Category Archives: Restaurants

Mr. Bubbles Seafood – Philadelphia, PA

Mr. Bubbles Seafood – Philadelphia, PA

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This one got lost in the shuffle during the summer months. While at the intersection of Cecil B. Moore and Ridge Ave in North Philly for who knows what reason, I spotted Mr. Bubbles Seafood truck (MR. B) and decided to give them a try. I am happy I did as the strawberry ice tea was AWESOME and given to me complimentary for the extremely long wait for my original order of crab cakes with fries. Let us talk more about this strawberry ice tea. I would drive back to Mr. B to drink gallons of this stuff, it was that good. They should find someone to be able to bottle this up and make a gazillion dollars. I am happy I was given the tea. Fries were basic as was the crab cake. What I can tell you though, is the gentleman behind the counter was so enthusiastic, friendly, and happy even though it was one of those 100 degree sweltering summer days and he was just in the truck sweating and singing while he took orders and sang with a not so friendly line of patrons giving him a hard way to go at times. For a food truck the menu was quite varied and I would be interested to try other things from them. I would give Mr. B another try and order something else, but also just so I can have another cup of that tea.

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Fat Louie’s – Woodbury, NJ

Fat Louie’s – Woodbury, NJ

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Chicken cutlet sandwich with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe on a seeded roll. Wings and fries. Everything was better than average, nice little store with cool foodie products.

Tela’s Market & Kitchen – Philadelphia, PA

Tela’s Market & Kitchen – Philadelphia, PA

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Sliced fresh ribeye cheesesteak with carmelized onions, provolone cheese, and roasted peppers on a hoagie roll. It was DELICIOUS and the market is very nice with a very nice assorment of products for sale.

Winkler Ribs – Morrisville, PA

Winkler Ribs – Morrisville, PA

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Colonial Diner – Woodbury, NJ

Colonial Diner – Woodbury, NJ

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Everyone knows that the words Jersey and Diners go hand in hand. Some areas of Jersey are better than others and the same applies to their diners. Well with a very hip and stylish décor inside and out, Colonial Diner (CD) in Woodbury, New Jersey is one of the better ones around. With rock bottom prices that diners are known for, yet serving a delicious meal, CD hit all the right notes and I was very happy with my visit. The beef barley soup started things out and was very yummy. Then my main entrée of prime rib with Italian style green beans and fries was not the best version of prime rib, but for the price paid was by far one of the better ones I have had in a non-steakhouse setting. Service was friendly, efficient, and from start to finish CD was a pleasure to dine at. I will certainly visit again the next time I am in the area.

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John’s Roast Pork – South Philadelphia, PA

John’s Roast Pork – South Philadelphia, PA

I love Philadelphia’s staple foods from soft pretzel, scrapple, cheesesteaks, and pork sandwich. Well named finalist on Travel Channel’s Best Sandwich in America by Andrew Zimmern, and Best Sandwich by Adam Richman, and best pork sandwich by Serious Eats, John’s Roast Pork (JRP) is already well known. Do I need to add my two cents? Not really. The owner of JRP John Bucci Jr has appeared on my show “Small Bites Radio” and is a great guy and a spokesperson for the charity “Be the Match” that provides marrow transplants in the United States from volunteer unrelated donors. JRP has been around since the 1930’s so that alone tells you they know what they are doing. What would I have? The roast pork with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe, and it was FABOLOUS! So if in the area, be sure to stop by and have one of Philadelphia’s tastiest sandwiches around. You will thank me later.

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Circles Contemporary Thai – Collingswood, NJ

Circles Contemporary Thai – Collingswood, NJ

Had a very enjoyable meal at Circles Contemporary Thai. From the atmosphere, service, and food, everything was top notch. Will go back there for sure. Here is what I had:

Crab and Pork Dumplings
Pan fried or steamed with minced pork, cabbage, water chestnuts, and jumbo lump crabmeat served with soy vinaigrette

Thai Rolls
Minced pork, black mushrooms, carrots, cabbage, and shallots wrapped in rice paper with a sweet-plum sauce

Crispy Calamari
Served with a sweet & spicy chili sauce

Peak Gai Tod
Whole chicken wings marinated & fried with Thai herbs with a sweet Thai chili sauce

Shrimp Pad See Ew
Stir- fry thick rice noodles with Chinese broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, and bean sprouts served with a sweet soy sauce

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Treesy’s Soul Food – Turnersville, NJ

Treesy’s Soul Food – Turnersville, NJ

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I found Treesy’s Soul Food (TSF) sitting in an old strip mall, sort of inside another new strip mall area. They are a little off the beaten track, even for Jersey strip mall dining standards. Once inside though, TSF is warm and welcoming, but the interior décor is a little bland. The good thing about TSF is that the décor was the only thing that was bland. My order of fried chicken breast, green beans, and cabbage were all very good and delicious. The prices are about average for this style of food around the area. I enjoyed my meal and the service was top notch and friendly making you feel at home. If you are around the area, and in the mood for soul food, you should certainly give TSF a try.

 

Grill Master Deli – (Rittenhouse Square area) Philadelphia, PA

Grill Master Deli – (Rittenhouse Square area) Philadelphia, PA

Sitting directly across from some the most expensive real estate in Philadelphia is Grill Master Deli (GMD). As you would expect, most of the dining options around the area are fancy and a little high priced, GMD thrives with cheap recognizable basic meal options to eat. GMD is not going to wow you, or break new ground with anything, but if you just want a quick affordable something to eat, GMD is the place for you. On a nice day, they could be the perfect fit to get a bite to take-out and sit in Rittenhouse Square and enjoy the sights on a budget. On my visit, I would have their hot roast beef with provolone on a kaisar roll and fries. It was as you may have guessed by now after reading this far “basic”, but that was what I was looking for and GMD succeeded.

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El Sanjuanino – Buenos Aires, Argentina

El Sanjuanino – Buenos Aires, Argentina

I enjoyed probably one of the best beef empanadas I have ever tasted here. To go along with that always delicious and famous Argentinian beef, I really feel in love with this dining oasis of deliciousness in Buenos Aires. Who cares if it is a 14 hour plane ride, it just might be worth it. Lets go!

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