The Green Papaya

The little Thai place that I think everyone should know about.   When I think of Thai food I usually only think of Green Papaya.

Green Papaya

Home cooked meals are pretty awesome.  I appreciate any place that can capture that feeling/taste when they cook.   Green Papaya has been able to achieve such a feet.  I remember when I first ate here and I ordered the Pad Thai.  I was immediately surprised on how good it was.  Something about the flavor profile they are able to make is pretty awesome. 

I was also pleasantly surprised cause the place isn't fancy, which I truly appreciate.  I am not a complicated man, but I hate it when the decor doesn't match the food.  This place offers a simple concept that I think most restaurants need to follow, simple easy food  that is good and fun to eat.  

I can honestly say that I have tried most everything on their menu and was not disappointed at all.  I also think these guys make some of the best bubble tea in the area outside of NYC.   Seriously if you only come to this place for the bubble tea I would not blame you.  In-fact I am usually there once a month picking up an order of bubble tea.  

I do not know what else to say about this place.   I highly recommend going.  They make awesome simple food that is awesome to eat.  Simple food made great. 

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 Follow link below for more info

http://www.greenpapayanj.com/

Lotus Cafe

Chinese food is much like a pizza joint.  They are everywhere and most of the time they are pretty much the same.  They cook the same food and have the same menu.  But, sometimes you come across that special place that says no thanks to the cookie cutter formula that most others subscribe to.   This is one of those places.

Lotus Cafe

This place is weirdly found in a mini-mall area.  Yes, I know what you are thinking. Good food in a mini-mall that is unpossible!  Not only is it possible, it is a true story.  

When you walk into the place you will think you have walked into a normal Chinese restaurant  and you will have the instinct to walk away, RESIST IT!  Yes, the waiters can be a little rude, but I find it a partially charming.   The menu is somewhat traditional, large and with many choices. 

I know what is running through your head right now.  My credibility must be shot right now.  You are probably saying that this place is probably not worth the trip just because it seems so run of the mill.  I submit that it is quite in-fact the exact opposite.  

I will stray from the story for a bit to drive a point.  When you are going through a day and have a pleasant surprise, you are instantly uplifted.  This is that place.  It is a pleasant surprise, one that you would underestimate just from looks alone.  I say to you, do not be fooled about how the place looks, it's personality speaks volumes.  It's personality being it's food of course. 

Not only does the food come out in a relative quick time, but it comes out delicious.  I have yet to be really disappointed by the meals I have eaten there.  

If I may make several choices that has earned my love at this place.  First is the Sesame Chicken.  Second Sesame Prawn. Third Ginger Filet of Sole.  Fourth Sesame Steak.  Fifth Egg Roll.  Sixth Wonton soup.  These my readers/friends/random people is what makes this place so good.  I have yet to find another place to that makes these 6 dishes as good or better.  

Here is the score:

Service: 4

Food: 4.5

Decor: 4.5
Price: 4.5
Total: 4.3

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Follow link for more info

http://www.lotuscafenj.com/