“If you are what you eat, then I only want to eat the good stuff.” – Remy (Patton Oswalt) in “Ratatouille” (2007)

So the hubby, two of my coworkers and I decided to try Gus’ Last Word. This restaurant is inspired by the owners’ (the Maroulakos brothers) grandparent’s 1950’s cellar bar. The bar & dining room capture the essence of the era with a fun, modern twist along with a seasonal backyard Garden. Their menu features classic American bar fare, comforting entrees & (thin) crust pies, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. Their beverages feature plays on classic cocktails, along with16 draft beers & wine focused on a mix of domestic and international offerings. They are located in Wood-Ridge, NJ.

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Let’s start with the appetizers. All three were grand slams! The fries… loved them!! The fries had a lot going on, but in a good way! Loaded with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes and black olives, with a very unique tasting Tzatziki sauce. Yum! The Caprese… loved the presentation! The saltiness of prosciutto, the creaminess of the burrata, and the sweetness of the peaches worked so well together! Great combination of different flavors ? Finally the Chicken Lollipops. They were absolutely amazing! The drumsticks were lightly breaded and fried to a perfect golden crisp, drizzled in honey. It tasted fresh, crispy, yet tender inside, with a hint of delicious honey. It is not overly sweet, just lightly accented which was great!

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The Cajun Mac & Cheese was well seasoned and creamy with small bits of sausage and blackened shrimp. For me, the Cajun style pasta had just the right amount of kick and was tasty. The Salmon was flavorful, not overly cooked (if it gets overly cooked it can be extremely dry ?). It had a nice crispy outside texture and on the inside it was juicy and moist. The couscous and the greens complemented the salmon very nicely and it was a nice change of what salmon is usually paired with; which either can be rice or mashed potatoes. Finally the Grilled Irish Cheese… I didn’t have a chance to try it, but according to my coworker, she loved it! She said that it tasted like a Reuben and that it was a nice twist on a grilled cheese. She would definitely order again!

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So I was a little skeptical on the cheesecake, (not a big fan of marshmallows) but I was convinced! I’m glad I was because it tasted heavenly! The Ceramic cup that held my cappuccino was so cool. (I soooo wanted to steal the cup and take it home?)

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Gus’ Last Word signature cocktail is a Gin based drink with a flowery, fresh, and citrusy aroma. Loved it!! I then decided to try the Flamingo. It was light, fruity, and fun! Both drinks were balanced, boozy, and well crafted.

My first visit to this restaurant was great! Both the cocktails and the food were fantastic. We devoured the apps and each person in my group enjoyed their meals. The servers were very friendly and I got a kick out of the décor! Can’t wait to go back!

“The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.”- Julia Child

Prime and Beyond is an upmarket eatery that serves dry and wet-aged steaks, family style or individually, with Korean sides. From farm to table, they use high quality and USDA Prime meat. It is located at 501 Main Street in Fort Lee, NJ. I was introduced to this place by my college friends. We decided to try it and I’m so happy they introduced me to this place ?.

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The thick bacon appetizer was amazing! It was simply heaven on a plate. It was grilled to perfection which brought out tons of big, bold, smoky bacon flavors. Beef tartare was seasoned well and the gochujang dip gave it a spicy kick. The grilled Octopus was lovely. It had a nice char and tasted delicious! The steak crust tips were amazing. They had an amazing, savory taste and the cook was spot on! I couldn’t stop eating these dishes and I wanted more!

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Dinner was fantastic! The baby rack of lamb was exquisite. It was a good portion, and it was medium rare on a frenched bone (not at all greasy)… tasted amazing. Ribeye was marbleized and an extremely good cut.  The key is the simple but perfect seasoning.  Just some light salt and pepper.  You really get the true taste of the meat.  The New York Strip… melt in mouth, so flavorful that I needed nothing but the meat. The sides were also solid, with a Korean twist! Much like the steak, they are very simple, not overly seasoned, and just executed well. 

