IL Fiore Restaurant – Collingswood, NJ

Posted on November 3, 2015 by Bluejeanfood

IL Fiore Restaurant – Collingswood, NJ

The game of Eeny Meeny Miny Moe usually lands you a decent place to eat on Haddon Avenue in Collingswood, New Jersey. I have had a few duds here or there, but for the most part, I enjoy stopping by this dining destination of a town and just choosing at the last minute anywhere that fits my fancy. The latest adventure would be IL Fiore (IF). IF has always been jam packed whenever I have been around, but I decided to go early and was able to grab a seat. IF is tiny on the inside, very tiny. The décor is average and seating makes you get to know your dining neighbors very well as they squish as many people in as possible. I would start things out with the Funghi Gratinati.

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The dish consisted of baked porcino, shiitake, and portabello mushrooms, shrimp, bread crumbs, garlic and olive oil. I did not have any expectations, but I must admit the dish was delicious. It was the perfect combination of flavors and mixture of mushrooms and shrimp were a nice touch and cooked just right. I would go with the special fish of the day branzino for my entrée.

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The fish was just was slightly overcooked, sitting on top of carrots, broccoli, and string beans in a white wine fresh lemon sauce with capers. The veggies were fresh and crisp, but presentation could have used some help. The dish was good overall; it just did not stand out in any way. For dessert I would go with tartufo.

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The outer shell was nice and ice cream inside was decent, but when I think of tartufo I usually think of more than just a plain vanilla. I will commend IF though for the attentiveness and the quality of their staff. Everyone was very friendly and service went smooth and quickly for how busy they were. IF also surprised me with their very affordable prices. IF is not by far my favorite Italian style restaurant, but with their low prices, good service, and tasty meal I will certainly be dining their more often.

Overall

Three and a half out of Five Stars

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Kunkel’s Seafood and Steakhouse – Haddon Heights, NJ

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Bluejeanfood

Kunkel’s Seafood and Steakhouse – Haddon Heights, NJ

Driving down the stretch of road called Kings Highway in Camden County starting in Brooklawn until you get to Haddonfield a little place called Kunkel’s Seafood and Steakhouse (KSS) sits. It is very unassuming and really comes out of nowhere since there is not much around them, but once you step inside you are transported to a very nice dining destination. I would stop there for lunch and with the name Seafood and Steakhouse listed, I was looking forward to possibly one or the other. When the menu was handed to me, I chose neither. Their lunch menu only consisted of nine out of the forty-five selections containing a seafood item and out of the nine, seven of them were either an appetizer or salad option. So only five percent of the menu had a seafood entrée, which was even better than the steak option as that had only the filet as its only choice equating to only two percent of the menu. So I went with the Cajun Crusted Pork Loin Sandwich.

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Even though I was disappointed at first not seeing many seafood or steaks options, I must admit I really enjoyed my lunch. The meal consisted of Pork loin seasoned with Cajun spices and then slow roasted and served with au jus, topped with roasted red pepper and provolone cheese on toasted ciabatta bread with a side fresh cut potato wedges. The potato wedges were delicious especially dipping them in the au jus, the bread was a perfect match, and the pork was moist, plentiful, and seasoned beautifully. My only complaint would be the roasted red pepper seemed like they came out of a can. It would really be an outstanding sandwich with fresh roasted red peppers or fresh sautéed long hots. The service was friendly, décor may be a little dated, but overall KSS was a pleasant surprise. Unless they add more seafood or steak options, they may just want to be known as Kunkel’s.

Overall

Four out of Five Stars

 

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(DeLuca’s) Villa di Roma – Italian Market – Philadelphia, PA

Posted on September 22, 2015 by Bluejeanfood

(DeLuca’s) Villa di Roma – Italian Market – Philadelphia, PA

Hey everybody did you know the Pope is coming to Philly? Yep, that is right; Pope Francis is taking a trip from the Vatican to visit the “City of Brotherly Love” for the World Meeting of Families 2015 and the city has been in frenzy for months. Millions of people are descending upon my hometown and they are all going to have to eat somewhere. Even though Pope Francis is from Argentina, and maybe because I am not Catholic, I always relate the Pope to Italy first and foremost. With Italy on my mind, I decided a trip to the Italian Market was in order. The place I decided was worth a try was (DeLuca’s) Villa di Roma (VDR). VDR is old school. You know immediately not to waste your time here unless you are paying in cash. The lights were dim, the staff Italian, and a certain atmosphere that can only be described as hipishly outdated. I would start out with their clams casino.

