I’m a self-taught home-cook sharing my passion for eating, cooking, and all things food.
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All in First Impression
My first impression of a Friday evening dinner at Vanillamore, Montclair. A modern restaurant known for its dessert selections, who is killing it on the savory options. Read about my three course meal and drink selections at this beautiful local spot!
My visit to the new restaurant — The Cheese Bar — in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey. A small modern space with a menu celebrating everything cheese. From cheese boards and mac n’ cheese bites, to Italian dishes and unique grilled cheese. BYOB to this minimalist and modern space serving fresh, delicious food.
Celebrating over 35 years of business in Clifton, New Jersey, La Riviera Trattoria is an Italian restaurant delivering homemade recipes with high quality ingredients. Offering Gluten-free and other allergy accommodations, you’ll need a reservation if you plan on visiting La Riviera on the weekend!
The 2019 Hudson Valley Garlic Festival was my first visit to Saugerties, New York. This beautiful fall festival features miles of garlic vendors, farmers, creative foodie entrepreneurs, craft vendors, and live music. This week’s blog shares the amazing vendors I visited, the food I tried, and overall the amazing, sunny Saturday we spent surrounded by garlic (my favorite!)
After some delicious dinner’s at Stefano’s my dad recommended I try the restaurant for the first time with him. Read about our weeknight meal and the amazing special’s I tried. This is a classic Italian restaurant with both a pizza and restaurant side, right off of Route 23.
The 2019 Brook Hollow Winery Clam Bake happened on August 3rd — a warm summer day perfect for being outdoors. This was my first visit to Brook Hollow Winery in Columbus, New Jersey. I was excited for our several course meal, bottles of wine to try, and time spent with family and friends. Read about the Clam Bake on the blog, and plan to buy your tickets this time next year!
My last day of my birthday trip to New York City brought me to The American Museum of Natural History. After several hours of exploring I headed back towards Hell’s Kitchen to The Meatball Shop, a minimalist shop with a creative menu offering everything meatball!
My first time to the top of the Empire State Building in New York City. Plus, where to go on a weekday morning for breakfast? Check out the new restaurant review about a bagel shop in the Garment District — and where I spent my morning enjoying the delicious sandwich.
Ichiran Ramen is a Japanese restaurant chain tailored for solo-diners. Popular for its individual stalls and lack of human contact, Ichiran focuses on high-quality ramen and developing traditional flavors. Check out my review of the Midtown Manhattan Ichiran location.
A few days in New York City to celebrate my birthday brought me to the major attractions: A walk down the High Line, a stop in Chelsea Market, and a mid-morning ice cream cone from Milk Bar Chelsea. Read about the history of each location and what it was like visiting. Plus, see the famous treats I tried at Milk Bar Chelsea.
A trip to New York City brought our group to Real Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns Ramen. From appetizers like homemade dumplings — to ramen for midday lunch, read my first impression of Real Kung Fu and whether or not I would recommend going back.
A humid Tuesday evening inspired me to get a head-start on this week’s restaurant review. I adventured to downtown Denville to try a Thai restaurant called Thai Chef. Now I’m sharing what a weeknight in the dining room looks like, what the restaurant has to offer, and my three-course meal. Read more to find out!
Step off the train from New York and into the old train station converted into a modern restaurant. De Novo European Pub in Montclair has an elegant and bright dining room, busy bar, and delicious food. Check out my review of my Wednesday night dinner!