Prime & Beyond is a no-frills, creative K-bbq-inspired steakhouse for the steak connoisseurs that also has a great ambiance. Each piece of meat was an experience on its own. Your knife cuts into them like butter! Also loved that it was BYOB! Would recommend in a heart beat to a friend looking for a quality steak place. Definitely will go back!! Thanks for reading my review and continue to chomp away!

-Chomping Chica

“Happiness is…Eating.” -Unknown

My cousin was in town and she was visiting NYC. I decided to meet up with her and her family for dinner. We decided to try this Italian place called Bread & Tulips.

Bread & Tulips is a cozy neighborhood spot serving rustic Italian cuisine since 2011. (We sat in their outdoor, sidewalk café.) Located at 365 Park Ave S, New York, NY, they serve freshly-made pastas and crisp, fluffy neo-Neapolitan brick oven pizzas. They also use locally-sourced ingredients.

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Let’s start with the appetizers! The grilled octopus appetizer was grilled perfectly and had a nice flavor. It was tender with just the right amount of char. The meatballs were amazing! They were tender and seasoned nicely. The marinara sauce that accompanied the meatballs was flavorful and it had a great consistency. (After the meatballs were inhaled, I used the rest of the sauce to dip my bread in?) The Burrata was creamy and velvety. The Heirloom tomatoes that accompanied this dish were juicy, fresh and ripe.

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The Entrees were so yummy! The Fettuccine, I was told, was very delicious (unfortunately I didn’t try it, but my cousin’s son did) and that it had a “fresh, homemade taste.” The Pappardelle, with the braised leg of lamb… melt in your mouth good! The lamb was an excellent slow roasted meat with a spicy sauce over fresh pasta. Yummy? The Pizza, nice crispy, thin crust! It was flavorful and not greasy, which I find important in a pizza. The only thing, I didn’t like about their menu was their Strip Steak Tagliata with Arugula, homemade fries, and natural jus. (I do not have a picture). Unfortunately, the steak was bland and underwhelming, however the fries were crispy and seasoned well.

So overall a great place! The staff at Bread & Tulips was welcoming and hospitable. They were very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu, as well. I especially appreciate the restaurant’s use of locally sourced produce and their homemade pastas.
I look forward to visiting again! Thanks for reading my review and continue to Chomp away!

-Chomping Chica

It’s that time of year! Fall baking!! So I’m always on the lookout for a delish, yet easier, pumpkin cookie. I stumbled upon this recipe… Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies. This recipe is from “Simply Joy”. Let’s dive right in.

To start, this recipe requires few and simple ingredients. Ingredients include an egg yolk, flour, room temperature butter, and of course pumpkin puree! Nothing crazy and most of these ingredients I already had. As per the instructions, you mix the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients separately. Then you pour the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. (The one thing that I did differently instead of adding only cinnamon, was adding pumpkin spice seasoning. I felt it would add more of a warm flavor and more of an “Autumn” taste ?)

Afterwards, they say to preheat your oven to 350 degrees and refrigerate the cookie dough for 20 minutes. (Which makes sense, especially when you have to form the cookie dough into balls.)  Once out of the fridge, roll the dough into one inch sized balls. Roll in sugar. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and press down slightly. Space the cookies about two inches apart. (They do bake at a decent size!) Bake for 15 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through the baking. (I forgot to rotate, but it did not affect the baking of the cookies.) Let cool on the pan for about two minutes before moving to a cooling rack to cool completely.

These cookies are absolutely amazing! Deliciously soft sugar cookies, full of pumpkin fall flavor! As you can see, they were a big hit and were almost all gobbled up! (There were more then what you see in this picture.) Definitely try this recipe. You will not be disappointed. Below is the website for these yummy cookies. Thanks for reading my review and continue to chomp away!

Recipe: https://www.simplejoy.com/pumpkin-sugar-cookies/

-Chomping Chica-

“Eating out doesn’t have to be a formula. Eating out is about having fun. I get really frustrated when it’s badly done.” – Gordon Ramsay

Cowan’s is one of my favorite places to eat. I have gone there with the husband numerous times. Located in Nutley NJ, this restaurant has a 1930’s charm, which I love! Guests can enjoy a rotating selection of 16 craft beers on draught, cocktails featuring artisanal spirits with seasonal ingredients, and a modern twist on the traditional pub menu, all in a space that transports you back to a time gone by.

