Hospital Food

Hospitals do there best I think, but the food could be a lot better. There are just certain things that can cheer a person up when they're down. Cheerful hospital staff, clean fresh private room, nice outside view, and of course GOOD FOOD!!!! This is for those that are in between stages and have an appetite. Make the presentation and taste of the food outstanding. Here is my one and only dinner during my 3 day stay in the hospital. They tried but could use some work. After a liquid diet I had no choice but to eat my dinner.

Imagine

Imagine if your mother left you in the hospital at birth.  Imagine you ended up in foster care because she didn't have a change of heart.  Imagine if once you arrived to your first foster home full of caring people but it lacked nurturing.  Fast forward our society is full of young men that have grown up missing many of these essential elements only to be perceived as uncaring, unloving, and unattached to those around them or the world at large.  It is my belief that it is all stemmed from that one initial very crucial first touch.  Today I met an infant that was too young to even hold his own bottle so he was very new to this thing called life.  I watched as he woke up to a cry that only grew louder as he was being attended to because he was wet and hungry.  His care taker at the time immediately attended to his needs and talked to him as she continued to change him and make him confortable.  My initial response was awe how sweet as she prepared his bottle and put him in his infant chair.  What followed really disturbed me but this care taker was only doing what she thought was in the best interest of the infant.  Once he was in the chair she propped a nice fluffy blanket on his chest to hold the bottle that she gently slid into his mouth.  As I sat there and watched I became extremely sad for this infant male.  I started to think this is a true case of being dammed from the beginning.  This infant has been deprived of that loving touch from his mother and now he is missing the most important bonding period of his life.  It is so important for an infant to be held during feeding at this stage in their life.  This is the time where he should be feeling arms around him that will give him the sense of protection.  He should be studying the face that will assure him that he is loved and everything will be okay.  He should be able to wrap his tiny little fingers around one of the fingers that is feeding him.  Sadly enough this is not the case for this innocent infant that will probably grow up being misunderstood by society.  These simple elements are essential to life it’s not an excuse for mischievous behavior.  I look to You to touch this infant’s life from the crown of his head to the sole of his feet.  I pray that the generational curse be broken.  I imagine that his life will have purpose and be filled with destiny that he will be able to connect with those around him.  I imagine that he will be placed either back to the mother that abandoned him (with proper counseling and signs of being ready to be a caring mother) or a caring family that will love and cherish him.  I imagine that he will be able to return the good portions of his life  journey 100 folds into someone else life as he grows up.  I imagine that God will provide for his every need.  The things that are taken for granted can ultimately mean life or death for an infant that has to grow up in today’s society.   Imagine the difference that one touch can make.  All this came from one short encounter with baby prince.

Crazy Susan's Cookies Ocean City NJ

I was compelled to visit this cookie shop after viewing Susan and her family on TLC Network.  I simple fell in love with their CRAZY personalities and was so proud of her niece Stephanie when she was able to bake the mayor's cookie.  Susan's cookies are simply delicious and I can't wait to visit again to taste more of her outrageous concoctions.  The next time you're in Ocean City NJ you must visit Crazy Susan's Cookies.  They are very friendly people and the cookies are great!!!

                       

                                                                                                         

 Cookies - Top left Turtle Cookie
                 Top right Mayor Cookies (consist of the mayors favorite chocolates DELICIOUS)
                 Bottom left White Chocolate Macadamia Cookie
                 Bottom right White Chocolate Cranberry Cookie

If you love cookies you must visit Crazy Susan's

701 Mosaic

Mosaic Sampler

My first visit to 701 Mosaic was everything that I'd hoped for, a close friend told about the restaurant. We were greeted instantly with a smile by owner/manager Pam. Our server for lunch was Kate who was equally pleasant and knowledgeable of items on the menu. The atmosphere was very warm, calming, and clean. We ordered the sampler which included 2 patties of choice, jerk wings, calamari, assorted chips plantain, Dasheen (my favorite), and another I can't remember, also a delicious salad soaked in a vinegarette DELICIOUS. We were given samples of two non alcoholic drinks ginger tea and sorrel both AWESOME. The shrimp skewers were cooked to perfection and the rice and beans were good. What I like most was the fact that everything was edible, which is always a plus for me. I look forward to my next visit to 701 Mosaic for dinner. If you're looking for a taste of elegance while in Ocean City NJ this is your place. As we were eating they were preparing for dinner and the smell was enough to make me want to hang around for dinner.

Scales Atlantic City

Appetizer: Trio Deviled Eggs Shrimp, Crab, Old Bay
Entree: Pan Seared Scallops, Caribbean Rice, and mixed vegetables

                            

              

View outside of the restaurant

Scales is a nice restaurant located on Gardens Basins in Atlantic City New Jersey.  The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable.  I especially enjoyed the view from outside of the boasts passing by.  They used very good quality ingredients and the servers are very friendly.  The prices are reasonable and they are kid friendly.  I really enjoyed my experience at Scales and look forward to my next visit.  It would also be a great place to visit during the winter the inside is nice as well.

