Sunday, August 30, 2009

Yutaka

90 West Main Street
Somerville, NJ 08876
Phone: (908) 218-5523
Fax: (908) 218-5110
http://www.yutakanj.com/

BAJ and I were afraid of taking The Boy for hibachi. Although we love it, we didn't know how our infant and then toddler would respond. Then, there was a discussion on a message board of which I am a member of this very thing. I read the responses to BAJ, and he then fixated on going.

Since Somerville has yet to let us down, that's where we headed for hibachi, and Yutaka didn't disappoint. I really liked the ambiance of their restaurant. I saw this little room with a low table and you have to take off your shoes; it looked so cool!

The food was pretty good, although not the best hibachi either of us has had. I felt the prices to be a little bit on the high side, even for hibachi. The sushi looked awesome, something we definitely want to return and try! The show was pretty good, contrary to some other reviews I've read. They do this funny thing where they shoot people with saki; it was a competition between our table and another as to who could get those most. Our chef was very kind to our 2 year old, letting him know when scarier things might be happening.

Speaking of which, the 2 year old did really well. He was scared for the big flames, but really enjoyed the show and the meal. He even ate with chopsticks (granted, by scooping, but nonetheless...)

Yutaka Hibachi & Steakhouse on Urbanspoon

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Fresh.

562 Allen Rd
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
www.iwantfreshfood.com

Long time, no post. We haven't really been out to any new places. I know we've been eating out, but I can't even think of where we've been lately.

Anyway, today we wanted lunch out. I checked my handy dandy wishlist on urbanspoon and remembered I had wanted to try Fresh.

I ordered a grilled chicken sandwich, which came with a slice of very fresh mozzarella, some tomato, arugala, and herb mayo. It was excellent, and too large for me to finish.

BAJ ordered a turkey reuben. He liked it a lot. Not a fan of reubens, it's not a surprise that I wasn't a big fan of it, but I'm not the one to go on here.

I really liked the vibe of the shop too. Their decor is very casual and, well, fresh. The staff was very courteous. It's a counter store, but they bring the food out to your table, and as we were leaving, we were asked how everything was--he seemed genuinely concerned.

They have cookies in jars on the counter, which caught the attention of The Boy. They looked so good, as did the many other treats. Maybe another time.

We were very pleased... it's a good thing that BAJ only has a short time for lunch and is too far from here, or he might be going to Fresh for lunch every week!


Fresh. on Urbanspoon

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Mr. Tod's Pie Factory

(732) 356-8900
1760 Easton Ave
Somerset, NJ 08873

I previously reviewed Mr. Tod's negatively, saying that it was "just ok," and that I didn't need to go there again.

Well.

BAJ's aunt made a wrong turn (??) and ended up stopping here for pie. She brought a key lime pie.

It was fantabulous. We were having a party, and this went so fast, people didn't even know pie was an option.

I take back my "eh" review... I apologize, Mr. Tod! Please don't take away the key lime pie!

Mr. Tod's Pie Factory on Urbanspoon

Pizza Man

(973) 835-3383
574 Newark Pompton Tpke
Pompton Plains, NJ 07444

This is my father in law's favorite restaurant. And he is a man who.... let's say he knows what he likes. I'm more of a try lots of new places kind of person, but I do have to say I've never had a bad meal at Pizza Man. It probably wouldn't be the place I would take company, but the meals are solidly good, and the prices are reasonable.

It gets moved down a bit in my "book" because they are so very cramped. As a result, you will often feel like you are right on top of the diners to your side. As a result of their small dining room and very good food, any time after 5:30, there will be a line to get in the door.

If you don't mind feeling claustrophobic, definitely try Pizza Man; their food is excellent.
Pizza Man Family on Urbanspoon

Mannion's Irish Pub

(908) 203-0700
150 W Main St
Somerville, NJ 08876

We decided to go out (again) for dinner. Cooking has been, um, not happening so much around here. BAJ said he was sort of in the mood for "fried stuff with cheese" (that's a Friends reference for those not paying attention) and really wanted Broccoli Bites (that's an appetizer from the now defunct Bennigans). He also seemed to be interested in going to Somerville, and asked where in Somerville would be ok for our 2 year old. So, to urban spoon I turned and came across Mannion's. I checked the menu and they had food that looked good, appetizers that were fried and had cheese, and seemed to be kid friendly.

We got there around 6, and he was surprised that it was DEAD EMPTY. I told him that it was Saturday and normal people (that would be both those who are not teachers AND those who are not parents) usually go out to dinner later than that. As a result of their being so empty, we had great service and our food came out very quickly. I very much liked that our server asked if she should bring out The Boy's food when it was ready or with ours, although I also know this is due to the server rather than the establishment.

No appetizers, unless you count a round of Harp. $5 for a pint seems a little on the high side to me, but there are few places in which I've found Harp on tap.

Our meals came with a salad, and it was a good one--romaine lettuce (instead of iceberg), black olives, carrots, grape tomatoes, and cucumbers. I do like a good salad.

I got the Irish stew, and was very pleased. It was so good, and the meat was REALLY tender. Yum; I took what was left home. BAJ got Shrimp Wellington, which was a little bit disappointing... he said it was "fine," and I thought it tasted really fishy.

In short, they are a pretty reasonably priced restaurant (although NJ Monthly's website rated them as inexpensive... I suppose that's true if you stick to the sandwiches, but not for dinner...



Mannion's Pub & Restaurant on Urbanspoon