Food Connoisseur

Steve & Cookie's Margate, New Jersey

I found this to be a lovely restaurant located in the city of Margate. The atmosphere was warm and cozy I was especially intrigued by the fireplace and piano room.  I also had the pleasure of meeting Cookie the owner of the restaurant who came out to see how was my bouillabaisse.  A nice added touch!  I really look forward to my next visit because I really enjoyed my meal  and actually ate the whole thing.  I included a picture of the cleaned plate because I rarely eat everything.  I appreciate the time spent on the plating.

  

 Entree: Bouillabaisse like a seafood stew Delicious 

        

           

  

           

Crab Trap Somers Point, NJ
Appetizer: Crab Fingers & Broccoli Rabe SIMPLE DIVINE!!!!
                 Crab Bisque
Entree: Crabcakes, Baked Potato, Salad

My appetizer was the best part of my meal. If I ever go to the crab trap again I will only order appetizers.  The entree was just okay I really couldn't see what all the fuse is about concerning this restaurant.  What really annoyed me was the whole uncut baked potato there was nothing appealing about it.  Again I eat with my eyes first!!!  However, I do think the atmosphere was great and the hustle of the young servers was exceptional.  Thumbs down on the plate presentation these pictures show the foods as it was given to me untouched. SLOPPY!!!

                       

                     

             

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!! 

                       
 

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!!!!! 

                                                   

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. I will include more details of what I ate later.

      

 

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.

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.  

  

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.

Luscious & Sweet Gourmet Bakery

Located in Galloway New Jersey

Dessert, dessert, dessert if you simply want to have a happy mouth you must visit Luscious & Sweet Gourmet Bakery.  The people are extremely friendly and seem to love what they do and they have more than enough desserts to choose from.  My selection for today was Tiramisu Cupcake and Sfogliatelle ( if you can say it tell me).  The lady was practicing with me in the bakery trying to say this one.  They got a real kick out of me.

Tiramisu Cupcake: coffee soaked vanilla cake filled with vanilla custard, cream cheese, and cocoa powder

Sfogliatelle: stuffed with sweet ricotta cheese

This experience was just heavenly with reasonable prices and a very inviting atmosphere.



Koreana Food

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.

 

Los Mangos

                                                   

Los Mangos: Pleasantville, NJ

Appetizers: Chips and spicy green salsa

Entrée: Mangos Stuffed Chicken, Rice, Plantain

The chicken was stuffed with mango, vegetables, and cheese drizzled with a mango sauce.  The chicken was moist well seasoned and the stuffing complimented infusing the taste-buds.

Los Mangos is an extraordinary carribean (Latin) restaurant located in Pleasantville, NJ; I found the place to be extremely warm and inviting.  The décor was simply magnificent as well as my meal and the server was quite pleasant.  He greeted me with a warm smile escorted me to my table and placed my napkin on my lap.  Quite the gentleman I’d say.  The restaurant is beautiful I couldn’t help but wonder why this place wasn’t crowded.  In fact, I was the only one there! When my food arrived the aroma caused my eyes to roll into the back of my head.  It smelled so good!  Paou (sp)was my server I told him how please I was with my meal and asked him to give my compliments to the chef he smiled, and agreed.  Paou even held the door as I exited the restaurant.  My food was so good that I cleaned my plate this almost never happens.  The prices are moderate to high for the average person but the quality of food is well worth the expense as well as the whole Latin experience.  I can’t wait until my next visit.

La Escondida

La Escondida II

La Escondida is a Mexican restaurant located on the Blackhorse pike in Pleasantville NJ, across from Kmart.  There is nothing really fancy about this Mexican restaurant but I really like the environments.  The restaurant has a nice décor that gives on the feeling of Mexico it’s spacious and inviting.  On some occasions they even offer a live band which goes around the restaurant playing music.  I enjoy the quick consistent service that I receive every time.  Today I ordered my favorite meal I like it because you can mix and match three selections at a very affordable price.

Appetizer: Chips and Salsa

Entrée: Mis Tres Favoritos; 2 Enchiladas with to die for mole 1 Chimichanga, refried beans, and rice

I simply love this place the service is great and it’s quick I find the people to be very friendly.  I haven’t had a bad meal there and it always taste the same way.  That is extremely important to me and the food is hot temperature wise.  The next time you’re in Pleasantville and in the mood for Mexican food stop by La Escondida II

Rama Thai

Rama Thai: Egg Harbor, NJ

This is a beautiful cozy warm restaurant that features Authentic Thailand Cuisine.  The staff members are very welcoming and very pleasant as they provide excellent service.  The soft music provides a sense of tranquility for one to mentally escape to Thailand.

Appetizer

Rama Wrap - ground chicken in special sauce served with lettuce

Entrée

Gang Phed -  shrimp sautéed with red curry, coconut milk, green beans, bamboo shoots, basil, bell peppers and kaffer-lime leaves.

The meal was scrumptious and the aroma provided the senses with a smell of something to desire.  The colors in the meal were vibrant and appealing to the eye, and the flavors complimented each other.  A hint of spicy was just enough to give everything a pleasant kick.  This is my second visit to the Rama Thai and I will visit again.  The prices are reasonable and the portions are satisfying.  To top everything off the say thank you with their hands together and a bowed head. Rama Thai is located in English Creek Shopping Mall in Egg Harbor, NJ.

Cuba Libre

Visit to Cuba Libre Atlantic City, NJ

My visit to Cuba Libre was an awesome experience of Cuban cuisine.  Upon my entrance into the restaurant I felt as though I instantly escape New Jersey and entered into the island of Cuba.  The ambiance of the Cuban Flag, palms trees, furniture décor, and the music gave me the sense that I was in perhaps Santiago de Cuba.  The candle lit atmosphere produced a warm comforting sensation, which assured me that there was no rush.  My server was wearing a white Cuban shirt which also increased my anticipation of the restaurant’s authencity.   The menu was reader friendly and had a strong selection or chicken, fish, and vegetable.  My selection came from the lunch menu which included:

piqueos (2 appetizers)

Batata con Camarones (Cuban marinated shrimp, sweet potatoes, and arugula)   

I found this dish to be delicious as well as beautiful.  The interconnection of all the flavors infused my taste buds.  The one problem with the dish was the shrimp were a tab bit tough, but not unbearable.

Guacamole Cubano golden pineapple, lime juice, evoo, accompanied by crisp plantain chips. 

This appetizer was outstanding I did think just a hint of sea salt would have enhanced the flavor; however I enjoyed the combination of flavors.

Favoritos

Mama Amelia Empanadas:

De La Casa chicken, corn, sweet peppers, and jack cheese

Simply delicious

Cataluna shrimp, creamy spinach, and pine nuts.

The sweet pickled relish is to die for sorry don't know what the call it, but it came with the Empanadas.

The shrimp was sautéed well but had an overwhelming fishy taste.  I wouldn’t order that one again.

Overall I give Cuban Libre * * * * because of the fishy shrimp and the fact that rice and beans are not a part of the lunch menu.  Rice and beans is a must the portion could be small to compliment the idea of lunch being a lighter meal.  The pricing was affordable for adults it’s not necessarily a kids place unless they are accustom to the cuisine.  I’m looking forward to my next visit.