The words of many have shouted to me, from Facebook and in face-to-face conversations. "Go to Tilted Kilt. The food is better than I thought." "I was surprised; the food was great." "Try it -- it's awesome." That's enough enticement minus arm twisting to get me there, but it was the service more than food quantity and quality that may encourage a second visit to Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery (334 Route 46 East, Wayne, New Jersey, 973-890-4859). I often value the former much more than the latter. My daughter Stefanie, while on our way to her Saturday morning assignment at Washington's Headquarters in Morristown, suggested the visit. "We've heard so much about it," she said. "Let's go today." We did, we two sitting at a table for eight, our server Serena, dressed not in the standard Tilted Kilt uniform, but instead clad in a football referee's outfit for pre-Halloween weekend. After Serena patiently listened to our menu questions and answered them, we ordered. Pictured below is Stefanie's Big Arse bacon burger with a side of French fries, which she gave a big thumbs-up. Definitely juicy, but I feel size-wise the $13 price wasn't justified. Stefanie gave the burger a thumbs-up. My Philly cheese steak, also $13, I ordered with light onions and peppers, and while tasty, I feel it could've been a bigger sandwich; bigger roll, more beef.
Here is where second visits truly matter. Serena wholly encouraged a second trip for the Sears family to give the Tilted Kilt another try. I envision that happening. Quality food and good service means much and deserves it. Steve
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In August, my wife Lucille suggested that we'd celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary (9/26) by visiting our honeymoon location, Cape May, New Jersey. I agreed wholeheartedly, as did our 26-year-old daughter Stefanie. If you've never been to Cape May, I can describe it in one brief statement: one you cross over the Route 109 bridge at Garden State Parkway's end and view Cape May Harbor, you are separated from whatever is behind you. "Whatever" are your cares, concerns, job...need I continue? Our first stop was a historic eatery right on the harbor, The Lobster House. Stefanie had never seen it, so hers was a first time experience of cuisine and atmosphere. For me, the highlight of lunch was the Homemade Snapper Soup. Stefanie ordered it as well, and Lucille the New England Clam Chowder. See the bowl below? I was ready to swim in there! We spent the rest of the day in Cape May, visiting the Washington Street Mall and Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish church, and then drove to Cape May Point, ascending the hawk lookout pavilion and viewing the entire oceanfront, and then concluded our trip at Sunset Beach, where the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay meet.
Fast-forward to two hours later, and tiny Forked River, New Jersey. We had agreed to stop at the halfway point on the way home for dinner, and it was a wise decision; I was at exhaustion point with my vision blurring. We found Conca D'oro Ristorante (https://www.concadoropizza.com) and, while the establishment wasn't the fanciest, we entered, and were greeted immediately by a friendly counter-person. When I asked him if we could just head back to the dining area and sit, he said, "Absolutely. We'lI have someone come back and serve you." I wondered how this was going to happen; I saw no servers. About a minute after we were seated, a young man named Andrew came to our table, introduced himself, and politely and patiently took our order. During our evening, he was extremely congenial. Towards evening's end, I approached the register to pay the bill. I told Andrew that he was a terrific server (by the way, I value good service. To me, it should be common sense, but so many servers and sometimes owners get it wrong). He responded, "Oh, thanks. Glad I helped you. It's funny, but I'm not even a server. I'm a driver." Like I said, it's really common sense. He did everything right, even took three photos of us. Oh, yes, my wife and daughter had cold subs, and I had a chicken cheese steak. The rolls were well filled, and the French fries from freshly sliced potatoes. (Sorry; no photos were taken as we relaxed). A perfect end to our 30th anniversary! Steve |
AuthorAppetizers, hospitality, small plates - the best in dining! Archives
January 2023
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