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Appetizers, as always, are amazing. Let’s start with the Devil Eggs! I’m usually not a big fan, but these were exquisite. The were creamy and delicate in flavor. The truffle added a nice touch to this dish. The Bao Buns were savory and fun to eat! The actual bun was soft and fluffy! The combo of the spicy pulled pork with the sesame, ginger and pickled cabbage just meshed so well!

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Our two entrees were amazing. The Hot Noodles consisted of only vegetables and Tofu and you would think that this noodle dish would be bland, but not at all. It was the total opposite! It was was rich with many flavors and strong seasonings! The vegetables were tender and tasty. The noodles were flavorful and plentiful! This soup just hit the spot and definitely made me a happy camper.

The Cheese Ravioli was delicious! I expected it to be heavy and filling, but it was actually more delicate and light, which was a welcome surprise. The taste was a nice balance between the mushrooms and the cheese. Loved the parmigiana shavings… they added a nice touch!

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Dessert is always a treat here! Their desserts and ice creams are made in house. This bread pudding was stellar. It was not too sweet, but just enough with a good amount of chocolate chips. The ice cream on the Bread Pudding was a Black Cherry and it paired very nicely. All the components of this dish were delicious and it gave me a homey vibe.

Love, Love, Love, their drinks! Their drinks always have great presentation and taste. This particular drink is one of my favorites! The “Violets are Blue” is not too sweet, with a light and refreshing taste. It was easy to take down, but don’t be deceived… it’s strong, lol.

Overall, this place never disappoints! Food and drinks are always on point. The staff is attentive, friendly, and helpful. The atmosphere… very vintage and chill. Thanks for reading my review and continue to chomp away!

-Chomping Chica-

“My weaknesses have always been food and men – in that order”. -Dolly Parton

Back in early September, after one of our weekend hikes in Sussex County NJ, my husband and I stopped at this place for an early dinner. It’s located in Augusta N.J. When first stumbling upon it, we got hit with a glorious smoked meat smell! The atmosphere is a smokehouse that makes you feel at home. They have options for the whole family to enjoy: classic BBQ options, a vegetarian section, and both vegan and gluten free options – all that paired with four of their home made BBQ sauces. ?

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So we sat down and we were immediately greeted with a fresh cannister of popcorn. Simple enough, but the spices that were on this popcorn made it very difficult to stop eating them. For our starter, we decided to try their pork empanadas. They were pretty good! The outside was nice and flaky, not at all oily. The pork inside the empanada was very flavorful and seasoned nicely, with portion inside this pastry goodness.

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Entrees: let’s start with Rack of Ribs. This is my first time with a dry rub. It was actually very tasty. The spices on the rub were very flavorful, with a combination of sweet, salty and heat. These three flavors just worked well together. The actual rib meat was moist and it fell right off the bone. The pulled pork had a smokey flavor and seasoned nicely. However, it needed a sauce to bring out more of the flavors. (More on the bbq sauces later).

Regarding the sides… this place has a lot to choose from, from their Collard Greens with bacon to their baked beans. Both the hubby and I wanted to get their Garlic Mash. OMG, their mash was sooooo good! It was fluffy, creamy and so flavorful! Both our dishes came with cornbread. The cornbread was moist and fresh. However, to me it was more on the sweeter side, like a dessert.

As we ate, we had the option of using their housemade sauces. I personally love a good BBQ sauce and enjoyed having these sauces tableside. Love all the options that they provide. The hubby and I especially used them on our entrees and the sauces definitely enhance the flavors of our meats. All four sauces were very good, however they could be a bit thicker and seemed a bit watered down.

For dessert, we a had delicious homemade brownie! It was warm, chocolatey, and gooey!! It was really good!! Highly recommend!!

