a meal. Staff is so nice, so friendly, so professional...it makes the dining experience really worthwhile.
Food is very very good. I don't know that it is 5 stars gourmet, but still very good. My gal had the lobster and was very content. I had the halibut - which was done very nicely and with a side of mashed potatoes with some basil oil...very nicely done.
++++
Just ate at Rio 22 in Union, NJ:
http://www.rio22.net/index.html
This place was a real find. We live in town, just thought of trying it out. We thought we'd have a nice meal, but we were very pleasantly surprised just at how good the meal was!
Atmosphere was very nice. Staff was incredibly friendly and helpful.
I had never heard of Rodiozo before. Just wonderful.
So, you can have a hot and cold salad bar alone. That is very good. The salad bar had a better cheese, a very nice lasagna, good salad vegetables, a wonderful soup - just a bunch of very nice choices.
To that you can add the Rodiozo. They have a waiter bring you a wonderful selection of meats...
here's they way they describe it on the website:
"This South American style barbecue is called Rodizio—the Brazilian way of slow-roasting perfectly seasoned cuts of beef, pork, filet mignon, lamb, chicken, ham, and Brazilian sausage on large skewers over open-flame grills. The savory cuts of meat and poultry are brought to your table and carved tableside by authentic Gaucho chefs. You may choose as many different flavors and cuts of meat as you like. Featured meats include beef rib, top sirloin, rump steak, rib-eye steak, flank steak, skirt steak, trip-tips and more."
Sometimes language is just flowery language for promotion. But this was right on. The meats were all just absolutely wonderful.
There are also sushi selections! We didn't try those this time out.
Really, just a wonderful experience.
The only downside...and I would rate this a very very tiny downside...was the music. Just a bit too loud for me. It was dance music. But it was done very tastefully, just not my personal thing. I would think that for folks in their 20's and 30's the music would only add to their enjoyment. 40's too...for most folks.
But again, just a very very nice dining experience.
+++
Cuban Pete's - Montclair, NJ
http://www.cubanpetesrestaurant.com/
We really had just an absolutely wonderful meal there. Atmosphere was very very nice. Decor was fun and enriching to the meal, Cuban music playing in the background was very nice. Service was very very good. Waiter was very very polite, helpful, knowledgable, friendly and professional.
Food was just absolutely spot on.
We had a mojito (a non-alcohol one, no liquor license at the place). It was very fresh and flavorful, but maybe a little too sweet. I think that may just be a personal taste thing rather than a criticism. Fresh mint leaves crushed into the drink really took it to the next level.
For the Tapas (appetizer) we had the goat cheese fritters. Very nice flavor, not over powering, just lightly fried.
For the entrees, we had the Bahama Coconut Fish - cooked just perfectly. The sweet coconut rice served with the dish was a great compliment to the dish and quite surprising that some sweet worked with a savory dish.
We also had "Ricky Ricardo's Ribs." I thought the name of the dish was a little weird, but these braised short ribs were cooked perfectly and absolutely delicious.
We had very nice espresso and the Tres Leches dessert...a wonderfuly light pound cake kind of dessert that topped off the evening just so.
Highly, highly recommend this place!
++++++
Jersey Shore (Keyport) - Amazing Fish
Locals know all about Keyport Fishery:
http://www.keyportfishery.net/
Dating back to 1936, these folks had a booth up at the Fulton Fish Market in NYC. That is how my Dad learned about them.
This tiny little "fried fish" shack, served just about some of the best seafood anyone has ever tasted. Scratch that. Just about the best food anyone has ever tasted. Just that good. People would literally drive down from Connecticut just to get some.
Unfortunately the original owners finally sold the place. The quality of the food dropped. But we just went back. I don't know what changed, but it is back to very very tasty stuff. Not quite what the original owners had, but still probably the best fried fish you will ever taste.
I would particularly recommend the fish cakes, the crab cakes and the scallops. The fish cakes are just about as good as they used to be. Basically, until you have eaten these, you have never eaten a fish cake. They shouldn't even call it a fish cake, because it is just something else entirely.
They also have tons of fresh fish if you want to buy.
No seating! Buy some stuff, walk across the street and eat the food sitting right by the bay, like we regulars have been doing for years (me since the mid-60's). It may not sound like gourmet, until you take that first bite of the single best scallop (fried or otherwise) you have ever tasted.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Greek Store in Kenilworth:
http://www.eatgreek.com/
Not a restaurant, an specialty grocery...
Great and varied olives, different types of fresh feta, other gourmet cheeses.
