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.
Read MoreThe Tewksbury Inn, Oldwick, NJ
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!
Read MoreHuong Viet, Nutley: 3, 16, 24, and 69
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,
Read MoreManny's Diner, Montclair: Hot Sauce Helps
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.
Read MoreMehndi, Morristown: Getting My Goat, Pot Pie!
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.
Read MoreThe Iron Shaker: NJ's Craftiest Bartender
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! :)
Read More