Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Michael – Old School Atmosphere, New School Food

Posted by FoodandWineChickie on September 1, 2010 at 3:21 pm

I was told about Michael by a Twitter follower who was outraged that I’d eaten at my hotel’s mediocre restaurant while I could have been dining at this great dining establishment in the vicinity of my Chicago North Shore office.  I was touched that a local foodie would go out of his way to recommend [...]

Watch Out Bergen County – Here Comes Smashburger Hackensack

Posted by FoodandWineChickie on August 19, 2010 at 10:54 am

Yes, I’ve written about Smashburger in the past (http://bit.ly/bOgEKa) but I’m excited about the latest opening of the Hackensack location in Bergen County, NJ. Here are three things to note about the newest outpost: First, the space is large and hip and is located in the upscale Shops at Riverside. Eat a burger and work [...]

Upscale Taste Hits Fast Food at Smashburger

Posted by FoodandWineChickie on July 20, 2010 at 12:48 pm

When Smashburger moved into Montclair New Jersey, I just had to see what the hype was all about.  Could a fast food joint possibly serve up tasty quality burgers?  I soon found out that the answer was: YES!  I was hooked from the first juicy bite.  The concept is simple: Fresh, never frozen, 100% Angus [...]

Casa Mono – Spanish Tapas and Wine Eden

Posted by FoodandWineChickie on June 19, 2010 at 11:24 am

Casa Mono is a cozy Spanish tapas restaurant in Gramercy Park and the brainchild of Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich.  The superb cooking is creatively prepared by chef Andy Nusser. The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive at this restaurant is that the space a small.  Not small as in “I’m going to feel [...]

Grateful for Great Grub at Grato

Posted by FoodandWineChickie on May 4, 2010 at 12:22 am

Grato, part of Harvest Restaurant Group,  perfects the art of seasonal Italian cuisine.  Much like its next door neighbor, and sister restaurant, Tabor Road Tavern, Grato offers a space that’s warm and inviting while trendy enough to attract Morris County’s bold and beautiful crowd. I recently had lunch at Grato and as the Italian name [...]

Old Hickory Steakhouse Restaurant – Solid Food, Southern Hospitality

Posted by FoodandWineChickie on April 29, 2010 at 7:49 pm

Hotel restaurants get a bad rap, oftentimes, it’s well deserved. The case isn’t true for Old Hickory Steakhouse at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, TN. Set in an antebellum-style mansion, Old Hickory Steakhouse is southern hospitality meets solid food.  Upon arriving at the restaurant, I was warmly greeted by the hosts on the front porch [...]

Momofuku Noodle Bar Porky Visit

Posted by FoodandWineChickie on April 20, 2010 at 2:38 pm

Even though I’ve worked in Manhattan and visit often during downtime, I’d not had the opportunity to visit Momofuku Noodle Bar. For those of you in New York City or who visit our fair city, the place is a MUST!  Lunch in the trendy hot spot was full of delicious porkyness. I enjoyed the uber [...]

Kabab Paradise Featured in NJ My Way

Posted by FoodandWineChickie on March 24, 2010 at 11:49 am

New Jersey folks, my review of Kabab Paradiseas featured by my friends at NJMyWay.com: http://bit.ly/9QVS3A – a MUST try if in the area!

Tasty Afghan Food at Kabab Paradise

Posted by FoodandWineChickie on March 8, 2010 at 4:13 pm

Kabab Paradise is a spotless, attractive restaurant featuring middle eastern, specifically Afghan, cuisine for onsite dining, take-out or delivery ($15 minimum). Chef Sal Fahim and his crew couldn’t be more customer-friendly. Diners are greeted warmly as they enter the restaurant and are treated like extended family as they dine in the cozy space. During a [...]

Aozora – Fab Food Fusion in Montclair

Posted by FoodandWineChickie on February 24, 2010 at 2:08 pm

My review of Aozora featured in NJ My Way: http://bit.ly/dnHFfP