Heidi's Finest

Sorry for the late post reader(s) I got jammed up at my real job yesterday.  So, bakeries are pretty awesome.  How and/or can you really go wrong with one? They usually have that fresh baked goods which really just wet your appetite for something dessert-like.  Something about fresh baked goods when it hits your nose; something I would like to call a haunting aroma. 

Heidi's Finest 

This is a fine establishment that serves many baked goods, but specializes in German baked goods.  When I first walked into the place, I was blown away just from the smell of the baked goods.  As i walked to the glass case; I was like a kid in a candy store my nose pressed up the glass wanting to eat everything.  

As I make my order of a hot chocolate and some type of pastry that escapes my mind; i am instantly hit with a smell of waffle in the air.   Yes, they make waffles here.  At first I was confused and intrigued, but then I had to have it.  The amazingness that was happening in my nose had to happen in my mouth.  I quickly go back to the counter and request one for myself.  

It wasn't too long after that my waffle arrived to my table, it was not only big but fluffy.  I love a big fluffy waffle.  It was crisp on the outside and soft and amazing on the inside.  Not too much powdered sugar on top and just enough syrup to make it a complete meal.  

Now for the real story and/or spotlight here.  They have a semi-off menu waffle that I was introduced to by one of the staff, it was a waffle that had cinnamon and vanilla in it.   I looked at the girl behind the counter and asked her if it was any good.  She looked at me and said "it tastes like Christmas".  With that type of voucher how could I not order it.  Since I was already a fan of the regular waffle, how can I resist one that tastes like Christmas. 

 

The picture above should help sell the idea.  The waffle tasted exactly how you would think Christmas would taste like.  It was a waffle that almost tasted like there was a candy cane baked into it, but not in a bad way either.  

Oh also, the girls behind the counter are wearing traditional lederhosen, so that helps too.  All in all, this place is great for dessert and or coffee and or a place to relax.  

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Follow the link below for more information:

http://www.heidisfinestbakery.com/

The Lido

Have you ever found a place that just didn't look like what it's supposed to be?  A restaurant that literally just looks like a place with a sign above the door that says "open".  You walk in and the place looks like it hasn't been updated in about 30 years.  You eat the food and immediately blown away from the taste.  That is what I love doing.  I love a hole in the wall kind of place. 

The Lido

I was first introduced to this place a few years back and I cannot stop going back there for the food.  The outside literally looks like someone just converted a old garage into a restaurant.  You would actually think this place isn't a place to eat, but I assure you it is.  The interior is pretty much the same story.  It's old and out of date but I love it.  You look behind the bar and you will find appliances that you would have at home.  The tables and chairs haven't been changed in a while.  The ceiling is clean enough, but you can see the age. All I can really say is that the place has a lot of character.  I can honestly say that I feel at home there.  The type of place where the waitress is really nice, but not cause it's her job, cause she/he just wants to be nice.  

The service is great.  You can laugh and talk with the waitress about what is good on the menu.  You can pretty much order anything off the menu and be happy with it.  There are two particular dishes that I will talk about.  I believe these two dishes are the star at this place.

First  would be the sliced steak sandwich.  Basically sliced steak SMOTHERED in butter over bread and a side of fries.  When I say it is smothered I mean it's 40% steak 80% butter.  Yes, I know that doesn't make 100% but that's how much butter there is on the steak.  This is not a bad thing.  It somehow has a great balance to it.  the taste and texture of it all just plays well together.  It's like the day that peanut butter met jelly.  This is one of the only things I order from this place and I am happy with it.  

Second dish would be the pizza.  Their idea of pizza is awesome.  There are few places that I have found that make this type of pizza so well.  This pizza is the thin crust pizza.  A crust so thin and made so well it might as well be a cracker.  I am not joking here people.  This pizza is awesome sauce with a side of high fives all around, it's thin and flaky, tasty and great. I can probably eat a whole pie by myself (most likely two).  

If you are looking for a great hole in the wall type of place to eat at.  If you are looking for a surprisingly great meal.  Find this place and eat there.  I think you will enjoy it.

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Follow link for more info

http://www.lidoonline.com/Index.html

Harold's Kosher Market

Sandwiches are one of my favorite types of food.  A sandwich represents the infinite possibilities of life.  The best thing of it all is that it's simple.  Take two pieces of bread and or bread like product and put something in between. When I say something I mean anything (up to your imagination).  Yes, people create some staple sandwiches and most people eat on a daily basis, but a sandwich will allow you to divert.  You can ask for most anything to be made into a sandwich and it's probably gonna be awesome. 

Harold's Kosher Market

Most anyone can make a sandwich.  It's an easy process that is fairly hard to mess up.  Take what ever ingredients asked of you and put it in. Boom sandwich made please pay at the counter and enjoy the meal.  Like anything else that is "simple" or "easy" not everyone makes it the same.  Every deli has their own ways of slicing the meat and or cooking the meat and or sandwiching the meat and or ingredients.  One can really say most deli's are cookie cutter-esc.  I would reply to you that you have not been to the right deli.

There is this deli/Kosher Market in Paramus, NJ that I can say has a special place in my heart.  I have been a fan of hot pastrami on rye bread for a while.  When I am in the mood I would walk into a deli and ask for it and it's done.  I had no idea that it could get any better.  Hot pastrami is hot pastrami, it's all fairly the same across the board.  

