15 October 2012 Sam’s Morning Glory Diner – Philadelphia’s Finer Diner

Sam’s Morning Glory Diner – Philadelphia’s Finer Diner

October 15, 2012 By

I would normally be upset if I reserved a room at a bed and breakfast only to find out there was no actual breakfast being served but over the weekend, the lack of breakfast at my B&B prompted me to eat at Sam’s Morning Glory Diner in South Philadelphia and I am thrilled about it.

Morning Glory is housed in a small unassuming place on the corner of 10th and Fitzwater Streets that serves breakfast and lunch during the week and brunch on the weekends.

Blueberry Pancakes

The hip energy hit me as soon as I entered the restaurant. The staff is younger, fun and eclectic. There are several tables and a long diner-style counter overlooking the bustling kitchen. The kitchen entails a fryer, a griddle / flat top, a grill and a small prep area. The staff makes incredible use of the small kitchen area and efficiently handles his/her station.

Foccacia Sandwich

Here are 5 things I loved about Morning Glory:

  1. Homemade jam and butter displayed over ice at each table.
  2. Perhaps the most important after a night of wine over-indulgence, was the steaming hot mug of high-quality coffee served in tin cups. My coffee was hot from the first sip to the last and I praise the person who cleverly bought these mugs.
  3. The grill person carefully searing fresh asparagus and heirloom tomatoes for the various dishes.
  4. The diverse mix of people. From the elderly couple in Eagles jerseys to the much tattooed and pierced line cook to the parents with a couple babies in tow to folks like me craving carbs, coffee and bacon, there is just no “standard” type of person at Morning Glory. Everyone there seems to…fit in.
  5. The food. Although Morning Glory had me at hot, strong coffee in tin mugs, the food is incredible. The blueberry pancakes ($7 for three hubcap-size cakes) were perhaps the best I have had and were served with real maple syrup. The side of bacon was smoked with a perfect mix of quality meat and fat. The Foccacia Breakfast Sandwich ($4.50) consists of a fried egg with cheese and a side of seasoned red-skinned potatoes. There is an option to add meat to the sandwich for $1.50 more. Some of the other tantalizing brunch items are the Monkey French Toast ($9) made from Challah bread that is stuffed with caramelized bananas and mangoes and topped with caramel sauce and whipped cream – brilliant! There are also several frittatas I will be sampling on my next visit.

Sam’s Morning Glory Diner is cozy and there was a line of hungry people waiting when we left so go early and savor some of the best breakfast grub in Philly.

PS: Grab a homemade muffin on your way out!

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
4 October 2012 New Jersey Carnivores – Rejoice, There is Strip House

New Jersey Carnivores – Rejoice, There is Strip House

October 4, 2012 By

Rib Eye Steak. Photo by The Glazier Group.

Amid the red velvet wallpaper, velour seating and black and white burlesque-style photographs from the early 1900s, diners can delight in Executive Chef Bill Zucosky’s modern steakhouse dishes that showcase his creativity and New Jersey-sourced ingredients. Located in AAA 4-Diamond Westminster Hotel, Strip House offers food not typical of many hotel restaurants. Fresh, not pre-prepared ingredients and prime, Nebraska corn-fed beef are what guests are treated to.

Chef Zucosky and his team dish out steakhouse favorites with panache. Must-try starters are the Roasted Golden Beet and Grilled Asparagus Salad paired with Stilton cheese and a Sherry vinaigrette. The Maryland Lump Crab Cake plated with potato salad, haricots verts and a flavorful remoulade is another great option. As delicious as these dishes are, the Roasted Bacon Salad takes the prize with its applewood-smoked slab bacon and peppery arugula side salad.

Bacon Salad. Photo by Glazier Group.

Steaks are incredibly delicious at Strip House and what you should order. There are non-meat dishes for those who want to stay away from meat at an upscale steakhouse (who are these people?). Good options are the Sesame-Crusted Yellow Fin Tuna and the Pan-Seared Red Snapper.

