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. … [Read more...]
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...]
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...]
common lot: a corner turned in north jersey dining
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...]
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...]
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...]
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