Common Lot arrived over 18 months ago, challenging the area restaurant mold with its elegant irreverence. Early reviews from established critics were excellent. Some locals may have whispered about the "unusual" menu and wondered where the pasta and bread went. But in my view, Common Lot began what is [hopefully] a journey towards higher quality, more diverse restaurant options for the food-savvy northern NJ diner. We will perhaps, one day, look back on the arrival of Common Lot as the crest of the new wave of better dining, and graciously thank the husband and wife team that ushered in a new era of eating out. … [Read more...]
Archives for January 2018
meal planning 101
January. For many of us, it is the season of renewal. A time to start fresh on something that did not go as well as we wanted it to last year. I am right there with you. I wrote earlier this month on my food goals for 2018, and one of them included sticking with a change in eating habits I started last year. I am personally choosing to follow a ketogenic diet (more on that here), but it doesn’t matter what you want to change. No matter the flavor, changing how you eat is hard. … [Read more...]
tasting menus: NYC under $100 and the best of northern NJ
My favorite dining out experience: the tasting menu. It is not for everyone, but for me, it is the perfect culinary experience. The tasting menu hits all the right notes: I don’t have to make any decisions, I am assured I am sampling the best the chef has to offer, and I get to try lots of different dishes. Bonus points awarded for sommelier-selected wine pairings. Add a romantic inn or luxurious hotel room and you have the perfect mini-getaway for any occasion, or no reason at all. … [Read more...]
![the best of the Barefoot Contessa [or, how I learned to cook]](https://i0.wp.com/foodwithaview.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Mustard-roasted-fish-Barefoot-Contessa-on-foodwithaview.jpg?fit=800%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=200%2C200)