I selected the 22-ounce Bone-In Rib Eye as I enjoy the juicy, ultra flavorful cut and was very pleased with my choice.  My steak with presented with a half head of roasted garlic. The meat was cooked rare as ordered and was perfectly seared. The Veal Chop was also a favorite of some of the guests in our party. The thick chop comes with a roasted pepper and parsley salad.

Like many high-end steakhouses, Strip House offers a selection of side dishes for sharing. Winners are the Crisp Goose Fat Potatoes, the Black Truffle Creamed Spinach and the off-the-menu Ripped Potatoes. If you only order one side dish, go for the Ripped Potatoes. The dish features fried chunked potatoes tossed with butter then dusted with Parmesan, sea salt and parsley.

Chocolate Cake. Photo by The Glazier Group.

The signature dessert at Strip House is the 24-layer Chocolate Cake. Order it even if you think you cannot swallow another bite, it is great. The cake is moist and iced with rich, gooey dark chocolate ganache. Likely the biggest piece of cake you will ever see and perfect to share among friends.

Chef Zucosky expertly prepares what is undeniably one of the best steaks in the area. An efficient and helpful wait staff ensures a top dining experience in a boudoir-like décor.

550 West Mount Pleasant Avenue

Livingston, NJ 07039

(973) 548-0050

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6 September 2012 YOLO – Brunch Here Because YOLO

YOLO – Brunch Here Because YOLO

September 6, 2012 By

Pork HashDuring a South Florida visit last weekend, I brunched at YOLO (You Only Live Once) with some girlfriends and truly enjoyed the space, wait staff and, most importantly, the food.

Eggs Benedict

The space is trendy yet comfortable with some outdoor seating and a mix of tables and chairs and comfortable banquettes. I liked the open kitchen concept and loved the idea of a giant TV screen showing what is being cooked in real-time. There was even a DJ spinning the latest hits in the dining room.

The wait staff was beyond accommodating and helpful. For a Sunday morning, there was a big group of kitchen workers hustling to get the delicious food out to the guests.

The food was indeed delicious. There are brunch favorites and some inventive finds that feature top-quality ingredients on the interesting brunch menu. The popular Smoked Pork Hash is a must-try, the eggs benedict were super and the side of artisan bread was incredible. The pork hash features house-smoked pork, potatoes, onions, fried eggs and Queso Fresco. Who ever created this dish is simply brilliant. The sauce on the eggs benedict is tangy, light and delicious. It is just a great example of this staple brunch dish. For $15, there are all-you-can-drink brunch cocktails – what a deal!

Bloody Mary

YOLO is a neat find in a town full of good brunch options. I will make it a point to return when in South Florida.

333 East Las Olas Boulevard

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

(954) 523-1000

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
14 August 2012 Zod Arifai Does Blu So Well

Zod Arifai Does Blu So Well

August 14, 2012 By

Salmon

Could it be that the 45-seat restaurant in bustling downtown Montclair serves up the best food in New Jersey?  It is quite possible. At his award-winning restaurant, chef and owner, Zod Arifai, masters modern cuisine with French, Italian and Asian influences.

Born in Kosovo to parents who were both good cooks, chef Arifai is self-taught with an inquisitive mind and short stints at Bouley and Aureole in Manhattan that have proven to be better at helping him transform in the chef he is today than formal training at a culinary school might have been.

On a recent visit, our party sampled dishes that blew us away. For starters, the Spaghetti Carbonara with Crispy Duck is creamy, velvety with rich duck morsels, the Risotto with Wild Mushrooms and White Truffle Oil is pure decadence with its unctuous texture, earthy mushrooms and drizzle of fragrant truffle oil.  The Seafood Dumplings with Spicy Coconut Broth showcases the thinnest, most delicate wrappers over a tasty seafood mixture that bathes in an ultra-flavorful, just-spicy-enough broth.

