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Moe's Southwest Grill

 604 Bartholomew Rd
Piscataway, NJ
 

Family-Style Eating @ Moe's Southwest Grill

I’m pretty picky about the food that I eat, especially when it comes to Mexican food. Recently, I visited a popular establishment—Moe’s Southwest Grill — and found that it’s a good spot to visit when you’re in the mood for some predictable, tasty Mexican fare.

I appreciate that Moe’s is an affordable and family-friendly restaurant that caters to a large crowd. I prefer to call ahead, because I can skip the long line waiting to place orders at the counter. However, you can walk in, wait on line, and place an order for a burrito and watch it cooked to your specifications. Vegetarian? Moe’s Southwest Grill has a special vegetarian menu featuring popular items like burritos with beans, rice, shredded cheese, pico de gallo, lettuce, sour cream, and guacamole. The shredded cheese and sour cream that are used in Moe’s are free of gelatin and animal products (rennet) which I appreciate.

I never thought of Mexican, or southwestern fare, as “light,” but Moe’s does offer a “lite” menu that provides more healthy options for diners. There are taco options that come in under 9 grams of fat (without cheese and sour cream), and even a salad with tofu that is really appealing.

My favorite menu item is the quesadilla—the “John Coctostan” that is packed with chicken or beef, shredded cheese, and pico de gallo. It’s crispy on the outside, and the pico de gallo has a nice tang to it thanks to the cilantro and fresh tomatoes. I always order extra of this condiment to use with my complimentary nachos.

I will point out that Moe’s is absolutely crowded with families at dinner time—especially on Sundays, when kids’ meals are free with the purchase of an entree. The ambiance is loud and festive—it’s not a place to have a romantic tête-à-tête. However, you can order food to go, and eat in the comfort of your home if you prefer. Either way, Moe’s Southwest Grill has Mexican, southwest flavors that stand up to health-conscious, price-conscious diners.

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Starbucks Coffee

 177 N State Rt 17
Paramus, NJ
 

Always Count on Great Service @ Starbucks

I’m always happy to find a Starbucks that I like. I was happy to find friendly and competent baristas who chatted me up as I waited on my aforementioned chai tea. It seems that this is a popular hot-spot with regulars, and the baristas remember customers—even me, as I visited two days in a row with the same menu request: chai tea and a raspberry scone.

The interior seems smaller than other Starbucks that I frequent, but it is clean and well-tended. The standard Starbucks menu fare is available. I am partial to the tea, but the cinnamon dolce coffee is another one of my favorites when the mood strikes me. Even with a line of waiting customers, the baristas were efficient, polite, and quick.

I went with friends for a quick afternoon caffeine pick-me-up and noticed that the seats were all taken with sociable patrons eating some of the newer menu items, such as panini or organic yogurts. I spent some time perusing the sale items, like various mugs and holiday items left over from Christmas. There weren’t as many retail items on sale as compared to other Starbucks franchises I’ve visited, but there was enough to pique my interest and motivate me to spend an additional $5.00 on an aluminum children’s-sized water bottle.

Starbucks is committed to providing fresh, organic, and healthy products. With family-friendly options like organic milk and ethical choices like Ethos water, I will definitely be visiting this eatery/ coffee house when I visit that area again. Thanks for a great chai tea, Starbucks!

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Waldwick Hot Bagels

 140 Franklin Tpke # 4
Waldwick, NJ
 

Sunday Morning Rituals Begin @ Waldwick Hot Bagels

I love the food that my family gets at Hot Bagels. It’s such a popular bagel place that I’m surprised they can even keep up with the busy crowd. I only happened to stumble upon it when I went to the Hallmark store just a couple of doors down.

The bagels are made fresh on the premises that has a delectable aroma when you first take a whiff of it when it comes out of the oven. The variety is plentiful with people buying by the dozens before heading off the work. It’s a wonderful feeling having such warm bagels ready to be consumed.

My husband really enjoys the taylor ham, egg and cheese to satisfy his Sunday morning craving. If not that then he will definitely order the Smokehouse Turkey panini topped off with pickle and a side of potato salad. I prefer the Italian hero with lots of balsamic vinegar.A great thing is that even though there is a set menu, they are able to make anything if you ask them. In fact I had this place cater for me and was extremely impressed with the quality of food I received.

Another Sunday favorite is an order or two of home fries. They are the perfect way to top a Sunday morning meal complete with sprinkles of diced onions for flavor and texture. Coffee is a popular way to complete the visit and I find myself indulging n a large every time I order something.

Hot Bagels is a small store front but it has that comfortable and family feel to it. My family has been going there for over five years now. Even if the order isn’t right (and that has been a very rare occasion) they will make sure you get want you ordered at no extra charge. I’m glad to know that our Sundays are taken care of in the morning.

