Halinka Polish Deli

Halinka Polish Deli

Why am I just now discovering the food culture of tiny ethnic delis in central New Jersey? (Remember, the term “delicatessen” originally meant a place where food delicacies are sold – not processed cold cuts.)  First there was La Costeñita in Hillsborough, the wonderful Mexican place I reviewed last winter. Over the years, they transitioned from being … Continue reading →

String Cheese from Fulper Farms

String Cheese from Fulper Farms

I am turning into my father. Well, culinarily speaking, that is. He loved the classic Armenian snack of cucumber and string cheese. First, the cucumber. The cucumber used to be from his garden, then in later years, from the grocery store or farmers market. I just love the small, tender Persian cucumbers I find at Trader Joe’s, … Continue reading →

Retro Atomic Sci-Fi Kitchen

Originally posted on SheWalksSoftly:
Ceramic artist LuRu’s Retro Atomic Sci-Fi Kitchen is a truly awesome, completely handmade renovation. Look at these incredible tiles! Despite working with a small space, LuRu really rocked this theme. There’s even a sci-fi “stovescape!” Yep…I’m completely in love with this tiling. See many more pictures here.

Sette Luna in Easton PA

Sette Luna in Easton PA

A friend and I took a drive to Easton, PA yesterday to meet up with another friend who lives in the Poconos. Easton was our halfway meeting place for lunch, about an hour and fifteen minutes drive, and what a nice town it appears to be! (It is also home to the famous Crayola Factory.) … Continue reading →

Dinner at Marea

Dinner at Marea

Have I told you about my nephew the gourmet? Those are words I never thought I’d say, because a few years ago my (wonderful) nephew Patrick had a seriously limited palate. He did not like fish. Mushrooms, ugh! And cheese, not so much, except, I think, grated Parm on his pasta. Nonetheless, in 2006 we picked our … Continue reading →

Father’s Day

Many restaurants are open on Father’s Day; here’s some special information I’ve received from a few local independent restaurateurs – Be sure to make reservations. elements: Brunch: 11am-3pm (3 course menu, $69/person adults, $39 for children 14 and under) / Dinner: 5-10pm (4 course tasting menu, $89/person adults, $49 for children 14 and under) Tre Piani – Open on … Continue reading →

Tortoni – The Rest of the Story

Tortoni – The Rest of the Story

My May 30 In The Kitchen column hasn’t been posted on the Packet website yet, so I am pasting in the text below. And I want to tell you the rest of the story. (Update: the story now appears here.) My friend’s mother’s book, The Friendly Cook, has now been published and is for sale on … Continue reading →

A glorious day on Long Beach Island

A glorious day on Long Beach Island

I hadn’t been to Long Beach Island in several years, not since before Sandy wreaked havoc on the island, so I took a drive down with a friend on Friday, and we had such fun during our brief day. There were still signs of rebuilding, especially in the southern LBI communities, but by far most places … Continue reading →