a pizza history

It was thirteen years ago that I met one of my good friends and although I don’t see her often, when I do, it’s like nothing has ever really changed. In high school (Catholic high school), the teachers always sat us alphabetically which I believe is one of the main reasons we became friends. All I had to do was slightly turn around and we would crack jokes about how annoying school was, how this one teacher was WAY too into english, or even how the Chem teacher looked like a fairy from Sleeping Beauty. Although we don’t go to school anymore or even work together, one of our main common denominators is our love for good food.

One Friday, we decided to head over to Arturo’s in Middletown, NJ. As we navigated our way through some back roads, we ended up in a quaint little downtown and our destination awaited us on the corner full of food lovers alike waiting their turn for a seat. The wait was over an hour but there was no way we were turning back now. We were in it to win it. And that’s exactly what we did.

After waiting a bit, we were seated outside and we knew exactly what we wanted to eat. The menu is simple but everything sounded delicious. We first started off with the ricotta crostini and market salad (special). The ricotta crostini was made with slightly toasted bread, topped with fluffy whipped ricotta cheese, black sea salt, and drizzled with olive oil. The flavors blended so nicely to create a cloud of savoriness in your mouth. 

just beleaf

It’s really easy to find good pizza, burgers, bagels in New Jersey but what is not so easy to find is a really good salad. I mean really good without having to change your expectations and break the caloric intake for the day. I had faith though- faith that good salads were out there and that they were going to find me (or I find them- whatever, that’s just logistics). It took some time, as most things worth having do, but I finally found not one, not two, not three, but FOUR really good salads in just a couple of weeks. They’re out there people, you just got to believe.

Salad #1 comes to you from Stefano’s Pizza in Branchburg. Although this place seems like an ordinary pizzeria, what lies beneath the surface is something unexpected. It’s an outdoor oasis filled with trees, plants, a huge brick oven, and a wood burning fire place. You’d never know that you were in the middle of a strip mall when you enter. That being said, their Stefano’s Salad is just as satisfying to the palate as the decor is to the eyes.

soy special

There’s nothing better than eating dinner with people who are not technically related by blood but seem like they could and should be. These are the people that you would say are a step above your “friends” and the ones who bring out the best in you. They’re the people that make you forget your cell phone and that the outside world even exists- they help you escape. I’m sure there are people in your life you could think of that fit this kind of description. Well, at least I hope you can.

So long introduction short, I got to spend a special Saturday night at Sushi-O in Edison with the thing that I’ve cared about for a long time and I’m not just talking about the sushi rolls that I ate.

To start this amazing, very fulfilling meal, we ordered the miso soup and the kani salad.

The servings were HUGE. This wasn’t just a tiny bowl of miso soup but a full bowl of warm, salty broth loaded with tofu and scallions. And the kani salad wasn’t just a couple pieces of crab broken up and mixed with spicy mayo. It was an entire dish of crab mixed with this creamy and spicy condiment over a huge bed of lettuce.

To follow, we ordered WAY TOO MANY sushi rolls. This is a perfect of example of our eyes being so much bigger than our stomachs.

That was just one plate.

There’s the second.

I won’t go through and bore you by naming and explaining each one. But the bottom line of the story is… Every roll and piece of sushi is very fresh. The rolls were intricately created, designed, displayed, and eaten. The sauces mixed together forming explosions of flavor in your mouth. From spicy to cool. From creamy to crunchy textures. From fried and battered to fresh and bright. This meal fulfills all of the cravings that you may have. We were full of food and full of happiness.

I know I have written about a few sushi places in the past but I can say that Sushi-O sticks out in my mind from all of the other places around because of its creative menu. It offers more than just the typical spicy tuna roll or California roll. There are full pages in the menu with specialty rolls that have creative names and combinations of different fish, rice, seaweed, soy bean wraps, and sauces. I’m sure all of which are equally as delicious.

Check out there soy special menu at Sushi O

((knock knock)) penne!

((knock knock))penne!

((knock knock))penne!

Okay, now we can start. Lou Cas in Edison serves up classic but delicious Italian food perfectly like it’s their Obsessive Compulsive Disorder to do so. Let me explain further…

now sushi-me, now you don’t

After a long, cold day walking around the city, nothing sounds better than a huge plate of carbs. Okay, fine… some protein too would probably be good for me too. My favorite way to combine the two food groups is through sushi. Right off of the Metuchen Train Station is a small little place, Sushi Suzuki, that called my name.

