Hearthside

We revisited Hearthside, 801 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108 (856-240-1164), with friends Zach and Diane, on Friday, October 18, 2019, for a 7pm reservation. We had a wonderful time, and left a little before 11pm. Our server, Darryl, did not rush us, and we appreciated it.

Small plates:

Diane had small plates for her meal - Caesar Salad and Pork Belly, with char siu, frisbee, and sesame seeds.

Diane finished her meal with the Gulf Prawns, with garlic, chili, lemon, and parsley...

Ken started with the Gulf Prawns, which were perfectly cooked, and came with charred crusty bread.

Jay began with the Red Snapper Ceviche, with orange, avocado, potato chips, and cilantro. Refreshing and the perfect start to the meal.

Zach's Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, was wonderful. It came with Thai basil, crispy shallots, and jalapeño.

Medium plate:

Zach enjoyed the Orecchiette, with fennel sausage, broccoli rabe, and roasted long hots. Just right the amount of spices. Very tasty.

Large plates:

Ken enjoyed the Porterhouse Pork, with apple mustard, bacon jam, and creamed greens. He was quite impressed with the presentation. It was cooked to perfection.

While waiting for our meal, we noticed a bowl of potatoes at the next table, which we ordered. They were smashed, and then lightly fried. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. We devoured them! They were a special, but we hope they stay around...

Jay was quite satisfied with the Ocean Trout, with herb gazpacho, summer relish, and poblano puree. The skin was crispy and the fish was wonderful.

By this time, Zach was a bit full, and couldn't finish his Scallops, so he took them home.


For dessert, we all shared some of Diane's gelato, which was a perfect ending to the meal.

Wines enjoyed:

When Jay and Ken next visit, we may try counter dining...

Verona Ristorante Italiano (Italian)

Our monthly lunch with Karin and George brought us to Verona Ristorante Italiano, 141 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, NJ 08033 (856-446-2126). We enjoyed a leisurely 3 1/2 hour lunch on Saturday, September 21, 2019, from the dinner menu, because that's what we do.  It was such a beautiful day!

We shared everything! Andrew was a fantastic server!

Bread with Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil. The bread was crunchy outside, and tender inside. Warm and very good.

Calamari Frite - fried to perfection! The marinara sauce was very flavorful.

Gorgonzola Gnocchi - a little more dense than we're used to, but the gorgonzola sauce was addictive!

Penne Gamberi, penne pasta sautéed with peans and pancetta finished a vodka rose cream sauce - the dinner portion came with 4 large shrimp. Definitely worth ordering again.

Hot Italian Sausage Appetizer, with mixed mushrooms, shallots and lemon zest finished in a white wine sauce. Yum!

Veal Saltimbocca, veal sautéed with Prosciutto di Parma and sage finished in a red wine reduction - very good, but not sure we would order again, as we prefer either the Allora or Il Villaggio version. We selected roasted potatoes as a side.

Dessert was a nice ending to the meal. Cannoli with pistachio and creme brûlée, which was amazing!

Ken enjoyed a cup of coffee

Wines enjoyed:

2018

2016

Nice ambience...

We will definitely return. There are a few more dishes we wish to try.

Ginger Asian Cuisine

Thursday, September 12, 2019, brought Jay and Ken to Ginger Asian Cuisine, 7 Wilkins Station Road, Medford, NJ 08055, AGAIN. Still one of our favorites! We are always warmly greeted - feels like home!

Ken was hungry, so he enjoyed an order of ribs for an appetizer.

He selected the Rock and Roll Pork Special for an entree, which came with a spring roll. He was quite happy, especially with the fish sauce that he poured over the noodles and pork. A large salad and vegetables were included.

Jay enjoyed the Fish Katsu Dinner Box, which came with choice of soup (hot & sour, of course!), rice (brown was chosen), fried fish (crispy goodness), vegetables, spring roll, salad, and gyoza. Of course, she couldn't finish, and took the spring roll, salad, veggies, and rice home for next day's lunch.

Wine enjoyed:

Bhan Thai

Dinner on a Thursday night brought us to Bahn Thai, 4330 Dearborn Circle, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 (856-234-4202) on August 29, 2019. We had a wonderfully, delicious meal! Everything is fresh and full of flavor.

Appetizers shared:

Martini Shrimp - Ken loves these so much that Jay let him eat the whole thing!

Phu-ket wings - in a flavorful garlic sauce. Jay finish the sauce with the garnish, it was so good!

Entrees:

Ken devoured the Shrimp Garlic - HUGE shrimp with bok choy and rice on the side.

Jay tried to finished the Bangkok Street Noodle Special (3 chilis), which was filled with shrimp, mussels, scallops, and perfectly cooked ramen noodles. She took some home for the next day.

Dessert:

Ken enjoyed the Fried Honey Banana with Vanilla Ice Cream.

Jay was wowed by the Fried Ice Cream, which was presented flambeed at the table.

Wine enjoyed:

Bistro SouthEast (Philly Favorite!)

Our monthly lunch brought us back to Bistro SouthEast, 1824 South Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19146 (267-758-2838). We look forward to these monthly lunches with Karin and George. We were not disappointed. You cannot go wrong with any dish. Everything is flavorful and cooked to perfection!

We shared appetizers:

Thai Sweet Chili Wings (our favorite - Ken always craves these!)

Shrimp and Pork Potstickers - larger than normal, flavorful, but not as crispy as we like.

Other sharings:

Shrimp po' boy - perfectly seasoned and fried shrimp, with a not too spicy aioli.

Rice Plate with BBQ Pork - couldn't stop eating the pork and slaw!

TWO Vietnamese BBQ Pork Banh Mis (Ken declares this the BEST banh mi!)

Wines enjoyed:

2017