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I do not know if holy moly is the best way to describe the dish, but there was defiantly something holy about what I was served. This was hands down the BEST clams casino I have been served EVER. The generous sized clams were squirting full of juice while still intact in the shell and topped with an amazing combination of herbs, spices, and bread crumbs all cooked to perfection. They were blessed indeed. Up next would be a meatball parmigiana sandwich.

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The roll appeared to have gotten a little too close to the fire pits of hell as it was burnt pretty bad, but GLORY GLORY to the gravy and meatballs inside as they were righteous and angelic. The meatballs were huge, yet moist in every bite and firm enough that they did not crumble or fall apart at all while eating. The sweet gravy poured inside was topped with just the right amount of mozzarella cheese made the sandwich exult in all of its tasteful glory.

I do not know how I will feel once Pope Francis arrives, but I can tell you that my experience at VDR was heavenly. I really enjoyed my visit and will certainly be back. AMEN!

Overall

Four out of Five Stars

 

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Osaka Sushi Hibachi Steak House – Collingswood, NJ

Posted on September 15, 2015 by Bluejeanfood

Osaka Sushi Hibachi Steak House – Collingswood, NJ

When you visit Collingswood, New Jersey, the one thing they really have going for them is for the most part any combination of food you could be in the mood for that day, it is a good probability that you will be able to find it in this town. Now if they could just get a Jamaican restaurant I just might have to move to Collingswood. While strolling around the streets with my two year old son and me not being in the mood for Pop Shop even though I am sure he could never bore of that place, I decided to take a gamble and see if he could sit through an entire meal at Osaka Sushi Hibachi Steak House (OSHSH). The day we visited for lunch they were just opening up, and I figured our best bet to keep him entertained would be with the Hibachi, but was worried I would have to wait for others to arrive as I have encountered at other hibachi restaurants. The friendly staff laughed at me even saying that and loved seeing my son and me wanting to take him in the back for hibachi. I would go with the steak and shrimp hibachi.

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They started things off with the usual clear soup. It was better than average and the size of the mushrooms were really nice. My son loved the ladle spoon and enjoyed his soup as well. Once we were finished with soup, the show began. The Chef asked me if I minded if he just focused and performed for my son since no one else was at our table. Since I have seen the hibachi performance more times than I care to remember, I happily agreed and thought that it was a great idea to even ask this way he could really do a good job keeping my son entertained and engaged instead of having to worry what I thought of him. Well the chef put on a show indeed and my son squealed with joy and delight throughout the entire meal preparation, and seeing the flaming onion volcano through the eyes of a child really reminded me of how much we as adults take for granted the small things in life and how hibachi really is an art form of sorts. Well the moment of truth finally arrived and it was time to eat.

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OSHSH hit the mark. The shrimp were jumbo sized and cooked to perfection. The steak was medium rare as request and melted in my mouth with the accompanying sauces to dip into, and the veggies were spot on fresh and delicious as was the rice. OSHSH is huge, but the interior is modernly decorated, clean, crisp, and the service was superb. The tastes and flavors at OSHSH are what you expect from hibachi so no surprises in the meal served here. If you want a better than average hibachi experience to bring your friends and family then OSHSH is a good option, and if possible bring a child how has never been to one before and just sit back and enjoy the show.

