Filed under Eating out …

A visit to Margaret Kuo’s

On a recent Sunday afternoon my friends, cookbook author Angela Chang and her husband Humphrey, took me to a very nice lunch at Margaret Kuo’s in Wayne, PA.  I had been here a few years previously, when Martin Yan hosted a special The Book & The Cook dinner event. The dynamic Ms. Kuo also owns three … Continue reading →

Rocky Hill High

First it was Restaurant One53.  Now we also have the Rocky Hill Inn Eatery & Tavern.  It’s great to have two nice restaurants in Rocky Hill, close to me. I’ve had many good meals at One53 (they also own the popular Lucy’s Ravioli Kitchen), which is currently offering a $25 prix fixe menu Monday-Wednesday, with a … Continue reading →

Hearts on Fire – Valentine gift ideas

(And how gorgeous is this quilt, a gift from my talented friend Leland Burnham?  Very!  It is named “Temptation,” and looks good enought to eat!) Now, for Valentine’s Day, or for a treat to enjoy later on, how about trying one of these: Dinner at Brother’s Moon in Hopewell, and/or a gift of cooking classes … Continue reading →

A VERY Happy Chinese New Year for First Wok

Sonya Ma has good reason to be extra excited during the Chinese New Year celebrations this year.  Her First Wok restaurant in West Windsor (at the McCaffery’s Shopping Center on Rte. 571), has been named one of the Top 100 Chinese Restaurants for Overall Excellence in the country.  She also made the Top 100 in … Continue reading →

American New Year, Chinese Style

The Chinese Lunar New Year may not be until January 26, but thanks to my friends Angela and Humphrey Chang (she is a cookbook author, see my post of July 27), we celebrated the Western New Year with Chinese food. Up Route 27 we went on a frigid and windy night, to the cozy Szechuan … Continue reading →

Glorious Breakfast

I am always complaining that there aren’t enough places serving good breakfasts or brunches in this area.  Yes, there are hotels, and their weekend buffets, and there are diners galore.  But I’m looking for something a little more interesting and creative, and Blue Rooster Bakery & Café in Cranbury fits the bill. I’d read their blog … Continue reading →

elements – awesome!

I just can’t resist somewhat scooping my own upcoming (12/26) Packet review of the new restaurant in town, elements.  Let’s just say I was very impressed with my recent dinner there, which included the Foie Gras Torchon appetizer at left.  Scott Anderson is in his – ouch! – element here, with a highly imaginative global … Continue reading →

Seven Fishes (and then some)

It’s not casual but it is ethnic!  The holiday season is upon us and we really need a lift, so I’m writing about an extravagant affair today.  (I feel justified, having just spent considerable time – and money – online donating to the food banks and other agencies my friends and family asked me to, … Continue reading →

Terrific Torrone

Italian torrone is a sweet of ancient origin I fondly remember from childhood as being appealingly exotic (and darned sweet).  It is a nougat made with egg whites, honey, sugar, and nuts, and the kind we used to get at Christmas was wrapped in edible rice paper wafers.  Each piece was in a pretty little box.  I wish … Continue reading →