Three words: Fra Diavolo pizza. You'll find perhaps the finest at Kinchley's Tavern (586 N. Franklin Turnpike, Ramsey, 201-934-7777, www.kinchleyspizza.com), and you'll find Cindy there as well, a wonderful server ready to make menu selection recommendations for newcomers. "It's our first time here," I tell her. "It won't be the last," she responds. Absolutely, and she was on the mark by recommending the Fra Diavolo pie (pictured below). A thin-crust pizza - a Kinchley's special recipe and tradition since 1937 - this was out-of-this-world great. The pizza is offered in both 12" and 14" sizes, and Kinchley's also entertains an option to ship pizzas within the United States. Lucille and I also shared a 12", original recipe pizza as well. If the Fra Diavolo is too hot (it was but wasn't for me, if that makes sense), this is a nice option, as are the other pizzas on the menu. The Kinchley's Tavern dining choices also include a variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees. I'm thinking that a penne pasta dish with Fra Diavolo sauce and meatballs or sausage might lead me again 21 miles northeast from Bloomfield back to Ramsey.
And then there's the mini meatballs in brown gravy, or hot open roast beef platter. Decisions, decisions. Cindy, Kinchley's Tavern, see you again soon - and thank you! Steve
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The "From My Seat" blog returns, and we do so with a visit to a local, legendary spot. Allen's Clam Bar (5650 Route 9 North, New Gretna, 609-296-4106 ) is a perfect stop after a day spent in Atlantic City, or at the Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge (the spot we visited - and we highly recommend you visit as well), or anywhere in central or southern New Jersey, head for the inland shore are near Bass River. You won't be disappointed. Erica was our server, she explaining very well the regular menu items as well as specials. Our last trip to Allen's Clam Bar was back in the 1990s, and then our goal was to try the highly recommended Oyster Stew - and we did, and loved it. However, this time we expanded on our order. Lucille and I ordered a cup each of the New England Clam Chowder, while Stefanie chose the masterpiece below. Lobster Bisque gets no better than this. For our appetizer, we selected a Honey Garlic Shrimp. My photos taken I am not sharing; they wouldn't do justice to this outstanding option. But photos for entrees I do have, thanks to Stefanie, who ordered the Blackened Grouper special with balsamic glaze, vegetable, and baked potato. Definitely different, and I give her credit for always trying something new, for it encourages doing the same on our next visit - and there will be one, Allen's Clam Bar. The Flounder Sandwich route was taken by me and my wife. Traditional, excellent stuff. It should here be mentioned about longevity. Allen's Clam Bar has been a mainstay since 1968, and with good reason. Consider that, on the Thursday we visited, there was a steady stream of dine-in customers, as well as many take out orders. The food is fresh, and Allen's is the perfect, not only seafood restaurant, but eatery in general, and the decor "speaks" to the local waters nearby. Also, it's located along "sleepy" Route 9, a road I often favor over the Garden State Parkway.
Why? Because Allen's Clam Bar is part of the trail. Thank you, Erica, and the rest of the folks at Allen's Clam Bar. After a wonderful two hours of nature, you were the perfect ending to our day trip prior to our 110-mile trip home. Steve |
AuthorAppetizers, hospitality, small plates - the best in dining! Archives
January 2023
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