Until the day Harold's Kosher Market found me.  Yes, they found me I did not find them.  I walk into the place and think to myself normal Kosher deli.  I walk into the back area take a number and wait my turn.  I ask the sandwich maker in the back for my hot pastrami.  He looks at me and asks what I want on it.  I reply "you can put stuff on it to make it better?"  He looks back at me as if I just committed a crime in front of him.  He then said okay I will put this together for you and you let me know if it's better.  

He didn't tell me what he put into it; he just told me to thank him later.   I walk away laughing and happy.  I pay for the sandwich and eat the sandwich in my car.  The first bite of the sandwich can only be described as wow.  The hot pastrami was at a perfect temperature, piled high and cut to perfection.  The extra ingredients put into it was inspired.  I had not known that you could improve on pastrami, but you can and he did.  I made quick work of the meal.  I walked back in and asked what he did.  He replied house made coleslaw and russian dressing.  I replied "that simple?"  He laughed and said your welcome.  

These guys set the bar for me as far as hot pastrami goes.  I know what you are saying what about Katz deli in the city.  Yeah they are good, but for a jerseyboy like me.  Harold's is my Katz.  The guys behind the counter are funny and know what they are doing.  There are sandwich makers and there are sandwich artists. They happen to be sandwich artists.  Go there eat.  Your welcome.

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Follow the link for more info

http://www.haroldskosher.com/

Samdan Restaurant

As part of my journey to healthier eating I have embarked upon finding a fresher food.  I have come to realize that grilled foods are fairly healthier than other foods.  That being said, it's hard to find a place that does grilled food well.  Most of the time most of the grilled foods you can find are of the Mediterranean origin (usually within an earshot of Greece).  As per any other "ethnic" food, everyone has their variation of recipes and what have you. 

Samdan Restaurant

Lamb is a hard meat to took.  Most any chef and or normal person would agree to that statement.   It's one of those types of meat that takes extra care to cook.   It's one of those types of meat that if over cooked you find yourself in the the rubber tire area; and on the other side undercooked and you have a bloody mess.   It takes time and skill to master, and most people can't or won't.   This place on a consistent basis has made some great lamb for me.  I honestly can say that this place is on my top three places that cooks awesome lamb.  I don't know if it's the cook or how they cook it, but I heart it all the same.

From the start of the meal, you get some really refreshing delights.   They start you off with this very freshly cut salad of tomatoes, zucchini and other fresh veggies in an olive oil dressing.  I often find myself looking forward to that part of the meal the most.   I am not a salad type of guy, but this is on my exception list.  It's super light and refreshing.   They bring a basket of warm pita bread to your table so I often combine the two.   That in itself is a meal.   I like to take my time and savor every bite of the salad, and like I said before I am not a salad type of guy.   This is a salad that can make a guy rethink his views on salads.   

The only thing I have ordered on a consistent basis is the lamb.  I can say that it's very consistent.  That in itself speaks volumes.   Being able to create a consistent lamb over rice is pretty awesome in my books.  And also, if you are in the mood for lemonade they make it very good here.  I would say that as far as lemonade goes it's number two on my list of awesome lemonade.  It's what I would consider coming close to the perfect lemonade.

The atmosphere and staff is very family friendly and welcoming. I would go as far as to say they make you feel like family.  The portions are large enough to fill your belly, but not over-sized to make you feel too full. 

So if you are looking for a great fresh meal that is prepared in a traditional, yet modern way go to this place.  It will give you a taste of the old country.

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For more information follow the link below:

http://www.samdanrestaurant.com/

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/

Burgerwood

By now you all should know that I love a good burger.  I am always in the hunt for a great burger joint with good food.  This means I have to take the great with the disgrace.  This place is a disgrace to any place that would consider itself a burger joint.

Burgerwood

Where to start with this review.  I will start with the staff.  While I applaud them for having a nice staff, that is really the only redeeming quality of that place.  I am not one to ask people to wear uniforms at a restaurant, but at least dress like you work there.  When I walked into this place I saw a couple kids just standing around.  Not until one of them walked up to me and asked if they could help me was when I realized they worked there.   

I am not one to tell people what to do or say, but there are a few things that you must consider when you work there.  When someone walks in, I think it would be nice to be greeted.  Something along the lines of "welcome to Burgerwood".  Also a name tag or apron would help distinguish a worker to a customer.  I honestly thought the kids that were waiting on me were regular people or customers until they started actually waiting on me.  

Information is KEY.  I asked about a few items on the menu and they seemed very unsure about themselves.   If staff cannot be sure about the product be sure to make them know.  I think customers will buy your product more when people are educated about the product they are selling.  

Also as far as decoration goes.  The previous place was a muscle maker grill.  I was in there a few times.  The decoration did NOT change.  I know things are expensive, but a can of paint won't hurt.  

As far as the food goes.  I rarely say this, but I HATE the food there.  It was borderline offensive.  I ordered corn souffle.  I have had some amazing corn souffle in my life, but this was not.  I know what you are saying.  "But Cezar you went to a burger place and ordered a corn souffle?"  Yes I did.  I did that to test them.  If you have something like corn souffle on the menu, something I would consider an odd ball for a burger joint.  I will order it just to see. 

