March 2010
3 posts
Jack can talk Thai. Jack talked Thai real well…
Thai Basil: In recent times a few friends and I have taken advantage of Spirit Airlines $9 fare club. We’ve flown to Boston for a weekend getaway for a measly 6 bucks. You can’t beat that (even though it was -10 at one point)! While walking around the bitter cold and awesomely popular Newbury Street we stumbled upon this underground gem. Thai Basil is a traditional Thai restaurant that was...
New Format, please read.
With RJ and my schedule becoming a little bit more hectic as of late we’ve decided to switch the format a bit to give us more of a chance to put together quality entries. We are going to start splitting the blog up by month. We will take a month and get at least 2 entries in before the month ends. We are thinking of also expanding from restaurant reviews to cooking tips and recipes since...
We don't like February!
So we decided not to post anything during it.
Wednesday will resume on schedule starting with Jonathan.
January 2010
4 posts
A holiday all year round
Chicken Holiday: This place is amazing. It’s a very tiny place in a little shopping mall, next to a Shop Rite and a Blockbuster. Its not really meant for eating there, though they have tables. Every time I’ve been there I’ve been the only person in the place, but I love their food.
These guys seem to deep fry everything. Their chicken is pretty good. The batter is not seasoned...
Wooof woof woof woof woof (another hot dog review)
The Dog House: On my way home from Rehoboth, DE it was pretty hard to not notice the huge hot dog sign for the dog house on your way to the Del Mem Bridge. So like a lemming to the sea we pulled over and saddled up for a bite. This place had a classic diner feel to it with only counter seating and a huge grill behind it where they are constantly cooking. It kind of reminded me of the place in...
Tehas Weenas
Texas Wieners: Growing up in Northern New Jersey and around some of the greatest hot dog places I find myself to be a very harsh critic when it comes to eating dogs. The atmosphere has the down the block neighborhood shop feel, which I really enjoyed. It doesn’t have the feel of some dark ominous bar where everyone glares at you the second you walk in. As for the food, they boasted a...
Little House in Livingston
Landmark Cocktail Lounge: Little begins to describe this place. But to be polite, once could call it cozy. The place does have a very small, warm, feel to it. It reminds me of a tavern of old. Everyone there pretty much knows each. The bar is the prominent feature, having a different special beer every month. They have a small backroom kitchen with an elderly Chinese couple cooking the food.
Most...
December 2009
4 posts
Where you would expect a review, I give you good...
A place so good it (might) have 2 names!
Jeff’s Kitchen (Old Rail Tavern): After a Sunday drive passed this establishment that boasts the title “Best pizza in south Jersey” on a sign hanging high so the whole town can see. I felt it was my duty as a blog writer to observe and report. The Old Rail Tavern is a small bar with some tables and a few upstairs as well in case you don’t want to sit by the bar. The décor is fashioned after a...
So I may or may not be addicted to sushi
Nobi Japanese Cusine: Talk about special rolls. This place has the widest selection of special rolls I have ever seen. They even had a roll with ham in it, which I’ve never seen. This place has a lot of variety.
The inside is decorated quite nicely. The waitresses wear kimono’s, which is a nice touch. A bit surprising considering this place is tucked away in Toms River. You’d...
Holy Guacamole!!@#$%@!
El Vez: This Steven Starr location in center-city Philadelphia has it all: great food, great drinks, and a photo booth. Like every Steven Starr establishment the place had an awesome décor complete with a circle bar in the center with one of the most gaudy low-rider bikes on display that happened to be a tribute to none other than Oscar De La Hoya. It was a Sunday night when I went to El Vez and...
November 2009
3 posts
This Sushi was meant for You (really awful pun)
Sushi You: What is this, a sushi place for ants?! All kidding aside, the place is quaint. There are about 7 tables in the place. About 4 meant for 4 people each and 3 just for couples. They have a modest sushi bar with, usually, one sushi chef going at a time, although the greeter/waiter doubles as a sushi chef. This place is independently own to the max. This place opened in early ‘09 and...
BARH BAH QUEUE - WE HAVE RETURNED!
Daisy May’s BBQ: Since 2005 Daisy May’s has boasted the title of, “Best BBQ in New York City” and they haven’t looked back since. Any article or blog I’ve read recently regarding NYC BBQ has Daisy May’s placed at the top of the list. One afternoon my father and I boarded the hype train to see if this place stood up to the bold claims I’ve read about. To start Daisy May’s is located a block or...
