Restaurants around here are getting a much-needed makeover. The Hills Tavern is the latest arrival, filling a very open need for casual, modern dining that doesn’t require booking a reservation months in advance. It honors the privilege of possession of a rare liquor license, creating a modern gastropub vibe with equal focus on food and drinks. … [Read more...]
for the love of beer – Trap Rock restaurant and brewery
Beer. Apparently I have missed out on this particular joy for the majority of my adult life. Which is too bad, because it turns out, it pairs perfectly with some of my favorite flavors in food. And more importantly, it’s yet another thing husband Gary and I can enjoy together, because it also turns out he’s a big craft beer fan. … [Read more...]
of course you are my favorite: 100 Steps
I am often asked to name “my favorite restaurant” in New Jersey. Lucky, I love pondering this question, and love the inevitable debate that follows even more. … [Read more...]
I need a drink.
BYO. It's a term that stands for "Bring Your Own", in reference to "bottle", "booze", or "beer" -- and I am not sure was in my vocabulary until we moved to Maplewood. These days, it's a way of life. … [Read more...]
tacos and tequila at Red Cadillac
We have lived in Maplewood for nearly 10 years, and yet somehow only recently discovered Red Cadillac. After years of settling for adequate, family friendly Mexican at Tinga and Cactus Charly (made more pleasant once we got over the idea of dragging a bottle of Patron with us to family taco night), my colleague Amy ordered us to run -- not walk -- to Red Cadillac on our next date night. We've never looked back. … [Read more...]
a modern supper club in millburn
Supper clubs conjure up images of big bands, swing dancing, and champagne in the classic coupé glass. I'd like to claim it all started with a love of classic movies of the 1930s and 1940s featuring the real big band leaders like Duke Ellington or Glenn Miller. The truth is I'm pretty sure I formed my impressions watching the nightclub scenes in The Great Muppet Caper. … [Read more...]
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