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Italian Time Pizza

 29- Franklin Tpke
Waldwick, NJ
 

It's Always Time for Italian Time

I love pizza and will eat it whenever I can. I also hate bad pizza and there’s a lot of that around where I live. This is why I am grateful for Italian Time. There is nothing exotic or fancy about the way they make their pizzas which is fine with me. There are times when i feel i just need comfort food and Italian Time does this for me.

Situated in Waldwick, NJ, Italian Time is a popular place that is frequently busy. The prices are very reasonable and comparable to other pizza places in the area. I have never had a problem when phoning up my order and getting exactly what I want. There is a good balance between cheese and sauce that makes it taste great for me. I love how it also tastes hot and fresh. It makes a big difference in the taste.

Also on the menu are various pasta selection including lasagna (my personal favorite!), salads, heroes, and wings. It truly does become a feast when these extras are added into the mix. I’m glad, too, because there are days when I don’t feel like cooking and Italian Time is ready to deliver in pinch for me and my family.

There is a lot character in the food. That is attributed to the owners who are very friendly and accommodating. There are a few table set-up for those who enjoy eating on the premises. Sometimes it’s impossible to find a seat which is a testament to the popularity of this place. I love Italian Time and am glad that it provides what I like to think of all the comforts of home.

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The Village Grille Restaurant & Bar

 71 Crescent Avenue
Waldwick, NJ
 

Cozy & Comfortable Dining Experience--The Village Grille

The Village Grille is a popular family-friendly restaurant in Waldwick. I have noticed how crowded it is every night especially when there is a sporting game on TV. The bar is situated in the front portion of the restaurant and is occupied by an eclectic crowd. This place does have a liquor license so there are many selections of alcohol ranging from beer to wine available.

The back portion of the restaurant is reserved for the dining experience. It is dimly lit but always crowded with lots of people especially families enjoying a good meal. This place has a wide array of selections on the menu that range from burgers, sandwiches, steaks, salads, fresh seafood, and lobsters. It’s good to check what specials they offer that week, something that I usually try since the offerings are good. In fact the portions are plentiful and I find myself taking a doggy bag home all the time.

The prices are a bit pricey ranging anywhere between $15-$25 a dish so take care of what you want if you are on a budget. Whatever you do order will taste good. Plus the service is great as the waiting staff is always on top of its game to make the meal enjoyable for you.

Late nighters will appreciate that the bar is opening until 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays with a special bar menu available. Happy hour does occur on Mondays to fridays from 3:30 to 7:00 PM.

The Village is a happening place and does great business. Many people come here and enjoy what this place has to offer. It’s a testament to the locals that they have a great eating establishment to turn to in a pinch.

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Blend

 17 Chestnut St
Ridgewood, NJ
 

The Worst Experience Ever @ Blend

I am not one to complain too often about an establishment but Blend is the absolute exception to that rule. I recently attended a friend’s 40th birthday party that she hosted at Blend. It was a private girl’s night out party with plenty of tapas dishes for us to enjoy, or so we thought.

I was surprised at what was served. Sliders anyone? Not only were there not enough for everyone at each table but they were served cold. It was as if someone went out to the supermarket, bought frozen White Castle burgers, and then attempted to warm them up… quite poorly I might add. We had scallops that again not everyone couldn’t enjoy because there wasn’t enough on the plate. We had to cut these already small pieces in half to share with the table. To make it even worse was how slow these dishes were coming out. In two hours we had two small dishes.

The service is pathetic. In fact I wouldn’t even call it service at all. All the drink orders were wrong. I couldn’t even get a simple glass of water. The waitress forgot about it until, you guessed it, two hours later. I could almost understand it if they were busy but we were the only ones in the place.

I felt so sorry for my friend because she was extremely embarrassed by the shoddy service and dismal showing of any semblance of food. Blend has had a bad reputation since the very beginning and despite the many changeovers and new management, the bad reviews are justified. This is, without a doubt, the worse place I have ever experienced. Someone should put this place out of its misery for good.

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Field of Creams Cafe

 550 Ramapo Valley Road
Mahwah, NJ
 

Play and Snack Time @ Field of Creams Cafe

I noticed a new playground that my son would enjoy. I didn’t realize there was also a snack bar situated at the location as well. Field of Creams Cafe definitely is wonderful surprise to find.

So what does this snack bar offer? Honestly I think it has everything that you want and then some. The ice cream is a main attraction with over 20 flavors of Hershey’s varieties at your fingertips. There are smoothies and milk shakes for all to enjoy. My husband was surprised that they made bubble tea, one of his favorite treats. Another surprise is the inclusion of sweet crepes on the menu. Crepes at a snack bar? This is one of the specialties offered at this place and they are extremely good. In fact you won’t want to stop at just one. Plus it’s topped off with a coop of ice cream.

They usual staples are also available such as hamburgers and hot dogs (made with 100% beef), veggie burgers, chicken nuggets, onion rings, crinkle cut fries, mozzarella sticks just to name a few. On top of that there are specials that they have during the week.