Sorry for the hiatus!
Life gets busy sometimes and we lose track of time. The site has been made over and we are now ready to roll again. This Wednesday we will post our first update since May. Expect weekly updates every Wednesday. Also, I added a search feature that you can type keywords and it’ll search through the blog for you.
-J
May 2009
1 post
WE ARE NOT DEAD!!
We are just very busy right now with a lot of stuff. We’re also going to remodel the site a bit too. Expect us to be back in June/July. We have been eating a lot so expect to see some delicious updates
-SOJ
April 2009
2 posts
A rose by another name would be what ever it is by...
Mexicali Rose: I did this place before for our Mexican restaurant week a while back. I’ve decided to do it again because of the changes made to the place. Being that the original restaurant was closed for a few years and reopened in 2008, the first year has shown that the new managers have gotten the restaurant back into the it’s former groove. The menu’s are very colorful yet...
Back to the Future?!?
The Pop Shop: If you’re a fan of the TV show, Throw Down with Bobby Flay then you might be familiar with the Pop Shop in Collingswood, NJ. A few seasons ago Bobby challenged them to a grilled cheese showdown in which he pulled off a narrow victory over South Jersey’s finest grilled cheeser. My first time going to the pop shop, I totally understood why Bobby chose this place for the grilled...
March 2009
4 posts
Domo Arigato Robato-san (proper way to say that)
Aki Restaurant: Deep in the heart of the little Tokyo section of Bloomfield (a place which exists only in my mind) there is a little sushi nook called Aki. It is actually in the north end of Bloomfield where all the fancy to-do’s, and people with nuclear families live.
It’s a lovely little spot nestled between a Krauser’s and a pizza parlor. I like that it’s hidden because...
We’re gonna need a bigger boat (for steak)…
Neptune Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge: As a recommendation for dinner last Saturday night, I was told about an enchanting little place called Neptune: A place that had great seafood and great steaks. Being that it was March 14th, I felt a steak dinner was only appropriate (if you don’t get the reference send us an email and I’ll explain). The outside of the place is decorated like something...
She was on Top Chef so I ate at her restaurant
CulinAriane: The title of this entry says it all. Ariane Duarte was a contestant on this past season of Top Chef. My girlfriend watches anything that is on the Bravo channel so I got suckered/was forced/started watching Top Chef. I noticed this woman owend and operated a restaurant in nearby Montclair and decided I should give it a shot.
The restaurant is very tiny but very classy. I was probably...
Leprechauns know how to eat.
The Irish Pub: In an ocean town known for its night life and overpriced food and cocktails we find a gem amongst a sea of stones: The Irish Pub. The pub serves food and beer 24 hours a day at some of the cheapest prices Atlantic City has ever seen. Beers are beers so I won’t talk much about them (always Irish on tap). As for food, there isn’t a menu item over $9 which is great because it gives...
February 2009
4 posts
They serve the food on swords. Nuff said.
Plataforma Churrascaria Rodizio: If you’ve never had Rodizio, you need to get with it real quick. As defined by the all and powerful Wikipedia:
Rodízio (roo-DEE-zyoo or IPA: [xu’dʲizju]/ IPA: [xo’dʒizju] – BP – or [ʁu’dizju] – EP) is a style of restaurant service in Brazilian and Portuguese restaurants. One pays a fixed price (prix fixe) and the waiters bring an offering...
It’s Element(ary) my dear Watson….
Elements Cafe: Elements is a tappas style byob restaurant sandwiched between stores and other restaurants in Haddonfield, NJ. Elements is a very small establishment with not much seating (large parties I’d definitely call ahead). The inside décor is very plain with beautiful paintings for sale displayed on the wall. For those aren’t familiar with the term “tappas” (me prior to eating here). It...
I heard you paint houses...
Carmine’s (Atlantic City): Hey how ya doin’? I came to shoot craps! Bada bing! OK, now that I’ve gotten that out of my system, let us get down to the nitty gritty: this place is a great family style Italian restaurant. I came here with about 5 other people this past Saturday night. We had the following: Veal with butter and lemon sauce (I know, I know, it’s delicious...
Chika chika, rewind....
And we’re back. Due to some unforeseen circumstances (ie. computer issues and Internet availability) we managed to skip a week. However, we shall not let this minor slip delay the progress of this blog.
To quote Winston Churchhill:
“We shall go on to the end,we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in...
January 2009
3 posts
Buddaoken!! Ryu-ken!!
