Executive Chef Anthony Bucco & The Temple of Gastronomy

by Jennifer Miller in ,


Armed with a zillion interview questions and my camera, I arrived at a local dining mecca, The Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station, NJ to meet with Executive Chef, Anthony Bucco.

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The Tewksbury Inn, Oldwick, NJ

by Jennifer Miller


Many people view the Tewksbury Inn as a fancy, upscale restaurant that only serves expensive wines and fancy entrees: a place to go for special occasions. In reality, it is a fantastic neighborhood restaurant that is waiting to be discovered by you! 

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Huong Viet, Nutley: 3, 16, 24, and 69

by Melody Kettle


Before we go any further, remember these numbers:  3, 16, 24, and 69.  Those are the lucky numbers at Huong Viet in Nutley.

On to the story:  a couple of weeks ago, it was Lou Palma's birthday.  I wanted to take the maestro-of-all-things-pork out for a celebratory lunch.  Criteria like ambiance, service, and good lighting, didn't really matter to the gastro-mechanic or myself.  The only criteria worthy of consideration was the food - particularly, the deliciousness of it.   I thought about  the usual lunch suspects, namely,

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Manny's Diner, Montclair: Hot Sauce Helps

by Melody Kettle


It's difficult to imagine the space at 12 Church Street as anything other than a diner - though restauranteurs have certainly tried.  Formerly Tapastry, previously Market (and for a hot minute The Honest Dog), Manny's Diner moved into the Church Street, Montclair, earlier this year.  

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Mehndi, Morristown: Getting My Goat, Pot Pie!

by Melody Kettle


We've all had naan, the flat,  steamy, pita-like, tandoor-oven-cooked bread, synonymous with Indian cuisine.  And chicken tikka masala - who hasn't had that?

Mehndi, one of a triumvirate of restaurants including SM 23 Bar & Lounge, and Ming II, operated by the successful Mehtani Restaurant Group in the Morristown Hyatt, creates a total dining experience - including the possibility of a henna tattoo on Saturdays.  

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The Iron Shaker: NJ's Craftiest Bartender

by Melody Kettle in


I get all the worst gigs!   Press dinners, wine events, food festivals, and the absolute worst task I've ever been asked -  judge The Iron Shaker cocktail competition.  (Read: I love my job! :)

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