And now there's my obsession with Chipotle mayo. My most recent encounter with it was at Empire Steak (1342 Route 23 North, Butler, New Jersey, 973-850-6060, www.empiresteaknj.com), a 12-seat (four at a counter overlooking the highway), nifty little place where cheesesteaks are prepared supreme. By the way, Empire Steak is more than cheesesteaks. A few healthy salads are menu listed, as are chicken sandwich and wing offerings, but we traversed Route 23 to feast on the former. Pictured below is my Chipotle cheesesteak ($8.25), housed on a steak roll with American cheese and Empire spicy Chipotle mayo. Heaven, folks, heaven -- and this has nothing to do with the highway elevation nearing the sky. What a hot, spicy, and great tasting sandwich. The side of French fries completed the great meal, but I regretted not ordering instead a side of chili cheese fries, which was being enjoyed by a gentleman at a nearby table, instead. His head hardly rose from his sandwich basket! Lucille ordered an old favorite, a Philly cheesesteak with just American cheese ($7.50). Neither one of us elected to have peppers or raw onions on our sandwiches. We're strongly considering visiting the wonderful eatery team again. They were very friendly, smiles galore, and our food was prepared exactly as we wished. However, the next time we make the trek I may "block" any visions of cheesesteak and instead order a tuna salad, white albacore tuna atop a garden salad.
Call me crazy, venturing into Empire Steak with thoughts and visions of cheese oozing in and out of steak crevices, but I'm pretty sure the tuna salad, not matter how bland it may sound, will be prepped to perfection. Whatever is ordered, Empire Steak is a very welcome respite. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A special thanks to Collin and Sawyer and Dairy Queen of Newfoundland, New Jersey (2648 Route 23 North, 973-697-1484), two guys who know how to provide friendly service to -- and make smooth ice cream cones for -- weary drivers. Lucille and I stopped during a recent drive to find an empty DQ, which minutes later became a filled one. It's not hard to understand why. Steve
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Flashback, early 1990s. A former co-worker of mine, a Pompton Lakes, New Jersey resident, approached me excitedly and, knowing my desire to often dine out, said, "Steve, I have a great restaurant for you to try. It's in Bloomingdale and it's called Lina's!" Very little has changed at Lina's Ristorante (49 Main Street, 973-492-2211, www.linasristorante.com), and that's a good thing. You don't mess with success, "success" here defined as dependable, courteous service, and superb cuisine. Thank you, Sal and Lina Pagliarulo, owners of this fine, 35-year eatery, easily accessible from nearby Routes 202 and 287. You'll enjoy during your travels picturesque, tiny towns along the former and great mountain views nearby the latter. Either way, both lead to Lina's. Wednesday - Friday at noon, a $6.95 all-you-can-eat buffet is offered. Many are wise to indulge; the price is good for the quality received. Pictured below is just a small sampling of what Lucille and I enjoyed the day we visited. One the left side of the plate is ravioli with pink vodka sauce, on the right broccoli rabe and sausage, and both are joined by eggplant rollatini. Also available were fresh salads, chicken Francaise, fried chicken, clams with rice, and a wealth of desserts. Lina's Ristorante is well worth the drive, from anywhere.
Disappointed you won't be, well fed and satisfied you will. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ While in town, also stop in and say "Hi" to Dre at Bloomingdale Bagel & Deli (47 Main Street, 973-291-8260), a very nice owner of a very nice shoppe which he calls "Your Personal Kitchen." I took home some plain and salted bagels, the latter some of the best (and most generously) salted bagels I've tasted. Bloomingdale Bagel & Deli is open at 6 a.m. daily. Steve A little taste of the Jersey shore -- in Fairfield, New Jersey. Welcome to Boardwalk Pizza and Restaurant (333 Passaic Avenue, 973-227-3223, www.boardwalkpizzanj.com). The slogan here reads: A Taste of the Jersey Shore! All the Flavors Without the Drive". That's nifty- and true. During a prior conversation with ownership, they told me memories often surfaced about Garden State beach trips and vacations, and anyone who travels "down the shore" knows that food plays a huge part in that excursion, especially boardwalk fare like pizza, sausage and pepper sandwiches...need I go any further? I will, to state this: Boardwalk Pizza and Restaurant meets the destination. Take a peek below at our Saturday afternoon dinner, the 24" Jumbo Boardwalk Style pizza ($21.99). Pictures often say more than words, and all of the above I'm sure suffice with regard to quality of food. Boardwalk Pizza and Restaurant offers in addition to pizza many different types of sandwiches and entrees, some of those entrees served family style. If the "team" at home is hungry, visit this "team" for satisfying cuisine.
I'll conclude here about the friendliness of the crew. We were treated 100% personably and professionally from start to finish. Thank you! Steve *Note: Until further notice, the "From My Seat" hospitality blog, which has been published on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, will now be posted on Wednesdays. Thank you, Steve The Manriquez family is in town. In Randolph, New Jersey that is. They are the owners since March 1st, 2018 of Randolph Grill House & Pizza (124 Route 10 West, 973-343-6596). Offered daily from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM is a $5.99 lunch special, and yes that price is inviting. Should it be your price level, and you see an item displayed to your liking, go for it. However, know this: there are items on the menu just a wee bit pricier that are so substantial in size while also affordable that, if you desire, you'll be carting home maybe half your meal from the 28-seat eatery. My wife Lucille and I, who were out and about and had driven a good distance, unfortunately did not fall into the latter category of diners. Famished as we were, we finished both of our sandwiches, and a look at both will reveal why. Below is the 10" Fat Cat sandwich ($6.99) with American cheese and mayo. Lettuce, tomato, and onions are included unless omission is requested. That's two cheeseburgers side-by-side with generous melted cheese. French fries come with the sandwich, and here some found their way under the bun, becoming part of the package. It's nice when that happens, either planned or not. I welcomed it. Lucille ordered a perfect, according-to-request prepared deluxe cheesesteak ($6.99) with mushrooms, light peppers and no onions, with a side of French fries. Bingo! The Randolph Grill House & Pizza menu is separated into three sections: American, Italian, and Mediterranean, affordable (there's that word again) specialties from each cuisine among the choices.
You root for people like the Manriquez family. Their restaurant is a family affair, and they are kind people who take obvious pride in what they do. Steve |
AuthorAppetizers, hospitality, small plates - the best in dining! Archives
January 2023
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