Super Sunday…The “Big Dance” February 14, 2012

It’s been a week(and four days) since the Super Bowl…We ALL know how it ends (Sorry New England), but BOY did I have fun!

I joined the rest of the football community, & the band wagon fans, at Big Shots, in Iselin, NJ(www.bigshotssportsbarnj.com ) and watched the last 2 teams in the NFL beat each other down for the Vince Lombardi Trophy. I had a seat on the 3rd level, right past the D.J. If you stand on the stairs you have a good view of the Main Floor. I saw a sea of BLUE! The energy was BANANAS! (except when NE was winning…Ha!) The food was appetizing (yeah, there were appitizers…lol). Wings, Nachos, Pretzels, Fries & other finger foods passed back & forth. (I so wished that I was hungry…I didn’t eat much) BUT, I sure did sip on Grape Vox(my flavor of choice) Vodka, Tonic & Lime Juice…Yeah Buddy.

I’ve been going 2 Big Shots for some time now.  despite the one “snafu” with my reservations(which I never make…Ha!), I love watching the football games there.  Big Shots has numerous HDTVs throughout the bar.  The music and the people keep the energy high.  The bouncers keep the energy stable…lol  The security guy at the front door is really cool (…as long as you don’t start any trouble).  The bartenders are great and full of entertainment (Ryan & Jared are dynamite). If you are looking for a place to watch the football games(or any games) roll over to Big Shots…Just pray that you find a parking spot (wink wink).

…Until our next outing…Smooches!

Dinner, Drinks & Dancing at Delta’s February 4, 2012

After watching the UFC fight, on Saturday night, my husband and I met friends at Delta’s Restaurant, New Brunswick, NJ. Despite the intent to eat dinner, I only anticipated drinks and dancing.  I’ve eaten at Delta’s numerous times, since it’s opening. And every time(after my first 2-3 visits) the food hasn’t WOWed me. Don’t get me wrong the food is very good, but it reminds me of dinner at home. If I have to pay for “Southern Cuisine” it should have that “something” that makes it different from “Home Cooking”

…Anyway. I drank an Urban Riesling and beer the entire night. But, Delta’s has GREAT martinis. I have become extremely fond of the Cherry Bomb and Rockstar. They have a complete list of Specialty Martinis that anyone will almost always find something that’ll make your mouth water (unless you are not a drinker…lol).

Even though there is music playing throughout the night, the party starts at 11:30pm. Delta’s has guest D.J.’s spinning all of the music that gets you out of your seat. The d.j. that night played Hip Hop, R&B, House, and Classics. I had a nice hairstyle at the beginning of the night. But, I had to pull it back after I started to sweat like I ran a couple of miles(Eww). I wished the restaurant stayed open later, but it is in N.J. …So my party was ended around 2am.

Delta’s has events throughout the week. This Valentine’s holiday they are promoting the “Week of Love”.  Throughout the week there are events such as the Singles Mixer and the Valentine’s Party(Not Valentine’s Day Party).  You can go to the website for details.  Delta’s has two locations in NJ and NC.  So if you are in the mood for Great drinks and “Home Cooking” visit Delta’s.

Until our next outing…Smooches!

The Fox and Hound…And Saturday Fight Night February 2, 2012

Saturday night, I went to have a quick bite to eat with my husband. I’ve been here a couple of times before. It just so happened that the Fox and Hound Pub & Grill in Edison, NJ (www.foxandhound.com)  was showing the UFC fight that night (Saturday Fight Night, is what they call it there).

We walked into the sports bar and made a full circle (front to back) before we found a table(for 2) in the side room. There were plenty of t.v.’s (large & larger…lol) to see the main event of the evening. The waitress(totally forgot her name-but her service was in fact good) was very helpful in recommending my drink(…pomegranate Stoli & Tonic w/Lime- Sat. Night Special $4) for the evening.  She also was knowledgable of the drafts that they had.  We ordered buffalo wings, bacon cheeseburger, and a turkey melt.  Oh Boy, did it hit the spot.  It was so good, that I was close to ending my evening and going home to get in the bed (Stuffed like a pretty turkey…Ha!).  The one complaint that I had was that our wings went to another table and all our food came out at one time (2 complaints…I lied). But, that won’t change my idea for future visits…I WILL be back.

