Long Lazy Lobster Nite

I love the summer. To me, nothing could be better than long balmy nights, meals on the deck, and just good ol' sunshine. I wish the season would last forever. Unfortunately, here in Jersey it doesn't, so we embrace it while we can. One way to do that is summer entertaining!


{I like to keep appetizers bright, colorful, and almost guilt free.}


{I'm sure Matt and Lisa would agree that you can't argue with an entree of simple Lobster tails swimming in butta.}


{For a side dish - Michael turned his raw handcut potatoes....}


{...into these delicious french fries!}

I love You BUCU

You know what Mike and I discovered recently? The new spot to visit for an awesome burger is Bucu Burger in Paramus. Bucu opened in January and is a burger and cupcake bar (their name merges he first two letters of “burger” and “cupcake” - BUCU, get it?). Super cute concept! And while I can't vouch for the cupcakes because I didn't try one, I CAN say the burgers are terrific. Beefy, tasty, thin patties of goodness. I think it might have something to do with the fact that burgers at Bucu are made with a coarse-chopped blend of beef from North Bergen-based Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors (the guy behind Shake Shack's blend).


{Bucu's burger. Really really tasty.}


{Hand cut Chili & Cheese fries...need I say more?}


{I couldn't resist trying their hot dog. Good, but the burger wins hands down.}

Happy July 4th!

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend. Stay cool ;-)


I've been on somewhat of an extended blogging break but hope to return after a long, restful weekend!

Summer in the City

I personally think one of the best ways to spend a balmy, breezy summer evening is dining al fresco in New York City. Cue: Barolo in Soho - an awesome eatery that has a charming garden area in the back and tables practically on the street in the front. There's nothing cooler than combing the nearby galleries and then slipping in to this Soho staple that offers a feast of fresh Italian standards. Barolo doesn’t skimp on portions, and its expansive wine list (along with a certain acclaimed pasta dish) will certainly keep my hubby coming back for more.






P.S. - Mike is ranking the penne vodka topped with salmon roe in photo #4 as one of his favorite pasta dishes of all time.

Homemade Hamburger Rolls

Yep, I did it. Made my own burger rolls using this recipe. I read all the time on the web how infinitely better your burger will be with a homemade roll, and you know what? It's 100% true. Store bought buns are a thing of the past. Buh-bye.


{The whole process is super easy. Start by making the giant ball of dough and letting it rise.}


{Next step, break down that giant dough ball into individual balls to form rolls. Let them rise.}


{After some baking in a 400 degree oven, you'll have burger buns!}


{Now.....Where's the BEEF??!?!}

Far Away Food

A few weeks back, we took a day trip to New Hope, PA and ate here. Great pub food, but do you want to know what won me over??? THE NACHOS! Seriously, might be the best version I ever had. Sprinkled with fresh jalapenos, fresh black beans, and a pepper jack cheese sauce that was so mouth wateringly delicious, my mind actually couldn't process the plate that was in front of me.

I fully intend on trying to replicate this version. Wish me luck.


{I loved you guys. Sorry I devoured you so quickly.}

Old and New Memories

Although it is kind of assanine to visit Pret A Manger whose motto has something to do with "just made fresh food" and get a ridiculously fattening snack, I had to get something.

The British sandwich chain is a New York City staple and I realized on one of my last NYC trips that I never even tried it! Michael's lunches come from Pret almost daily and being it is on almost every corner, I figured I'd better see what this place was all about. Turns out, I loved the concept so much that I'm trying to figure out how to get Pret to open in good ol' New Jersey. Any suggestions?


{I felt like Miranda from Sex and The City walking from the store to the park with this bag.}


{Miranda made the smart choice of an organic sandwich in that SATC eposide though, remember? Not chips and a soda.....}