I had some high hopes for the corn souffle because they said that it will be at least 15 min to get the order to me.  I thought it was because it was going to be fresh.  Fresh it was, but good it was NOT.  this thing was more like corn bread than corn souffle.  They had the gaul to not only say that this was corn souffle but charge $11 for it.  I paid $11 for corn bread.  I was very angry.  I tried this thing from all sides and angles.   This was corn bread.  I was tempted to throw the dish out.   

Seeing that the corn souffle was not that good, I did not have high hopes for the burger I ordered.  I was right not too hope high for it.  Just for future reference when you try to make a burger look fancy, sometimes you forget to make a good burger.  This place wants to make fancy burgers and forget about actually make good burgers.  The bread was too much bread for the burger.  They pile high the toppings therefore taking the attention away from the burger.  I took a bite of this thing and was very displeased.  I didn't even taste the ingredients.  All I tasted was disappointment.  I cleared off all the junk and tasted the meat itself, and was even more disappointed.  It was tasteless and unappetizing.   They didn't even season the meat.  

At the end of the day.  This place makes BAD food for high prices.  I DO NOT recommend going to this place.  Save yourself the money time and heartbreak.  I usually do not wish for places to gout of of business, but this place is an eye sore and needs to be replaced by someone that knows what they are doing.   

Their moto is five star burgers and more.  I say they are liars and for any foodie or anyone curious about this place.  STEER CLEAR of it.  It's not worth your time. 

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follow the link for more info:

http://www.burgerwoodnj.com/store/

Tea Fields

So I have been on the hunt for alternative places to dine with the mindset of a diabetic.  Sadly it is tougher than one would expect to find some place.

Tea Fields

There aren't many coffee shops that I consider a good place to eat.  Coffee and tea shops only really focus on those two aspects.  I walk past Tea Fields almost on a daily basis.  The store really didn't grab my attention, until one day I decided to walk into the place.  I found the place to be comfortable and friendly.  It felt as if I was at home ready to brew my tea or coffee.  

I walked up to the counter and made polite conversation with a lady behind the counter ( I later found out she owned the place).  In a passing conversation about my recent diabetes diagnosis, she recommended several of her dishes for me to eat.  I took her advice and ordered what she recommended.  

I ordered their house special salad and a bowl of soup.  You can ask anyone of my friends or family about my feelings on salad.  I am one not to eat salad if I can, but decided to order it anyways.  I was delightfully surprise it delicious.  The carefully picked and planned ingredients really tied the salad together.   mend going to tea fields.   You will find an amazingly friendly staff with a wealth of knowledge of their teas and products.  I person

I am one not to really will be going back several times d about how great the salad tasted.  It was light and refreshing.  The house made dressing really madeally boast about salad or healthy food, but I highly recom for the salad alone.   

Bai 5

I know this is unusual for me to package two posts at a time, but this has to be in here.  This is NOT about a restaurant, but a product.  I stumbled upon this drink a few weeks back at a local store.  I truly believe that is product is AMAZING.  

My nutritionist had advised me that fruit juices are really bad for diabetics.  Sadly I enjoy juices like many people.  So when i discovered this this drink, I thought it was a gift.   The calorie count is really low and the carb count is low as well.  They even advertise that it will not affect my blood glucose.  I believe that this is a perfect drink for diabetics.  You can get the juice drink you crave without risking a blood sugar spike.  I highly recommend you consume this drink if  you are diabetic.  This is a great alternative.  I will be drinking this for long time.

Sushi X

I have always been a fan of Japanese food, but much like Korean food, it really varies from cook to cook.  Also, they both tend to be on the higher price side.  I understand that the type of fish they use and how it is prepared must be taken into account, but sometimes I chose other types of food just because of price. 

Sushi X

Sushi has always been one of those types of meals that I did not really care for.  I have always found places that made the Sushi, but something was always a little off.  I have spent some time in Japan and because of that I am very picky when I eat Sushi here in the States, until I found this place.  

Sushi has always been, in my mind, a very one dimensional food.  The ingredients being the same across the board.  So, I always thought that Sushi was really just one note type of food.  Sushi X has shown me that it was not the food but the people who prepare it.  

For some reason, I have found that Sushi X cooks just make it right.  It tastes fresh and delicious and served straight from the kitchen.   I have found myself ordering things on their menu that I thought I would never order again.   

This restaurant  does so many things right as far as food goes.  I truly think that the food here is top notch.  They also create their own versions of rolls that I love.  I often find myself at this place just choosing once of everything on the menu.  

Oh, I almost forgot to mention, it is a all you can eat place.  I know what you are thinking/saying.  Those type of places have no soul and or a factory for bad food.  I say that you are wrong sir/ma'am.  This is a type of place that even though it is a "buffet" everything is made fresh to order.  Like I put in my order and I have to wait for a few minutes for it to come out of the kitchen and or sushi chefs.  

If I have anything bad to say about this place, it would be about the service.  SOMETIMES, when they are NOT busy they forget about the clients.  It's is funny how that works in that place.  I have been there when it is jammed up with people and I have had the best service.  Then I go there when there is NO ONE but me there and I am forgotten about.  

I do highly recommend for you to go there and eat.  It is some of the best sushi I have ever had.  

Here is the score:

Service: 3.8

Food: 5

Decor: 5
Price:4 (high priced, but worth it because of the food.)

