B.Y.O.B.s in Jersey

17 July 2022

IndeBlue Modern Indian (They're Back in Jersey!)

On Saturday, July 16, 2022, Jay and Ken met friends Karin and George at IndeBlue Modern Indian, 65 Barclay Farms Shopping Center, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 (856-230-4633). We had 12noon reservations and were promptly seated. As always, everything was flavorful and delicious! We ordered from both the brunch and dinner menus.

Laurie was extremely pleasant and accommodating (especially since we enjoy leisurely 3 hour lunches).

It was great seeing Rakesh again. He took some time out of his busy schedule to chat with us.

We shared the following:

Crab Corn Dip with Everything Naan (with a touch of spice)

Extra order of Everything Naan

Crispy Spinach Chaat, baby spinach, shallots, chopped tomatoes, yogurt chutney - the spinach melted in our mouths; a touch of spice. So unique!

Mango Pork Spring Rolls (not too sweet), served with blue cheese wine sauce - crispy yummy goodness

Shrimp Moilee (shrimp, coconut, mustard seed) - served with saffron basmati rice

Butter Chicken

Wines enjoyed:

We will definitely be back. So glad they're back in New Jersey!

Kunkel's Seafood & Steakhouse

Jay and Ken met friends Rob and Colleen (first-timers) at Kunkel's Seafood & Steakhouse, 920 Kings Highway, Haddon Heights, NJ 08035 (856-547-1225), on Friday, July 15, 2022, for dinner. We had reservations for 7pm and were promptly seated. Carol is so friendly and always remembers us. This is becoming one of our favorites.

Our server, Denise, was knowledgable and attentive.

Since Jay and Rob love oysters, each had a dozen (6 of Blue Points [Long Island?] and 6 of Pink Moon [Prince Edward Island]). Both agreed that they preferred the smaller Blue Points, which were meatier and more briny. Delicious!

Jay and Colleen enjoyed the French Onion soup, which was cheesy (Swiss & Provolone!), and not as salty as other restaurants, probably because they make their stock from scratch. It was wonderful!

Colleen was quite happy with clams in white sauce. [missed this picture somehow]

Ken was impressed with the steak ravioli appetizer.

We all enjoyed our salads. Dressings are homemade. Jay and Rob had Blue Cheese. Ken prefers the Caesar, which has an upcharge. The bread was warm and crusty.

Entrees enjoyed:

Jay was quite impressed with the Red Snapper, which came with clams and mussels, all cooked to perfection. [picture was blurry 😞]

Colleen enjoyed the Lobster Ravioli, which came with shrimp, chiffonade sun-dried tomatoes in their lobster butter sauce. She took half home for later.

Rob was happy with his NY Strip, medium, with cheddar & leek mashed potato bake and asparagus.

Ken was pleased with his Surf (NY Strip medium rare) and Turf (Shrimp), which came with cheddar & leek mashed potato bake and asparagus.

They make their own steak sauce, which is not needed as the steaks are well seasoned...

Colleen had the Rice Pudding for dessert. Ken and Rob shared a cinnamon roll bread pudding, with raisins and cinnamon swirls, served warm with a vanilla glaze. It was heavenly.

Wines enjoyed:

You are never rushed. This is on their menu: "We assume our customers are here to relax. If you have time restraints please let your server know, and we will gladly accommodate your needs"

Kunkel's is now open for lunch again. We look forward to trying Fish Fry Wednesdays and Burger Thursdays.

26 June 2022

Allora

Jay and Ken dined at Allora, 892 NJ 73, Marlton, NJ 08053 (856-596-6882), on Saturday, June 25, 2022. As always, everything was delicious! It was nice seeing Mark in the kitchen on our way in.

The bread was so good, we had two baskets...

We shared appetizers:

Fried Calamari - crispy, served with marinara dipping sauce.

Suppli - Italian rice, meat, and cheese balls served over San Marzano tomato sauce. A favorite!

Ken enjoyed the Flounder Francese - egg battered and seared, lemon butter, white wine sauce, with crabmeat, risotto and vegetables.

Jay enjoyed the Trio di Mare - grilled ahi tuna (meant to order rare, but said medium rare by mistake), sautéed shrimp, crabmeat, tomatoes, capers, olives, garnished with baby arugula, served over risotto. Very flavorful and cooked to perfection!

Wines enjoyed:

14 May 2022

Saigon Quy-Bau (French Inspired Vietnamese with a flair of Thai Cuisine) - Philly!

Jay and Ken met friends Karin and George for a new taste experience at Saigon Quy-Bau, 1318 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147 (215-645-0165), on Saturday May 14, 2022. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and delicious! We look forward to visiting again and trying more dishes.

We shared many appetizers:

QB Golden Bags, stuffed with shrimp and crab meat with sweet chili - so good that we had two orders.

Crispy Calamari Salad, with Napa cabbage over wasabi aioli dressing - Wow!

Spicy Chicken Wings, with chili honey, pineapple, and tamarind sauce

Vietnamese Summer Rolls - ours were stuffed with pork and shrimp, with lettuce, mint, and rice noodles. Came with a Thai peanut sauce.

Crispy Beef Dumplings, ginger and scallion sweet soy glaze sauce

We also shared the BBQ Pork Fried Rice, Vietnamese style BBQ pork over jasmine fried rice. We didn't think we had room for it, but we devoured it!

Wines enjoyed:

They've been open for about 6 months. Stop by. You will not be disappointed.

19 March 2022

Hearthside

Celebrating Ken's birthday, we had 5:30 pm reservations for Hearthside BYOB, 801 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, 08108 (856-240-1164), on Friday, March 18, 2022. Reservations are required, unless dining outside, which is first come, first served.

As always, we had a wonderful time with friends Karin and George. Everything was delicious!