Just Like Nonna's: the story of how a New Yorker got hooked on Orange coffee

The snow this morning in New York City left me longing for a good cappuccino…one that can only be found in our very own Orange!

How did a NYC girl get hooked on Orange coffee? It all started with U of O’s Urbanism course. After one of the lectures, I was jonesing for some caffeine. Mindy, ever the perceptive one, saw the bit of crazy in my eyes and said, “you know, there’s a great cappuccino place on the way to the train station”.

And thus began my love affair of cappuccinos from “Just Like Nonna's”

I have no pictures, only the sweet sweet memory of the cappuccino made with love!

The first time I went in, I felt like I was walking into someone’s kitchen. The plastic tablecloths, the TV on with Rachel Ray, the small and cozy atmosphere….I was home! After watching a bit of TV with those working there and commenting on Ray’s outfit, I was given 12 ounces of goodness: the espresso strong enough without being bitter, the amount of foam just enough to offset the coffee…..I was in heaven.

The next time I went to Orange, I decided to see what else Nona’s had to offer. I chose the tiramasu to go, and after reaching my apartment in NYC, I pulled it out of my backpack, and began to eat some of what was the best tiramasu I have ever had. Now readers, I have to let you know that I have been to Italy, and thus have tiramasu FROM THE SOURCE. It did NOT match up to Nonas! For only $2, I got a hug in a box….in the form of cream, chocolate powder, and ladyfingers. YUM.

Now, I’m trying to find any chance I can to make it back to Orange…….

Just Like Nonna's

http://www.justlikenonnas1.com/

130 Lincoln Ave

Orange, NJ 07050

(in the heart of Orange's Little Italy)

973-677-1888

Chronic Burger Craving? Try Chronicle Burger, No Bull Guarantee

Do you like a good burger? Do want a good burger at a reasonable price? Well your in luck because Chronicle Burger is open for business. Whether you are in the mood for the classic hamburger or you're looking for something a little different like a salmon burger, Chronicle Burger is one restaurant where you can experience great quality food at a reasonable price. The restaurant has a "No Bull" approach to their food and the quality of their food supports their claim. The building used to be the Orange Chronicle and the restaurant incorporates the history into it's journalism theme by posting newspaper articles painted red on the wall. The layout gives the space a modern diner feel with its black stools and stainless steel tables making it a great place to sit and talk after a lunch or dinner with friends or family.









There are several choices to choose from their burger menu alone but you can also get grilled cheese, grilled chicken, a 1/4 pound hot dog, a crabcake sandwich, or a Chronic Garden Salad. If you want your burger to have the works you can have them fix it up with some extras such as sauteed mushrooms or onions, pickles, mayo, ketchup, mustard or bbq sauce. For only $2.50 you can add one of their amazing sides which include their popular sweet potato fries, beer battered onion rings, their Chronic slaw, or my favorite the fresh-cut fries. All meals come with their house specialty sauce which is good on a burger or with any of the sides. When you stop by you have to try their Chronic lemonade which truly has unique taste. After eating a meal I can honestly say that it was satisfying and can't wait til I go back to try something else.

Even though it has only been opened for two months, Chronicle Burger already has devoted followers that have their favorite meal or side. One customer said "its not your regular burger." Another said its "a new move for Jersey."

Located at 15 South Essex Avenue in Orange, New Jersey, Chronicle Burger is only a short walk away from Orange Train station and Main street. So if you are waiting on a train or are in the area shopping just stop in and grab a bite to eat. You won't be disappointed!

Uncle Philly's Cheesesteaks

The latest addition to the Orange food scene that has already made a big splash is Uncle Philly's Cheesesteaks... Yes, you heard right... CHEESESTEAKS!!! Whether you're an old Philly vet who remembers having a "Wiz Wit" at the Vet or a newcomer from 'round Newark who craves the double Italian dog you are always made to feel welcome at Uncle Philly's. The menu is varied with many delicious home cooked options. On a recent trip with the U of O crew we even split... Gasp!... A salad! And yet it was ample with super fresh tasting veg.