Overall

Four out of Five Stars

 

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Hope Lake Lodge, Conference Center, and Indoor Waterpark

Posted on September 8, 2015 by Bluejeanfood

Hope Lake Lodge, Conference Center, and Indoor Waterpark

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Planning a family vacation can be stressful. You want to make sure the kids are happy but you also do not want to eat junk food and be a part of kiddie activities all day everyday when you are supposed to be getting that long awaited break from the daily grind yourself. While looking to have family fun and eat well,  I happened to come across Hope Lake Lodge, Conference Center, and Indoor Waterpark. Hope Lake Lodge sits at the foot of the famed Finger Lakes section of New York and it is a very serene and beautiful setting. The lodge was bustling with families, while having a very comfortable atmosphere for everyone there and I enjoyed all my meals at their on-site dining options Acorn Grill and sister restaurant Trax Pub. To top it off we all had an amazing time with all of the things to do at their  for all ages, walking the trails around the lodge, and very fun filled days at their Cascades Indoor Waterpark which is attached to the lodge. I highly recommend going there.

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Official Summer of 2015 Atlantic City Report

Posted on September 1, 2015 by Bluejeanfood

Official Summer of 2015 Atlantic City Report

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To many the Jersey Shore is the go to destination for summer vacation success. I was lucky enough to visit The Wildwoods, Brigantine, Ocean City, Cape May, and my latest stop Atlantic City all this summer. I saved my visit to AC last this way I could experience well established successful shore points before I gave this supposedly struggling city who is trying to become a family resort a try without spending one single dollar gambling.  

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This much is for sure. Ocean City, Cape May, and for most intents and purposes The Wildwoods have all the facilities, businesses, feeling of safety, and the science of providing a good time down to a science. Brigantine was very enjoyable as well, but this city provides a whole different beach scene then the others with no boardwalk to highlight so I will leave them out.

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Now on to Atlantic City. It has been at least a decade since I have stayed overnight in this city, let alone an entire week. Many things have changed. Some for the good, some not. First the good. Their are more high end dining destinations around town since the last time I was there. Gordon Ramsay’s Pub and Grill’s meal was fabulous and the Beef Wellington is a must paired with a few Innis and Gunn Original pints to wash it down. Landshark Bar and Grill was a joy to visit, had better food than expected and the margaritas were the perfect way to wash it all down while watching the waves. Eastwind at Resorts provided a very personable service experience with better than average Asian food with a front row seat of the boardwalk’s hustle and bustle while eating. The Irish Pub was the perfect getaway from the glitz, glamour, and neon signs for a down home hello, affordable meal, and pint served with a smile. I noticed more families than I have ever seen walking the boards and in the casinos. There seemed to be a nice shopping experience at the outlets. The Atlantic Ocean was clean and clear, and the beaches were utilized much more than in the past.

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Now the bad. Family friendly dining spots, destinations, accommodations, or things to do besides the Steel Pier were almost non-existent. The boardwalk would benefit from a stronger police presence. Aggressive panhandlers and those with substance abuse issues permeated public areas leaving visitors with a sense of diminished safety. Sadly the beach was completely littered with cigarette butts. The much publicized revival of a pier now called The Playground had more empty retail and dining space than occupied. I was refused service when I asked for it at a restaurant because I sat myself, even though I stood at the entrance for ten minutes while they just looked at me. The sight of so many empty casinos and tasteless boardwalk vendors was a bummer.

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You could say the negatives sound terrible, but even with Atlantic City’s flaws, the entire family had a great time, made the best of every situation, and I had one of the best times I have ever had in AC without spending one cent gambling. I think we all know more casinos is not the answer for this town. If they work hard, put their minds towards transforming into a true family tourist area, push politics to the side, and spend money wisely, I see no reason why they can not be one of the East Coast’s premier vacation destinations. In fact I’d bet on it!

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2nd Annual South Jersey Bacon and Beer Fest

Posted on August 27, 2015 by Bluejeanfood

(The following is a special series on Bluejeanfoodcritic.com written by guest contributing writer William Knowles. He highlights his passions of of trying something new whenever the opportunity presents itself, or possibly something old, but new again since it has been a while. I hope you enjoy his very special perspective that I am sure many of you can relate to. Follow him on his exciting journey “Around Town”)

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The Collingswood Grand Ballroom at the Scottish Rite Auditorium was the setting, on the night of August 20th, for the 2nd annual Bacon and Beer Festival.  This is an event that is held for a great cause and inspires local chefs to get creative with one of culinary’s finest offerings.

