food with a view

latest posts

• act local, eat local: support Black-owned NJ restaurants
  I attended my first Black Lives Matter protest yesterday with my family and friends. Really, my first protest of any kind. I care deeply about a lot of things, but until now, attending a protest would not be my first form of activism. One of many things that are changing, hopefully for the better, hopefully forever. All change starts with small steps. This post is one of these steps — for myself, for my family, and I hope, for some of you....
• a food lover’s view: making the most of social distancing
  We live in unusual times. “The new normal.” “A virtual reality.” “Social distancing.” I would love to limit my use of these clever phrases to a good game of consultant-lingo bingo, but thanks to COVID-19, everyone is all too familiar with these terms and their far-reaching implications. How we eat is no exception. Restaurants and bars are shut down in most major cities. The grocery store supply chain is severely disrupted causing inventory challenges and shopper anxiety. Even avid home cooks are faced with the new reality of planning and executing three meals a day, every day, at home....
• Eat and drink local at The Cassidy Bar + Kitchen
  The Cassidy Bar & Kitchen opened in Maplewood in fall 2018 in the Clarus Building, a controversial addition to the heart of downtown Maplewood. South Orange natives and Maplewood residents Tom and Jennifer Carlin set out to create a restaurant that would simultaneously serve the local need for a casual burger and a beer and attract food-forward diners craving something new.  Did they succeed? In my view, yes....
• mediterranean memories at EVOO + Lemon
  We have always enjoyed Mediterranean food.  The food and wine adventure of summer 2018 catapulted our appreciation for the simple yet sublime flavors of Greek cuisine to new heights.  Characterized by so many of my favorite things, Greek cuisine features grassy olive oil, bright and citrusy lemon, fresh and flavorful herbs. Northern New Jersey is home to a number of restaurants serving authentic Greek cuisine alongside Greek-influenced dishes that feature the culinary delights of the entire Mediterranean....
• date night redux: two years later
  Hard to believe, but it has been over two years since I posted one of my most-used restaurant lists and the inspiration behind food with a view. I rounded up my favorites and featured 100 Steps, which later grabbed top honor as my favorite restaurant.  Date nights are on my mind lately, as we celebrated 23 years of dining out together on April 12. Our shared love of a good meal is high on the list of reasons for the longevity of this particular love story! So what to do with all those anniversaries and milestones?  Update the list, of course!...
• food, fun and fusion at Talde Jersey City
  Talde Jersey City (or “Talde JC”) offers unique pan-Asian dishes with broad appeal and a welcome thread of authenticity that food-diverse locals have come to expect. The signature dishes showcase Chef Dale Talde’s experience bringing high quality Asian-inspired fusion to American restaurants. Recent additions reflect the lighter touch of Chef Ruby Felix, expanding the range and palette of the Talde experience. Add up all the elements: creative dishes designed for sharing, vibrant, industrial-chic decor, plus drinks thoughtfully harmonized with the flavor-packed food, and you have yourself a delicious date night....
• a culinary adventure in Paris, part two
  Welcome back!  I hope you enjoyed part one of our culinary adventure through the city (and food!) of Paris. In part two, we will get to the good stuff — the restaurants. My full list of favorite places I have visited, from delicious croissants to start the day to that last glass of wine to end the evening. From cheap and cheerful to wallet-busting Michelin stars. And everything in between. ...