Buddakan: After having two delightful meals at Stephen Starr establishments in the past, I jumped on the opportunity when I was invited to dinner at Buddakan. Buddakan is one of his Pan-Asian restaurants where the food is served family style placed in the center of the table as soon as it is done being cooked. I didn’t understand why they did family style when they kept their portion size...
That's not a mansion...
Bobby’s Burger Palace: I’m in love with a man. That’s right, I said it. I’m in love with a man. And that man is none other than Bobby Flay. This is possibly the greatest thing to happen to New Jersey since the invention of the Brita Filter (seriously that tap water is dangerous). This name of this restaurant suggests royalty, a supposed hierarchy in the world of burgers....
I don't know how to pronounce this restaurants...
Tepliyzky’s: Stephen Starr does it again with another diner-themed restaurant. This one located at the new Chelsea Hotel & Spa in Atlantic City, NJ. After a night in the Chelsea we figured to give this place a try being it was by Stephen Starr and located right in the lobby and we wouldn’t have to walk in the freezing cold. The atmosphere and décor is like a blast from the past with...
December 2008
4 posts
Closed for the Holidays!
Thanks for reading these past months it’s been a good time, a lot of good food, and great eating. We’re going to take off until next year after the holiday. Keep suggestions coming.
-SOJ
This time, it's pastanol (note: read in a...
Tony’s the Original Pasta House & Gourmet Pizzeria by Lubrano: Well I had already once covered this place before for pizza week. This time around, I’ll be talking about their dinner dishes. The food here is superb. They have an excellent selection of dishes. Their specials are also phenomenal. I’ve been here dozens of times and I can honestly say I don’t think I will ever...
Where everyone knows your name?
Plank Road Inn: Growing up in Secaucus, NJ, I’ve had the liberty of spending many nights in the Plank Road from wing nights to dinners both drunk and sober. It’s a great place with a friendly atmosphere with no cheesy theme song like Cheers. Oh yeah, and it has great food. One hungry afternoon, a few friends and I ventured up for some beers and eats while watching some baseball. We...
Fish Slapping at it's finest
Sushi Lounge (Hoboken Location): I had the chance to visit this little nook for a friend’s birthday. It’s a neat little place, though the ratio of bar to restaurant is vastly skewed more towards the bar. The dining area is sort of off to the side, with little tables and chairs. It’s a little cramped but still nice. I had ordered the sushi dinner for two which had 14 pieces of...
November 2008
7 posts
Tortilla Press: Part Dos
The Tortilla Press: As one of my favorite Mexican-style restaurants I always keep up with this place to see if they have any specials or events planned for me to enjoy and I found just that this weekend. The Tortilla Press from November 18th to November 20th was part of a promotion called “Off the Hook” a seafood extravaganza. They featured a four course meal for the price of $30 per person. ...
More Pizza by another guy named Tony
Tony’s Baltimore Grille: In a rush to get a meal in before heading out for a night in Atlantic City a few friends and I stumbled upon a place in the shadow of the Tropicana Hotel and Casino. I’ve always heard my parents talk highly about the pizza at Tony’s so in a quick fix we decided to stop in for a bite. Tony’s has a very Mom and Pop diner style feel with juke boxes sitting at every booth,...
World's largest....slice
Benny Tudino’s: If not the world’s largest slice, it’s the biggest slice of pizza I’ve ever seen. Situated on Washington St. in Hoboken, Benny’s is frequented by college students, drunks, and drunk college students. The slices are large and plentiful. They are tremendous as well, combining the right blend of cheese to sauce. This is probably the best thing to have...
Big surprise, pizza by a game names Tony in NJ
Tony’s the Original Pasta House & Gourmet Pizzeria by Lubrano: This little gem is situated in a strip mall in Toms River. This place has amazing food all around. Their pasta dishes are to die for. The place has two sections: one for regular dining and another section for people getting pizza. The pizza dining area is less formal as you must seat yourself and there are televisions. You...
Don't call it Za
Three Brothers from Italy: Living in South Jersey the last 6 years on numerous occasions I’ve heard, “The best pizza in Ocean City is at Mack and Manko’s!” I just want to let the countless people that say this know, “YOU ARE WRONG!” The best pizza in Ocean City is found at 3 Brothers from Italy. 3 Brothers is not your typical boardwalk pizza place offering few toppings on regular sized slices at...
New Feature Week!!
We are going to start later today with a new feature week. This week we will be featuring: PIZZA!