The space is definitely small but there’s nothing small about their plates of food and flavor. I had to quickly take a picture before the plate was devoured. Now you see me…

relish in the moment

Want to go on an excursion but don’t have the time? The money? I found the perfect place for you. On a small side street away from the Rutgers chaos is a place called Destination Dogs in New Brunswick. Typically, I’m not really a hot dog lover but when you come up with some crazy combinations and vow to mentally take me somewhere awesome, I’m willing to give it a shot.

The theme of this pub-like restaurant is just what the name implies: traveling to another destination. Your waiter/waitress arrives at your table as your “flight attendant”. He or she is eager to help you out and make your stay as enjoyable as possible. 

The menu has a plethora of options. I mean, if you’re one who cannot make a decision, you might as well ask your “flight attendant” to do the job. You can “travel” to places within the U.S. like Massachusetts, Florida, and Hawaii. You can even “travel” internationally with hot dog themes from Vietnam, Canada, and Germany. You pick your flavor!

I decided to try one hot dog within the United States as well as one from another country. I come from a place of yes so I couldn’t resist.  Yes, the hot dogs are huge. Yes, I knew I ordered way too much food. But the prices are extremely reasonable-starting at $4.25 and I really wanted to have multiple options.

I decided to go with “The Chicago Bull” with flavors from Illinois and “Salchicha Vergara” with Colombian flare. Both hot dogs are all beef and made in house. (Which I find amazing).

No more than ten minutes after taking off (ordering), I was ready for landing right into these beauties.  The decent was a dream.

Starting on the left is the Salchicha Vergara: Colombian hot dog. This is a fried, all beef hot dog with bacon, yellow mustard, mayo, ketchup, coleslaw, pineapple relish, crushed potato chips, and scallions. Are you kidding me right now? This hot dog is insane. I am SURE you have never seen another hot dog like this in your life. I know I haven’t. The all beef hot dog tasted amazing with a slight crunch when you first bite into it from both the hot dog itself, the bacon, and the toasted roll. The condiments are mostly cold (except for the bacon) which contrasts the warm toasted bread and hot dog. The coleslaw and pineapple relish are sweet, cool, and refreshing. Although only a sprinkling, there is the perfect amount of crunchy, fresh made potato chips and chopped scallions. They provide an enhancement to the savory taste that you would normally associate with a hot dog. The saltiness cuts right into all of the sweet flavors of the pineapple relish. Everything works extremely well together and only takes the experience to new heights. For a moment, I forget that I am in New Brunswick, NJ because I am taken away by the delectability of each bite.

To the right of the picture above is “The Chicago Bull” with flavors of a typical Chicago style hot dog. This again, is an all beef hot dog with onions, tomatoes, pickles, green relish, hot peppers, and yellow mustard. See, there’s a method to all of this madness. I decided to go with this hot dog because I believe that it would be my refreshing bite after all the crazy (crazy good) flavors of the Colombian hot dog.

And I was right. The bread that they put these hot dogs on needs to be noted. It is thick cut and slightly toasted which aids to hold in all of the flavors without getting soggy. However, it is soft on the inside which makes it taste like a fresh hot dog bun that was just made. The toppings on this dog are savory and very fresh. It’s like having a full garden on top of a hot dog. It’s so refreshing and definitely satisfies any salt craving. With every bite, I’m just taking it all in. It’s best to “relish” in the moment. Enjoy it while it lasts.

When it’s all over and every crumb has been eaten, I’m thankful for the mental vacation. There was zero turbulence, no annoying bag check, no security hassle, no ear popping, no anxiety, just complete bliss.

I believe the pilot deserves a round of applause.

For more information visit: Destination Dogs

 

breaking bread

What better way to spend the holidays than by breaking bread with the ones you love? Breaking bread is an easy way to make peace, show kindness, build friendships, and share stories with others. It’s simple but thoughtful.

So where should you go in order to put such positivity into the universe?

