July 2, 2013

Hiram's Roadstand: A New Jersey Tubular Meat Institution

Dives are refreshing; generally unpretentious, neither workers nor patrons harbor any delusional culinary expectations - in short, it is what it is. Hiram's Roadstand in Fort Lee is a veritable dive, and one that holds its ground as a revered tubular meat institution.

Last week, on our way back from Robbins & Franke, Mr. Hot and I couldn't resist the lure of Hiram's old school signage. We pulled off Palisades Avenue and into the lot that seemed to have more luxury vehicles than motorcycles and pick-up trucks. We walked in, determined it was a seat yourself establishment, and saddled up to the counter.

July 1, 2013

All Thai'd Up: Brookside Thai, Bloomfield, NJ

by Melody Kettle

“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?”

June 29, 2013

Chef Fischer, The Farm and '82 Pichon at Crystal Springs Resort

by Melody Kettle

There's nothing a good getaway can't fix! Whether you're trying to come down from a stressful undertaking, or trying to remember who it was you married ten years ago - getting away is a good thing.

Often times the problem is finding a good getaway. Crystal Springs, New Jersey's only four-season resort has enough angles and amenities to satisfy the oenophile, the agrophile, the gastronome, the Francophile, and general hedonist.

May 10, 2013

Dishcrawl Jersey City

by Melody Kettle

I would take a Dishcrawl over a Pubcrawl any day of the week. For food enthusiasts, a night to sample scrumptuous bites from some of Jersey City's local restaurants is the place to be. The idea is simple; food tasting, four restaurants, $45. Earlier this week, Jersey City's Dishcrawl ambassador, Alessia Arons, assembled a walking tour of Newport's waterfront section eateries: VB3, Michael Anthony's, Skylark on the Hudson and All Kinds of Whoopie.

May 7, 2013

Escape, Innovative Farm Dining, Opens in Montclair

by Melody Kettle

A rectangular blackboard hangs on an exposed brick wall in the dining room of Escape. It's a bill of fare, of sorts; a white chalk roster of New Jersey farmers and artisans from which chef and owner, Bryan Gregg, sources proteins and produce. Gregg is source-centric.

There's a gastronomic school of thought that says, "farm-to-table isn’t a trend - it’s the way it should be," and therefore food writers shouldn't be impressed with a chef just because he uses farm fresh ingredients and local purveyors.

May 6, 2013

Little India: Mausam Indian Cuisine Opens in Montclair

by Melody Kettle

Little India - that slope of Bloomfield Ave. in Montclair between Glenridge and North Willow Avenues - is sporting a new Indian restaurant. Sankalp & Trusha Trivedi, owners of Mausam restaurant, bar and banquet facility in Secaucus, as well as the Curry N Bites food truck, have brought their successful brand of Indian cuisine to Montclair.