Oh, that stuffed chicken breast! I needed to get that out of my system...the words, the memory of the $16.99 entree that is a chicken breast (from the menu) "Stuffed with garlic-herb cream cheese, breaded and baked until golden brown. Served with fresh vegetables and red bliss mashed potatoes." Yes, bliss! You see, the continuous thought and recollection of this light meal was driving me bonkers. Okay, Houlihan's has many locations, but the one I'm focusing on is in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey (5 Route 17 South, 201-393-9330). It's home to John, the manager on duty the Saturday evening we visited, he who permitted me to use my $15.00 off birthday coupon in Hasbrouck Heights even though the email coupon said it had to be presented at another location. Thank you, John. Ralph, a pretty darn good server, also works at this location. He's served before, and you can tell. He was in charge of our table for two, and when he started detailing the menu options and how specific entrees are prepared, that is proof perfect that he loves his job. Pictured below is my quick, early work destroying a masterpiece of an entree. Yes, that's the stuffed chicken breast. By the way, you know the rule where health experts suggest immediately separating your entree in half when it arrives at your table, eating one half and taking the remainder home? I considered doing that briefly - very briefly. I assume you know the quest was unsuccessful? Lucille ordered a 5-ounce mini Atlantic salmon ($15.49) served with red bliss potatoes and broccoli. I'm not a salmon fan, so we didn't share as normal, but I did give her one or two bites of the "better" meal. At 790 calories, though, you can't go wrong.
I don't dine often at chain eateries, so I didn't plan on dining at Houlihan's on a Saturday evening, but there was a lot that went right prior to and during this visit, including kindness on the phone, greetings, service, and cuisine. Nice stuff. Steve
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Restaurant ownership is in the family blood, and the quest for the best made tuna melt continues. Hristos Shizas is owner of Empire Diner (1315 Route 46 East, Parsippany, 973-352-2729). His daughter, Frances Shizas Vagias, is the charming head and shoulders at another Shizas eatery, the beautiful Waterside Restaurant & Catering (7800 B River Road, North Bergen, 201-861-7767, www.watersiderestaurantandcatering.com). The latter spot affords you views of the New York skyline as you dine, and I in the past have called the second floor event room "Romance" for it encompasses all beauty. The praises of Empire Diner had been sung a few times by friends and former coworkers, so when we needed a place to briefly chow down, it came immediately to mind. Robin, an Empire Diner veteran, was our server during our Tuesday evening visit, and she made the rounds of the tables, knowing many of the customers who return as regulars. It's not hard to find time to revisit good food and friendliness. I ordered a tuna melt on wheat bread minus tomato ($10.95) - my decision. I never include the tomato on this sandwich option: it will rob for the true taste of the cheese and tuna combination. Lucille also ordered a cup of warm lobster bisque soup ($2.95) on the cold evening, she always seeking hot soup after escaping the chilly air. This particular offering satisfied her want and need.
A special thanks to Abigail, a night time manager at Fairfield, New Jersey located McDonald's (460 Route 46 East, 973-882-1251). Lucille and I stopped in for some decaf coffee, and we learned that the coffee machine was broken. However, when I asked if decaf tea was available, Abigail did her darndest to find some inside the location and did so, preparing it piping hot for us.
Most of all, it's the kindness which she displayed that was the best thing of all. Steve "Look at that guy behind the counter," my wife Lucille said. "He looks like he's really into his job." I had to pass along the compliment to "that guy," Adam, who along with his partner for the evening, Tim, made a great team at Jersey Mike's Subs in Parsippany (317 Smith Road, 973-503-1800, www.jerseymikes.com). My introduction to Jersey Mike's was over 10 years ago, when I was asked by a magazine to visit the home-base, Point Pleasant Beach location and interview franchise owner, John Cancro, and learn about its history. Afterwards, I enjoyed a Jersey Mike's regular tuna and cheese sub while sitting on the boardwalk, watching seagulls land and waves crash at the shoreline. It was a wonderful 90 minutes! Pictured above left is my #10 tuna sub ($7.95), topped only with cheese and mayonnaise (I like it simple), and on the right Lucille's selection of a #13, the Original Italian ($8.95), comprised of provolone, ham, prosciuttini, cappacuolo, salami and pepperoni. Excellently made sandwiches. This blog is not only about cuisine, but also recognizing the folks who work had in a very often difficult field. However, for guys like Tim and Adam, who himself once worked for Jersey Mike's, departed for another business realm and has returned, there's something special about preparing a Jersey Mike's sub for a customer - and it shows. Maybe that's the best thing about Jersey Mike's. And then there's this... If you're a loyalist to the brand and the Garden State itself, you know it means the beach.
The combo is the best of all worlds. Steve Clifton, New Jersey's Yesterday's Bar & Grille is reliable. You can't be in business for 46 years and not be. I think reliability is important when it comes to restaurants. I also value creativity; there's nothing wrong with an Executive Chef or eatery changing or taking a chance with cuisine ("Nothing ventured, nothing gained," my Dad used to say), and perhaps cuisine alterations have occurred at Yesterday's Bar & Grille, which is located at 70 Main Street (973-235-1766, www.yesterdaysclifton.net). But I'm certain there are some standard options on this menu that have satisfied for a long time. Yesterday's Bar & Grille has both a bar area and, for those seeking more comfortable, sit down dining, a separate dining area of roughly 30 seats. Lucille and I opted for a table for two in the latter, and our server was Andrea, who was very courteous. Lucille ordered the grilled Italian sausage with, yes, Italian sausage, combined with fresh mozzarella and broccoli rabe ($9.95). The sandwich was delicious, and I told my wife that on our next visit, this would be my choice. Needless to say, courtesy of my wife, I had some generous portions of her sandwich, and she mine: the Yesterday's grilled chicken sandwich ($8.95). Both sandwiches were served with fries. A nice crowd was present the Wednesday we visited, and we were witness to many inviting entrees exiting the kitchen, especially a penne a la vodka ($11.95) which found its way to a happy diner at a neighboring table. Have you ever said, "I wish I had..."
Thank you Andrea, and thank you Yesterday's Bar & Grille where, as previously stated, reliability is the name of the hospitality game. Steve |
AuthorAppetizers, hospitality, small plates - the best in dining! Archives
January 2023
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