It is my first time dining at Town Hall Delicatessen, a place that I heard about on New 12 New Jersey. Town Hall Deli makes a North Jersey version of a sloppy Joe. It took my entire lunch hour to drive from Iselin to South Orange, order my sandwich, and drive back. The Jersey Joe Sloppy Joe was worth the effort.
Tag: Lunch
Lunch at Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette with Bhavna and Kiran
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
From Old Slip to Table Green
jansenphoto (Dutch goes the Photo!)Bringing us up higher
On Tuesday I brought my camera to the office, and despite the 28ºC weather and 96% humidity, I took it out on a walk along South Street from Old Slip stopping at the lower end of Battery Park. I was feeling a bit down on my luck and had hopes that discovery would lift my spirit.
I stopped while this gentleman, Mark Derho, was taking a selfie with his bicycle. We got to talking and it turns out Mark is a successful businessman. He used to work in IT, but also built a successful bicycle shop business. Mark is looking to expand his work with bicycles. He has commissioned a bicycle, built by a friend, which he intends to use in a bicycle rental business in Puerto Rico. I offered to take some photos which he may use in his social media campaign.
Near South Ferry Station, passengers exiting the subway can take a lift up to the ground level.
I found a beer garden, The Beer Garden, which is about a ten-minute walk from Old Slip. Next time I'm in Manhattan (Tuesday or Thursday of next week), I think I'll check it out as well as the Battery Gardens.
Two years ago, when I turned 50, I wanted to wait for the spring (I’m a November baby) to have a picnic in the park with burgers, beers and brats — a growler of Troon (before the lines), a growler of Flounder, and a growler of Conclave, some quality sausage from the Polish market in Trenton Farmers’ Market. New Jersey laws do not allow the consumption of alcohol of any kind in public parks or beaches. I could not find a single park in Somerset, Mercer, or Hunterdon County that would allow beer. So ... I never had the party.
As I walked through the park I noticed the sign offering beer and food at this little cafe. I walked over and talked to the cashier.
Me: Can I really order a beer here?
Cashier: Yes.
She explained that as long as I stayed within the confines — there are no walls or barricades at Table Green & Table Green Café — of the area I could drink my beer from the open container.
It seems in New York City the attitude is "Behave like an adult. Control yourself. If you can't, one of these armed folks in blue will help you out". Why can't we have this in New Jersey?
I did not enter the SeaGlass Carousel. What caught my eye was the way the stripes in this person’s dress matched the stripes in the awning.
The young woman on the left, if you look closely you can see that her feet lifted off the ground completely. Just my guess but I assume they were running to catch one of the ferries.