So let's talk about the theme. It's Rocky Balboa. It's Philadelphia. And it's still cool. Orange may be the proud home of the real original boxing legend Tony Galento, but the fighting spirit of the Rock is one which all of Orange can identify with. Seating is comfortable and the storefront looks out on the Valley in all of its industrial glory.

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I hear Uncle Philly might just be ready to open a sports bar in the back of the place sometime soon. And it might just feature an epic mural painted by Mike Malbrough of Valley Arts. You might just have to go check it out for yourself!

Yooooo Adrian!!!

Located at 501 Central Ave near the Scotland Road Intersection.

No Bull: Chronicle Burger Now Open!

Do you ever just crave a really good burger? Satisfy your craving at the newly opened Chronicle Burger located at 15 S. Essex Ave (right off of Main St behind the library). We'll write a more thorough review with pics later, but we did sample some stuff yesterday and it was pretty great- the burgers came out fast, they were substantial but not too big, and I highly recommend the onion rings. The prices are also very enticing and they have a good variety of items on the menu- not just burgers (see below). So if you're tired of wasting your money on big macs, walk on down the street and grab a Chronic Burger. I'll even throw in a coupon for you. As always, after you give it a try, come back and let us know what you think!

Uncle Philly's Famous Cheesesteaks NOW OPEN!

Uncle Philly's has officially opened! Located at 501 Central Ave Orange, NJ. See below for menu and 10% off coupon. Go try it out and let us know what you think!

Olga y Juanita's Deli aka Biggest Lunch Ever

Olga y Juanita’s Deli

17 White Street, West Orange
(Corner of White & Ashland, one block east of Main)

It was the cheerful murals that first inspired us to check out this Peruvian spot in West Orange. Its official name is Olga y Juanita’s Deli – for the owner, Juanita, and her late mother – but we started calling it Biggest Lunch Ever halfway through our first visit: the food is delicious, and there is a lot of it.

Don’t try to order off the menu; just ask for the daily special. This will set you back just $6.00, and includes soup, a main course (choose one of two options) and a drink. As you wait, you nibble on puff-roasted jumbo corn kernels called cancha, a forerunner to popcorn. The ambiance is upbeat: there are colourful tapestries on the walls; the television is always on, playing telenovelas; the staff are friendly; and the customers will pitch in with suggestions if you have trouble deciding what to order, as we often do.

Then the majesty of Lunch begins. Forget those prissy little soup bowls you can barely fit your spoon in: the bowl is as big as your head. It’s usually a hunk of chicken or beef with noodles, though we have gotten an excellent seafood bisque on occasion as well. We season it liberally with limes and hot salsa, which features onions and garlic (a note of caution: since the salsa is homemade, its spiciness varies; do a taste-check before adding that second spoonful). Before you’ve reached the bottom of the soup, the main course appears – and the table starts to look like Thanksgiving for a rather large family.

The main course is a large platter of rice with stew – chicken with beans, grilled chicken with stewed vegetables, grilled fish – which, again, goes well with a dash of the hot sauce. We were pleased even with our more adventurous choices, such as trepa – tripe – served in bite-sized pieces with green beans, and as flavorful as everything we’d come to expect at Biggest Lunch Ever. To wash it all down you get a tall glass of something cold and sweet, again depending on the day: sometimes lemonade, sometimes mango, and we especially like the chicha, a deep red drink made out of maize.

The biggest surprise at Biggest Lunch Ever is that you’re actually able to eat most of it – it’s that good. We finish with a café con leche, which comes piping hot in a (what else?) very large mug. The consistently happy food has made Olga y Juanita’s a favourite spot for our team; as deadlines approach and projects loom, we retreat to Biggest Lunch Ever to recharge.

Biggest.Lunch.Ever.

