Although we arrived after 5 p.m., Bill was nice enough to let all order from the very gracious Donovan's Early Bird Menu ($11.99). Lucille and I shared a cup of sausage and lentil soup, the soup of the day this particular Sunday. Hot, thick, and great tasting.
Bill, Lacee - thank you!
Steve
0 Comments
A nice alternative to Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks for busy writers - or even folks just seeking a quiet evening of coffee, tea and conversation - can be found in Nutley, New Jersey. Urban Leaf (182 D Kingsland Street, 973-542-8663) is a nifty, young spot. Run by Victor and Michele, Urban Leaf has both normal level and raised tables for comfort, a variety of drinks and food items to enjoy, and most of all friendly counter service, which is of key importance. Victor, Michele, and the rest of the Urban Leaf team: super job. I like it when nice folks are giving it a try in a very challenging industry, embodying the name of "hospitality."
We're rooting for you! Steve I know, you're tired of reading posts about chain eateries on this site. Well, sometimes nice dining experiences can be had, depending on your chosen chain location and which server is assigned to your table. Introducing County College of Morris student, Peter Geruntho, and IHOP (792 Route 46 West, 973-396-8929). Lucille and I were out one Saturday evening and, deciding to invite in for digestion a quick but dependable meal, chose IHOP. I should note that, in the past, that various IHOP locations had failed us food and service-wise. This evening, however, would be much different. After engaging us in very nice conversation, Peter took our order. I selected (see above) the boneless fried chicken entree with mashed potatoes, spinach, and a side order short stack of pancakes ($10.99). Why have fries at an IHOP, correct? Here's a photo of both side-by-side: Lucille ordered one of her IHOP favorites, country fried steak with mashed potatoes and broccoli, also with a short stack of pancakes ($11.49). No photo is available.
A tip of the hat to the IHOP of Parsippany folks. All were friendly, and the location was especially clean and inviting. Add to this a congenial server and great food, and it made for a nice respite. Steve Sometimes you get lucky, when you're famished, and you've passed quite a few places because you "want to find something better," that up ahead is a dependable eatery that appears just 2 1/2 miles before your entrance to the Garden State Parkway and your ride home. Does the above scenario maybe sound familiar, Jerseyites? Thanks to our server, Kerry, and Outback Steakhouse (1397 Route 9 North, Old Bridge, 732-525-8899). Thanks for the warm welcome and hospitality, and dependability in cuisine. A rewarding first whenever diners visit an Outback location is their complimentary fresh bread and butter as a starter - always served very warm. I opted for a grass-fed burger with aged cheddar cheese served with Aussie fries ($13.49). I chose not to have the lettuce, tomato, and onion top the burger, but did choose to have herb aioli generously meet burger-to-bun, and then my taste buds. I like the view on the right much better. Lucille went the Steakhouse Philly route, a thinly sliced ribeye steak with Outback Steakhouse cheese sauce, red peppers, and white cheddar cheese on a sub roll, also with Aussie fries ($13.69). By the way, that's just a half-portion of the sandwich in the picture below. Lucille's loving husband, while the sandwich was "modeling" for this photo, had stolen the other half for a taste test. A decent eatery visit. Kerry told us she was a very experienced server, and it showed. She was very friendly, patient, and knew the menu well - all staples of a good server.
Steve |
AuthorAppetizers, hospitality, small plates - the best in dining! Archives
January 2023
Categories |