Fox and Hound has a line of “The Best Party in Town” (which showed by the crowed establishment). There are different events on certain nights.  There is also the All Star Brew Club (reward program for beer fans- www.allstarbrewclub.com ) and other food & drink promotions to make sure patrons return.  Fox and Hound have locations all over the U.S. (from New Jersey to Ohio to Arizona). So when you are looking for a place to meet friends, eat, socialize, visit Fox and Hound.

…Until our next outing…Smooches!

Celebration at the Pourhouse January 3, 2012

This past Friday, I arranged a birthday gathering for my husband.  My list was 35 people long, but about 15 of us celebrated his birthday at the Village Pourhouse, Hoboken, NJ(www.hoboken.villagepourhouse.com) .  The Village Pourhouse opened in the summer of 2006.  The sports bar is one of four locations in Hoboken, the Upper West Side(NY), the Village(NY), and Restaurant Row(NY).  The full drink and beer menu makes you hungry for the great American fare, while you watch all types of sporting events on the numerous HD TVs.  The Village Pourhouse offers event planning and they have special events every night.  If you are the sports enthusiast, then venture to the Village Pourhouse for NFL Gridiron Sundays, Game Day Saturday, or change your speed with karaoke Night on Wednesdays.  There are four party rooms/areas to reserve for all types of social gatherings…So I decided to reserve the “Skybox” on December 23rd, 2011.

I began to plan this party 3/4/weeks in advance.  The event planners Emily and Natalie (@funbars.com) did a great job of crossing my T’s and dotting my I’s (You girls, Rock). Glenn (Manager) was very friendly and accomodating…Really Cool Dude.   My “light fare” included beer towers of Stella, Yuengling, and Blue Moon, pretzel crusted chicken tenders(mmm), buffalo wings(great), and spinach dip with pita bread and chips.  We even received quesadillas while we waited for the birthday boy.  The quesadillas disappeared as fast a Morgan(host) brought them out.  Morgan was the hostess with the mostest (Cheesey, I know, but she was really great with us).  Besides the beer, she knew exactly what everyone was drinking that night(Stoli Grape, Tonic, and Lime…Tastes like grape soda).  I did not get the DJ’s name that night(was feeling the libations when he came over…Ha!), but he covered EVERYTHING from the 80’s, 90’s, Top 40 , and Dance music.  We even did the WOBBLE (LLLLOOOVVVEE It!).  I left with a great workout under my belt.  We ended the night with a champagne toast and $50 gift card for the birthday boy, from the Village Pourhouse.  The night at the Village Pourhouse was casual, high-energy, night of good memories.  There isn’t anything that made me turn my nose up.  Everyone that we came across was there for the same thing…Great Beer, Drinks, Food , and Music…I will definitely be coming back.

Until our next outing…Smooches!

“View with a Room”(…or maybe a couple of rooms) December 20, 2011

 

Before I grew ill and cut my weekend short, I attended a beautiful intimate dinner, this past Thursday, with the people in my unit from work.  Yes, intimate.  It’s only three of us (my supervisor makes four…ha) Anyway…WE celebrated the holidays at the Liberty House, Jersey City, NJ(www.libertyhouserestaurant.com ).  As you drive up the old cobble road (cobble, brick,…it was a rocky drive), you see the Hudson River before you and the Liberty Landing Marina to the left of you.  You may even think you’re lost.  Once you get to the gate, you get anxious for the event that your taste buds are getting prepared to attend.

I sat down (I was late) with the rest of my party who had already agreed on wine (and a Mango Tango) with their water.  The wine, which was an Urban Riesling, was very good(not too sweet or dry).  We agreed on appetizers like sushi(which I didn’t eat…lol) Calamari, and a cheese platter.  The cheese platter was inviting to everyone.  There were samplings of at least three to four cheeses, fruit, nuts, bread, and honey.  The choice of starter was a compliment to the dinner, for which we were preparing ourselves.  I ordered the Steak, with a Cabernet Glaze, Sweet Potatoes, and Fennel.  The rest of my party ordered Duck and Pork Chop (with a pork cheek…yeah, pork cheek).   I have no complaints about my entree…AT ALL.  Dinner was beautiful.  I didn’t want dessert, but decided on a  Bella Nocella; coffee with various liquors added.  despite everyone’s protest for dessert, my supervisor ordered a tres leches for the four of us.  Great move.  I was weary, because the last version I had tasted of old milk and watery. The Liberty House did not dissappoint…Phenominal.

