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Tag: American Restaurant

Afternoon Tea at The Dandelion

Bhavna and Kiran enjoying "Royal Occassion" afternoon tea at The Dandelion.

The Dandelion | FujiFilm X-T2 @ ISO12800 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ 22.7 mm, f/5.6

Lunch at Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette with Bhavna and Kiran

Aunt Chubby’s

Went here for breakfast on a Saturday morning shortly after reading about Aunt Chubby's in MercerMe. I enjoyed my first visit so much that I took my family back several times even after road construction on CR 518 cut Hopewell Township off from Montgomery Township where I live.

Aunt Chubby’s —FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (38.8 mm, 0.000 sec at f/4.0, ISO800), © Khürt L. Williams

The staff and management were friendly and willing to give me an abbreviate history of Aunt Chubby's. I was introduced to several local business owners, all of whom had a story to tell about Chubby's Luncheonette, the name that was used when the current owner's aunt ran the place. I don't remember the old Chubby's, but from talking with several patrons, it seems a lot of work has been put into restoring the bright and straightforward interior while keeping some of the charming features of the old restaurant. The vibe reminded me of when I lived on the island of Bequia, where everyone knows your name and neighbours look out for each other.

Aunt Chubby's —FujiFilm X-T2 + SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 @ (50 mm, 0.010 sec at f/5.6, ISO2000), © Khürt L. Williams

On my first visit, I sat at the counter and ordered the "Cheesy Grits and Greens" with an egg on top and a few slices of bacon. It was delicious and was my instant favourite. I could tell that quality ingredients were used to make the food. The menu offers updated modern versions of luncheonette classics. The service was very attentive. Many of the ingredients on the menu were sourced locally with the eggs and meat coming from sustainable sources.

  • Eggs: Joe Grinbaum, Ringoes, NJ
  • Pork: Greenflash Farm, Skillman, NJ
  • Beef: Bridgepoint Run Farm, Montgomery, NJ
  • Bacon: John F. Martin & Sons, Stevens
Aunt Chubby's Cheesy Grits and Greens —FujiFilm X-T2 + SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 @ (50 mm, 0.010 sec at f/5.6, ISO5000), © Khürt L. Williams
Aunt Chubby’s Classic BLT —FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (38.8 mm, 0.001 sec at f/5.6, ISO200), © Khürt L. Williams
Aunt Chubby’s Grilled Cheese with Gruyere and Fries —FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (38.8 mm, 0.002 sec at f/5.6, ISO200), © Khürt L. Williams

For subsequent visits with my family, we sat at one of the tables near a well-lit window. I love the way the light streams in. After I raved about my experience on my first visit, Bhavna and Kiran agreed to have a late brunch with me at Aunt Chubby's Luncheonette. The welcome was just as warm and friendly as the first time I visited. I had a cappuccino and a grilled cheese sandwich. Kiran had a BLT sandwich. Bhavna had a cheese omelette wrap. I loved my food.

Aunt Chubby’s —FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (16 mm, 0.017 sec at f/8.0, ISO800), © Khürt L. Williams
Aunt Chubby’s —FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (16 mm, 0.013 sec at f/8.0, ISO800), © Khürt L. Williams

We ate, drank a few cappuccinos, and hung out for a while. I felt comfortable. Like I had been coming here for ages.

We will be back.

Aunt Chubby’s —FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (33.2 mm, 0.002 sec at f/4.0, ISO800), © Khürt L. Williams
Aunt Chubby's Pastries —FujiFilm X-T2 + SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 @ (50 mm, 0.010 sec at f/5.6, ISO1000), © Khürt L. Williams
Aunt Chubby’s —FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (31.1 mm, 0.003 sec at f/4.0, ISO800), © Khürt L. Williams