Total:4.45

 

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Follow link for more information:

 

https://plus.google.com/107254234927957162397/about?gl=us&hl=en

 

 

Tito's Burritos

So, it has been a while.  I had to take a hiatus for a while, but I have returned with a stack full of places to eat at, so I figure we are all good. 

Tito's Burritos

I have been on the hunt for a really good taco/burrito place for a very long time.  I have found that most places that fancy themselves as a taco/burrito place have little to no clue.  Sometimes I find places that just out and out disgrace the idea of taco/burrito, such as most any food I like.  Finding that special place is somewhat rewarding once you actually find it, or in my case it finds me.  Tito's Burritos is that one place.

The place is a simple and clean place.  It's not too fancy nor does it try to be fancy.  It presents itself in the manner much like a person.  The place has what I like to call character, it's bight and welcoming.  The menu was not only fun to read but easy as well.   The choices of food are simple and straight forward.  That really was the first step of winning me over.  I love a menu that isn't cluttered and has way too much to choose from.  I love a menu that says here I am this is what I offer take it or leave it.   I chose to take it.  

I had many chances to try most to all of the things on the menu, and I have not been disappointed yet.  The one thing that really sticks out of my mind are the fish tacos.  Now, most people that know me well, know that I hate fish.  This is one of the few exceptions  of eating fish.  This is one of the few foods in which I feel obligated to order.  Never have I had a fish taco so well made and rewarding. 

Let me paint a picture.  Lightly fried white fish, when I say lightly I mean it's not greasy at all.  Like when I think fried fish I think of fish that taste more of oil than fish.  This is the exact opposite.  So, it's the fish then shredded cabbage, cilantro lime, and sauce pico de gallo salsa.  All held together by a hard shell taco and a soft shell.  

Oh man, that fist bite into it is/was/and always will be amazing for me.  No matter how many times I have had it.  That first bite into that taco takes me to places that I want to go to.  This taco is a journey for my taste buds and my emotions.  For those who know me well, I usually eat my food quickly.  This is one of those meals that I stop and reflect.  I savor the journey this taco takes me on.  

I would HIGHLY recommend going to this place.

Here is the score:

Service:5

Food: 5

Decor: 5
Price: 5
Total: 5

 

This place is totally beyond my highest scores, but there it is kids.  I will ALWAYS be a fan of Titos Burritos.  It has earned a special place in my heart.  The bar has been set high.

 

 

P.S.

 

I highly recommend getting their fried plantains.  It's pure deliciousness.  *WARNING* not for consumption if  you have diabetes and or trying to lose weight and or watching what you eat and or don't like sugary things.  Otherwise, have at it. 

 

 

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 For more info please follow link:

 

 

http://www.titosburritos.com/index.html

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/

 

Country Pancake House

Breakfast is a meal that I love to eat at any time.  This meal is good at any time and place period.  One of my favorite meals is breakfast for dinner!  I know people say you can't start the day without breakfast; sometimes it's hard to end the day without it either.

Country Pancake House

BEST BREAKFAST EVER.  Yes, I said it and I meant it.  They make some of the best breakfast food I have ever had ever.  When I think of breakfast, I think of these guys.  No exaggeration here people.  There are so many reasons why this place is great and I will go into great detail about it.

Pancakes:

They make some of the fluffiest and most tasteful pancakes around.  The smallest pancake is the size of a normal dinner plate and they give you 4.  Then you can also order the big one which is literally the size of a pizza pie and they give you 2.  The best and most interesting part is that it does not taste like batter.  When you make a pancake that size, being undercooked is always an issue.  They have found a way to avoid that issue.  

Menu:

Huge.  That's all I can say.  Sometimes I hate a huge menu.  Huge menus easily confuse me, but this is the exception, it's very easy to read and also be tempted. 

Other food:

They make everything good here.  Like everything, meaning eggs to burgers.  That's right they also make burgers.  I am a burger fan and they make one hell of a burger.  It's big and sloppy, just the way I like it.  Do not get me wrong, I prefer a burger that does not fall apart, but this is a real burger that keeps true to the spirit of burgers.  

I know I am jumping around a little bit, but here is a story of what happened to me one time there.  I ordered a normal meal from them and asked for a side of bacon.  Usually when I ask for a side of bacon, I get like 4 strips.  These guys served me something that looked like half a packet of bacon.  This is the only place I have ever said "that's way too much bacon".  Once I said it, I retracted it and proceeded to eat it all.   

There is so much more to talk about for this place.  For instance, they make fresh juice.  They squeeze and make their own juices. 

Here is the score

Service: 3.8 (can be slow at times, but only because this place can get packed.  I once stood in line to eat here for an hour, true story.)

Food: 5

Decor: 5

Price: 5 (great food at cheap prices!)
Total: 4.7

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Follow link for more info.

http://countrypancakehouse.net/

U Pie Company

Pizza is very much a staple food.  I have traveled to many a places around the world and everyone seems to have their own version.  I am not here to tell you which version is the best.  I love my pizza and everything it represents.

U Pie Company

This is a small place located in the heart of Englewood NJ.  This is going to be a simple and easy review.  I would rank this place on my top 3.  Now that is a bit of a high standard considering that I have been to many pizza places.  The following is why I think this way.

First they make your pizza order a personal sized pizza, but not the crappy circular 4 slice ones.  The personal pizza comes in a oval and with 6 slices.  It's kind of a mini sicilian pie, and the best part it was all for me!

