They were just on Restaurant Stakeout. The owners seemed like a nice couple, the staff could be better. I am going to try it, but not too sure about places that need to call for help for various reasons.

Gencarelli's in Bloomfield you should check out.

Jrvedivici, you are correct about the meats, seafood, and prepared foods. Truly top of the line. Pricey? yes, but oh so worth it (and still cheaper than eating out). We like to treat ourselves a few times a month and go to Wegman's. Their booze prices are really good as well. I rarely get out of a Wegman's in under an hour, and that's if I only have a few items. It's an experience! Most of their pricing is consistent with their competition, but they got known as a high priced, snobby store by some. I haven't seen that much. They also feed you samples on the weekend. I put on 2 lbs. this past Saturday just walking the aisles!

I agree with the "see ya" sentiment expressed here. There are so many good pizza joints in the Marlboro/Freehold area, why go for a chain's gimmick? I don't order from Papa's, or Domino's for that matter. People that grew up with real pizza, mainly from Hudson, Essex, Union, or Monmouth Counties, can tell good pizza. Also, Marlboro area has a big Italian population and these don't do well in those areas. One opened in Caldwell but there is so much good pizza to be had there.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. My opinion is the chains sell fake pizza and wrap it with a cheap price to entice people. I never, ever skimp on food, there are better ways to save. And if anyone can tell me why people would get a sandwich at Subway, I'd love to know. I didn't hink bread could have NO flavor!

I passed by today and saw a sign for "Hogback Opening Soon". Sounds like BBQ to me, hopefully as good as Pom Pom, but with smarter owners.

Well, went here with co-workers today - - and there is a "For Rent" sign in the window. Now, doesn't that stink?

I passed by during the weekend Mercer St. has a for lease sign up.

Jules!

This place opened a few months ago and was quickly added to our food rotation. Located on Rt. 535 & Rt 130 (right behind Enterprise Rent a Car, strange location). The pizza is good, salads are fresh and excellent, everything we have tried has been well received. If you live in, or drive through, the area, you should try them. They did a great job with the restaurant, nice outdoor seating area as well, for the quickly approaching warm weather. As a bonus, the workers are all very pleasant!

This was the place with the lazy son running the place. Tried to act like he shaped up, but the truth came out. I wouldn't spend a dime in this place. Go often with co-workers to Montclair, but we always pass this up.

After reading the reviews, I am going to stop here this weekend (or Monday perhaps). Good food trumps the bad location. I am familiar with this section of Rt. 1 so won't be a problem. Look at the bright side - the location of the former Fuddruckers is much worse!

Franklin Steakhouse in Fairfield, NJ has a tasty burger, as I just found out recently. Cloverleaf in Caldwell does as well. I tried 25 Burgers on Thursday, didn't see the big deal. So I went to Franklin on Friday........

I stopped tonight finally for mini cannolis and cookies. A winner indeed. The location is tough, especially for those who have never been to the area, or during rush hour. I would cross the highway nude for the cannolis, don't make me...........GO HERE!

I stopped in Palazzone tonight on the way home for some mini cannolis and cookies. This is a good bakery! Go now! The only downside is the location, if you don't know the area. You come around the bend on Rt. 23, and BOOM!, there it is.

Re: Firehouse: Went to MonsterGolf a few doors down and they seem kinda totally closed.

We passed here yesterday on the way to Middletown (and then Pete & Elda's!), anything knew about Fireside, good or bad, as we want to give it a try this week maybe? The reviews were mixed in the past.

Galloping Hill Inn/Grill in Kenilworth, Cioffi's Pizza/Italian Restaurant in Union, Zia Lisa Pizza in Edison, or Uno's on Rt. 1 in Woodbridge for some wings and beer brewed on premises.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/867333

Here's what I got asking the same question. Very nice looking place, but I still haven't tried it.

Steve's Steakhouse on Rt. 17 South in Wood Ridge (?). If you go, make sure to get extra sauce, ryebread and bring me with you 8)~. If you don't like salt, not a good choice, as the sauce on the steak will fulfill your salt intake for the week. But a cold beer helps wash it down.

I took a few co-workers to Ah Pizz recently for lunch. We had focaccia, calamari, and 2 pizzas (1 with sausage & a margharita). They were happy with everything, very good food being served. We are making another excursion next week they liked it so much. They couldn't get over the freshness of everything, which I told them about prior to stepping foot inside! Stop for wine and beer and enjoy this food.

Moore's in Freehold, right near Centra State Hospital. Federici's in Freehold would be a good choice as well.

Wegman's on Rt. 1 in Lawrenceville.

I stopped by to pick up a plain pie tonight - delicious. My wife wanted it plain, to see if it was good just the way it was. It was. They now have full kitchen; going to try "food" over the weekend. They should do well next to Shoprite....let's hope.

I have passed this restaurant on Rt. 27 a few times and it looks very nice. They have gotten nice writeups as well on websites. There is also a nice looking seating area out front, but Rt. 27 could be a busy and noisy road at times. Check the website out below.

http://www.villagennaros.com/

I finally tried this place recently and was more than impressed. I tried a plain slice and a Grandma slice, both were excellent. Many of the other pizzas looked very good as well, so a return trip is warranted (probably tomorrow). These guys know how to buy good ingredients and make a good pizza with them. I passed by tonight and the dining area was pretty crowded. I am glad to see positive reviews by other Chowhounders.

Eapter you are correct. If the pizza and eventually the dinners are great, residents must help them make a go of it. There are a lot of really good pizza shops around East Windsor, some very mediocre.......................then there is Papa Johns. And a see a lot of delivery cars on our roads. Why? Why? I only support the privately owned local shops. I agree that it mght be hard to envision this as a true "restaurant", but have seen others make strip mall stores into one, and it works. Let's hope it's true here.

It is 2 doors away from Shoprite, next to the liquor store. They still have the old sign up for Azzaro Brothers, so don't be confused. They are redoing the kitchen to become more of an Italian restaurant than just a pizza shop. Stopped in late for a menu and it smelled great. Azzaro's problem was it was really good during the week, not so much on weekends, because different people worked the weekend. We gave up on them.

I was going to try it tonight, but was exhausted. I will give them a shot this weekend and post my likes/dislikes. Cranbury Pizza is good, but don't care for the attitude of the owners, so we haven't spent a dime in there in 4 years. We used to go once or twice a week.

I passed by the pizzeria on the way into Shoprite and saw and "Under New Management" sign. Didn't realize Azzaro's was out of there. I found them to be inconsistent. The main guy during the week made good pizza, the weekend staff, not so great. So I only had it a few times. Great location if there was a great pizzeria in there.

Uno's on Rt. 1 South, make their own beers ($2 a pint I believe), $2.99 wings (my favorite wings), and all appetizers are also cheap.