Black Olive (Greek)

After hearing good reviews from Karin and George, Jay and Ken (and Mom Geri) visited Black Olive, 910 Haddonfield-Berlin Road, Voorhees, NJ 08043, on Saturday, September 13, 2014. Jay joked that we should move to this area, since we frequently dine at restaurants on this particular road. Black Olive has been open since November! Why didn't we know!???!!!

Warm bread with olive oil and olives are immediately brought to the table.

Appetizers enjoyed:

Jay tried the Cold Pikilia (Eggplant Salad-roasted eggplant with fresh herbs; Hummus-mashed chickpeas w/tahini; Taramosalata-smoked cod's roe with potatoes; and, Tzatziki-strained greek yogurt w/cucumbers and garlic). Everything was delicious. Mom Geri even liked the Taramosalata!

Ken thoroughly enjoyed the Charcoal grilled jumbo shrimp, which is surprising because he usually complains when Jay keeps the shell on!

Entrees:

Mom Geri ordered the Shrimp TourkolImano (sauteed with white wine w/fresh tomatoes, garlic, feta cheese, kalamata olives and a touch of ouzo). Some taken home for dinner.

She chose Seafood soup (instead of a salad) to start her meal, which she enjoyed...

Jay enjoyed the Roasted Leg of Lamb, which was tender and flavorful. It came with lemon roasted potatoes and green beans. She took some home for dinner.

She chose the salad to start her meal. Very fresh.

Ken devoured the Pork Souvlaki Plate. The Greek fries were delicious! We couldn't stop eating them!

Keep in mind that these are lunch portions! Dinner portions must be HUGE!

Too full for dessert. But the dessert menu included beautiful photos which were very enticing.

We will return. Jay wants to get 2 apps and dessert (baklava!) next time. We MUST request that they not start the entree until we are finished with our soup/salad. Food came out much too fast!

Wines enjoyed:

2013 L'art de Provence

and we sipped on some of this:

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):