Shuck, yes! It’s sweet corn time in New Jersey | Jersey Bites

Shuck, yes! It’s sweet corn time in New Jersey | Jersey Bites

A review up on JerseyBites.com from my area. Roadside farm stands have changed a bit and have become part of my weekly food shopping. Fresh that day and not weeks ago, supporting our local farmers, its a win-win answer to our modern lives.

Hot Dog Johnny’s– A bit of Americana

Growing up in Florida I watched the roadside Americana slowly rot away. I visited as much as I could before it was gone, disappearing into the ground and lost to the next generation. In this time of thrill rides and intense entertainment we need to slow down and enjoy life. Here in New Jersey I am striving to do the same and I managed to find a classic roadside spot. Open since 1944, Hot Dog Johnny’s is just that. A simple roadside stand that is still enjoyed by this generation and hopefully the next. Just a small building with outdoor picnic bench seating and a simple menu. Summer is of course their busiest season. They serve hot dogs, whole pickles, French fries, buttermilk and Birch beer. There is also ice cream and milkshakes, but that really is it. A simple menu done very well. A summer time visit means a Birch beer in a frosted mug is a must, yes you can get it in a cup but then you will miss the frosty coldness of the mug in your hand and the frozen chunks of birch beer floating up from the depths of the mug. Ordering a hot dog all the way, will get you a hot dog loaded with mustard, onions and a long slice of pickle. The French fries as just plain old fashioned potatoes, no seasonings to over power.  A slice of the past, a feeling of going back in time, Hot Dog Johnny’s fits into anyone’s budget also. I was able to feed 4 adults and a teenager for under $30.00. We all walked away full and happy. Please take a moment and enjoy Hot Dog Johnny’s a true New Jersey classic and a link to America’s past here in the present of today.

 

Hotdog Johnny’s

333 Route 46

Belvidere, NJ 07823

http://hotdogjohnny.com

Stella G’s – A Hometown favorite

I really didn’t have to travel far for this review as Stella G’s is within walking distance of my home, but it has become an every weekend must. The Chefs, Bruno and Maureen, having trained in Switzerland and winning acclaims, have much experience and it shows with their creativity in a menu that is drawn from what is available at the local farms. The main menu is loaded in culinary delights, but the daily specials is where Stella G’s really shines. For me it all started with Asparagus season and the many ways that Stella’s integrated it into the menu. My favorite was a special called “Green Eggs and Ham”. A shaped omelet of asparagus, spinach, green onions with a wonderful full flavored smoked ham diced in, piled high on a their unique Swiss-style potatoes. But enough about the past. It’s peach season and the corn is high and farm fresh. This weekend’s breakfast and lunch specials reflect this . Not being one for sweets usually for breakfast, I went for the Summer Squash Frittata. So light and fluffy with more zucchini and yellow squash then eggs, then topped with a mild salsa that tied everything together. The side of peaches was just that, nothing else added. Fresh, skin on, thin sliced, farm fresh, juicy Jersey peaches. The Frittata and the fruit played well together. Stella G’s is a true hometown favorite. I have yet to have anyone point me to a different place when I ask, “where do you recommend for breakfast?” During the early morning hours there is usually a small waiting line to get in. Never anything major, and the locals are all willing to wait to get a table here. On holidays it can be packed, but with outside dining as well and a good wait staff, waits are kept to a minimum. Another house special are scones. The board changes from time to time, and the staff will inform us of non-posted additions, like this weekend’s fresh blueberry and my now favorite peach scones. Fresh and still warm from the oven, they were a sweet delight to to finish off my coffee with. Oh, as a “don’t forget”, if you ever see their corned beef hash on the menu… GET IT ( see picture below)!!! I really don’t know what they do to it, but it will make all other hash taste like a bad canned version. Stella G’s has never failed me and that is rare in a restaurant for me.

 

http://www.stellags.com/

186 Main Street
Hackettstown, NJ 07840-2020
(908) 813-0625

Open Tue-Sat 7am-3pm; Sun 7am-2pm

 

 

Next up for review, Long Valley Pub

Time and Inspiration

I’m always being inspired by other people. And envy their talents. I have been following Jerseybites on twitter and Facebook for years now and she helped me find many a good place to eat. But now that I am living in Northwest corner of New Jersey and hours away from the “down the shore” restaurants I started to feel a little left out… until I realized that I could be an “outpost” and scout new places for those heading into the mountains for the summer getaways. So starting today I am adding “Foodie” reviews to my blog. So if you know of somewhere good to eat, drop me an email (see address in upper right corner) or tweet me at njmoleman.  Thanks in advance to all.

 

And now the 1st review…