Every once in a while I have a dining experience that leaves me at a loss for words. On this rare occasion, I try my best to just put my head down and churn out a review to the best of my abilities. A recent visit to the newly opened Zhang’s Grille in Holmdel (formerly…
Tag: Chinese Food
Photo of the Day: May 27, 2017
I find that a lot of times, photos don’t do good food justice. That’s the case here. Everything else I photographed at Shanghai Bun in Matawan did not come out so hot, except this one due to the crimping patterns on the dumplings. Most authentic Chinese restaurant I’ve ever eaten at. Ox tail soup, spiced…
What’s Going on at the Old Ruby Palace in Holmdel?
UPDATE (July 25, 2017): The location will open tomorrow, July 26, as Zhang’s Grill. According to a tip sent to this site, the owner also has another restaurant in Wall Township. UPDATE (August 6, 2017): Read my review of Zhang’s Grill. Take it as a warning. I miss Ruby Palace. Maybe not enough to profile…
Travel Guide PA: Saigon Cafe (Lancaster)
My first experience with Vietnamese food was a success, and in the least likely of all places. Amidst the rolling hills of Amish farmland lies the cute, little Saigon Cafe. It reminded me of a Chinese place back home, Shanghai Bun, which is an authentic, no-frills eatery. There is not much decor to speak of,…
Restaurant Review: Penang (Edison, NJ)
It started with a cup of hot lemon tea. It was sweet, and served with a lime wedge. I was not expecting the sweetness, but it lent itself in a pleasing way. Asian cooking is all about contrasts. Different flavors, different textures, different feelings in your mouth. This simple tea opened up my palate to…
Takeout Joints: Chinese/Asian Volume 1
“You can’t swing a dead cat” without hitting a Chinese takeout place near my hometown of Hazlet. Like pizzerias (reviews of which to come at a later date), they are everywhere. But for every gem there are three or four that are just average, and a couple more bordering on abominable. Many seem similar on…
Restaurants We Miss: Hao Sushi Buffet (Middletown) and Melody’s Cafe (Lincroft, NJ)
Ah, in addition to Mie Thai, two other restaurants I liked also bit the dust in 2016. The first was Hao Sushi and Seafood Buffet, and the other Melody’s Cafe. Each offered something special, and each will be missed. I never got around to reviewing them here on Eating New Jersey, but I did on…
Travel Guide CT: Sunberry Cafe (Hartford)
Our first stop in a four-day excursion to Connecticut was a real winner. Just outside our hotel was a charming little brick side street. Literally, in order were the following: a liquor store, Thai restaurant, cigar shop, Korean BBQ, psychic readings, and Irish pub. All the comforts of home. Not able to decide, Will and…
Restaurant Review: Teppanyaki Grill and Supreme Buffet (East Brunswick, NJ)
Not many buffets can claim a five-star rating from the New York Times. While I might not go that far, Teppanyaki is definitely the best buffet around in terms of quality and range of dishes. We’ve all been to that Asian buffet where everything is greasy, sometimes cold, and no better than glorified takeout. This…
Travel Guide PA: Manor Buffet (Lancaster)
Photo courtesy of Lancaster Online. Well Greg, we already ate pizza out in Amish Country, so why not Chinese food too? Yes, I was scared. A Chinese and Sushi buffet in Pennsylvania? Even in my home state I am sometimes skeptical, and we’re a lot closer to the ocean than Lancaster. Once again, I took…
Restaurant Review: Crown Palace (Middletown, NJ)
Singapore Mei Fun I have written about several restaurants on this blog which are stuck in time yet still hold on to their charm and enhance the dining experience. Crown Palace does not qualify as one of those places. It is not dirty, or even ugly, but you walk in and the atmosphere just screams…
Quick Hits: H-Mart’s Food Court is More Authentic than Some Restaurants (Edison, NJ)
In Edison lies one of the greatest stores I have ever been to. It has an unassuming name for a place where you can find thousands of items relating to Asian cookery, in regards to both food and cooking tools. I could have spent the entire afternoon browsing around. My mouth was watering. The store…
