Satis Bistro opened in 2010, adding a much-needed foodie destination to the waterfront scene in the Paulus Hook neighborhood of Jersey City. I cannot recall what originally drew us to this charming place. Maybe it was the description of the food as a modern, twisted European fusion of our favorite cuisines and dining experiences -- Italian trattorias, French bistros, Spanish tapas bars, and Portuguese sidewalk cafes. … [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...]
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...]
a taste of history at Boxcar
Boxcar is named for its quirky location -- the main building of the original Short Hills train station built in 1907. The renovated space houses a spacious restaurant, a cozy bar area, and an outdoor patio right on the train platform. It is relatively unassuming, tucked away in the beautiful residential streets, and not well-known among those who don’t use or pass through the Short Hills stop on their train ride. … [Read more...]