Amazing Baklava and other Greek pastries.
Has homemade dishes that they sell frozen...like their own spinach pie. And even though frozen, still better than any spinach pie you would find in a diner.
Excellent food, and prices are extremely reasonable - just ask anyone who lives in the area, everyone knows this place!
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Keyport Fishery
150 W Front St, Keyport, NJ
Brookside Thai Restaurant
380 Broad St, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Bonjour Montclair
254 Park St, Montclair, NJ 07043
Avenue Deli
1272 Springfield Ave, New Providence, NJ 07974
Cuban Petes
428 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042
Spanish Tavern
1239 US Highway 22, Mountainside, NJ 07092
Rio 22
2185 Route 22 West, Union, NJ 07083
Great Greek Food - Kenilworth, Union County
The Greek Store in Kenilworth:
http://www.eatgreek.com/
Not a restaurant, an specialty grocery...
Great and varied olives, different types of fresh feta, other gourmet cheeses.
Amazing Baklava and other Greek pastries.
Has homemade dishes that they sell frozen...like their own spinach pie. And even though frozen, still better than any spinach pie you would find in a diner.
Excellent food, and prices are extremely reasonable - just ask anyone who lives in the area, everyone knows this place!
Jersey Shore (Keyport) - Amazing Fish
Locals know all about Keyport Fishery:
http://www.keyportfishery.net/
Dating back to 1936, these folks also had a booth up at the Fulton Fish Market in NYC. That is how my Dad learned about them.
This tiny little "fried fish" shack, served just about some of the best seafood anyone has ever tasted. Scratch that. Just about the best food anyone has ever tasted. Just that good. People would literally drive down from Connecticut just to get some.
Unfortunately the original owners finally sold the place. The quality of the food dropped. But we just went back. I don't know what changed, but it is back to very very tasty stuff. Not quite what the original owners had, but still probably the best fried fish you will ever taste.
I would particularly recommend the fish cakes, the crab cakes and the scallops. The fish cakes are just about as good as they used to be. Basically, until you have eaten these, you have never eaten a fish cake. They shouldn't even call it a fish cake, because it is just something else entirely.
They also have tons of fresh fish if you want to buy.
No seating! Buy some stuff, walk across the street and eat the food sitting right by the bay, like we regulars have been doing for years (me since the mid-60's). It may not sound like gourmet, until you take that first bite of the single best scallop (fried or otherwise) you have ever tasted.
Need restaurant in Union County
for my money, simply the absolute best food in the area is Lorena's, in Maplewood.
http://www.restaurantlorena.com/
Zagat selected it as one of the top restaurants in the whole country.
We went there, food was just amazing, truly 5 star.
I believe the entire meal for two ran about $160. I think you could go to restaurants in NYC and spend $400 and not come close to the meal we had.
Don Alex - Union, NJ (Union County)
We just had a meal from Don Alex. Was very good. Food was cooked perfectly. It is Peruvian food.
We had a great seafood soup and a really nice chicken dish.
If you Google it, it comes up...
Enjoy!
Best Indian in Union County These Days?
ditto on Raagini...good, but expensive. Haven't tried the ones in the Edison area, but I hear that they are the best.
My Cuban Rose - Keniworth Anyone been?
no, was also looking for a review
Cuban Pete's in Montclair is great though...if you are near Montclair anytime...
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Cuban Petes
428 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042
Cuban Pete's, Montclair
Cuban Pete's -
http://www.cubanpetesrestaurant.com/
We really had just an absolutely wonderful meal there. Atmosphere was very very nice. Decor was fun and enriching to the meal, Cuban music playing in the background was very nice. Service was very very good. Waiter was very very polite, helpful, knowledgable, friendly and professional.
Food was just absolutely spot on.
We had a mojito (a non-alcohol one, no liquor license at the place). It was very fresh and flavorful, but maybe a little too sweet. I think that may just be a personal taste thing rather than a criticism. Fresh mint leaves crushed into the drink really took it to the next level.
For the Tapas (appetizer) we had the goat cheese fritters. Very nice flavor, not over powering, just lightly fried.
For the entrees, we had the Bahama Coconut Fish - cooked just perfectly. The sweet coconut rice served with the dish was a great compliment to the dish and quite surprising that some sweet worked with a savory dish.
We also had "Ricky Ricardo's Ribs." I thought the name of the dish was a little weird, but these braised short ribs were cooked perfectly and absolutely delicious.
We had very nice espresso and the Tres Leches dessert...a wonderfuly light pound cake kind of dessert that topped off the evening just so.