Veal Belly

Must-have entrées are the Salmon, Forbidden Rice served with peanuts, scallions and coconut-chili broth, the Duck Breast, Red Cabbage served with a caramelized turnip with a red wine-fig emulsion and the Veal Belly with Soft Polenta, Wild Mushrooms and Sweet and Sour Glaze. The salmon is of the finest quality and the forbidden rice is of toothy perfection. The duck is cooked to a flawless medium-rare and the red wine emulsion is a perfect complement to the protein. The absolute star is the veal belly. For those of us who think pork belly is the perfect food, chef Arifai’s veal counterpart is heavenly. The sweet and sour glaze is tart and cuts through some of the veal’s richness and the polenta is the best I have had, even in Italy – order this dish without fault.

Spaghetti Carbonara

At Blu, chef Arifai creates dishes from techniques and ingredients he tests out extensively and the results are simply spectacular. Nearly seven years after opening, Blu is more at the top of its game than ever.

Blu
554 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair, NJ
973-509-2202
www.restaurantblu.com

BYOB

Hours:

Tuesday – Thursday: Open at 5:30PM

Friday – Sunday: Open at 5PM

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27 July 2012 42 Wines by the Glass at Spuntino Wine Bar and Italian Tapas

42 Wines by the Glass at Spuntino Wine Bar and Italian Tapas

July 27, 2012 By

Arancini

With less than six months under its belt, Spuntino Wine Bar in Clifton has garnered positive accolades from locals and northern New Jersey wine lovers. The well-appointed space is divided in a lounge area with table and bar seating and a comfortable dining room with an open kitchen concept. There are even private rooms for small gatherings.

Spuntino offers a clever and affordable wine list, including 42 Italian wines by the glass, over 100 Italian wines and a reserve wine list of stellar, sought-after bottles.

The extensive menu features small plates ideal for sharing.  The larger-than-usual portions offer some old school favorites and creative, modern fare.

On my last visit, my guests and I sampled a plate of Salumi and Formaggi, cured Italian meats and cheeses, that was excellent.  Diners can opt for one selection for $4, three selections for $10 and ten for $18. Some of the choices are the Prosciutto di Parma – aged for 18 months, the Fontina – paired with honey and the Hot Sopressata – imported from Central Italy. All were served with perfectly grilled crostini.

Antipasti ($5) options range from an olives plate to pan-seared goat cheese wrapped in Mortadella to mussels steamed in white wine sauce.

Salumi Pizza

Bruschetta come in nine variations (one for $3, three for $8 and five for $14) and are mounded with toppings like Ricotta cheese and roasted grapes, goat cheese and caramelized onions and Gorgonzola cheese, apple and walnuts.

Must-try fried choices ($6) are the Arancini – fried risotto balls stuffed with peas and Mozzarella and the Carciofo – perfectly fried artichoke hearts served with a tangy lemon aioli.  The Arancini are super-crunchy on the outside with perfectly creamy risotto on the inside – a truly delectable treat.

Meatballs ($6) are a labor of love at Spuntino and come three to an order.  The classic version is served with either a rich tomato sauce or a spicy marinara sauce – try the latter, it is delicious. Diners can opt for pork, chicken, vegetable or lamb variations.

There are five pastas ($8) on the menu at Spuntino and our favorite was the Perciatelli Con Pesto – thick spaghetti with rich, herby pesto sauce.

The thin-crusted and hand-stretched pizzas are truly some of the best around these parts.  Whether in the mood for a simple basil and Mozzarella Margherita ($9) or a decadent and meaty Salumi ($11) pizza topped with Prosciutto, crumbled sausage, Capocollo and Cacciatorini, do not pass up ordering a pie.

Tapas-style food allows diners an opportunity to try many different dishes they might not otherwise order. Spuntino is a perfect place to share a romantic meal or for dining with a group.  Add it to your list of places to try for delicious and affordable food and wine in northern New Jersey.

Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas

94 Kingsland Road

Clifton, NJ, 07014

(973) 661-2435
HOURS

Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. -10 p.m.
Monday –Thursday: 11 a.m. – Midnight.

 

Filed Under: Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,
2 July 2012 In New Jersey, Salt is Most Definitely Good for You

In New Jersey, Salt is Most Definitely Good for You

July 2, 2012 By

Hanger Steak

To describe Salt Gastropub as eclectic would be an understatement.  The place is decorated with a blend of 50s kitsch and lakefront cabin ware.  When I last visited, the bar area was buzzing with a happy-hour crowd and the dining room was filled with regulars.

Craft beer is king at Salt and the selection is interesting and extensive.  I ordered a Victory Headwaters IPA ($5.50) to start and a hoppier Troegs HopBack Amber Ale with my meal.

The dinner menu is beer-friendly and features many tempting options.  On my recent visit, my party sampled the Veggie Spring Rolls ($7.25) and the Goat Croquettes ($6.75).  The spring rolls were crispy and filled with a mixture of fresh vegetables and served with a sweet and spicy soy sauce.  The croquettes are Salt’s answer to mozzarella sticks in the form of panko-crusted, goat cheese-filled balls served with a poached pear and a balsamic reduction.

Goat Croquettes

It is also difficult to make an entrée section due to the creative options.  Some winning dishes are the Hanger Steak ($18.50), the Fish N Chips ($16) and the simply named Pork ($19).  The rosemary and garlic-marinated steak is served with roasted cherry tomatoes over mashed sweet potatoes and glazed with a sweet balsamic reduction – outstanding.  The fish and chips might be the best version we have enjoyed in quite some time.  The beer-battered tilapia is served with malt vinegar and a delicious house made remoulade sauce.  What is called “Pork” at Salt is a bacon-wrapped pork loin presented over creamy mashed potatoes and drizzled with a sherry vinegar cream sauce – absolutely to die for.

The service is beyond friendly and knowledgeable at this popular neighborhood restaurant and the fun energetic vibe of the place will sure make Salt a favorite of new guests and continue to exceed the expectations of regulars.

Open 7 days a week
Monday:  5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tuesday-Friday:  11:00 am – 12:30 am
Saturday:  2:00 pm – 1:00 am
Sunday:  10:00 am – 8:00 pm

109 US Highway 206
Stanhope, NJ 07874
973 347 7258

http://www.saltgastropub.com/

Cheers,

Veronique

 

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29 June 2012 Tamaya and Lauca Wine Dinner at Morris Tap and Grill

Tamaya and Lauca Wine Dinner at Morris Tap and Grill

June 29, 2012 By

Beef Course

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending a Chilean wine dinner at Morris Tap & Grill in Randolph, NJ.  Chef Eric LeVine designed a creative tasting menu that helped showcase the various wines.  Here is what we enjoyed:

Avocado Shrimp Ceviche
Sauvignon Blanc, Lauca, Maule Valley, 2011

Grilled Seafood Sausage with Garlic Tomato Rice and Tarragon Aioli
Chardonnay, Tamaya, Limari Valley, 2011

Oven Roasted Pork with Mashed Yucca, Carrots and Grilled Corn
Pinot Noir, Lauca, Maule Valley, 2009

Pork Course

Chimichurri Beef Loin skirt Roulade
and Carmenere Braised Short Rib, Roasted Tricolor Tomato
Carmenere, Tamaya, Limari Valley, Reserva 2009

Dulce de Leche with Roasted Figs
Rose, Pink Goat By Tamaya 2010

Morris Tap & Grill is planning many fun events for the remainder of 2012 and you can stay abreast of all of them by following its Facebook Page or by subscribing to its newsletter.

