Once again there is a new burger joint in the area. Habit Burgers has hit north jJersey, bringing with it cheery Californian interiors and a new way of serving burgers.Is it as good as any of the other burger joints like Jake's Wayback or even Wendy's? Yes - and no.
As anybody who lives in the Garden State will tell you we have dozens of eateries that feature fast food. Many are diners such as the Bendix in Hasbrouck Heights that cook up any kind of dish, from breakfast to snacks. These also have an element of home cooking to them. Burgers are not preformed patties that are shipped in from a main distributor. They're ground beef , usually made from fresh chuck and zested up with chopped onion, parsley and sometimes butter or margarine There's a juiciness to them,along with that pleasant greasy taste no one seems to mind, The fries are also plank style , some big and meaty; others crispy and golden,Some like the Windmill chain in Central and South Jersey give diners big piles of crinkle cut fries, all evenly fried and deliciously crispy. Their sandwiches, ranging from hamburgers to hot dogs to grilled chicken, are ample and are cooked on the grill like their diner cousins. To be honest the Windmill hot dogs are the best in the state. Charred, with crispy skin, they have flavor and the added bonus of texture. The burgers are OK, filling but overshadowed by the huge kaiser rolls that they're served on.
So does Habit's famed Char Burger beat these Mom and Pop attempts at fast food? Yes and no.The burgers are nicely charred. The taste is reminiscent of those backyard burgers we grew up on. However, the high heat does dry them out a bit so the texture is not soft but dry and crumbly. There's no moistness there.It does pay to have lettuce and tomato added for some juiciness. The cheeseburger looks good with the cheese melted and drippy. There are some other dishes that look tasty such as the fried green beans in batter along with the grilled chicken. Will it beat out the reigning burger joint in the area which is Jake's Wayback? For one thing Jake's is much smaller and , even though it is a franchise, feels more like a Mom and Pop place. The servers know the regulars and make them feel completely at home. The burgers, especially the turkey ones, are so moist and juicy. that you always need a napkin to wipe your chin. The fries are a mound of golden crisp goodness. Another plus is their homemade potato chips which are perfectly crunchy and evenly fried.Wendy's is also in the local burger wars. It beats out McDonald's and Burger King for taste. Their burgers are not greasy like those other two. Neither the burgers or the fries have that greasy aftertaste.The chain also has more choice too. with the addition of bacon and different sauces .
Will Habit Burgers beat out Jake's Wayback and Wendy's? That depends on people's tastes. Locals may enjoy the novelty but eventually they'll return to their favorites. Eateries have loyal fans. They return to their favorites in the end.
Showing posts with label The Windmill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Windmill. Show all posts
Monday, November 28, 2016
Monday, September 28, 2015
Monmouth's Mouthwatering Stops
New Jerseyans love two things: our cars and food. Road trips to interesting restaurants and food related shops are on our must do list especially with fall here. Monmouth County , a beautiful blend of farmland and waterfront provides that It's a great day trip to take, and it's only forty minutes south of Manhattan Island.
One of my favorite places to go in Monmouth is the beach front. The county has some of the loveliest beaches in the state.Not too far from the historic and windswept state park Sandy Hook is Bahr's and Moby's These are owned by the Bahr family and have been since 1917 when the family switched from manufacturing neck ties to running a seaside eatery. A great grandson opened up the outdoor deck Moby's Outside deck a few years ago. Moby's is my summer and early fall hangout (it's closing for the season on October 18th)The clam chowder is the original recipe that Jack Bahr first made and it is a rich stew of huge clam chunks, potatoes and tomatoes. Bahr's the restaurant also features this and I recommend starting every meal with it.Both places also have delicious boiled lobsters served with homemade coleslaw. Octoberfest is big here thanks to the family being German and they serve weiner schnitzel and sauerbrauten along with potato pancakes and pretzel soup! For quick fare try The Windmill in Long Branch. It's part of a family owned chain and known for it's roasted to perfection foot long hot dogs as well as overflowing baskets of hot , crispy French fries..
Some of the best bakeries in the state are located here too. A fave, with a statewide reputation is Atlantic Highlands' The Flaky Tart. It is truly the best bakery in the metro area with perfectly buttery croissants and mouthwatering chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies. Cups and Cakes, of the tony town of Rumson also has some yummy treats plus a juice bar. You can buy sweet little tarts and fresh made carrot juice in one shot. Away from the shore front is western Monmouth county, This is horse and farm country, being charmingly reminiscent of the English countryside. Sadly there is no clotted cream but happily there are acres of pick it yourself apple , pear and peach farms. One of the most known is Delicious Orchards. This is a must see no matter what time of the year. They have the best baked goods, from apple pies to brownies to English muffin breads. This is also the place to go for gourmet meats such as Serrano ham and all sorts of veggies like Brussels sprouts on the stalk and huge wedding bouquet sized cauliflowers.Other farms like the nearby Eastmont is know for their various pies made with their own fruit, and they also have pick your own peach and apple trees when in season.
Visit Monmouth County not just for the beautiful windswept beaches but also for their eateries, bakeries and farms The county has an amazing array of homemade and fresh baked foods. Spend a day or even a weekend there to experience them.
One of my favorite places to go in Monmouth is the beach front. The county has some of the loveliest beaches in the state.Not too far from the historic and windswept state park Sandy Hook is Bahr's and Moby's These are owned by the Bahr family and have been since 1917 when the family switched from manufacturing neck ties to running a seaside eatery. A great grandson opened up the outdoor deck Moby's Outside deck a few years ago. Moby's is my summer and early fall hangout (it's closing for the season on October 18th)The clam chowder is the original recipe that Jack Bahr first made and it is a rich stew of huge clam chunks, potatoes and tomatoes. Bahr's the restaurant also features this and I recommend starting every meal with it.Both places also have delicious boiled lobsters served with homemade coleslaw. Octoberfest is big here thanks to the family being German and they serve weiner schnitzel and sauerbrauten along with potato pancakes and pretzel soup! For quick fare try The Windmill in Long Branch. It's part of a family owned chain and known for it's roasted to perfection foot long hot dogs as well as overflowing baskets of hot , crispy French fries..