Chickie's & Pete's

On a warm Monday evening I decided to visit Chickie's & Pete's Sports Bar in English Creek, NJ.  I went to experience the All U Can Eat Crabs that everyone talks about.  To my surprise when I scanned the menu my initial interest was rapidly altered by  the Lobster Roll.  Ahhhhh!!! I felt as if a halo was shinning over my head  when I saw the Lobster Roll on the menu.  My Server Brittany seemed very nice and ready to accommodate my every need.  She informed me that menu is a la carte.  I first ordered the famous Crabfries, and Chickie's Style Hot Shrimp to start, and the Lobster Roll to add a finishing touch.  The atmosphere was calm being as though it was a Monday and I felt very comfortable.  The one problem that I had was after I ordered my Lobster Roll, Brittany told me that it comes with Sweet potato crabfries.     Hmmmmm!!! Being as though she was so nice and didn't come off to be a know it all  I didn't fuss.  It wasn't like I couldn't handle all the carbs, but I probably wouldn't have ordered both.

Appetizers:  Crabfries,  Chickie,s Style Hot Shrimp

Entree:  Lobster Roll on a New England Roll and Sweet Potato Crabfries - the lobster simply melted in my mouth in a light sauce that complimented the lobster nice,  The roll was light in texture and toasted, and the sweet potato fries had the perfect crisp and they were  well seasoned with a light drizzle of a sweet sauce.  SIMPLY DIVINE!

Lobster Roll and Sweet Potato Crab Fries

Chickie's Hot Shrimp

Crabfries

I can't wait until my next visit and perhaps I will stick to my intended choice All U Can Eat Crabs.  The next time you're near the shore visit Chickie's & Pete's Sports Bar or search for a location near you.

Jo Jo's Italian Grill Egg Harbor Township, NJ

Jo Jo's Italian Grill


Another great dish,  but not on the menu Mussels with shrimp, and scallops in a tomato and white wine sauce yummy

As recommended by my dear sista friend, and twin I went to Jo Jo's dined in alone and experience a very delightful meal.  Puttanesca  a wonderful experienced for the palette.
Appetizer:  Egg Plant Bruschetta (complimentary) and salad

Entree: Puttanesca Fettucini, tomatoes, kalamata olives. garlic, onions, and capers in a light sauce ( Jas will give me the technical term)

I always enjoy Jo Jo's the few times that I have dined in the service was good, but the majority of times that I visit, I do take out.  The service is usually good either way. I'm so grateful for the recommendation from my twin.  She is one of the few people that could probably order food for me.  The next time you want a bite to eat stop by Jo Jo's EHT.  Always looking for recommendations!!!!!

                            

                          

Jo Jo's Italian Grill Egg Harbor Township, NJ

Jo Jo's Italian Grill is a favorite for many of the locals.  I decided to post my take out dish be cause they even take pride in the containers that they use.  Some may think that Jo Jo's is over priced, but I think they use good quality ingredients.  I love their Egg Plant Parmesan! Sorry no picture of the salad or the roll.

Egg Plant Parmesan, Salad, Dinner Roll

Koreana Food Philadelphia, Pa

                                                            

Koreana Food Philadelphia Pa

Koreana food is a little hole in the wall with phenomenal food located on 38^th Walnut St. Philadelphia.  The menu was reader friendly for non Koreans and the owner was there ready to help for those like me who needed further assistance.  The experience was GREAT and the flavors left a lasting impression.  I apologize for not being to explain all the contents of each dish because this experience is very new to me.  I told the owner and his wife how pleased I was with everything and assured them that I would return.  I also informed them that I have a food blog and would be sharing this experience they both chuckled.  They are extremely friendly people and the food was simply outstanding I couldn’t help but notice the very diverse crowd that was dining in.

Appetizer: Spicy Vermicelli Fish Ramen

Beverage: Aloe Water

 Entrée (Jasmine) Koreana Do Sirak (Bento) Box Beef Bulgogi this was like a sampler and looked and smelled delicious

Entrée (Trina) Dol Sot Jeyoo Chicken this was a sizzling bowl filled with rice vegetables, chicken and a fried egg on top

I can’t wait to visit Koreana Food again the atmosphere was great and the people were very friendly.  The service was tremendously quick and everything was hot in fact my leftovers was still warm when I got to New Jersey.  The prices are very affordable and the food portions are large.

