Huevos Rancheros will burn a hole in your stomach early in the day. Put you in great shape for complicated contract negotiations or just going home and going back to sleep. Village Coffee
Great thread topic. Although I like Arturos very much as well as some other listed restaurants I don't eat there enough to remember specific menu items to re-order or recommend (except in the case of Arturos, basically the meat pizza and the bread thing that has the white cheese on it).
As far as what I do recommend:
Coda: Baja Fish Tacos
Village Trattoria: Summer Chicken (not on menu but they'll usually make it for you). It's chicken on top of a bruschetta type thing with arugula, just make sure they don't overcook the chicken.
Also at the Trat: the Fried Calamari either appetizer or Salad
Editing to add a few more outside the Village since although not on the thread topic I see others have done so already and I want in on the action.
Parkwood:
When they have it, the grouper over spinach and white beans. Yum.
Mediterrean Attitude Salad
Hummus
Any soup
Panda Kitchen:
Their tofu and eggplant (from their Authentic menu that they no longer print out but still have some of the dishes)
Also from their Authentic menu is a fried fish dish in a white sauce that's pretty yummy
Singapore Chou Mei Fun
galileo said:
There are 18 places to eat in Maplewood center. What are your favorite food choices in each one? Sometimes you look at the menu and have no idea what to order. It's nice to have some suggestions.
Bill and Harry's , Maplewood Grille ,Roman Gourmet ,Village Trattoria ,Maple Leaf Diner ,Cactus Charly, Coda ,Wild Ginger ,Sprout ,Arturo's Osteria ,Bagel Chateau ,Abril Cocina ,Lorena's ,Tandoori Chef 2 ,Mt Fuji ,Village Coffee,The Cassidy ,Conscious Fork.
I like the "conspicuous by its absence" in that post.
nohero - What did I omit? These are just eateries in the center of town.
Thank you,nohero. I completely forgot St James Gate and will correct my list.
Trattoria - Shrimp in vodka sauce with rigatoni
Roman Gourmet - Chicken Parm sub - Meatball pizza
Cactus Charley - Chicken enchiladas with mole sauce
Arturos - Pie of the day - crustini
Wild Ginger - Red or panang curry with shrimp or chicken. Crispy beef (I don't believe it's on the menu - but it should be)
Sutagao (formerly Maplewood Grille): bandeja paisa.
Yelp photo by Lydia K.
The fried plantains at Sutagao are outstanding.
Also, try their Cuban Sandwich. One of the best I've had.
Lorena’s: ______ (fill in with whatever’s on the changing menu).
Cactus Charley: the refreshing cactus salad.
For vegetarians, or those who appreciate a good veggie dish:
Wild Ginger-will make tofu substitutions: Pad See Euw with Tofu & veggies; or General Tso's Chicken (can request tofu instead of chicken).
Coda: Roasted Cauliflower Heart (it's a good thing it's tasty because it appears to be the only veggie dinner entree. I haven't asked about substitutions on other items though.)
For those with a cold (and not vegetarian): Cactus Charley's Chicken Soup (it has the magic).
Cactus Charlie -- Chile reynos
Park wood Greed Yogurt with blueberries
Lemon potatoes (not on the menu -- gotta ask for it)
Maple leaf home fries.
Arturo's - Pasta Cinghiale (wild boar ragu and mushrooms), though whole menu is excellent
The Cassidy - haven't tried yet, but have heard people rave about the Crispy Duck Ramen and also the Brussels sprouts
Regarding looking at a menu and not knowing what to order, I've never had that problem
I love this thread! Palmer's wasn't on the list. If you haven't tried it, their quiches are AMAZING!
Just drove past Arturo’s moments ago and it looked completely dark. What’s going on?
EDIT: Nevermind. I looked at their website and they are closed through Jan.13.
1. The burger at the pub. Specify: American cheese. It melts right. Furthermore, any other cheese insults a burger's dignity. That said, I always order a naked burger bec. who needs all that bread. Don't for get ketchup and dill pickle.
That's all you need.
and the flip side of this thread is “Which restaurant most needs Restaurant Impossible or Kitchen Nightmares.” (The ones not mentioned above!)
peteglider said:
and the flip side of this thread is “Which restaurant most needs Restaurant Impossible or Kitchen Nightmares.” (The ones not mentioned above!)
Perhaps for another thread. Lets stay on topc here.
Bill & Harry: General Tso's Chicken, Mixed Fried Rice...
The Trat: Cheesesteak W/Onions...
The Gate: PEI Mussels, Tipperary Rueben, 1/2 Rack O' Ribs...
Arturo's: Parma Pie, Penne W/Sausage Ragu...
Bagel Chateau: #5 (Grilled Pastrami & Swiss) on Toasted Egg Bagel w/Chips & a Pickle...
Manny's Texas Wiener: California Cobb Salad...
ParkWood: Spanakopita Special On Thursday...
Verjus: Steak au Poive, Sauerbraten on German Night
Perseverance said:
I love this thread! Palmer's wasn't on the list. If you haven't tried it, their quiches are AMAZING!
Their brussel sprout quiche is insane.
One of the best dishes I’ve probably ever had in NJ is in town: the warm lump crab and wild mushroom crêpe at Lorena’s. No one has been able to come close to this dish.
Honorable mention: Dan served up some fiori di zucca on request (begging, really) at Arturo’s some time back that were off the charts.
I like the omelets at Village Coffee. Where else can you get a salad with your breakfast?
nan said:
I like the omelets at Village Coffee. Where else can you get a salad with your breakfast?
Their home fries are fantastic.
ctrzaska said:
One of the best dishes I’ve probably ever had in NJ is in town: the warm lump crab and wild mushroom crêpe at Lorena’s. No one has been able to come close to this dish.
Indeed. Easily among the best things I’ve ever eaten, anywhere.
(and I still miss the neat nachos from Highland Place. can't someone else please put that on their menu?)
There are 19 places to eat in Maplewood center. What are your favorite food choices in each one? Sometimes you look at the menu and have no idea what to order. It's nice to have some suggestions.
Bill and Harry's , Maplewood Grille ,Roman Gourmet ,Village Trattoria ,Maple Leaf Diner ,St Jame's Gate, Cactus Charly, Coda ,Wild Ginger ,Sprout ,Arturo's Osteria ,Bagel Chateau ,Abril Cocina ,Lorena's ,Tandoori Chef 2 ,Mt Fuji ,Village Coffee,The Cassidy ,Conscious Fork.