Rita's Deli pt.2: Uruguay is the New Jersey to Argentina's New York

This is the second time we have visited Rita's Deli near the corner of Central Ave. and Scotland Rd. in the valley. Rita's specializes in Uruguayan deli fare, catering to the small but concentrated Uruguayan population of Essex County. Rita has run the kitchen for the last 15 years keeping her customers happy in the morning with her traditional pastries. Uruguayan food is similar to Argentine cuisine but a little more rustic and heartier. Both are very beef-centric cultures. One of Rita's cooks Tino - a lifetime Orange resident - compares Uruguay's relationship to Argentina as the one he sees between New Jersey and New York. Very similar at first glance, but there is a honesty and attitude that really defines Uruguay.

The morning rush is the lifeblood of Rita's. Each morning at 3am the baking begins to crank out dozens of sweet and savory pastries. They all look, smell, and sound delicious. How can you turn down something called 'pan con grasa,' which literally translates to bread with grease. Donuts and other types of sweet breads filled with creme, dulce de leche, or even quince jam round out the offerings. By mid-morning the pastries are all but gone and lunch begins.

Lunch at Rita's is usually a daily special or two and the ubiquitous Latin snack, empanadas. Monday through Thursday's specials tend to be a simple but amazingly flavorful stew with rice. Estofado was the choice on my last visit; a beef stew with potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, and peppers. There was also a hint of fish or shrimp stock added in, which really ratchets up the flavor and sets it apart from other beef stews. This was a seriously hearty lunch, eat the whole plate and you may need a 2pm nap.

While you can't go wrong anytime you stop into Rita's, do yourself a favor and come in on a Friday or Saturday for a chivito, the national sandwich of Uruguay. Sliced steak is garnished with lettuce, tomato, mozzarella cheese, ham, bacon, and hardboiled egg. Slathered with a bit of mayonnaise and served up on hearty bread. Eat it in, or bring it home and savor it with a bottle of hearty red wine.

Rita's Deli
502 Central Ave.
Orange, NJ 07050
(973)-675-9002

Algarve BBQ II Portuguese Restaurant

You don't always have to go to the Ironbound to get good Portuguese BBQ! Algarve opened up right here in Orange back in December 2009, and has been serving up delicious, HEAPING portions of tender grilled meat ever since. Its great for lunch or dinner- just make sure you go with a group, this is the perfect kind of place to order a big plate of food and split it. We went with the standard BBQ chicken for starters and it was tender and juicy and the large plate was more than enough for 4 of us. (And for $12.95, split 4 ways it was also a great deal!). The order also comes with a huge serving of rice and french fries. Make sure to take advantage of the BBQ and hot sauce they put out on the table. Also, I usually can't resist ordering anytime I see plantains on the menu, so we ordered a plate of those. I consider myself somewhat of a plantain connosieur and let me tell you, these were perfectly cooked plantains. They weren't too mushy or too crispy, they had just the right amount of fried-ness. To wash it all down? Try an uptown: a mix of their homemade lemonade and ice tea.

www.algarvebbq.com

Algarve BBQ II

7-9 Lincoln Ave

Orange NJ 07050

973-614-RIBS (7427)

Award winning Cheesesteak comes to Orange

Unfortunately Daily Soup is no longer with us. They closed their doors in mid-August. However, the space will not be empty long as we will soon be graced with the presence of one of NJ Monthly's top cheesesteaks -- Uncle Philly's, originally of Matawan. Alongside their signature steaks they will serve up Italian style hot dogs and sausages.

They are slated to open in the next two weeks. Grand opening coverage to come.

Sandwiches Unlimited pt. 2: Because we Just Couldn't Get Enough!