Over 15 local restaurants took part, some presenting more standard recipes while others used imagination to involve bacon in any way possible.  The Tortilla Press, located right down the road from the ballroom in Collingswood, put a twist on their normal fare with bacon flavored guacamole.  Local BBQ notable Famous Dave’s presented a barbecue burger wrapped in bacon and soaked in beer; another favorite, the Pop Shop, doled out bacon wrapped fried pickle.  The Robin’s Nest, located in Mount Holly, supplied some delicious potato, cheddar and bacon soup.  And Trattoria Figaro of Mount Laurel had an awesome desert prepared – chocolate cake with homemade buttercream and bacon on top.  Other local participants included Aunt Berta’s Kitchen, Bistro DiMarino, Braddocks Tavern, Kitchen 519 and Ott’s Tavern.

Beer, the other wonderful thing about this night’s party, was abundant with the presence of numerous local breweries.  Evil Genius, Flying Fish, Neshaminy Creek, Saucony Creek, Smuttynose, Troegs and Weyerbacher all had a nice selection of their craft suds to try.  Evil Genius previewed their Trick or Treat Chocolate Pumpkin Porter, a must try if you haven’t already…

The most important accolades for this event go to the job well done by Michael Snyder, the CEO of Crossroads Programs, and his team.  The non-profit organization frequently hosts fundraisers in Southern New Jersey to help run homeless shelters for abandoned and abused teenagers, and in turn try to provide them with a fulfilling life by finding them foster families.  The beer and bacon event is one of their biggest money makers, and I encourage you to visit their website atcrossroadsprograms.org to learn more about their fine work.

See you at the 3rd annual Bacon and Beer Festival next year, and much sooner than that “around town”…

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Jalapenos Grill – Haddon Township, NJ

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Bluejeanfood

Jalapenos Grill – Haddon Township, NJ

I must admit that Mexican cuisine is not one of my strengths at ordering or eating something I like, so sadly I usually skip this type of food. It is odd because the seven or so odd times I have visited Mexico I have enjoyed my meals quite a bit there, but struggle finding the same at home. After enjoying a family show at The Ritz Theatre Company situated right next door to Jalapenos Grill (JG) I decided to give JG a try. The staff was extremely welcoming and warm the second we stepped foot inside JG. Language was a slight barrier, but was able to manage. Things started off with a complimentary basket of chips with dip.

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JG was off to a very good start, as I enjoyed the dip and the chips were nice as well. Taking baby steps, I decided to try their pork carnitas taco, plain and on a hard shell.

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Again JG shined with pork that was seasoned beautifully, moist, a generous serving, and very affordable. Feeling a bit more adventurous, my next order would be Pollo borracho drunk chicken served with rice and chipotle fries. (sorry for the blurry picture, the camera was not cooperating)

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Let me start by saying the chipotle fries at first glance just seemed like run of the mill potatoes, but they were fabulous. They were cooked nice and crisp and seasoned to perfection. I always enjoy being surprised while dining. The rice was nice, but could have used a little more of a serving of it and a few more veggies possibly. The chicken sauce was very powerful. It was a mix of sweet and sour flavors with a punch of tequila in every bite. It was good, but overpowered the chicken completely. Also, the chicken was a bit on the dry side. The dish overall was good, just not grand. I enjoyed my time at JG and I will certainly be back to try more things on their menu.

