Bagel Dish Cafe

327 Raritan Ave
Highland Park, NJ

I love going to this place. It started by me on a hunt for lunch one day. I was driving around, looking for something interesting to try, when I stumbled upon the Dish Cafe. It's interesting, though, because we at one time went to the Bagel Dish, their sister store, often. Anyway, we got takeout from there and were very happy. While I waited for our order, I was intrigued by their breakfast menu, and decided we had to go there sometime.

It's your basic diner, but there's something more homey about it than typical diner. Coffee is served in mugs from all over the place; they probably get them at yard sales, but it lends a nice atmosphere to the place.

They have great specials; I love to get the Belgian Waffle special, which comes with whipped cream and strawberries and only costs $5.95... that's only available on Saturday and Sunday. I also like to try their varied and interesting array of omelettes, which can also be made into a wrap.

BAJ is happy because he gets a decent lox and bagel there, and I'm happy because I can get my eggs, pancakes, waffles, french toast, coffee, bacon, etc etc etc craving satiated... until the next weekend, that is.

Martino's Cuban Restaurant

212 W Main St
Somerville, NJ

We live so near to Somerville, and haven't really had a chance to check out the many many restaurants there. We made plans to get together with some friends, and decided to go to Martino's. I couldn't really find any reviews online, so was apprehensive.

We walked in and the smell of the restaurant was incredible; it smelled fantastic! Our food was really good--we got an appetizer for 6, which consisted of stuffed clams, fried yucca, sweet plantains, croquettes, and something else I can't remember. Everything was delicious. Our party all had different choices, but we both had the chicken. The sauces were both great, although the meat itself was a little tough. Our friends had the desserts (there are only two on the menu; flan and tres leches cake) and raved about it.

Also appealing was that this seemed like a place for campers. We were one of several good sized parties, and the staff seemed to have no problem whatsoever with us sitting and chatting. I felt under no pressure to skedaddle as I often do in other places.

They're BYOB, and I thought the prices were very reasonable. I think our entire bill for 6 people, which included 6 entrees, an appetizer to share, and 2 desserts, came to under $120. Not bad at all.