I do not know what this cook does to make this pizza so good, but I can't ask him to stop.  He makes this pie as if it were cooked in brick oven.  Yes, I said it "as if".  He makes this pizza out of a oven.  I am not saying that pizza made from an oven is bad, but i honestly prefer brick oven.  The quality and flavor and everything about it can be taken to the next level because of the brick oven.  This man was able to pack in so much flavor and awesomeness into his pies but he does. 

This man got it right.  He represents what is right about food.  He makes it clean, tasty, cheap, surprising, comfortable and best of all easy.  So here is to you sir making that pie for me at U Pie Company you did it right.

Service: 4 ( a little slow at times)

Food: 5

Decor: 4

Price: 5 (great food at cheap prices!)
Total: 4.5

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follow link for more info

http://www.yelp.com/biz/u-pie-company-englewood

sorry they don't have their own web site.

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 EDIT: 2-8-2013

Sadly I passed by this place today and it was closed for good.  It makes me sad when I see good places go out of business.  I will miss their food.  

Filling Station and The 9W Market

I don't know why I haven't written a review about this place.  This is by far my number one place to go eat.  I consider this place to have some of the best food I have eaten period.  No joke or exaggeration here people, this is the place to eat at.

Filling Station and The 9W Market

This place is almost literally located in the middle of nowhere.  I have to drive almost 20 min just to get to the place from my house.  This place is surrounded by farm land and trees.  That is one of the major reasons why I love this place.  The fact that I can have a quiet place to eat and get away from the world.  This is a retreat for me, almost a mini-vacation.   This place to tucked away from the world that I often get lost in my mind and just enjoy the area.  I would say that this place is perfect in any season, even considering that most of the seating is outside.  

Lets talk about the food.  This is kind of complicated because the Filling Station and The 9W Market are two different places that share the same land and owners.  One is strictly a burger and ice cream shop and the other is a hot food and drink almost cafe type of place.  I will review both.

Filling Station

One word is all I need for this place.  This word is amazing.  They have found the secret to making the best damned burgers and fries that I have EVER eaten period.  When I eat a burger or french fries I use the Filling Station's burgers and fries as the bar.  When I first ate their burgers I literally heard a symphony in my mind.  Up to that point I thought I knew what a burger was, then I was educated.  This place takes  burgers and fries to a new and amazing place.  The texture, flavor and taste of that first bite was so great.  Honestly I wish I was a poet to be able to really put the food in better words.  The burger I ate was a kobe beef burger and it was just out of bounds awesome.  I know what you are saying.  Kobe beef is good all the time, and I agree.  So I also ate their regular burger and it was on the same level as the Kobe beef burger.  

So eat the burger here, and change your life.  You will never look at burgers the same again.  

The 9W Market

This place is kind of like a cafe and or coffee shop with an amazing kitchen to boost.  I have eaten many of their dishes and drank many of their drinks.  Honestly, I cannot say much more than may I have more.  I can spend days there just eating their food and desserts.  Their desserts are also one of my favorite things ever to eat.  Sometimes they have some homemade pies that really just blow me away.  They also feature one of my favorite iced teas ever, Joe Tea.  I can really sit here and talk about all the food there, but I think I will just run out of words to use.

Overall

Both shops are equally amazing.  I love to eat at both places all the time.  The staff is super friendly and amazing.  The food is cooked great and made great.  Some of the best highlights is that they use all organic food.  No hormones or steroids here people, all free-range and grass fed animals.  All the veggies are also all organic, no pesticides and chemicals.  Their bread comes from one of the best bakery's in the area, the balthazar bakery.   

So if you want to taste and eat real food, this is the place to go.  I am serious here people.  This is my favorite place to go to eat.  I almost did not review it just so that I can keep this place to myself, but I want to keep them in business.  Oh, I forgot to mention that this place is frequented by bicyclers so you may see a few of them there. 

Here is the score:

Service: 5
Food: 5

Decor: 5

Price: 2 (on the expensive side for the food, but worth the price tag)
Total: 4.25

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Follow link for more info

http://the9wmarket.com/

Smokey Joe's

OK. When I think of BBQ. I think of smoked pork with a equal amounts of love, flavor and portions. Southern BBQ is one of my all time favorite foods to eat, it is my comfort food. Just great food all together. My issue with this type of food is that everyone thinks that they can copy it or pass theirs off as an alternative. This is one of those instances of trying to make something more than what it is.

When I go a restaurant that claims to have southern BBQ, I expect to feel like a place of BBQ. I would expect to smell the smokey grill and pork in the air. I expect the place to be everything anyone would expect a BBQ place.

Smokey Joe's is located in New Jersey in the town of Teaneck. I had heard that this place had some inspired BBQ dishes. I had my doubts, they were to be confirmed.

I walk into the establishment and I was not so kindly greeted by some man. He gave me a look as if I were out of place or I walked into the wrong restaurant. I shrugged it off and proceeded to my table. As he left he told me that my server will be out shortly to greet me. I assumed shortly meant within 2 min. I was at my table waiting for about 10 min before I had attention. I know what you are thinking, there must have been a lot of people there. No there wasn't, there was one other family there. So it wasn't that this guy was too busy. When the waiter approached he did not introduce himself or welcome me either to the restaurant. I proceed their "signature" dish, brisket with sweet potato wedges and vegetables.