Overall

Three and Half out of Five Stars

 

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The Red Hen – Swedesboro, NJ

Posted on August 18, 2015 by Bluejeanfood

The Red Hen – Swedesboro, NJ

Once you travel outside the cities of Philadelphia, Collingswood, and Haddonfield, which I call the Triangle of Tasty, the list of notable dining destinations seems to dwindle quite considerably. I decided to take a trip to the historic town of Swedesboro, New Jersey for some fun at the beautiful Swedesboro Lake Park also known as Lake Narraticon Park and a bit of shopping along the main street.  After an afternoon of fun, the need to eat hit. I saw The Red Hen (TRH) and remember hearing of a new spot called Travo 13 when Terence Feury was cooking there, but TRH looked much more appealing with my two year old son in tow and advertised as a family friendly establishment, so I decided to give them a try. Family friendly TRH is indeed. Besides the bar area, eighty percent of the diners present had a family in tow, games and toys for purchase as soon as you step inside and kids eat free Monday thru Thursday. The décor is modern, hip and fun with the right mix of music playing. Service was friendly and efficient. The menu is a bit eclectic and they have a very nice craft beer selection. I would start things out with French Onion Soup.

The French Onion Soup was your standard variety and better than average, with a nice amount of cheese and bread throughout the bowl, but the onions could have been caramelized a little more. Next up would be calamari.

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TRH would serve one of the better calamari dishes I have had in a long time. The calamari was so fresh, moist and cooked perfectly. Every bite was heavenly and was seasoned with Parmesan, pickled hot pepper, and lemon aioli. This dish alone paired with the Shock Top Banana Spiced Wheat beer I was drinking, I could leave TRH happy, but I pushed through for an entrée of grilled shrimp.

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The dish consisted of shrimp marinated in a light teriyaki, lime and chili sauce accompanied with fresh summer vegetables. The dish had a great concept and flavor profile, but was executed terribly. The taste of sauce and rub on the shrimp was fabulous, but sadly the shrimp were so overcooked I could have used them as bouncy balls. The veggies were overcooked as well. The broccoli had no snap, while the squash and peppers were mush. Also, besides the top layer of broccoli, squash and peppers the rest of the pile was onions, onions, and more onions not cooked well. I can see where they were going with this dish and respected the combination except for the amount of onions, but was very disappointed after eating the perfectly prepared calamari.

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TRH had a bump in the road with my main entrée, but I was so pleased with every other aspect of service, ambiance, menu, drinks, and meal, I will happily return. Hopefully next time they will just be a little more careful to pay attention to what they are serving for each course. Two out of three ain’t bad, but the with the shrimp dish it made them go from OMG to SMH IDK.

Overall

Three out of Five Stars

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Cameron’s Seafood Market – Philadelphia, PA (Broad Street Location)

Posted on August 11, 2015 by Bluejeanfood

2015-01-22_12-41-17_414Cameron’s Seafood Market – Philadelphia, PA (Broad Street Location)

Seafood is by far one of my favorite categories of food. It has so much variety and flavor. Yet it is probably the most ruined type of food around by poor execution, lack of freshness, and most times small portions due to its high costs. With a few locations in Maryland and two in Philadelphia, I decided to give Cameron’s Seafood Market’s (CSM) Broad Street location a try. As soon as you step inside CSM you are welcomed with a beautiful array of fresh looking seafood with decent prices on display in ice at the tiny market section of their store. I did not want to cook myself, so I decided to order a bowl of lobster bisque, fried scallops and shrimp, with a side of fries at the restaurant side of things.

As dreamy and wonderful as the market seemed, those few steps away into the restaurant side was more of a nightmare with what I was served.  The lobster bisque lacked any sort of flavor except salt, extremely thick and pasty, did not seem fresh at all, and I have had better lobster bisque come out of a can from my local supermarket. The scallops were beyond over cooked, dripping with grease, and were so rubbery they would have been better suited to be a child’s bouncy ball then anything resembling something to eat. The shrimp were of decent size, but were overcooked as well causing them to be dry. Also, the stiff and tasteless breading was three times the size of the shrimp negating anything the shrimp could have offered if they were cooked properly. To add injury to insult, CSM then threw double-breaded fries to my meal, which everyone already knows my feelings on this atrocity done to potates and is the bottom of the barrel French fry with the only reason to buy them is because you are cheap and worried about your bottom line.

Would I ever go back to CSM? Never to eat, but the market did look nice and service was friendly so at least that had that going for them.

Overall

One Star out of Five

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