We decided to give Salt another try after several months of avoiding it since our first visit. This visit did not impress us either, and we will not be going back again.
I can't get over how watery the macaroni and cheese is, I just can't. It lacks flavor and creaminess, and doesn't even taste remotely of cheese. We added salt, and even then it wasn't all that much better.
We also ordered the Guinness Braised Onion soup, which also lacked any depth of flavor. The onions hadn't been truly braised and the broth was bland. It was so disappointing. My fiance called it shitty dishwater.
The grilled asparagus was pretty tasty, although at the bottom of the plate there was a mess of burned garlic which rendered the dish bitter with some of the bites. The sweet potato puree was also watery and heavy on the cinnamon.
The only redeeming part of the meal was the rock shrimp cakes and the fresh brewed iced tea.
Much hasn't changed at Salt since the last time we were there, and we won't be back to see if any changes have been made since this one.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Benny Tudino's, Hoboken, NJ
Hello again! The month of April was a little nuts for dining out. We nearly doubled, even tripled, our food budget. Safe to say that we will NOT be doing that again. The benefit however, are more blogs about what I love best: FOOD.
A nostalgic trip to Hoboken to see some bands play brought us to Benny Tudino's. The last time I was at Benny T's, I think I was in college, maybe graduate school. A long time ago. I remembered the size of the slice more than the flavor. All I knew was that I was in for a long awaited treat.
Benny T's is like a Hoboken institution. It's a family joint; no frills, no updates, no fancy decor, and waitresses who look like they could go either way. The sign outside reminds me of one of those old Hollywood dressing rooms with the crazy light bulbs. Except the ones at Benny T's flash around in circles...ya can't miss it! On a street lined with restaurants and other shops meant to attract yuppies, Benny T's stands out for sure. In any case, for a Wednesday night, it wasn't busy, but it wasn't slow either. Local patrons were in and out with carry out pizzas, and the delivery guys were clearly making a killing too.
We had our minds set on one thing: the ginormous slices of pizza. Upon ordering, the question of the day was "warm or hot?". Hmmmm...warm please. There's nothing better than pizza that's been sitting by the oven for a few minutes and won't burn the top of your mouth! After ordering, we sat outside to enjoy the weather and our slices.
To my pleasure, I was so pleasantly surprised! The pizza was not only huge, but totally delicious. The sauce, cheese, and crust were each perfect in their own right, and together formed a balanced flavor combination. I topped mine with a little garlic and parm cheese, and I went straight to heaven. Screw the bands, I could stay here all night!
One slice was satisfying, but another put me over the edge. Thankfully I had someone to help me finish the other one. Order one at a time unless you like feeling unpleasantly full. If you ever find yourself in Hoboken and don't want to spend a fortune on food or feel like hanging out with the local yuppie crowd, go straight to Benny T's and don't turn back. You'll be glad you did!
Ambiance: ***
Service: ***
Food: *****
Overall: ****
A nostalgic trip to Hoboken to see some bands play brought us to Benny Tudino's. The last time I was at Benny T's, I think I was in college, maybe graduate school. A long time ago. I remembered the size of the slice more than the flavor. All I knew was that I was in for a long awaited treat.
Benny T's is like a Hoboken institution. It's a family joint; no frills, no updates, no fancy decor, and waitresses who look like they could go either way. The sign outside reminds me of one of those old Hollywood dressing rooms with the crazy light bulbs. Except the ones at Benny T's flash around in circles...ya can't miss it! On a street lined with restaurants and other shops meant to attract yuppies, Benny T's stands out for sure. In any case, for a Wednesday night, it wasn't busy, but it wasn't slow either. Local patrons were in and out with carry out pizzas, and the delivery guys were clearly making a killing too.
We had our minds set on one thing: the ginormous slices of pizza. Upon ordering, the question of the day was "warm or hot?". Hmmmm...warm please. There's nothing better than pizza that's been sitting by the oven for a few minutes and won't burn the top of your mouth! After ordering, we sat outside to enjoy the weather and our slices.
To my pleasure, I was so pleasantly surprised! The pizza was not only huge, but totally delicious. The sauce, cheese, and crust were each perfect in their own right, and together formed a balanced flavor combination. I topped mine with a little garlic and parm cheese, and I went straight to heaven. Screw the bands, I could stay here all night!
One slice was satisfying, but another put me over the edge. Thankfully I had someone to help me finish the other one. Order one at a time unless you like feeling unpleasantly full. If you ever find yourself in Hoboken and don't want to spend a fortune on food or feel like hanging out with the local yuppie crowd, go straight to Benny T's and don't turn back. You'll be glad you did!
