To finally try that restaurant you always wanted to try - because you know it's going to be good. Do we have anything in common here? If so, and that place is Joe's Pizzeria & Restaurant (185 Changebridge Road, Montville, 973-335-4120/1), we're in very good company. Here's a brief explanation. The Sears family had always passed by Joe's on the way to Sunday evening Mass and, since it is the one day of the week the eatery is closed, were denied to opportunity to try the cuisine. That is, until a recent Tuesday evening found me in the area and also found my stomach growling. How to solve the latter issue? A Sicilian pie, well done but light on the sauce ($15.00 + tax). "Oh wow, you're taking this back to Bloomfield?" asked server Priscilla Godinez when I told her I hoped to avoid traffic and get the pizza home while still hot and fresh. Mission accomplished, by both parties. My 20 minute drive harmed the pie none, and the folks at Joe's make a great pizza. And that led to second and third visits, for sandwiches and entrees. Joe's has booth seating for about 40 patrons, and daughter Stefanie and me - once again served by Priscilla - enjoyed a Drunken chicken parm hot sub ($7.50) and spaghetti and meatballs ($10.25) respectively. The former has become a favorite of mine of late; I can't get enough of the vodka sauce bathing the chicken cutlet. Also, Joe's does it differently than other eateries where I've had it: the cutlet doesn't stay intact, but is cut up into tiny sections. Such a nifty way of prepping this great sandwich. It should be noted here that my wife Lucille and me one evening drove to Montville and both feasted on the Drunken chicken parm. Again, I - and now, we - can't get enough of it. A word to about hospitality. At Joe's Pizzeria & Restaurant, the restaurant isn't the biggest - the dining area and pizza oven and counter share the space - but there's huge heart here. All is friendly and congenial, customer service top notch. Thanks, Priscilla, and to the rest of the folks at Joe's. We'll see you again soon. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When in Wayne, visit Haylee's Coffee House (127 Mountainview Boulevard, 973-706-8852) and say hello to husband and wife ownership team, Valerie Stoul and Lulzim Menoski, and Lulzim's mom, Lulzime (affectionately called Mama Lu) if she is onsite. You know that old saying, "You're only a stranger once," which seems to be the marketing maxim with many establishments? Well, at Haylee's your family once you park in front. Lulzime opened the location a few years back, and Valerie and Lulzim purchased it about six months ago. Lulzim made us a great decaf coffee to share, and me and Lucille sipped while seated on a comfortable couch, enjoying conversation with other customers. Isn't that a super coffee mug?!
Another great thing? They have good taste in literature. In addition to a collection of books shelved but available for reading, copies of Wayne Life, a publication you'll find the "Steve Sears" byline in, are also piled high for your perusal with drink and food prepared here. Just as there is at Joe's, there is a welcoming atmosphere. You are not a stranger; you are a very, very good friend. Visit these wonderful folks. Steve
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Cape May - in Fairfield, New Jersey? No, but the size, appearance, and location, and the great friendliness of the team at Honey's Kitchen (48 Clinton Road, 973-287-6749, www.honeyskitchennj.com) harkened my wife and me back to our honeymoon days in the nation's oldest seashore resort, breakfasting back then at tiny luncheonettes in the seaside city. I'll attest here, too, that, all of the above said, Honey's Kitchen is home in this Essex County town, amid a nice residential community and many office parks. You don't have to travel 153 miles south to enjoy small town comfort and friendliness. It's right here - as everybody knows. One day I'll kick the "Taylor ham, scrambled egg and American cheese on roll" ($4.25) habit, but not yet. Not this day. Laura, our very friendly server, assured me and Lucille that our choices on the beautiful Wednesday we stopped in were favorites of many, and we weren't surprised, And, the quest for the area's best tuna melt continues on. The Honey's Kitchen version (served with fries for $8.50) is neater and more uniform than others, meaning that it's served one side of rye toast atop the other, not open-face, therefore not affording opportunity for the tuna to ooze out the sides of the bread (aka become a mess) when the diner attempts to craft the sandwich him or herself. Feeling the disappointment? Don't. There is none. This sandwich was extremely tasty. We - yes, we shared - loved it. Honey's Kitchen is a comfortable and (important) affordable alternative. Service is prompt and friendly (thank you, Laura). It's a nice stop.
