To say I’ve said “I have to try that place!” every time I’ve driven by the Sandbox Café & Bath House in Ship Bottom, NJ would be an understatement. So when my fiancé pulled me out the door to go there on a cloudy Sunday before I could crack any eggs, I shouldn’t have been surprised, obviously I had gone over my limit. I was a tad excited.
»» Beach Bites: Sandbox Café & Bath House in LBI
Filed under: Restaurants, Reviews, ocean county | LBI, Long Beach Island, Melissa Beveridge, The Sandbox|1 Comment
The lovely Taos Wok & Restaurant offers varied and reasonably priced lunch and dinner options. Having been there for get togethers with old friends, business lunches, Mother’s Day, and New Year’s Eve, I can honestly say that Taos delivers. Oh, and they do actually deliver as well!
»» Taos Wok & Restaurant: East Rutherford
Filed under: Bergen County, Restaurants, Reviews | East Rutherford, Rachel Bozek, Taos Wok & Restaurant|No Comments
While the northeast swelters through more dog days of summer, ways to get through lunch and dinner without turning on a BBQ or heat-producing appliance are essential. In Bergen county, Samdan (pronounced Shahm-den), a middle eastern restaurant, provides the ideal range of cold appetizers for those who want only to cool off in a tasty kind of way, and loads of spiced up hot options for others. Located in Cresskill, Samdan enjoyed a makeover a couple years ago and has two large rooms, floor to ceiling windows and a fine dining ambience. Joined by a reception area with fire place, the rooms bustle with large families, couples and business customers. It’s the warm atmosphere, solid service, generous portions and consistent product that keeps the place busy year-round.
»» Samdan Middle Eastern Restaurant in Cresskill
Filed under: Restaurants, Reviews | Cresskill, Heidi Raker Goldstein, Middle Eastern, new jersey, Samdan|No Comments

Warm. Calm. Inviting. That’s the vibe you get at Collingswood’s Blackbird Dining Establishment. My husband, John, and I recently spent an enjoyable and tastebud-tempting Sunday evening there with our friends Don and Martha. After the great meal we had, I am sure that we will be back!
»» Blackbird Dining Establishment-Collingswood, NJ
Filed under: Burlington County, Restaurants, Reviews | Beth Christian, Blackbird Dining Establishment, Collingswood|1 Comment
On a recent Thursday night, my husband and I decided to start the weekend early by heading to MIX in West Long Branch for Happy Hour. MIX, known for its fruit infused vodka martinis and lively bar, was a much awaited outing at this “almost end” of a long week.
»» Happy Hour at the Beach: Mix in West Long Branch
Filed under: Monmouth County, Restaurants, Reviews | beverly beveridge, cocktails, martinis, Mix, west long branch|1 Comment

Intrigued by the rumor of alcoholic milkshakes almost as much as the sudden appearance of this mystery restaurant, Justin and I made a date for Banana Jack Murphy’s to investigate.
»» Banana Jack Murphy’s Opens in North Wildwood
Filed under: Burgers, Cape May County, Restaurants, Reviews | Alison Heller, Banana Jack Murphy's, Cape May County Restaurants|2 Comments
One of my favorite parts about living in North Jersey are summer holiday weekends. As crazy as it sounds, I prefer to spend my time enjoying the temporary solitude of the area instead of heading to the Shore with the masses. It’s especially nice when you can enjoy a nice dinner outside without having to make a reservation days (or weeks) in advance.
»» Amelia’s Bistro In Jersey City
Filed under: Hudson County, Restaurants, Reviews | Amelia's Bistro, Jersey City, Melissa Yurasits|1 Comment
Situated in a typical strip mall on Route 35 South, Takara Japanese Steakhouse is hard to miss with its heavy, wood doors and exotic palms. My husband, daughter (an expert sushi connoisseur I might add) and I opted for a late lunch, early dinner before this popular Japanese restaurant started heating up. After many rushed business lunches and dinners at Takara, I was ready to relax and excited to try some dishes I’d never experienced before.
»» Takara Japanese Steakhouse in Oakhurst
Filed under: Monmouth County, Restaurants, Reviews | beverly beveridge, japanese, Oakhurst|Comments off