Ambiance: ***
Service: ***
Food: *****
Overall: ****
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Sono, Millburn, NJ
Second day this week going out to eat and writing about it. How privileged none of you feel! Because of a work commitment later in the evening, I didn't have to twist the arm of my fiance to meet me out for dinner. He kept hearing how great Sono was from an old friend, so we chose to go there. Since it was so close to the meeting I had to attend, it was a great choice.
The greatness wasn't just in location either! One of my complaints about Japanese restaurants and their miso soup is the lack of "stuff" in the soup: seaweed, tofu, and green onions. I hate getting miso soup without much of the "stuff". I was happy that theirs was so full of goodness it was enough to hold me over until the salad and the main course. Yes, I was very very hungry.
While waiting for said fiance, I took notice of the interior and all else not food related. The staff was super friendly. As I walked in, I was greeted by a smiley hostess and a sushi chef who also looked very happy. The gnat that kept flying around me though was really annoying. I realize that most restaurants have some kind of vermin, whether that's a fly, a gnat, or even worse, but please get out of my face! Anyway, besides the gnat, the interior seemed to emanate early 90's but not too overwhelming. A small-ish sushi bar and some tables, it was comfortable and nothing too fancy.
When my fiance finally showed up, I was ready to dig in. Since we're really into sushi, I wanted to find something that was enough for two people. Our waiter pointed to the Chef Special (A) and (B). For around $33, selection (A) was plenty of food; six pieces of sushi each, a rainbow roll, and a spicy roll, along with a salmon skin hand roll. They had a list of some interesting maki, which we would've tried if we were going a la carte, but since that wasn't the case, selection (A) would suffice.
Service was quick and friendly, and in no time we were served an attractive set of sushi and maki. The presentation was pretty (but what sushi presentation isn't?). I began to do my usual pat of wasabi and dunk in soy and I realized that the sushi was really good. A couple of the pieces looked kind of torn and a little unattractive, but overall the pieces were buttery and smooth with mild flavors. By the end I was full even though I wasn't sure I would be. My fiance decided to move on and order more salmon and a separate order of super white tuna, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Sono seems as though it's been around a long time, and I think it will continue to enjoy future success. Sometimes when you've got a good formula, you don't want to mess with it. Despite the dated interior, the food stands on its own...couple that with great service and you've got a winner. Is it my favorite sushi restaurant? Not quite, but I'd come back for more.
Ambiance: ****
Service: *****
Food: ****1/2
Overall: ****1/2
The greatness wasn't just in location either! One of my complaints about Japanese restaurants and their miso soup is the lack of "stuff" in the soup: seaweed, tofu, and green onions. I hate getting miso soup without much of the "stuff". I was happy that theirs was so full of goodness it was enough to hold me over until the salad and the main course. Yes, I was very very hungry.
While waiting for said fiance, I took notice of the interior and all else not food related. The staff was super friendly. As I walked in, I was greeted by a smiley hostess and a sushi chef who also looked very happy. The gnat that kept flying around me though was really annoying. I realize that most restaurants have some kind of vermin, whether that's a fly, a gnat, or even worse, but please get out of my face! Anyway, besides the gnat, the interior seemed to emanate early 90's but not too overwhelming. A small-ish sushi bar and some tables, it was comfortable and nothing too fancy.
When my fiance finally showed up, I was ready to dig in. Since we're really into sushi, I wanted to find something that was enough for two people. Our waiter pointed to the Chef Special (A) and (B). For around $33, selection (A) was plenty of food; six pieces of sushi each, a rainbow roll, and a spicy roll, along with a salmon skin hand roll. They had a list of some interesting maki, which we would've tried if we were going a la carte, but since that wasn't the case, selection (A) would suffice.
Service was quick and friendly, and in no time we were served an attractive set of sushi and maki. The presentation was pretty (but what sushi presentation isn't?). I began to do my usual pat of wasabi and dunk in soy and I realized that the sushi was really good. A couple of the pieces looked kind of torn and a little unattractive, but overall the pieces were buttery and smooth with mild flavors. By the end I was full even though I wasn't sure I would be. My fiance decided to move on and order more salmon and a separate order of super white tuna, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Sono seems as though it's been around a long time, and I think it will continue to enjoy future success. Sometimes when you've got a good formula, you don't want to mess with it. Despite the dated interior, the food stands on its own...couple that with great service and you've got a winner. Is it my favorite sushi restaurant? Not quite, but I'd come back for more.