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Overall, it was a great experience! I would love to try other things that they have on the menu! Service was fantastic! They were attentive, kind, and helpful.  The outdoor seating was nice with panoramic views of the farmland in the surrounding area. The place has a nice unique atmosphere which I found cozy. Fyi, this place is a BYOB. Thanks for reading my review and continue to chomp away!

-Chompingchica-

When the fall comes I always like to use fall ingredients in my baking such as apple, pumpkin, etc. This recipe is one of my favorites to bake. Let’s dive right in!

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The recipe is very easy to follow. However, there are a lot of steps due to the muffin having three different components. The first step is to make the cream cheese icing. Simple ingredients such as cream cheese, an egg, brown sugar, and vanilla extract… you mix well and then set aside. The next step is making the streusel topping. Again, simple enough, mixing together chopped pecans, cinnamon, flour, sugar, butter etc. The only thing I found tedious was cutting the butter with a fork with the dry ingredients to create a crumbly consistency. It took forever!!! So I used a combination of my hands and the fork to speed up the process. I also noticed that the amount of chopped pecans that they ask for (3 tablespoons), for me at least, was not enough so I added a little more to the topping. Finally the muffin batter was very easy! Presto! You are ready to assemble your muffins!!

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Assembling the muffin is three steps. Very easy, but can be time consuming. First the muffin mixture… try to fill the tins about 1/2 full. Next is the cream cheese. Before putting a tablespoon of the cream cheese on to the muffin batter, make sure you give it a good mix again. I noticed that after I initially mixed and then set it aside, it started to congeal. Your cream cheese has to be a smooth and creamy texture. Finally the Streusel topping… it can get a bit messy while pouring over the tin. Time to bake them!

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So baking them was very easy! They bake for 375 degrees between 20 to 25 minutes. I did the full 25 minutes and they came out great!

The finally verdict – these muffins are absolutely delicious! They are moist and have a subtle pumpkin flavor! The sweetness was not over the top, but just right. These muffins were gobbled up instantly at my house! Here is the link to this delicious recipe:

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/8458/pumpkin-cream-cheese-muffins/

Thanks for reading my review and continue to chomp away!

-Chomping Chica-

“Let food be thy medicine, thy medicine shall be thy food” -Hippocrates

On this food adventure, my sister-in-law wanted to take me out to dinner as my birthday gift. She knows I love food, lol. She decided to take me to DeNovo European Pub, in Edgewater, NJ.

As they describe in their website, De Novo is styled after the family-oriented casual pubs of Europe. Guests can enjoy house-made breads, small plates, charcuterie, flatbreads, salads, burgers, house-made pastas, entrées, house-made desserts and late-night bar bites.

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So first, the appetizers. Both appetizers in my opinion were very delicious but in different ways. The Heirloom tomato salad was excellent. The tomatoes were fresh and juicy! The Burrata was flavorful and creamy! The seasoning of pistachios with the drizzle of honey added a nice touch to this dish. The Fois Gras was not part of the usual menu but on their specials list. It was very delicious! It had a nice char on the top and the inside was creamy and seasoned well! I encouraged the sister-in- law to try it. She was not a big fan, however she did love the ingredients that surrounded the dish. The combination of the honey sauce, peaches, tomatoes and greens added a nice sweet touch to the Fois Gras.

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Both dinners were phenomenal!! The Ravioli pasta was cooked to perfection, and it was filled with a good portion of lobster. The taste and consistency of the cream sauce was very well balanced. The pieces of lump crab were good, but they were not needed. The Lamb Shank was juicy, seasoned perfectly and it just fell right off the bone. The risotto was cooked well and it was creamy! The Shank and the Risotto both complemented each other very nicely in this dish.

Both the sister-in-law and I had this cocktail. It was a great summer drink. The mix of the fresh watermelon, tequila, and other ingredients made for a perfect light and refreshing drink. It was a drink that was both colorful to the eye and easy to drink.

So overall, our experience was a good one! Beautiful ambiance with amazing views.  The food was flavorful, fresh and beautifully presented. The only negative comment I had was the inconsistency in service. In the beginning of our dining experience, our waiter and the restaurant staff were very attentive. However, as the evening progressed and the restaurant became crowded, we saw less and less of our server and it was hard to get his attention. But other than that, it was a great dining experience and will consider going back. Thanks for reading my review and continue to chomp away!