Keep up the good work, folks, Steve For only the second time in its 2 1/2 year history, the "From My Seat" blog visits an eatery for a return review and post. Anthony Franco's Ristorante & Pizzeria (60 Beaverbrook Road, Lincoln Park, 973-696-0708, www.https://www.anthonyfrancospizzeria.com/#/)is that good. Here reigns excellent cuisine and matching excellent service. Thank you, Caity Escobar, for being so courteous and exuberant when serving us. The Sears family enjoyed the engaging discussion, and appreciated your patience as you explained menu options. Okay, for the best of all sandwiches, I present the chicken vodka parmigiana sub ($6.95). I kicked the scallions to the curb with this one, but if preferable to have your sandwich a bit more spicy, leave them on. However you choose, there is no wrong option here. My wife Lucille ordered a rigatoni Siciliano entree with lite roasted pepper ($9.95, left) and daughter Stefanie penne with vodka sauce ($10.50, right). Anthony Franco's Ristorante & Pizzeria is conveniently located minutes away from Routes 46 and 23, and right off of Route 202. There is comfortable seating in the pizzeria side of the restaurant, and booth dining to the left. Also, this is a "Gem in a strip mall" - plenty of free parking to be had, and handicap accessible.
And there's Caity, Bethany, and the rest of the wonderful team. Well worth the drive, from wherever you are. Steve Thank you to the new kid on the block - on busy Route 46 East, that is. Daughter Stefanie and me visited the new West Essex Diner (516 Route 46, Fairfield, 973-227-0508) for a late afternoon lunch, and were very pleased with the service - thank you, Jennifer! -- and food quality. I lately at diners have been ordering standard Garden State fare: an egg sandwich with cheese, with my option of meats. This time, I selected link pork sausage to go with my scrambled egg and American combination ($6.00). Stefanie opted for a Primo Presto Panini with French fries ($11.00), which tasted every good as it looks here. West Essex Diner is located on a major highway, which is a plus, but it is also located near Routes 23, 80, and 287, as well main roads like Bloomfield and Passaic Avenues. Therefore, if afforded the opportunity to suggest a diner to visit, head to the new place and say hi to the friendly folks at West Essex Diner.
Steve Memories of an old eatery, and a super (emphasis on "super") tuna melt! Welcome to the recently-renovated Paul's Diner (320 Route 46 East, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, 973-627-4436, www.paulsfamilydiner.com). "Where are you folks from?" asks Steve, our server. "Bloomfield," I answer. "Bloomfield? What are you doing all the way out here?" After my explanation, he responds, "My Dad used to own a restaurant in Clifton: the Red Chimney." Wow...the Red Chimney?! Talk about memories. Back then, it was "Great food within walking distance" stuff! Okay, back to Paul's Diner, and what makes this great place such a find and worth a visit. Yes, you have Steve and the other servers, the cleanliness of the restaurant, the free, miniature chocolate chip cookies near the register (yes, you read that right. Memo to ownership: hide them when I visit next time.), and great food. Before I get to the (in my opinion) the highlight, feast your eyes on my medium rare cheeseburger deluxe ($10.50). This was one, very good burger. Now, to what gets my current vote as best tuna melt ($11.95) since the genesis of the "From My Seat" blog. This photo doesn't do the sandwich true justice. But the below photo might - my lovely wife feasting on it. Overall, a great, late Saturday evening dining experience.
Thank you, Steve. We'll see you and the rest of the folks at Paul's Diner again soon. Steve |
AuthorAppetizers, hospitality, small plates - the best in dining! Archives
January 2023
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