Cheers,

Veronique

 

Filed Under: Other Neat Things, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
2 June 2012 Upstairs Ups the Stakes in Montclair

Upstairs Ups the Stakes in Montclair

June 2, 2012 By

Housemade Gnocchi

Last night, I dined at Upstairs in Montclair at the suggestion of fellow New Jersey foodies.  The ordinary stops at the glass door with “Upstairs” stenciled on it on a non-descript street in Upper Montclair.  After opening the street-level door, I was taken up a flight of stairs that appeared to be made of glowing blocks of ice.  As I walked up the steps, I was curious to see what waited for me…Upstairs.  Chic South Beach club meets trendy Manhattan hot spot – that’s what I found.  Very neat and unexpected room.

The open kitchen right off the bar showcases a team of hard-working chefs.  I enjoyed seeing the hectic staff prepare the food and to savor the aromas coming off the kitchen.

Mackenzie, our server, was fun, knowledgeable about the dishes and helpful with drink and food selections.  The menu is made up of small and large plates and we opted for a few small plates to share.  A special of the evening was brown sugar-caramelized slab bacon.  We couldn’t resist ordering it and absolutely loved it with the ripe peaches it was paired with.  Another good dish is the Sautéed Calamari ($12) in a basil, garlic and chilis broth and topped with breadcrumbs.  The only thing that would have made this dish better is not having to share it with my fellow diners.  The calamari perfectly prepared to optimal tenderness.  We also had the Pork Terrine ($11) a “slice” of melt-in-your-mouth slow cooked pork slathered with tangy barbeque sauce and served with grilled bread and pickles.  The last dish we sampled was the Housemade Ricotta Gnocchi ($12) with sautéed mushrooms, basil and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.  All the dishes were delectable and have me looking forward to my next visit.

Sauteed Calamari

The wine list offers interesting options and several wines by the glass and the cocktails are creative and fun.

The place was busy by 8PM on a Friday night, so arrive early for a prime table in the bar area.  The dining room is somewhat more relaxed but has a hip feel about it. A friend recommended I eat in the bar area and am very grateful for that insider tip – fun atmosphere.

Beautifully styled space, solid food and a smart wait and kitchen staff await you at Upstairs.  Another jewel in Montclair’s restaurant crown.

Cheers,

 

Veronique

 

608 Valley Road

Upper Montclair, NJ 07043

973-744-4144

Tuesday – Thursday: 5PM – 10PM

Friday – Saturday: 5PM – 11PM

Sunday: 5PM – 9PM

Closed on Monday

 

Filed Under: Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
30 May 2012 VB3 – Chef Michael Colletti Brings Modern Italian Cuisine to Jersey City

VB3 – Chef Michael Colletti Brings Modern Italian Cuisine to Jersey City

May 30, 2012 By

Day Boat Scallops. Photo by Eat with Dan

VB3 is Chef Michael Colletti’s take on modern seasonal Italian cuisine.  The New Jersey native is taking the familiar food of his grandparents and father, who emigrated from Sicily, and giving it a modern twist.  The results will please both the local crowd and guests of the adjoining Westin and Doubletree hotels.

Located in the Newport section of downtown Jersey City, VB3 offers unpretentious food in a trendy yet comfortable space.  With a resumé featuring stints at Le Cirque and Mai House in New York City and Good Stuff Eatery in Washington, DC, Chef Colletti crafts seasonal ingredients into comforting dishes.

While the appetizer list offers creative options, a solid choice is the Antipasto Board, a mouthwatering display of Italian cheeses and cold cuts, house-cured olives and pickled vegetables.  Artisanal pizzas are another smart option with the Crispy Guanciale version with ramps, eggs and Parmigiano-Reggiano a top contender and perfect for sharing.

The pastas are exceptional and a must-try is the House-Made Ricotta Gnudi – melt-in-your-mouth, pillowy and perhaps the best rendition I’ve had with its light, flavorful basil-infused tomato sauce.