Take a ride to Mediterraneo Bakery in Bound Brook, NJ. This bakery is top notch when it comes to bread and pastries. I’ve had their bread twice in the past week and it’s just one of those things you cannot say “no” too. It’s always baked fresh and there are MANY varieties to choose from. (Literally an entire wall of bread to choose from.)

so nice to meat you

(obligatory) taco tuesday

Ever since the new iOS update, I’ve been seeing tacos everywhere. I’m not complaining. I personally love a good taco. It feels even better when you can have a taco on a Tuesday. Monday is over-you made it! It’s Tuesday now, you’re in the groove and YOU deserve a taco!

There are many great places to get a taco in New Jersey but if you’re in the central jersey area, stop by Mariachi in Metuchen, NJ. The restaurant is fairly new and they are eager to please! The food is well done and authentic. The place is spacious, decorated to carry out the Mexican theme, and the staff is very friendly.

Like any awesome Mexican restaurant, Mariachi places the warm tortilla chips and freshly made salsa on the table to start you off. The salsa has a great consistency that is sure to please all. It is thin enough for those of you who don’t like tomato and onion chunks. (Come on, you know who you are, who dip your chip in the salsa but don’t pick up any of the good stuff). HOWEVER! It is also chunky enough for those of you who do know how to live life on the edge- the edge of flavor.

If you REALLY like fresh ingredients. Try their guacamole! It’s made right at your table just to your liking.

They literally roll out a cart, put avocado, jalapeños, tomatoes, onions, salt, pepper, and lemon juice into a bowl. They mash it all up and serve it right on your table for your entertainment and enjoyment.

specialty tacos

Instead of ordering the regular tacos on the menu, I went for the specialty ones because they were made with hard shells which is different than what you can get at most places. As you can see, the portion is huge. I definitely did not finish all of this but I wish I could have. Inside each of the tacos was shredded chicken that was super juicy, tender, and filled with flavor that melted in your mouth.  The chicken was topped with pico de gallo, lettuce, and shredded Cotija cheese.

There was a nice spice-not too crazy- that gave you a warm and comforting feeling. Perfect for a cool fall or cold winter day.

Each bite was crunchy from the shell, warm, spicy, juicy from the chicken, and refreshing from the toppings. The meal itself wasn’t too salty but definitely filled with alot of flavor. I took one taco home and can’t wait to have the leftovers!

This is definitely a fantastic way to enjoy your Tuesday (or any day for that matter). So, treat yourself! You have my full permission.

(Only one thing I want to add for the owners- the meal was delicious! Thank you! My only suggestion would be to offer unsweetened iced tea to drink as well as a fountain sodas instead of the cans.)

For more information visit: Mariachi Restaurant

the “heavenly” ham sandwich

September 14, 2015

Although the fact that summer is winding down, pool time is coming to a close, beach season is ending is very disheartening, there are a variety of Fall outdoor activities that await you. Fall is a great time to go outside and go apple picking, pumpkin picking, hiking, sometimes even kayaking (pending temperature- I hate being cold).

Another really fun way to get outside and get moving is to go for a bike ride. I love bike riding because it seems effortless (if you know how to ride a bike) and although you are active, you’re mind can just wander, drift, and take in all the scenery around you.

If you like to ride your bike or even go for a stroll, you should visit Duke Farms in Hillsborough, NJ. Duke Farms is a large estate that was owned by James Buchanan Duke. His vision was to build a farm similar to the ones he grew up with knowing in North Carolina. The architecture that was built still stands today. So when you’re strolling around or riding your bike, you can stop and read the various descriptions of each part of the estate. It’s actually a pretty cool way to look back in history.

Anyway, this is food blog right? Better get to the point. After I went for a relaxing bike ride with my parents, we stopped in at the cafe. I’ve never eaten in the cafe before but I heard that they had very fresh ingredients and often times sell out of all of their dishes because they’re so popular. Since I was there right at 11 am, I got to choose anything that I wanted from the lunch menu. I decided to order the “Hay Barn” panini. The Hay Barn consisted of ham, swiss cheese, spinach, and honey dijon pressed together in rye bread.

They make all of their food fresh to order, so once I placed my order I had to wait at one of their tables. Not terrible because located on each of their tables were beautiful orchids. I wish I knew how to keep orchids this healthy and this alive. I’ve tried many times.