That is what I had to deal with at first. Let me talk about everything else. The decoration and layout felt more like a place to eat Mediterranean or Spanish food. The walls were colored with a color only to be described as pumpkin. Music being played seemed a better fit for Temple then a southern BBQ place. Oh yes I forgot to mention that this place was Kosher. 

While I waited for the food they brought out some cornbread and some type of preserve. The cornbread was fresh and hot, but it was too dry. The preserve was very well made. It was sweet and savory, it complimented the cornbread very well.

I also wanted to touch on their menu. It was big, confusing and with very little selection. Their food was very poorly marked off. I had to read the menu several times to actually find some other dishes.

The food finally comes out and I was fairly excited. It came out faster than I had expected.

Yes, it looks good, but you know what they say about looks they can trick you. I started with the vegetables. They were very well prepared. The flavor was there. Then I moved onto the brisket. The first bite was great. I had to kind of take a step back of how good it was, but I also realized that I was very hungry at that point. So I continued to eat and realized all the faults. There was not enough sauce. The sauce really made the plate amazing. It really brought out the flavor and texture of the brisket. The issue was that there was not enough. I don't know why they didn't use it more on the meat. I am sure it was not to overpower or take away from the meat itself. As I ate I realized that the brisket was overcooked. It was taking me more time to chew the meat. I was hypnotized by the sauce. I am going to guess that the sauce has a lot of Asian influence to it. It was sweet and savory, it didn't really taste like traditional "gravy". So I asked for more of it so I can power through the meal. It saved the meal all together. Then I came upon one slice that did NOT have any sauce. I was curious. I ate a slice and was immediately turned off. It was overcooked, dry and tasted almost like cardboard. I immediately put the sauce on it to cove the taste up.

Here is the score
Service: 1
Food: 2
Decor: 1
Price: 1
Total: 1.25



I do not recommend going to this place. They are trying very hard to be something that BBQ is not. They tried to make it fancy and sophisticated.

My final note. I left the restaurant hungry. That is a shame on them. BBQ is known for its large portions and heartiness. I should have left that place satisfied and full. Instead I left hungry, disappointed and broke. The meal cost me $30 with tip.

NOT WORTH IT.

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follow link for more info

http://smokeyjoesbbq.com/

Mr. Tod's Pie Factory

Pie.  I have been on a very long quest to find some really good pie for a long time.  There are few places in my area that only specialize in baked goods.  Those places are more likely to be a cupcake place.  So I have been on a quixotic journey to find it, only to find it right in front of my eyes.

Mr. Tod's Pie Factory

This place is literally 4 blocks away from my house.  I have passed by it so many times and not given it a second thought.  I honestly thought it was a pizza place.  When someone says pie to me, I think pizza.  So, naturally I never walked into the place.  

One day I was in the area of the restaurant and I decided to walk in, I wanted to grab a slice.  I was expecting pizza and all the stuff that came along wit it.  I walked up to the counter and was surprised with baked goods.  My fist thought was "oh wow this pizza place has desserts up front"  and as I looked around I came to realize that I was an idiot.  I saw that this "pie" factory was meant for baked goods.  So I adjusted my line of thinking and looked at the variety of food they had.  

Oh man can I tell you that they had quite the variety of baked goods indeed.  The young man behind the counter was nice and very helpful.  He suggested the mini peach cobbler and their apple crumble.  I was more than happy to accept his suggestions because those two were my two favorite type of pies.

I asked for them to be heated and of course with a scoop of ice cream.  I cannot tell you how delicious these two were.  I have been a big fan of peach cobbler for years.  I have a high standard because I have a friend that makes them for me.  I use her peach cobbler as the bar because it's so amazing and this place came so close to hitting that bar.  The apple crumble was just all around so good.  I cannot complain about anything from this place.  Plus, it was cheap so everyone wins. 

 That is what I ordered. 

Here is the score:

Service: 5
Food: 5

Decor: 5

Price: 5 (great food at cheap prices!)
Total: 5

In short, if you like pie and not the pizza kind, go to this place.  They are super friendly and helpful.  

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Follow link for more info:

http://www.whybake.com/

Best Dumplings

So I started writing this review and it kinda sounded like I was phoning it in.  I cannot do that to my reader(s), plus this place is good.  This one will be a short review though.

They decided to name their business "Best Dumplings".  In my experience of dumplings I think they forgot to use the word "EVER".  I might be exaggerating a little bit, but the dumplings here are that good.

This is a small place tucked away in Englewood, NJ.  Actually you would probably miss it if you weren't looking for it. 

They offer many types of dumplings and two styles of preparations.  They offer chicken, beef, and vegie steamed or fried.  I honestly can tell you that they are ll equally good and delicious.  I often buy two different types in bother either steamed or fried. There is only one word I can use for the dumplings.  Delicious.  I love their dumplings because they are made with love and fresh.  If you go around back you can actually see them make the dumplings by the bag.

Oh, I forgot about the dipping souse.  This souse is like having fireworks on a normal night. 

The staff is super friendly and the place is tiny.  There is really only one table to eat at, so needless to say get your food to go. 

I am not saying that this is spectacular.  I am saying that this place is very good for a very good meal.  So if you are looking for something different and good.  I am a big fan of this place.  I do believe that these are the best dumplings in the area. 

Here is the score:

Service: 5

Food: 5

Decor: N/A

Price: 5 (great food at cheap prices!)