Ambiance: ****
Service: *****
Food: ****1/2
Overall: ****1/2
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Star Tavern, Orange, NJ
Since no one really reads these posts, this may not be as elaborate as the last few. I haven't done this for quite awhile...not sure why though because I've spent plenty of money on going out to eat. Maybe nothing has really jazzed me to write? Maybe it's the economy? Either way, after a long hiatus, I'm back to gab about the Star Tavern in Orange.
The outside of the building boasts that they have the best pizza in New Jersey. That's quite the claim considering that between NY and NJ, we have the best pizza on the planet, period. And I don't really consider Chicago pizzas pizza. It ain't pizza if you have to use a fork and knife, and some pan to bake it in. Anyway, I digress. The smell from the parking lot was very enticing, which made up for the fact that there was a security guard to watch the parking lot. It doesn't look like a bad neighborhood, but apparently it warrants a security guard. At a pizza joint.
The inside ain't nothin' special and neither is the wait staff. Every single person we encountered at this place didn't smile, and our waitress was borderline rude. I argued that the tip should be 10% and not the usual 20% that I always slap down. No sense of humor and not a bit of politeness. That being said, I figured the food should more than make up for what the restaurant lacks in aesthetics and service. For the most part, thankfully, it did.
Between the five of us, we ordered two entree salads as appetizers, and a total of four pizzas. Our friends liked the Chinese Mandarin Salad and the Antipasta salad looked like it had been pre-refrigerated with slices of salami and pepperoni slapped on it. It wasn't appealing whatsoever, but I do love the combination of salami, provolone, pepperoni, lettuce and oil and vinegar. So flavor-wise it was okay, definitely not the best antipasta salad I've had.
The pizzas were a whole 'nother story. I have to admit, now that I think about it, for the price, you don't get much pizza. It's pretty much full price but the crust is super thin (which is awesome) and the size is a little smaller than a regular pie. The slices are smaller...kinda like ordering a medium size pie rather than a large. We ordered regular cheese, white spinach, and mushroom and onion on a regular. You know what? The best of the bunch was the regular. I realized that this is the perfect representation of the entire place. Regular.
Nothing spectacular, no fancy decor, and certainly no friendly service. But, the pizza was super tasty and no one could complain. By the end, and $100 later, we were full and satisfied. The bill included two pitchers of Sierra Nevada, four pies, two salads, and a soda. Would I go back? Sure, but next time it'll be a plain ol' pizza and lower expectations for a place made for regulars.
Ambiance: **
Service: **
Food: ****
Overall: ***
The outside of the building boasts that they have the best pizza in New Jersey. That's quite the claim considering that between NY and NJ, we have the best pizza on the planet, period. And I don't really consider Chicago pizzas pizza. It ain't pizza if you have to use a fork and knife, and some pan to bake it in. Anyway, I digress. The smell from the parking lot was very enticing, which made up for the fact that there was a security guard to watch the parking lot. It doesn't look like a bad neighborhood, but apparently it warrants a security guard. At a pizza joint.
The inside ain't nothin' special and neither is the wait staff. Every single person we encountered at this place didn't smile, and our waitress was borderline rude. I argued that the tip should be 10% and not the usual 20% that I always slap down. No sense of humor and not a bit of politeness. That being said, I figured the food should more than make up for what the restaurant lacks in aesthetics and service. For the most part, thankfully, it did.
Between the five of us, we ordered two entree salads as appetizers, and a total of four pizzas. Our friends liked the Chinese Mandarin Salad and the Antipasta salad looked like it had been pre-refrigerated with slices of salami and pepperoni slapped on it. It wasn't appealing whatsoever, but I do love the combination of salami, provolone, pepperoni, lettuce and oil and vinegar. So flavor-wise it was okay, definitely not the best antipasta salad I've had.
The pizzas were a whole 'nother story. I have to admit, now that I think about it, for the price, you don't get much pizza. It's pretty much full price but the crust is super thin (which is awesome) and the size is a little smaller than a regular pie. The slices are smaller...kinda like ordering a medium size pie rather than a large. We ordered regular cheese, white spinach, and mushroom and onion on a regular. You know what? The best of the bunch was the regular. I realized that this is the perfect representation of the entire place. Regular.
Nothing spectacular, no fancy decor, and certainly no friendly service. But, the pizza was super tasty and no one could complain. By the end, and $100 later, we were full and satisfied. The bill included two pitchers of Sierra Nevada, four pies, two salads, and a soda. Would I go back? Sure, but next time it'll be a plain ol' pizza and lower expectations for a place made for regulars.
Ambiance: **
Service: **
Food: ****
Overall: ***
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)