-Chomping Chica!

“The only thing I like better than talking about food is eating.” -John Walters

While vacationing in Newport, Rhode Island, we decided to get all fancy and try this gem, The Chanler! This place is an elegant hotel with a Gilded Age vibe that is near the gorgeous Cliff Walk and picturesque views of the ocean. Within this hotel, there are two types of dining experiences… the Cara and the Café. We decide to try the Café.

The Café is located on the outdoor terrace of the hotel. The terrace has breathtaking and relaxing views of the Atlantic Ocean. Their food is locally sourced to create that New England Cuisine vibe. Let’s dive right in!

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Appetizers… excellent! The housemade bread was so fresh! It was warm and the sea salt butter and angelito cheese were a perfect spread. Then there were the oysters! This was my first time with raw oysters and I was not disappointed! Presentation was elegant. The oysters were nicely shucked, cool and briny. They were consumed quickly 🙂

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Our main courses were both exquisite. The Swordfish had a great sear! It was light and the seasoning was on point. The Campenelle was just amazing! I wish there was more on my plate, because I definitely wanted more. The homemade pasta was cooked to perfection and the lemon sauce was so buttery and flavorful without being overpowering. Generous portions of lobster and scallops, however I felt that the scallops were not needed. It would still have been delicious just with the lobster alone. The cook on the lobster was flavorful and the texture was perfect!

We were actually full from our meal that we decided to share a dessert. This particular dessert was very light and yet had tons of flavor! It was delicate, refreshing and all the ingredient just melded so well. The presentation as you can see was lovely and refined.

Overall great dining experience! Beautiful setting and great service. The servers were extremely knowledgeable about the full menu and described the dishes beautifully. Everything about my dinner here was perfect. The prices are a bit steep, but this is fine dining and you’re in Newport. You are paying for an experience. It was an experience I would definitely come back too. Thanks for reading my review and continue to chomp away!

-Chomping Chica-

It has been a while since my hubby and I went on vacation (this horrible pandemic). We decided this year we would venture off to lovely Newport, Rhode Island! This was my first time there and we decided to stay at the Francis Malbone Inn.

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The Francis Malbone Inn is a Colonial Bed and Breakfast that is dated to 1760. It is located in the heart of Newport. This house has an interesting history… it used to be a private residence for Colonel Francis. It then was seized by the British at the start of the Revolutionary War. It was then used to store looted gold and treasures, leading to its nickname, “the Treasure House.”

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The property and the grounds were very beautiful and picturesque! Delightful and charming! Beautiful artwork and décor everywhere. My husband and I felt that this place was very relaxing with an air of romance to it. 🙂

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Now, to my favorite part of my review… the food! Hands down, the Francis Malbone’s breakfast was phenomenal! Every morning, it was always something new. The presentation of their dishes were beautiful and on point. The flavors of these dishes were amazing. You definitely notice the freshness of their meals (they have an herb pot in their court yard that grows basil, thyme, chives, etc). In addition, they provided an assortment of pastries, breads, yogurts, and fresh fruit. Breakfast was always an exciting event for me at the Francis Malbone.

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Teatime was another treat we got to experience at our B&B. Teatime was always a great experience! Again, homemade and fresh! From the savory to the sweet, they always had an amazing spread. My husband and I would try not to miss teatime, but it was hard, especially when we had dinner reservations in the next two hours, lol.

Overall we had an amazing experience staying at the Francis Malbone! This place is charming, perfect location, attentive, friendly and helpful staff. They had an amazing afternoon tea and breakfast everyday. Quite an elaborate spread of food and delightful treats all beautifully presented. The grounds and rooms were tastefully decorated and well maintained. Comfortable beds and the attention to details show that the owners really love to pamper their guests and make sure they enjoy their stay in Newport. In the age of Covid, they also took safety and cleanliness very seriously. My husband and I will definitely return. Thanks for reading my review and continue to Chomp away!

-Chomping Chica-