We ended dinner with pictures out on the grounds.  The weather was beautiful.  There were company functions, in progress, in different rooms and out by the fire pits (beautiful).  The energy of the evening was GREAT.  The Liberty House serves American fare(including Seafood and Steaks).  The restaurant also has a Raw Bar and Sushi Station.   The Liberty House stands behind their “view with a room” concept. The NY skyline is the backdrop to every setting.   The mix of the decor, including the various seating areas on the property, gives you a modern/traditional feel.  The Liberty House has events that they promote throughout the week such as Wine Wednesdays and Cocktail Tuesdays($25-$35pp).  Both events include a sample of five (wines or cocktail, depending on the themed evening) and hor d’ oeurves.  So, if you are ready for a beautiful event (for your taste buds and eyes) visit the Liberty House…and their sister property Stone House, Warren NJ.

Until our next outting…Smooches!

Weekend Wrap Up…Part Two (Sunday) December 15, 2011

I’m not a pizza expert, but I know what type of pizza I enjoy… On this past Sunday, I bit into my sausage and spinach pizza at Margherita’s Pizza & Cafe in Hoboken NJ(www.vitosdeli.com/Margherita/Dinner/Dinner.htm ) and I had memories of eating pizza when I was younger…then crust, cheesy, and full of flavor(Yum).  These days the pizza tends to be doughy and dry.  I know it isn’t very healthy but I want pizza; not cheese bread…Sorry.  Margherita’s is a small casual dining experience. I’ve never had anything else but the pizza.  But, Margherita’s does other Italian entrees.    They offer a lunch and dinner menu (moderately priced-  $10-$20 on average).  A definite plus for me is the BYOB (Yeah Buddy!).  I have only gone to Margherita’s for lunch (early Sat./Sun. afternoon).  I’ve been able to walk in and get a table in the front window for 3.  But, I have heard that there is a wait during the later hours, which is definitely worth it (for the pizza).  If you happen to eat at Margherita’s and choose not to have pizza let me know how you enjoyed your visit…

Until our next outting…Smooches!

Weekend Wrap Up…Part One (Friday) December 14, 2011

So this past Friday, I walked into a popular place in South Orange.  I’ve enjoyed coming to this place, on just about any day of the week, for many years.  On this particular night it’s rather hard to find a seat at the bar (yes, even at the bar along the wall) and the lounge area located in the back.  That is why that Friday I enjoyed my libations in the dining room of Papillon 25 in South Orange, NJ (www.papillon25.com) .  Papillon 25 was opened in 2003 by Albert and Yanick Raneri.  Papillon 25  is a restaurant and martini bar, that has a popular Happy Hour from 3p-7p.  I would be much “happier” if it took place from 5p-9p…But, who am I? (lol)  I enjoy the selection of martinis offered during happy hour, despite the use of house liquor (Ha).  But, on that night I sipped on Riesling; one of many wines offered at Papillon 25.  The food is also delicious.  French, American, and Italian fare can be found on the menu.  The average price of an entrée is $9 (lunch) and $22 (dinner).  Most of the time I get the dumplings, chicken wings, or french fries (yes, simple fare for me), while I enjoy drinks.  But, I AM very delighted whenever Yanick decides to put the ” creole cups” on the “specials” menu.  I would describe them as jambalaya in a pastry.  If you are not accustomed to spices, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CONSUME THIS ENTREE…lol  Papillon 25 has events throughout the week such as NFL Sundays and Jazz Nights (with live performances).  Reservations are available, and recommended, if you don’t like standing.  I prefer not to stand, so you will find me at Happy Hour (at the bar).  Ladies, they even provide hooks under the bar to hold your precious purses (Just thought I’d add…).  So the next time your plans are “up in the air” slide over to Papillon 25 until you make a decision…or just stay ’til closing.  Be sure to tell Tim, Al, Monica, “Browny” and Jabari that Ang said “Hi”.

Until our next outting…Smooches!

Just the Beginning… December 7, 2011

As a young woman from NJ, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends.  I love dining out, traveling, sports, and nightlife.  As a mother, I also find great joy in kid oriented activities. When I receive quality service during my outings , I don’t waste any time telling someone about it. ..And so begins my journey with “Out with Ang”…Hope everyone enjoys coming “out” with me…Smooches!