Total: 5

YES! That is my first 5! HAZZZAH!

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 For more info please follow the link


Here is the score:


http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/53/1494770/restaurant/North-Jersey/Best-Dumplings-Englewood

The Blind Boar BBQ

I love barbeque.  When I say love, I mean love.  There is something about BBQ that I cannot say no to, it means so much to me.  I don't know what it is about BBQ, the food or the flavor but I just can't resist.  I have a high standard for it as well.  I know good QUE when I have it.

The Blind Boar BBQ

This place is located in a town called Norwood, NJ.  As many of you would speculate, a good BBQ place would be hard to find in NJ.  You would be right.  I have traveled much of NJ in search of good que and have turned up a handful that I can say is amazing.  

Lucky, this has reached that level.  The Blind Boar has earned a spot, in my mind, in the top 3 BBQ joints in NJ/NY area.  I know what you are saying, NY has a ton of great BBQ places.  Yes, I agree and have eaten in most to all of them already.  Blind Boar is still on my list of top 3, and that is with Dallas BBQ in mind.  

The atmosphere was great.  I felt as if I was out somewhere outside of NJ.  Yes, they had all the ornamental decor out there to sell the idea of southern feeling.  I actually enjoyed it.  When I walked into the place I was instantly greeted by a haunting aroma of BBQ.  Like the smell of their food made my mouth water instantly.  I was then greeted by the owner, Mario, and the hostess.

I walked into one of their rooms that I could only assume is their main dinning hall.  It was pleasant and made me feel very comfy.  The menu was super easy to read and understand, the only problem was that I wanted to eat it all.  They had some fantastic menu items that made me salivate.  The waiter walked over and introduced himself to us and started off with pleasantries.  He was actually very pleasant and easy to talk to.  Oh I forgot to mention, they had my favorite beer on the menu, Rogue Dead Guy ale,  that alone should make you want to go there.

I happened to be there with my friends, so we decided to order "The Killer" Combo Platter.  Which consisted of 2 types of Ribs, half a chicken, pulled pork, 4 sides and cornbread.  I was indeed very happy to see this on the menu.  That meant I was going to taste everything I wanted to eat.  Oh, this is also a food challenge.  If you were to finish this place alone within 2.5 hours, your meal is free and you get your picture on the wall.   Needless to say, challenge accepted.  I plan to come back sometime very soon to accept and defeat the challenge.  And I will document it, via pictures or video. 

Anyways, back to the food, it was great.  I haven't had this type of great BBQ in quite some time.  Their Memphis style was fantastic.  It was smoked to perfection and fell apart and melted in my mouth. Their Dr.Pepper baby back was phenomenal.  It was sweet and tangy at the same time, and it had great texture and flavor.  The BBQ half chicken was a surprise, I half expect any and all chicken to be dry.  This chicken was moist all throughout.  The pulled pork was good as well.  I love the sauce, but the pork was a little dry to my preference.  The cornbread was stuff from my dreams, it was just so good.  The four sides were good too, I wish I just had more of it.  My friends had ordered iced teas, it came in mason jars.  I fell in love once I saw the mason jars.

I cannot say any more.  I loved the place.   I loved the food.  I loved everything about it.  This is a MUST GO.  If you enjoy BBQ and good food, this is the place for you.

Here is the score:

Service: 5

Food: 4.9

Decor: 4.5

Price: 5 (great food at cheap prices!)

Total: 4.7

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 Follow the link below for more info

http://www.theblindboar.com/

Rutt's Hutt

I recently visited this place.  I have decided not to write a review, instead I will write a love letter.

Rutt's Hutt

To whom it may concern:

I came to visit your place of work and try your food.  I really appreciate what you gave to me.  Some would think that a hotdog is a hotdog.  They are wrong, oh so very wrong.  What you have given and or made for me was, for lack of a better term, magic. 

I do feel that your exterior and interior feels a little outdated, but it adds so much character.  I also do feel that your employees need to be more welcoming, but again part of your charm.  Something about your facility just felt like I was at a friends place.  I did also enjoy the option of having beer/liquor with my food.  Your establishment just feels like I could be there right before a Jets game.  

 Now I just feel like I must show what I bought from you. 

 Yes, Hotdog and your onion rings.  Your homemade relish and mustard was magnificent.  They came together like they were meant for each other.  Did i mention that the fact that you deep fry your dogs is just so great.  If I had a choice I would throw bacon onto it, but then again I would put bacon on everything.  The onion rings were top notch, I have had better but it was fantastic. 

 To answer your question, yes it was so good that I had to get it twice. 

So Rutt's Hutt, I heart you.  It is hard for me to say that because I have another other hotdog place that was special to me for years.  I cannot say that you have replaced them, but you have come close to beating them, only if you had chili cheese dogs. 

To sum it up.  It was a great meal for cheap.  Atmosphere is okay, an acquired taste and or open mind to go into it.  Service was okay.  I really do wish they had an option to add chili to the cheese hotdog.  I don't know why they don't do it.

Here is the score:

Service: 3.7 (They weren't rude, but they weren't nice either.  I got my food)

Food: 4.6 (Deep fried dog is great, but they didn't have the choices I wanted)

Decor: 3.8 (Not dirty, not clean.  Feels outdated.  I loved it)

Price: 5 (great food at cheap prices!)

