(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

greek freak of the week

July 30, 2015

If there’s one thing I really appreciate about all of my friends it’s that they always support me in any decisions, thoughts, activities, and blogs I decide I need to write. So, when I started to write this blog and actually getting “likes” on instagram, I told all of my friends and they were really excited for me. They’ve actually taken on some of the fun and want to go to good restaurants with me. There’s nothing like being able to share an experience like this with the people who are closest to you.

This week, one of my best friends since high school, Christie, wanted to have dinner at a really great Greek restaurant that we’ve been to a handful of times. Since it’s been so hot in New Jersey, we really wanted something calm, cool, and delicious. Pithari Taverna (New Athens Corner Inn, 28 Woodbridge Ave, Highland Park, NJ 08904), was the perfect place. 

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.

this is how i sushi roll

July 10, 2015

What’s a better way to end a hot, humid day in New Jersey? Sushi, of course! Sushi is something that I crave on the regular. However, it wasn’t until about five years ago that I actually had the courage to try this refreshing meal. When asked if I wanted to go on a sushi date, I actually said “I would rather eat squirrel”. What the heck was I thinking? (For the record, I don’t eat squirrel nor have a I ever tried to eat a squirrel). Joke was on me. I finally caved to trying something new and I’ve never looked back.

I’ve been to a few sushi joints in New Jersey and really, nothing can top Midori Sushi in Piscataway, NJ.