(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

who’s the tastiest of them all?

Let the weekend begin!

It’s October, the weather is crisp, the pools have closed, the watermelon supply has dwindled, so what now?

Apple picking! 

Heading over the Battleview Orchards in Freehold, NJ is definitely a great way to spend the weekend with your family and/or friends. I recommend waking up early and heading over to the country store to try and beat the crowds. Except, I’m not sure you can ever really “beat” them, because there is ALWAYS a long, almost endless line for their freshly baked cider doughnuts (and a variety of other fresh fruits, vegetables, cider, pies, etc). I’ve had these many, many times over my life time and they are definitely worth the early morning alarm waking you from your slumber.

But that’s not what I’m here to talk about today. Today, I’m here to focus on something HEALTHY! Yes my friends, contrary to what you may believe, I actually do try to watch what I eat on a daily basis. Apples are a really great, guiltless, sweet treat. Apples contain antioxidants that helps to prevent certain diseases, fiber that keeps you full and helps you control your weight, and it can also help whiten your teeth! (Saliva production reduces tooth decay and the production of bacteria).

After you visit the country store, head over to the enchanted apple trees for some “Pick Your Own” apples (and pumpkins in the field)! The trees seem like they go on for years and years so be careful and make sure you’re picking the most delicious, tastiest, sweetest, most crisp, apple of them all.

top o’ the morning to ya

Unfortunately, my friend, Maria lives pretty far from me and I wish she lived around the corner so that we could see each other more often. Fortunately, she has many good places by her to eat! Like this one, The Twisted Elm in Elmwood Park, NJ. So a group of girls, who love each other a brunch, decided to get together.

From the outside, this place doesn’t look like it’s going to be anything special, but once you walk inside your completely transported to a quaint, rustic, dining area. The place’s decor has its own little quirks, like different colored mugs, but it just adds to the place’s authentic charm.

croissanting my mind

July 27, 2015

On Sunday morning, I woke up and I thought “I really want a spinach and feta croissant from the Stockton Market”. Is that normal? Do people really crave these indulgent foods at 8:00am in the morning? Now, I had no plans to drive the forty minutes over to this market but it was nice to fantasize. I continue on with my normal weekend routine, getting up early and going to the gym. I mean, I have to go to the gym with all of this food that I’m eating! After the gym, I called up my mom because I had this inkling, this feeling, this gut feeling that she had gone to Stockton Market that morning. I’m not saying I’m psychic or anything but I think I might be psychic. After some casual chit-chat, she told me that she and my dad went to the Stockton Market and she picked me up a spinach and feta croissant!! Do parents get any better? No, I really don’t think so.

So, after the gym, I drive home. I try to control myself, act casual. I explore what’s around the house, see what else my parents bought from the market.

Beets

Like these beets. Look at those babies. Is that for real??

But then I locate THE bag. The bag from the Crossroads Bakery table at the Stockton Market. The bag that holds all the fresh pastries that my parents have purchased. The bag that holds my spinach and feta croissant. The bag that holds my happiness.

Oh I think “I’ll just have a piece and have the rest tomorrow”. So, I cut a piece.

Crossroads Bakery Spinach and Feta Croissant

The croissant is flakey, buttery, chewy but also crunchy on the top. Inside, is the perfect about of spinach and feta. You can actually see the chunks of feta which makes me very happy. The croissant is completely savory. Who am I kidding? Cutting myself a piece is a joke. I ate the whole thing and I loved every bite. The spinach and feta croissant started as a fantasy, became a reality, and now it’s a memory. Until next time!

This is my favorite food item to get when visiting the Stockton Market. However, I’ve had fresh juice, salsa, bone broth, all sorts of lavender products, pulled BBQ chicken all which top the charts. All which knock it out of the park for me. So it’s worth heading over. Plus afterwards (or before), you could walk or ride your bike along the Delaware River. It’s the perfect thing to do on a beautiful Sunday.

For more information visit, Stockton Farm Market.