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 MoreFood Foto Friday: Lunch on the Patio at Highlawn Pavilion
There are few places in NJ as beautiful to dine at as Highlawn Pavilion in Eagle Rock Reservation. Though the dining room offers refinement and sweeping views, I prefer the al fresco patio - and especially the bar menu!
Here's a few pics for the food porn inclined from Highlawn. Tweet @melodykettle #foodiefriday.
Read MoreFood Foto Friday: Fascino, Montclair
Phonatic! Binh Duong, Vietnamese Restaurant in Bloomfield
Pho (pronounced "fuh") rhymes with "duh" and it's the only Vietnamese word I know. I'm a certifiable phonatic, and thanks to the globalization that brought Vietnamese cuisine to the US, I only need travel to Bloomfield for a satisfying pho fix.
Pho, a popular street food as well as the national dish of Vietnam, is essentially a rice noodle soup with broth, spices and herbs, and depending on what region of Vietnam you're eating, a variety of garnishes and sauces as well.
Read MoreFavorite 5: Beers of Summer
Rosé is trending - but, frankly, I prefer beer. It goes better with my brats, compliments my cut-offs, and doesn't snark at my flip-flops and green Vermont baseball hat. In short: Beer enjoys the moment without pretension, while rose, arguably, represents seasonal marketing for those seeking the "rosé state of mind."
Read MoreAll Thai'd Up: Brookside Thai, Bloomfield, NJ
“I’ll have the curry” I said, pointing to the menu item, “with bamboo shoots and -- ”
“No!” The server reprimanded me without a glance, "first number, then meat!”
“Oh! Okay, then I’ll have pork with number -- ”
“No! Number first!” Daggers shot from her eyes, and she looked at where my finger was pointing, with a note of disgust, she added, “You want green curry or red?”
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