Highly, highly recommend this place!
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Cuban Petes
428 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042
Best Fruitcake???
Someone sent us a fruitcake as a gift. We don't like fruitcake, so we sent it along to my girlfriend's dad. He said it was the best one he ever tasted.
It was from the monastery store of a Trappist monastery in Kentucky. Tiny business, I would think.
Anyway, here's the site:
http://www.gethsemanifarms.org/
He had the Kentucky Bourbon Fruitcake.
We did have the cheeses from the place. They were really gourmet quality cheese. Definitely for cheese lovers...very bold and strong flavors.
My brother's family had the fudge. They were quite satisfied.
Anyway, I thought I would pass this along...because from what I heard, that was about the best fruitcake anywhere...
Fun Cake Pictures - From Charm City Cakes
Gallery at Charm City Cakes (biz of Duff Goldman, from the Food Network Show, Ace of Cakes)
http://www.charmcitycakes.com/gallery
Great Breakfast Place
http://www.lepeep.com/
We used to eat at one in Edison, NJ.
They do these great skillet breakfasts.
here is their whole menu:
http://www.lepeep.com/menu.php
much better than a diner breakfast. I wouldn't go as far as calling it gourmet, but very good food, certainly among the highest quality food I have seen at a chain....
Famous Dave's BBQ
http://www.famousdaves.com/
Have gone to Famous Daves on Route 22 in Mountainside, NJ
Gone there several times....find the food very good. Not gourmet quality, but good solid quality for any chain.
Portions are huge and some of the recipes are really, really good.
The fried catfish was great...the burgers were great...the sides were amazing, great BBQ sauces, all the BBQ meats very good.
Like a kind of Boston Market for BBQ.
Panera Bread
I would ditto the reply above. I like the concept, but it seems the execution is just mediocre.
Any NON-DINER Breakfasts in N. New Jersey?
another suggestion might be a tea...there is a nice place in Westfield:
http://www.anabeallstearoom.com/visit_us.htm
my gal and I each had a nice scone with clotted cream, jam and a pot of tea...
if you are up for that on a Sunday morning...well, was just wonderful
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Ana Beall's Tea Room
415 Westfield Avenue, Westfield, NJ
Any NON-DINER Breakfasts in N. New Jersey?
I would ditto Le Peep...
it is an absolutely wonderful breakfast place.
here's the link to the Jersey locations:
http://www.lepeep.com/locations.php#NJ
Any NON-DINER Breakfasts in N. New Jersey?
yup, those two are great..
also great in Montclair are the crepes at Bonjour Montclair, just around the corner from the Bluestone Cafe...
http://www.bonjourmontclair.com/
they have sweet and savory crepes. both excellent. If you like sweet ones, definitely try the chestnut paste! to die for!
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Bonjour Montclair
254 Park St, Montclair, NJ 07043
California Pizza Kitchen
http://www.cpk.com/
Just ate at one in NJ. I was impressed. I had the Jamaican Jerk Chicken pizza. Was very very good.
Best Cheesecake Recipe?
I had this one once, from Lindy's in NYC...was amazing:
Lindy's Cheesecake Recipe
http://recipes.epicurean.com/recipe/12967/lindy%27s-cheesecake.html
I Googled "Best Cheesecake Recipe" - a lot of folks seem to want to claim the title...
Think Grill - Union, NJ
Think Grill - Union, NJ
http://thinkgrillnj.com/location.php
Not bad. Kind of like a "Boston Market" for Greek food. Not gourmet, but I have gotten a couple of very nice things there.
I wouldn't focus as much on the menu as looking around the place and seeing what looks good that day.
I think this is the kind of place where you can really get a nice meal, or get something pretty mediocre...depending on a number of things.
Since this is local to me, I figure that, over time I can go and figure out what they do well..and then hit some good meals regularly.
I would take it this way...if you were thinking of getting something quick and going to a fast food place, this is probably a better choice...
Wonderful Cafe - Union, NJ
Van Gogh's Ear Cafe is a lovely little place, right in Union Center. Food is just great.
Menu:
http://www.vangoghsearcafe.com/menu.php
lighter fare, very well done.
Wonderful place for a nice lunch. Lunch specials are ridiculously low priced.
Desserts are amazing.
The dinner and later crowd is often filled with teens and folks in their 20's. I have never found them anything but courteous, but for me anyway (just shy of 50), lunchtime is more my speed. If I were in that age bracket, I would think it is a very very very nice place to go...
general website:
http://www.vangoghsearcafe.com/
Enjoy!