Bonefish Grill Egg Harbor,NJ

Bonefish Grill Egg Harbor NJ

Appetizer: Bang Bang Shrimp

Entree: Ahi Tuna, Jasmine Rice, Vegetable Medley

I tried the tuna for the first time and I had it cooked well done.  I think if I would have had it the way it's suppose to be prepared it would have been better, however I'm not ready to experiment with uncooked fish.  Tonight the service was great and my food presentation was beautiful.  I will be visiting Bonefish Grill again soon especially on a Wednesday they have a speciall on their famous bang bang shrimp.

   

Ventura Offshore Cafe Northfield, NJ

Ventura Offshore Cafe Northfield NJ

Salad: House Salad with balsamic vinaigrette

Entree: Pasta Daniella, jumbo shrimp, spinach, cappellini pasta, red roasted pepper in a garlic rosa sauce

The atmosphere of Ventura's was wonderful and inviting the service was quick , delicious and everything was pipping hot.  I enjoyed the complimentary italian bread that was given with a hint of italian sauce.  My only complaint would be they took me as far to the back of the restaurant as they could.  Although they weren't that busy I don't think no point was intended.  I would be happy to visit Ventura's again and perhaps order their famous mussels they looked delicious and they give a lot.  The prices are very affordable and they give large portions.  

  

Feathers Egg Harbor Township,NJ

Feathers Egg Harbor Township NJ

Soup: Lentil

Appetizer: Vegetable Samosa potatoes, chick peas, cashews Indian spices

Entree: Murg Tikka (Tandoori - Indian Barbeque) - Marienated chicken par grilled with spices. Naan(type of bread), and Jasmine Herbed rice

 

                         look closely you can see the steam too bad you can't smell it

 

      Makhani Sauce                                      Inside of Samosa

My server was Paveen, he was awesome very willing to help me with my Indian selections.  The atmosphere was very inviting and I loved the decorations especially the chairs which had a peacock etched on them simply beautiful.  It's sid that I was the only one there but I really felt like I had a personal chef, which always make me feel special.  The workers are very friendly in this family owned business.  They have dishes from north and south India.  The aroma of the food quickened my palette with a burst of flavors.  It was like a taste of heaven.  It would be a great place to have a business meeting, solo dinner, or gathering with friends.  Some may like to know that it is BYOB, which is of no interest to me.  The prices are good for what you receive, but may not be ideal for a family budget.  The next time you're in Egg Harbor Township, NJ and feel a little risky try FEATHERS.

PF Chang Atlantic City, NJ

PF Chang The Quarters (Tropicana) of Atlantic City NJ

The meal was simply delicious and it was the courtesy of a very nice person who supports my love of food.  

Appetizer: Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Entrée: Kung Pao Shrimp and Scallops nice spice peanuts, scallions and peppers

             Lo Mein vegetable and shrimp

Beverage: H2O

The décor of PF Chang is dark but elegant and the atmosphere was very relaxing.  My food was served in a timely manner and looked quite appealing upon its arrival.  The waitress was extremely pleasant and very accommodating.  If I had to find one complaint, it would be going up the stairs that I think adds a nice touch to the restaurant, after finishing one of PF Chang’s delicious meals.  I look forward to my next visit I really enjoyed it even though I’m not a big fan of chain restaurants.

       

Carrabba's, Egg Harbor Township, NJ

Carrabba's

The worst experience I've had in a long time.  I've dined at Carrabba's a number of times before, but this was the worst experience I ever had.  I can't say it enough but I eat with my eyes first.  If it doesn't look good then it probably won't taste good.  And not for nothing but the manager has to at least make me think he/she cares that I'm not satisfied.  I have not receive any feedback on my comment that I posted to the company on line to date.  That speaks volumes as well.  Any way here is a look at why I was not happy with my meal and feel like I just gave them a donation.

The first 2 dishes weren't bad, however the other 2 I would never let leave my kitchen let alone expect for someone to eat them.  Look at the inside of the bowl A MESS!!!! and those greasy crabcakes that look like they have a side of after someone got sick accompaning them. YUCK!!!!! 

                                                    

Sugar Hill Inn Mays, Landing NJ

Sugar Hill

This is Restaurant Week in AC, NJ and I decided to kick it off at a place that I really enjoyed a year ago.  The presentation and taste of the food left such a good impression that I couldn't wait to make another visit.  To my surprise I was quite disappointed.  Is it so hard to get a good well presented meal.  The waitress refused to be apologetic about my experience although it wasn't her fault since she doesn't prepare the food, but she does work for the company.  I will only show the pictures and let them speak for itself.  In the end the Chef Larry Boylan came out apologized and asked that we return and I greatly accepted his apology, as well as commend the fact that he took time to come out.  Hospital food on not so fancy plates ughhhh!!! Watery lobster bisque I tried to eat it. Not to meantion they didn't have an item on the fixed menu WITW and the food was very bland didn't even lightly salt the water they cooked the rice I'm so MAD!!