Sandwiches Unlimited in Orange is a staple in the center of Orange. Operating since 1974, Sandwiches Unlimited serves high quality deli sandwiches seven days a week. Walking into Sandwiches Unlimited, even the first time, feels like home. The restaurant is usually bustling, filled with the sounds of music playing from the jukebox, the sizzling of real rib eye steaks on the grill, and the latest gossip around town. The sandwiches are affordable, and not your traditional deli sandwich. You can order a sandwich "unlimited" which is a standard preparation with lettuce and tomatoes or for the more adventurous diner, you can order a sandwich "Italian" with french fries inside the sandwich. Each sandwich is made fresh to order in just a matter of minutes. You can order the half or whole sandwich (trust me, half is more than enough for the average appetite) On this visit, I got the fish filet unlimited, one of my favorite sandwiches. It comes with 1-2 hearty fried fish patties with lettuce, tomato, tartar sauce, oh and don't forget the hot sauce! Not only does this restaurant serve high quality sandwiches made from fresh ingredients, they offer locally prepared desserts (sweet potato pies and a variety of cakes). Sandwiches Unlimited operates in two locations one at 23 S. Center St in Orange, and the other location is 405 Central Avenue in East Orange. Visit the website: http://www.sandwichesunlimited.net/index.htm

Hat City Kitchen

From a Guest Blogger-

Decided to have an early Valentine's Day dinner at the newly opened Hat City Kitchen, a restaurant my daughter has been extolling as worthy of breaking our recent belt-tightening cutback of limiting outings.

We were not disappointed.

I had the Grilled Catfish with Crayfish Sauce (I'm used to it being spelled "crawfish" and pronounced that way as I am from south Louisiana - Baton Rouge to be specific, so I have eaten a fair share of catfish and crawfish). It was delicious! The catfish was grilled just right so that it looked tasty; grilled to tenderness bringing out the slightly smoky, delicate nutty flavor that satisfies. The crawfish were equally as good, just braised enough to bring out their sweetness, and not overcooked to toughness (which happens when cooks/chefs don't know what these "meats" should be like). The sauce looked a little watery, but was not. It was smooth, not too rich, and the flavors held together, which helped meld the crawfish and the catfish really nicely.

My sides were greens and cornbread. The greens were fresh and tender, and the cornbread was good (although it could have been warmed a little to help melt the butter I asked for on the side).

My husband had the Blackened Salmon with Brown Sugar Mustard Sauce. All I could get out of him was that it was really good -- that is high praise from him. His sides were greens and the Baked Potato Fries. We all ate the Baked Potato Fries!

The presentation of the food was inviting; oversized, slightly welled plates with the food centered and "placed" showing off the not to large, not to small portions immediately put me in the mind that the food was going to be good, and it was. Needless to say, our plates were clean, which is not always the case eating out.

About the bar service -- we both had drinks. I had a pomegranate mojito which was blended just right. My only complaint here was that the mint leaves needed to be more whole to keep from coming up the straw or more pulverized so I wouldn't have noticed pieces of leaf in my teeth. My husband had a beer. Well, Hat City Kitchen has draft beers, bottled beer, and micro-beers! My husband said the service was superb! I think that was because the waitress, without asking, bought a chilled glass with my husband's beer!

I agree that the service was excellent. The waitress was thoughtful, friendly, and attentive.

The decor was comfortable, casual, warm colors, and in the mind of retro - Depression-era chic. The main dining area is separated from the bar area (which after entering through the main door is to the right), and a bandstand and club area is to the left after you enter the main door.

What about the prices? After dinner I was fine and intend to go back. I didn't blink at the appetizer prices which did not surprise although I did not have any. My first reaction to the prices for Main Courses was that they could have been a couple of dollars less, but after dinner I reconciled with myself that if I were in Montclair or South Orange I would not have had that first reaction. I know I would have spent the same at Libretti's (in Orange) and may or may not have gotten such welcoming service.

My hat is off to Hat City Kitchen!

I'm definitely going back with friends.

By the way, you can park behind the church that is diagonally across the corner from the restaurant.
Oh yes, the name came from the history of Orange.