Lots of seating is available in the form of picnic benches. As mentioned before, there is playground right beside the place as well as a track. Many sporting events occur at this place making it very busy all the time. Rampao College is right across the street. Plus there is a skateboard park and hiking trail situated near the place. there is something for everyone to do!

The hours are different. During the week they are open from 5-9PM; Sat from 9AM-9PM; and Sun from 11AM-9PM, but these times change during the season. They are not open during the winter season for obvious reasons but may do so on special occasions. And this is a cash only business so keep plenty on hand.

I love that this option is available whenever I take my son out to the playground. The area has become a popular hotspot and part of it is from the terrific food served at Fields of Creams Cafe.

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Poitin Still

 774 Main Street
Hackensack, NJ
 

The Luck of the Irish Lives On--Poitin Still

I never expected to celebrate a birthday for a one-year old at an Irish pub but my cousin threw a bash for his son at Poitin Still. I didn’t know what to expect considering that it is a bar. I didn’t realize that it was a big bar.

We had a private room in the back that hosted all the guests. Each table housed eight people with plenty of elbow room in between. I guess I was expecting a lot of Irish food to be served but instead it was a more diverse party menu that included penne ala vodka, mixed green salad, a choice of chicken francaise, london broil, or broiled salmon, with vegetables and potatoes. It was a good spread.

The atmosphere is lively even during the afternoon with televisions hanging all over the place to catch the ever proverbial game on the tube. The service was okay. There were times when it was hard to track down a server but considering the nature of the event I guess that was to be expected.

This place is big on football and has special on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday so you can watch the game and enjoy the food.

Poitin Still is a decent Irish pub that can definitely hold a lot of people. It has a good comfy atmosphere with a warm vibe. Just be wary that a lot of the pub food isn’t featured on the dinner menu. Instead you’ll find it for lunch but it’s an excuse to enjoy yourself during the day.

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Crumbs Bake Shop

 123 E Ridgewood Ave
Ridgewood, NJ
 

A Little Taste of Heaven--Crumbs Bake Shop

I was ecstatic when i learned that Crumbs opened up in Ridgewood. The cupcakes are literally to die for. They are that good that I do feel like this is heaven on earth. My husband brought these home one day and I knew I found the perfect dessert for a party. It was just a matter of deciding which cupcakes to choose that made the decision so difficult.

Each cupcake is a feast of the eyes and mouth. I can’t believe the selections available because I really want to devour all of them. Each cupcake is made fresh that day so you get whatever is available at the moment. It doesn’t matter you choose though because they are all that good. Ever had a Blackbottom Cheesecake Brownie or a Cotton Candy one? How about a Dulce de Leche or Cookie Dough? The ever popular Red Velvet is available or even the simple Vanilla Sprinkle.

My problem again is wanting to eat them all so the best solution for me is buying the sampler packs. It varies on how you want these packs of 15 cupcakes. You can buy the prepackaged variety or select single helpings in these smaller sizes. There is also a kid’s themed one that is good for parties.

Even better than having a cupcake is having a cupcake with a cup of coffee. Crumbs has a good coffee incentive that grants you a free cup after collecting a certain amount of purchases.

It’s always hard for me not to buy something if I pass by Crumbs. It has a spell over me that I will submit to all the time. I do know that Crumbs is the best way to wow a lot of people whether it is bringing something to someone’s house or having something ready for any occasion. People will look at you like you are the best thing in the world.

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Au Bon Pain

 Riverside Sq Mall
Hackensack, NJ
 

Lots of Goodies & Treats--Au Bon Pain

I go the Riverside Mall on occasion with my little son to frequent the book store and my favorite place—Williams-Sonoma. A trek like that also means that my son will eventually get a hungry and want a little snack to eat. Even though there is a Starbucks in the Barnes & Noble store, I find myself enjoying the selections at Au Bon Pain.

I appreciate this place because it is very conscious in building healthy and nutritious meals. The cookies are amazing with so many varieties to choose in its selection. I personally keep going back to the Florentine Cookie with Caramel Creme and it is exactly what it states. My son is a fan of the classic Oatmeal raisin Cookie or the Mini Shortbread Cookie if his first choice isn’t available.

Lots of other types of food is readily available as well. The selections include sandwiches, rice bowls, bread, salads, soups, oatmeal, yogurt hot entrees, snacks, and so much more. This is really a cafe in its finest.

I enjoy the Grilled Chicken on Ciabatta topped with Dijon mustard, tomatoes and romaine lettuce. Definitely try out the Butternut Squash and Apple Soup. There is so much happening in it that it will warm your heart and keep you satisfied. I can’t believe how much I enjoyed it! My son has a simple taste of just eating a bagel with egg and cheese but i do appreciate that they even have that for him.

Au Bon Pain is a fine treat for those that need a break from the vigor of shopping at the mall. It’s good to sit down and slow the pace a bit with some good eats. Besides if it makes my son take a ten-minute break, I’ll take the peace and quiet when I can.

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