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! … [Read more...]
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. … [Read more...]
seasonal fare, exceptional service: summit house
Summit House, in Summit, NJ, is one of the latest additions to the long-awaited restaurant overhaul so desperately needed in the area. I like to give new restaurants some space before jumping to form a view. Even the best sometimes need time to find their rhythm. Not needed here: from my first visit, I knew Summit House was different. Right from the start, the team delivered the delicious food and excellent service I have now come to enjoy time and again. Whether it is a casual lunch, date night, or a meal with friends, Summit House makes every meal feel special. … [Read more...]
a step full of surprises: the kitchen step in jersey city
The Grove Street area of Jersey City is well into a welcome culinary renaissance. New restaurants are arriving monthly, many rivaling the best of the New York City dining scene. Plenty are worth the trip from the city or nearby New Jersey towns, and Ryan DePersio’s The Kitchen Step is no exception. The Kitchen Step does "step" away from the elevated classic Italian of chef DePersio’s highly regarded Fascino, moving us towards a more modern eclectic menu and vibe. While the ever-present farm-to-table trend makes an appearance, chef de cuisine Robert Carnero doesn’t let the same old, same old dominate the offerings. … [Read more...]
head for The Hills Tavern in Millburn
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...]