Hat City Kitchen, 459 Valley Street, Orange, NJ.
(If you know Orange, it is where Ricci's in the Valley used to be)

http://hatcitykitchen.com/

White Castle

Is there anything I can say about White Castle that you don't already know? From the intoxicating aroma to the sizzling onions, White Castle makes delicious burgers that never fail to hit the spot. At just over 70 cents per burger, the amount of satisfaction you get from the amazing taste is highway robbery. You can get something other than a burger (such as chicken and fish sandwiches, mozzarella sticks, and more), but burgers remain the biggest draw. Combine the scrumtrulescent food with 24/7 operating hours and you have what some consider burger heaven. And don't forget the Crave Case offer, which is 30 burgers in a briefcase like package; bring one of these to a party and you'll be an instant hit! Fast service and consistent quality makes White Castle a great place to grab a fulfilling bite to eat, whether it's lunch time or two in the morning.

467 Central Ave.
(973) 673-7991

Andrea’s Food Corps., Inc.

Combine one part deli, one part specialty food shop, one part wholesale pasta factory and what you get is Italian-food-nirvana, known as Andrea’s. Homemade and imported frozen pasta, deserts, prepared entrées and other authentic products can be purchased, with much credit due to Andrea’s for making great Italian food so accessible. Where else could we buy traditional strufoli (honey-covered pastry balls) to leave out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve? Wait, everyone’s family doesn’t do that? …Andrea’s is the go-to place for anyone looking to revamp their dinner party, or who just want to bring a taste of Italy home with them (sans the expensive air-travel.)

107 S. Jefferson St.
(973) 673- 3355

http://www.andreafoods.com/

Rita's Deli

Behind the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it storefront of Rita’s lays a Uruguayan deli, which like the country’s cuisine, has a unique Italian influence. Order out, or sit down at one of two picnic tables to enjoy delectable empanadas or super-sweet alfajores artesanales (South American shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche). In accordance to Argentinean tradition (this place is as culturally-diverse as the Hispanic population of Orange!), ñoqui, Italian potato pasta, is specially served on the 29th of every month (shown right). After tasting the food at Rita’s Deli, you won’t be able to pass the ocean-blue awning again without stopping in.

502 Central Ave.
(973) 675-9002

Libretti's

Where to begin with one of Orange’s most notable standards in Italian dining? Not to say the food at Libretti’s is in any way ordinary, it just happens to be consistently delicious. They have a thorough and well-comprised menu that encourages eating exploration but it’s easy to get stuck in ordering your favorite meal time and time again (example: the arugula and endive salad and the linguini Carbonara is my Sunday night fixture.) Homemade pasta specials, mouthwatering chicken and veal entrées, and classic seafood dishes add to the appeal of this liquor-licensed, lunch and dinner destination.

554 Nassau St
(973) 673-5155‎

Daily Soup

If you needed yet another reason to come to the Valley neighborhood, Daily Soup just gave you one. As its name implies, everyday a different variety of soups is offered at this cool, new restaurant that is housed in the former home of Coquelle’s Bakery. “Pretzel and beer soup”, “Lentil crab soup”, and “Poblano cheese, chicken and corn chowder” are just a sampling of the awesome and inventive types available. Soon, a back section will open as a jazz club and bar but for now, Daily Soup fans are more than happy to sit back and enjoy the broth offerings. Oh, and did I mention their frozen-yogurt? Custom-made to order chocolate or vanilla fro-yo can be blended with a long list of mix-ins.

Below are some fro-yo favorites from the folks at HANDS, Inc.:

• Chocolate frozen yogurt w/ pretzel and banana
• Vanilla frozen yogurt w/ pretzel and strawberries
• Vanilla frozen yogurt w/ strawberries and pecans
• Vanilla frozen yogurt w/ Nilla wafers and banana
• Vanilla frozen yogurt w/ brownies and Cayenne pepper
• Chocolate frozen yogurt w/ banana and Reese’s peanut butter cups
• Vanilla frozen yogurt w/ mango, macadamia nuts and banana

501 Central Ave. (973) 677-2405 http://www.dailysoup.com

John's Market

This easy-to-miss, unassuming eatery is an obvious answer to the question of finding delicious, hearty Italian sandwiches and an inviting place to eat them. John’s Market has a small, yet sufficient menu, which includes a variety of Parmigiana, chicken, and sausage sandwiches, and lovely starter salads. I recommend the sausage, peppers, and onions sandwich; this basic combination of delectable ingredients, when piled generously on a fresh roll, makes for a gratifying (and very filling) meal. Savory aroma, vibrant chatter and family photos and memorabilia fill this Orange staple, which is located on South Essex Ave.

Star Tavern

From family-night to date-night, and all gastronomic gatherings in between, Essex County’s prized pizza place is right for any occasion. Star Tavern is a low-key restaurant and bar where thin-crust is the name of the game. Around dinner time, Star tends to crowd up but don’t fear; grabbing a drink and watching the game at the bar is a good way to spend the brief wait. The best way to enjoy Star pizza is to split two personal pies with a friend, this way you can enjoy more of their appetizing selections. The “Regular” pie is anything but, while the “White Clam” is a delicious change of pace.

400 High St.
(973) 675- 3336
http://startavern.net/

Sandwiches Unlimited

For all you Philadelphia expats who claim that no cheese steak sandwich can top those from the City of Brotherly Love, you are sadly mistaken. It is here, in this neighborhood lunchtime hotspot, that the steak is cooked right in front of you in generous proportions and topped with onions, peppers, and cheese to make a glorious feast. Plan to not eat for the rest of the day, especially if you opt for the “Italian” version, stuffed fuller with hot French fries and ketchup. Additionally, the pastrami on rye bread is nothing to scoff at nor is the locally-baked Red Velvet cake, which can be sold by the slice.

23 N. Center St.
(973) 674-7899

La Rosa Mexicana

Authentic, extraordinary comida Latina can be found in Orange thanks to the extensive menu and flavorsome ingredients provided by the skilled staff at La Rosa Mexicana. Have your choice of perfectly executed tacos, flautas, ceviches and more, all diversely prepared and equally delicious. Be sure to have a glass of homemade mango juice within reach in order to cool your heated taste buds. Daily specials like the camarones con crema (shrimp in cream sauce) is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted, or ever will.

10 S. Essex Ave.
(973) 395-1270

Mazzi Dogz

Attention all potential Mazzi Dogz customers: believe the hype. Everything you’ve heard about Main Street’s latest hotdog sensation: their unbelievable toppings, their delicious dogs, and their awesome prices, is true. Upon entering this compact slice of frankfurter heaven you realize that this is no dirty-water hotdog stand. The colorful walls, the high-top tables and the wall of celebrity headshots (“Famous New Jerseyans Who Haven’t Eaten Here Yet”) make for a fun and relaxed dining experience. Next time you’re there don’t be afraid to try the specialty hotdogs that this place is soon to become famous for; including the “Holy Guacamole”, topped with homemade chili, fresh guacamole and crushed Doritos. I promise you won’t regret it.

351 Main St.
(973) 673-0070

http://www.mazzidogz.com/

Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery

Jerk chicken and beef patties, just like Mom used to make. That is, if Mom owned the #1 Caribbean food franchises in the United States. Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery has become known for its tasty, traditional Caribbean menu and friendly, speedy service, and the Orange location is no exception. Oxtail, chicken, fish and goat combo meals are reasonably priced and these flavorful meats come with tasty sides. However, it’s the patties -spicy or mild, chicken or beef- that are their main draw and for good reason.

303 Main St.
(973) 672-7080

http://www.goldenkrustbakery.com/

Phil Serani's Sanitary Bakery

You’ll be hard pressed to find an Orange resident who doesn’t herald this family-owned bakery as a city treasure, or at least a great place to satisfy sugary cravings. Pastries, breads, cakes, cookies are done impeccably well and sold fresh out of the oven. These everyday bakery finds never disappoint; while the more unusual offerings, especially the South American specialties, keep their loyal customers guessing. Chicken wrapped in a buttery pastry is a wonderful savory option, and a meal is made when paired with the sugar-covered, multi-layered bizcocho.

114 S. Essex Ave.
(973) 678-1777