Ricotta Gnudi. Photo by Eat with Dan

The entrée selections are tempting and the Day Boat Scallops, with fennel, Sicilian cara cara oranges, cured black olives and citronette and the Berkshire Pork Belly served with Swiss chard, hedgehog mushrooms and watermelon agro dolce are winners.  Chef Colletti is a Food Network burger competition winner so take the opportunity to order the VB3 Burger which is topped with Biellese pancetta, provolone, egg, ramp aioli and served with herbed fries.

The large bar with its orange ‘lava’ countertop and the dining room with its comfortable banquettes attract a hip happy hour crowd from adjacent hotels and local companies.  A fun cocktail is the “Fig”etaboutit, a blend of bourbon, vodka, fresh lemon juice, Amaretto and Angostura bitters.

VB3 is located on the ground floor of the Monaco building and is well worth a visit to trendy Jersey City.

475 Washington Blvd.

Jersey City

201-420-4823

www.vb3restaurant.com

Monday – Saturday Lunch – 11AM to 4PM. Dinner – 4PM to 12PM

Sunday brunch – 11AM to 3PM. Dinner 5PM to 10:30PM

Lounge is open Friday and Saturday from 12AM to 3AM

Happy Hour – Monday – Friday 5PM to 7PM

Filed Under: Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
27 April 2012 Spruce – A Divine Food Experience in San Francisco

Spruce – A Divine Food Experience in San Francisco

April 27, 2012 By

Spruce, located in the posh Presidio Heights neighborhood, is an elegant yet comfortable restaurant where locals and food and wine enthusiasts meet to unwind and savor spot-on meals accompanied with interesting wines.

At Spruce, Chef Mark Sullivan features seasonal menus showcasing the freshest organic produce, naturally-raised meats and line-caught fish.  His fabulous food is paired with wines selected by Andrew Green to complete the outstanding gastronomic experience.

Some of the enticing starters at Spruce are the Heritage Pork Consommé ($14) – Swiss chard, Hamada cherries and smoked lardo, the White Bean Caramelle ($17) – haricot vert, speck with a mustard emulsion and the Hudson Valley Foie Gras ($23) – Vadouvan waffle, pear jelly and pistachio.

Making an entrée selection is beyond difficult considering the tempting options.  Slow Roasted Beef Short Rib ($31) – red wine farotto, erbette chard, young carrots and horseradish velouté, the Grilled Kona Kanpachi ($35) – preserved garden vegetables, clams, rice and Satsuma vinaigrette and the Charred Berkshire Pork Tenderloin ($30) – crispy pork belly with shelling beans.  Although of the highest quality, the Kanpachi was closer to an appetizer portion.  The Berkshire pork with its decadent pork belly counterpart and the short rib with the faro “risotto” were both stellar.

The wine list reads like a novel and features a good balance of affordable, interesting wines and classic cult favorites.  There are over 30 wines by the glass options and an extensive half bottle selection perfect for pairing with several courses.  Our party opted for the Gonet Medeville Brut Tradition NV, 2009 Fillaboa Granja Albarino Rias Baixas, the 2009 Coltibuono Chianti Classico and finally the 2005 Chateau La Tour Blanche Sauternes to end the meal.

Desserts like the warm apple pie with stout caramel ($10), the beignets with chocolate sauce and crème Anglaise and the Meyer lemon curd cake ($10) sound tantalizing, but with the exquisite dessert wine and port list, the artisanal cheese selection ($16) seems like an idyllic fit.

Spruce won’t disappoint food and wine enthusiasts with the highest of expectations.  I look forward to returning.

3640 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA 94118 (415-931-5100).

Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:30AM – 2:30PM, 5PM – 10PM.  Friday: 11:30AM – 2:30PM, 5PM – 11PM. Saturday: 5PM – 11PM.  Sunday: 5PM – 10PM.

 

Filed Under: Red Wine, Restaurant Reviews, Sparkling Wine, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
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