06 October 2018

Il Villaggio (Italian)

Our monthly lunch with Karin and George brought us back to Il Villaggio, 211 Haddonfield-Berlin Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 (856-795-1778). Once again, we had a wonderful time! 3 1/2 hours this time! Very relaxing with wonderful friends. Andy was a fantastic server, even though there was a baby shower in another room. It was nice speaking with Lauren as well!


The bread comes warm...


We shared appetizers:

Broccoli rabe and sausage, with cannelloni beans.


Oysters two ways (split) - on the half shell and casino. Very fresh.



Figs wrapped with prosciutto.


Karin and Jay shared the mushroom soup - extremely flavorful!


Entrees:

Ken and Karen shared a portion of the Short Ribs Special with Polenta. It was the perfect amount for both of them!


George enjoyed the tripe ravioli. It was especially tasty!


Jay enjoyed the Dover Sole special, filleted tableside. Perfection!



We shared gelato for dessert - Hazelnut Nutella and Pistachio.


Ken always enjoys the coffee.

Wines enjoyed:





17 August 2018

Hen Vietnamese Eatery

Ever since Ken heard George mention this restaurant in Cherry Hill, NJ, had Banh Mis, it has been on his mind. Jay should have known there was an ulterior motive when he suggested this restaurant. The meal was a nice surprise.

We visited Hen Vietnamese Eatery, 2087 Marlton Pike East, Cherry Hill, NJ (856-888-1578), on Friday, August 17, 2018, around 6pm, and were immediately seated. It's located next a smoke shop and the sign is small, so be on the lookout. It's probably a good idea to arrive between 6-7pm, since it started getting busy after 7pm.


Tommy was an amazing server! Very attentive and friendly. He made us feel welcome. They've only been open for two months, and it was nice to see so many people enjoying this food.

We were excited to see Vietnamese Crepe on the menu, since many restaurants explain that they don't have the equipment to make it. It was so tasty that the homemade duck sauce was unnecessary.


We then shared the Chicken Wings caramelized in a garlic fish sauce. Crunchy, spicy, and a little sweet. Very good.


We next enjoyed the Spring Rolls with Pork, which were good, but not as good as Vietnam Cafe in Philadelphia.


Ken got his Banh Mi - Grilled Pork. He said it was better than Bistro Southeast! What?!


Jay enjoyed a new dish - Salmon with Red Coconut Curry Sauce. Since the server requested feedback, she suggested that the salmon be cooked perhaps 1-2 minutes less, as it was almost overcooked. She knows because she makes a pretty good salmon at home. The sauce had just enough spice and was very flavorful. Leftovers for tomorrow.


Wine enjoyed:


Loved the decor...





We will be back! and bring friends!

11 August 2018

Bistro Southeast (PHILLY)

Ken and Jay, with friends Karin and George, enjoyed a nice 3-hour+ lunch at Bistro Southeast, 1824 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146 (267-758-2838), on Saturday, August 11, 2018. Van, our server, was outstanding, and we enjoyed everything!




We shared many wonderfully, fresh and tasty dishes:

Thai Sweet Chili Wings - just the right amount of sweet and spice! Super crunchy (Ken says better than the Jug wings!)


Postickers

Crispy Shrimp Rolls. The sauce is amazing - very flavorful and nicely spicy.


Lobster Fried Rice - wonderful!



Special appetizer - Lemongrass Beef Sticks with Slaw. The slaw had many layers of flavor.


Had to finish with the Vietnamese BBQ Pork Banh Mi - it's all Ken talks about!


Wines enjoyed:




05 August 2018

The Boiling House (Seafood)

We had 7pm reservations at the Boiling House, 1990 Marlton Pike East (Tuscany Marketplace), Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 (856-751-2800). We were promptly seated. We were allowed to wait until our friends, Zach and Diane, arrived (GPS took them in the wrong direction). Reservations are HIGHLY recommended. Everything was delicious.

The fried shrimp platter that we enjoyed as an appetizer was so good that Ken ordered another as his entree!


Jay, Zach, and Diane were quite satisfied with the oysters...



Jay and Diane shared the Sea Lovers Bucket, which included 1 Dungeness Cluster, 1 Snow Crab Cluster, Garlic Noodles, Corn & Potatoes. Instead of Lemonade, we requested additional corn instead. We choose 1 dozen clams and 1 pound of crawfish as our extra items. We selected the Boiling House flavor and Hot spice. Jay was so excited that she forgot to take a picture! It was so good.

We did get a picture of the Calamari appetizer:


Ken also enjoyed the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, but wish he had asked for them to be spicy.


Zach was impressed with the Stir Fried Lobster, sautéed with ginger and scallion and served over garlic noodles. He couldn't finish...


Our server, Rob, was attentive, even though the place was packed! They need to expand! We will definitely return!

Wines enjoyed:



27 July 2018

Ginger Asian Cuisines (Medford, NJ)

It's nice to be missed... We were warmly greeted when we visited Ginger Asian Cuisines, Medford, NJ, for lunch on Friday, July 27, 2018. No wine this time... Everything was delicious as usual!


Ken shared his appetizer with Jay - the Vietnamese grape leaves are so good!


He devoured the Mongolian Pork...


Jay chose the Soft Shell Crab Special with came with soup - she chose hot and sour (so hungry - forgot to take a picture) ...

The Special - she ate the whole thing! Cooked to perfection!


And mocha ice cream for dessert, plus Taiwanese watermelon, which was nice and sweet!


Nice meal for a Friday!