Total: 4.3


 Hugs and kisses

___

 Follow link for info

http://www.ruttshut.com/

Rudy's Ristorante and Pizza, Closter NJ location

Like any foodie, I love to find surprises in places that are unexpected.  I love to find that little hole in the wall with mind blowing food.  

Rudy's Ristorante and Pizza

Here is some quick history. Rudy's was established back in 1963 and pretty much seems like it hasn't changed since then.  I am sure that they have done a few things to the decor over time, but I am fairly certain that most of the stuff inside that place is double my age.  This is by far not a bad thing at all.   I actually enjoy that fact, it gives the place a certain type of character.  Yeah, it's a little dated and a little old fashioned for my taste, but it works.

Let's talk about menu, it's simple and easy to read and choose.  That earns a couple points in my book.  I don't think they have really made any real updates or changes to it in years, and that is great.

I had heard through various sources that there is a hidden star in the menu.  The Chicken Scarpariello was supposed to be an amazing dish to be had at this place.  I happen to agree. 

I do usually take pictures of my food, it is a habit of mine.  I have been debating on if I should put pictures of what I eat.  I decided only on special occasions when my words fail me shall I put a picture.  There is really no amount of words to describe what you are about to see

Yup, you see that little dish on the top right.  You are given a choice of what type of pasta you want with that monster in the middle.  Then you can also request for some nice fresh bread.  When I say fresh, I mean still hot from the oven.  The bread is all warm and soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside.

The chicken cooked to perfection and so is everything else.  There is Italian sausage in there too that really works so well with the chicken the and sauce.  Talking about the sauce, I could just eat the sauce and be a happy little boy.  Give me a basket full of bread and a bowl full of that sauce and call it a day.

This was by far a great dish made with love and care.  It was so completely amazing. Yes, I believe this dish is built for two.  I did not care, I finished it by myself and enjoyed every little bite.  I should have taken a picture of what it looked like when I finished.  Lets just say that there was very little or nothing left on the plate.  The plate didn't need to be washed cause I cleaned the sauce with the bread.  

Okay here is the score:

Service: 4

Food: 4.5

Decor: 3.3

Price: 4.3 (good price for great food)

So a total score of 4.  Not bad for a place that is located inside a mini-mall.  I would say not bad at all.  I will definitely come back again.  Old school Italian food with lots of love and flavor.  You really have to come here to experience it.

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 Follow link for more info.

http://www.rudyspizza.com/

Greek Village

I love finding places that feel like I am at home.  This is a place that I often pass but never really walked into until a few days ago.  I have been and always will be a fan of restaurants that cook food as if my mom or someones mom cooked it.  There is a certain amount of love that you can taste in each bite of the food.

The Greek Village

This is a nice little place that you would certainly just drive by if you are not looking for it.   Even though it is located on a main street, you would probably just pass on by without a thought.   I would say that you would be making a mistake.  

I have always enjoyed Greek food.  In fact at one point within this past year, it was the only thing I was eating.  On a whim and strong encouragement from a friend, I was asked to go eat at this place.

At first I had my doubts because it looked like any other Greek restaurant to eat in.  Actually this place looked more like a deli with seating in it.  The menu offered the same items like any other Greek place.  The good thing about this place was not only was it super clean but at that time I was eat (off peak hours), all tables were full.  That speaks volumes as that means it's popular at any given time. So my doubt turned into excitement.  

I know that the main attraction to most Greek places is the lamb.  Anyone that has tried to cook a lamb knows the difficulty level of how it is prepared.  So I order one of my favorite dishes to order, Lamb Kokinisto.  A dish that is made of lamb, orzo and some type of tomato sauce with cinnamon.  I also ordered a plate of their meatballs and Greek fries.  From what I believe, this is a well rounded meal that would show off their cooking skills and flavor profiles.  

Lamb Kokinisto:

I NEVER had lamb as well prepared as this.  I was under the impression that lamb, though good and flavorful, was a bit on the chewy side.  This lamb fell apart and melted in my mouth as if it were butter.  The orzo was prepared well, I had better orzo in my life.  The orzo needed to be cooked just a little more in my opinion.   The sauce was literally the cherry on top.  It was the glue that brought the whole dish together.  This particular Lam Kokinisto just reset my bar for this particular dish.

Meatballs:

Can I tell you right now, that I still dream of these meatballs.  When I ordered them, I expected just regular meatballs.  I was so very wrong.  Words cannot describe how amazing these meatballs were.  A nice hard, but not too hard, crust on the outside and soft and delicious inside.  Perfection in every littler bite I had.  The meatballs came with a scoop of mashed potatoes.  The mashed potatoes had a vinegar taste to it, but combine the mash with the meatballs... welcome to flavor town.  This particular dish was the main attraction for me.  I was completely blown away from the flavor, texture and taste of it.  

Greek Fries:

Greek fries were kind of run of the mill.   The only thing that stood out was they use steak fries instead of shoestring.  

The environment is clean and very Greek (by that I mean white and blue colors everywhere).  The staff was pleasant and helpful.  The prices were better than I expected. 

So here is the score:

Service: 5

Food: 4.3

Decor:3.8

Price: 3.8

All in all 4.2

I highly recommend going just for the meatballs.  I cannot express how much I enjoyed that one dish there.  

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Follow the link for info.  Unfortunately they do not have a website.

https://plus.google.com/115897027005387203397/about?gl=us&hl=en