Kunkel's Seafood & Steakhouse

Celebrating Ken's birthday took us, including George and Karin, to Kunkel's Seafood & Steakhouse, 920 Kings Highway, Haddon Heights, NJ 08035 (856-547-1225) for our monthly lunch on Friday, March 21, 2025. Everything was delicious! It was nice seeing Carol, who is always welcoming!

For appetizers, we shared the following:

Jay (dozen) and George (1/2 dozen) had the Raw Oysters, of course! Beach Plumb (Buzzards Bay, MA) and Laughing Gull (NJ). So good!

Fiery Thai Calamari - crispy fried calamari tossed in a spicy-sweet orange chili sauce with fresh scallions.

Steak Ravioli - steak and cheese ravioli, tossed and served in a mushroom and onion Demi glaze.

Kunkel's Killer Shrimp - peeled and deveined shrimp with the tail on, sautéed in spicy killer sauce, served with garlic bread.

Entrees enjoyed (each came with the house salad):

blue cheese dressing

balsamic dressing

Ken had the Rib Eye, medium rare, with mushrooms and onions. It came with cheesy mashed potatoes and asparagus.

Karin enjoyed the Bordelaise Beef - braised boneless beef slow roasted, finished with a bordelaise sauce served with honey roasted carrots and cheddar and leek mashed potatoes, topped with frizzled onions.

Jay and George each devoured the Seafood Au Gratin Special - scallops, shrimp, and lobster in a creamy, cheesy sauce.

Everything was seasoned to perfection.

We appreciate that we can dine at our leisure, without being rushed. Looking forward to our next visit!

Wines enjoyed:

Oyster House (Philly)

Celebrating George's birthday, Jay and Ken met Karin and George at the Oyster House, 1516 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102 (215-567-7683) on Saturday, February 22, 2025. We had a fantastic time. Charlotte was one of the best servers! 

Appetizers: 

Jay and George got 1/2 dozen oysters each: Jay enjoyed the Wellfleet (Massachusetts), Beau Soleil (Canada), and Glacier Point (Alaska). So good! 

Jay, Karin, and George shared the following: Potato Latkes Special, with creme fraiche and caviar: 

Hand Cut Fries (so good! Crispy and tender): 

Fried Calamari was cooked to perfection!

Entrees: 

George enjoyed the Pan Seared Scallops with sweet potatoes: 

Ken enjoyed the Pan Seared Striped Bass: 

Karin enjoyed the Shrimp and Grits. She would prefer the crab sauce on the side as it was spicy. 

Jay enjoyed the Tuna Poke Bowl.  Everything was fresh and tasty. 

George was surprised with Key Lime Pie, which Karin was hoping was on the dessert menu. 

Wines enjoyed ($25 corkage fee, but was worth it):

Ken had to have a Manhattan (Made with Jameson - smooth):

June BYOB (Modern French Cuisine)

Celebrating Jay's and Karin's birthdays, we enjoyed a wonderful dining experience at June BYOB, 690 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108-3704 (856-240-7041), on Saturday, January 11, 2025. If you are looking for a special experience, June BYOB is the place to go. Wonderful food, attentive service, and special touches await.

Our server, Saverio, was attentive and knowledgeable. All of the servers were excellent.

Ken and Karin shared the special appetizer - Lobster gnocchi, prepared table side by Chef Rich - Melt in your mouth!

Jay and George opted for the Tableside Canard a la Press Voyage, which was wonderful! Included was an appetizer, the entree, and dessert

Appetizer:  Duck confit, foie gras parfait, watercress salad, warm potato salad, purple mustard - Delicious - almost a meal in itself!

Entree: Duck à la presse served with seasonal accompaniments and duck presse jus - WOW!

Dessert: Crêpes Suzette, flambe tableside

A Cheese Plate was complimentary due a slight wait for the Duck entree. Such a nice gesture and truly appreciated!

Ken selected the Beef Wellington as his entree - 6oz filet, mushroom duxelles, spinach, en croûte, pomme purée, watercress salad, sauce bordelaise

Karin enjoyed the Bouillabaisse – Icelandic cod, shrimp, mussels, fennel, celery, white bean, rouille, toasted baguette

Karin enjoyed creme brûlée for dessert:

Ken was happy with his Bananas Fosters dessert:

Wines enjoyed:

Looking forward to our next visit!

JJ Thai Cuisine (Philly)

Our monthly lunch took Jay and Ken back to Philly to meet Karin and George at JJ Thai Cuisine, 2028 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-4488 (215-568-7058), on Friday, December 27, 2024. Once again, we had a wonderful meal!

We shared the following appetizers:

Curry Puff (puff pastry, minced chicken, onion, curry powder)

Shrimp and Crab Roll (crispy fried with puree soybean and cilantro sauce)

Baby Back Ribs (with Thai BBQ sauce)

Duck Ravioli (duck, mushroom, truffle oil, red wine reduction)

Entrees:

Karin enjoyed the Beef Pad Thai (stir fried rice noodle, bean curd, scallion, peanut, bean sprout and egg)

Jay enjoyed the Pan Seared Scallop (spinach, asparagus, and garlic sauce)

Ken and George shared the Massaman Short rib (slow cooked Angus short rib, pearl onion, cashew nut, Brussel sprout, Thai massaman curry)

Everything was flavorful and delicious, as always! Nice way to end the year.

Too full for dessert this time.

Wines enjoyed: