Da Soli (Italian)

Once the suggestion to Da Soli was made for our monthly lunch, Ken wouldn't consider any other restaurant. He's been craving the veal alla saltimbucca since the beginning of the summer. He was not disappointed.

We met friends, Karin and George, for our monthly lunch on Saturday, August 30, 2014, at 12:30. We always have such a good time with our special friends.

Our server, Lauren, greeted us and seated us promptly although Karin and George were a bit behind us (we were actually early). She brought hot crust bread while we waited.

Appetizers:

We shared the Suppli - risotto balls which are flavorful, crunchy and addictive. We considered a second order, but didn't want to get too full.

Karin enjoyed the Caesar salad, which came with her meal. George helped her.

Jay enjoyed the crab and corn soup, which included okra. Everything was fresh and flavorful!

Entrees:

Karin thoroughly enjoyed the Shrimp Francaise special, which included artichokes and pasta. She was actually able to finish it! The lemon sauce was divine!

Jay, with a little help from her friends, devoured the Chicken and Fennel Sausage Special, which included California white figs, a balsamic and marsala reduction, and broccoli rabe. Delicious!

Ken and George ordered the veal alla Saltimbuca, which they both enjoyed, raving over the sauce and the risotto. They barely touched the veggies, which is standard for these guys...

Jay was enticed by the dessert, which Karin and George helped her eat. The whipped cream was out of this world. Although the watermelon ice cream was tasty, the blueberry ice cream took the prize! Amazing!

Chef/owner Mark Berenato came out of the kitchen to speak with us. Such a pleasant person - we will definitely return! We have not been disappointed!

We were given a taste of the strawberry plum "cello!" Delicious! Not as strong as a limoncello, but quite flavorful.

The wine glasses are beautiful. Not your standard "I don't care if they break" ones that you normally see in restaurants.

Wines enjoyed:

CHUlicious (Chinese)

Wanting to try something new, we visited CHUlicious, 1200 S. Church Street, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054, on Friday, August 22, 2014.

It was formerly Marcella's and we wanted to see what the new restaurant looked like, plus we were intrigued by some dishes we saw on their Facebook page. The menu is HUGE, so it took a while to decide.

We were nicely greeted when we first walked in, and were promptly seated. Three other tables were full, so we had a choice of seating.

Hot tea, cold water and fried noodles with duck sauce are immediately brought to the table.

Appetizer:

Chicken spring roll - 2 nice size rolls, crispy and flavorful.

Entrees:

Jay tried the Basil Chicken, which was pretty good, but she's going to compare with Ginger's the next time she goes there...

Ken had the Wu-Shi ribs, which were tasty.

Although the food was good, we prefer Ginger's in Medford. Jay did want to try the pig intestines (chitterlings! LOL) and the pork belly, so if we return, she will get those.


Wine enjoyed:

Ginger Asian Cuisines

Since neither of us felt like going to the gym, and it was too hot to cook, Jay and Ken stopped by Ginger Asian Cuisines, 100 Wilkins Station Road, Medford, on Wednesday, July 23. Our favorite spot!

We were immediately greeted by Nancy, who promptly seated us at a table. Almost all who there know us by now and were happy to see us. That's a nice feeling.

While devouring the fried noodles with duck sauce and hot mustard, we perused the menu, to find new dishes to try.

Appetizers:

BBQ ribs - these are so good that Ken wants to get 5 orders one day (5 come at a time) and take them home for dinner with friends.

Ken made his way through 6 large coconut shrimp. He continues to declare them the best he's ever had.

Jay wanted something crunchy, so she had the vegetable spring roll.

Entrees:

Ken wanted the crispy fish, but it was out, so instead he ordered the crispy flounder with salt and pepper.

It was so darn good that Jay kept digging into it and eventually ended up eating most of the crunchy skin, bones included. Even the head was tasty.

Jay enjoyed the chicken with yellow curry. For extra spiciness, she asked for the chili sauce. Yum!

Enough leftovers for dinner for two nights.

Of course, we always ask for the House Special Fried Rice! So flavorful!

Jay always enjoys the melon that comes with your bill...

Wines enjoyed:

Can't wait to return to try more new dishes!

La Piccola Cucina Italiana

Too hot to cook (like she needed an excuse), Jay asked Ken to pick somewhere for dinner. He chose La Piccola Cucina Italiana, 208 Medford/Mt. Holly Road, Medford, NJ 08055. Good choice!

Our server, Diego, was very knowledgeable and attentive...

They give you lots of food - you may want to ask them to give you some time to digest before the next course.

Hot bread (delicious pizza dough, I believe) is brought out with a tasty spread...

Then comes some antipasto (FREE!) - grilled zucchini, roasted peppers, cheese, mushrooms and eggplant - delicious!

Appetizers:

Ken ordered the Garlic Bread di Casa (Prosciutto di parma, roasted peppers, melted sharp provolone, drizzled with pesto). Yes, this is the appetizer size. Jay had to help. Very good.

Jay ordered the Crab Portobello (with jumbo lump crab meat, roasted peppers & homemade mozzarella) - very flavorful and just the right size.

Salad came with our meal:

Honey Balsamic dressing - Ken gushed over it.

Entrees enjoyed:

Ken had to try the veal saltimbocca (prosciutto di parma, spinach & fontina cheese), which came in a sage white wine sauce over angel hair pasta. The pasta was a bit too much for him, so he didn't eat much, but he was intrigued by the white sauce. Although he enjoyed it, he realizes that he prefers a red sauce with broccoli rabe.

Jay had the veal chop special which came smothered with mushrooms, peppers and cheese. The mashed potatoes and zucchini were nicely seasoned. She asked for medium, but the chop seemed more like medium well. Still good. Leftovers for tomorrow!

Dessert:

Jay saw this yummy treat passing by and had to try it. It was awesome and she devoured it!

We will return as we saw a few other items we'd like to try.

Wine enjoyed (Zagat):

Vientiane Cafe (Not New Jersey, but it's my blog!)

You should definitely visit Vientiane Cafe, at 4728 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, for Laotian-Thai cuisine! Where else can 4 people eat for $60 and be pleasantly satisfied?

We met friends Karin and George and walked to the restaurant for the best meal we have had in a while! It was a relaxing 3 hours of just trying different dishes. No disappointments!

The Urbanspoon menu cannot begin to describe how delicious everything is!

Duck spring rolls - delicious!

Shrimp/tofu summer rolls. The guys enjoyed the shrimp summer rolls. So fresh! The sauces were a good complement.

Naam salad - Jay's favorite!

Ken has been looking  forward to the Beef Jerky for weeks! We had two orders. It's so unique, it can't be described. The sauce even went well with the veggies.

Sticky wings - crunchy and full of flavor!

Pork dumplings, light and flavorful.

Banana, chocolate spring rolls - a perfect ending to the meal!

Wines enjoyed:

 2012

 2012