-SOJ
Hot time in NJ
Hot Tomato Italian Restaurant: This review is going to be as terse as the restaurant comes off, as it doesn’t need much to deliver it’s great food and service. This little mom and pop restaurant is sequestered in Toms River, NJ. It’s a quaint little place, sparsely decorated with the kind of bric-a-brac you would see around your grandmother’s house. It gives you a really “home-cooked...
October 2008
5 posts
Will Smith isn't the only good thing from...
Ishkabibble’s: With the World Series hunt catching tons of excitement in Philadelphia and having attended Game 4, I decided it’s about time for a Philly cheese steak review. Everyone I know has their own favorite cheese steak, I won’t divulge what mine is, and I’ll leave it a secret for you to wonder for the ages. Philly is an area known most for the cheese steak followed...
Come on and "rock a fella" ha ha (shoot me in the...
Rockafellas: This restaurant is in no way affiliated with the Rockafellas that is located in Ortley. This one is actually decent. I was up in Salem learning about all sorts of historical things when I decided to eat here. First and foremost, let’s discuss the service. It takes forever here. It seems as if the staff really just takes their time when it comes to thigns such as seating you and...
That's A Good Meatball.....
Angelo’s Fairmont Tavern: When I go to Atlantic City, I usually lose money. At Angelo’s I lost money, but this time I was at least enjoying it. Angelo’s has the atmosphere of an authentic Italian mom and pop venture. It has been going great for the last 73 years. The staff is friendly and helpful, giving off a great family vibe in the air. It’s a big place with a lot of...
I'm the king of the rumba beat.
Cuban Pete’s: I’ve been to this little place twice now and I have to say it is quite enjoyable. This restaurant was started by the original owner of Mexicali Rose, which is right up the street from here. The atmosphere is very festive. All of the waiters wear loose, short sleeve button up shirts with matching pants and fedoras to look like they are from Havana, Cuba in the 60’s. They have live...
Don't call it a "hoagie"
The White House Sub Shop: Since 1946 the White House Sub Shop has graced Atlantic City with its presence. Judging from the inside décor they have done little to change since then. The place has been family owned since the start in 1946 and boasts to have sold over “25 million subs!” With how delicious these sandwiches are I wouldn’t be surprised if that number is approaching 50 million now. ...
September 2008
9 posts
Cinco de Mexican Week
Mexico: Located in Atlantic City, Mexico is away from the hustle and bustle of the night light that engulfs the casinos. This is an authentic Mexican restaurant started by two brothers from Mexico in 1995 because they felt the need to bring Mexican cuisine to the Atlantic City area (I am forever in their debt for this). Mexico is a very quaint little place bursting with an authentic Mexican...
Numero Cuatro, aye yai yai!
Panchos Burritos: Panchos Burritos is nice little Mexican eatery nestled between a few random shops in New Milford. The layout of the restaurant is pretty plain, being just an array of tables with the kitchen in the back. It almost looks a little like a cafeteria. There is a very tiny bar which is stocked with some mexican and a few domestic light beers. They also serve sangria, mojitos, and...
Number 3 is English for Numero Tres
Mexicali Rose: This restaurant is an old favorite of mine. It has been in Montclair for quite some time. It was closed for a time, pending new ownership, but was reopened this year. I decided to see how it was. The décor is very cozy with lots of Mexican and Californian paraphernalia peppering the walls. There are a few tables for outdoor seating, as well as a large dining area by a large glass...
Numero Dos (Number 2)
The Tortilla Press: Haddon Ave. in Collingswood is a haven for BYOB establishments ranging from diner style restaurants all the way to your gourmet Italian dinners. Along the strip, we’ve found The Tortilla Press. It is a small “Mexican-style” restaurant with a bright and lively atmosphere. The restaurant is decorated beautifully, with paintings on the wall in vibrant colors that make...
Viva La Mexico! - The Start of Mexican Week
Los Charrito’s: Hoboken New Jersey is a one square mile city that is filled with great hang outs and even better restaurants. The Charrito’s Restaurant we visited was uptown, which, was the bigger of their two Hoboken locations. As soon as you open the door the atmosphere hits you with a very lively energy. The customers are enjoying great food and a great time. It’s a very traditional...
Next week starts feature week!
Starting next week we are going to start doing a once a month segment called feature week. The week will feature a specific type/style of food for the 5 days of the week. Meaning 5 entries next week on our first topic: Mexican Food!
Stay tuned
Thanks For Reading
SOJ