Some of the best bakeries in the state are located here too. A fave, with a statewide reputation is Atlantic Highlands' The Flaky Tart. It is truly the best bakery in the metro area with perfectly buttery croissants and mouthwatering chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies. Cups and Cakes, of the tony town of Rumson also has some yummy treats plus a juice bar. You can buy sweet little tarts and fresh made carrot juice in one shot. Away from the shore front is western Monmouth county, This is horse and farm country, being charmingly reminiscent of the English countryside. Sadly there is no clotted cream but happily there are acres of pick it yourself apple , pear and peach farms. One of the most known is Delicious Orchards. This is a must see no matter what time of the year. They have the best baked goods, from apple pies to brownies to English muffin breads. This is also the place to go for gourmet meats such as Serrano ham and all sorts of veggies like Brussels sprouts on the stalk and huge wedding bouquet sized cauliflowers.Other farms like the nearby Eastmont is know for their various pies made with their own fruit, and they also have pick your own peach and apple trees when in season.
Visit Monmouth County not just for the beautiful windswept beaches but also for their eateries, bakeries and farms The county has an amazing array of homemade and fresh baked foods. Spend a day or even a weekend there to experience them.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Wacky Wedding Venues
Yesterday I witnessed a whole wedding ceremony while having a dog at one of my favorite hot dog stands at the Jersey Shore. Steps away there was a beautiful, warm and windswept beach, perfect for tying the knot. Yet happy couple wanted their nuptials at The Windmill, better known for their truly delicious burgers and hot dogs than wedding cake and rice. The happy couple wasn't alone in wanting a different kind of reception. What's trending now are truly unique weddings.
It first started with the wedding cake. Gone were the traditional tiers of white frosting and the couple on top. In their place were now cakes made in the shape of sandcastles and hot rods. Then menus changed to involve sliders and cotton candy instead of the usually sit down dinner with cocktail hour . Then the entire venue changed from sedate but overly elaborate wedding palace to a couple's favorite beach or the pizzeria of their first date.Nowthe prospective bride and groom can have their weddings anywhere, from a Stewarts drive thru to their local doughnut shop. Strange , yes but also romantic and kind of cool.
If you are thinking about having your wedding in an unusual place , start planning. Most restaurants, even pizzerias and Chinese ones do have enough space for both the ceremony and reception. The problem is you may not be able to invite all that you wanted to ask. At most many eateries can seat sixty. The wedding I witnessed had probably twenty people. If that's'' the case, then look for a larger place or have an open housefor the ones left out later on.Also remember guests won't be getting traditional food.Let them know that they'll be feasting on fun foods like hot dogs or pizza .It'll be a mix of formal ceremony with informal eating. Another issue will be drinking. Most smaller restaurants don't have liquor licenses. You'll have to bring your own and preferably just one kind like champagne for toasting.
There's nothing wrong with having a wedding at a hot dog joint or pizzeria. It's wacky , true,but it celebrates two hearts coming together. In the end,that's all that matters
It first started with the wedding cake. Gone were the traditional tiers of white frosting and the couple on top. In their place were now cakes made in the shape of sandcastles and hot rods. Then menus changed to involve sliders and cotton candy instead of the usually sit down dinner with cocktail hour . Then the entire venue changed from sedate but overly elaborate wedding palace to a couple's favorite beach or the pizzeria of their first date.Nowthe prospective bride and groom can have their weddings anywhere, from a Stewarts drive thru to their local doughnut shop. Strange , yes but also romantic and kind of cool.
If you are thinking about having your wedding in an unusual place , start planning. Most restaurants, even pizzerias and Chinese ones do have enough space for both the ceremony and reception. The problem is you may not be able to invite all that you wanted to ask. At most many eateries can seat sixty. The wedding I witnessed had probably twenty people. If that's'' the case, then look for a larger place or have an open housefor the ones left out later on.Also remember guests won't be getting traditional food.Let them know that they'll be feasting on fun foods like hot dogs or pizza .It'll be a mix of formal ceremony with informal eating. Another issue will be drinking. Most smaller restaurants don't have liquor licenses. You'll have to bring your own and preferably just one kind like champagne for toasting.
There's nothing wrong with having a wedding at a hot dog joint or pizzeria. It's wacky , true,but it celebrates two hearts coming together. In the end,that's all that matters
Friday, August 13, 2010
Jersey Shore Food Fest
New Jersey has always been primarily known for it's fruits and veggies. This is the Garden State, after all. However the eastern part, th e part that embraces the Atlantic also is knownn for its; foods. No matter where you go from Sandy Hook to Cape May you're bound to find fun and yummy food.
The one thing that amazes me about the Jersey Shore is the number of hot dog and hamburger stands. Ona recent trip through Monmouth Beach and neighboring Long Branch; I was astonished by the fact that every corner stand offered fast food. Of course in that area The Windmill. a family owned chain reigns supreme. They offer a whole cornucopia of ribe eye steaks, chicken,burgersand dogs. They sell the last two in vast quantities with people ordering two and three at a time. They evn have special rolls made for their super long hot logs. I love these however just fell in love with The Windmill's bacon burger.Even the bacon is grilled!
The Jersey shore has long attracted Italians (an d not the kind you see on the crass MTV show) and Italian restuarants abound. It's somehwat of a traditiion for th e North Jerseyians or bennies to always order a spaghetti and garlic bread dinner.Italian cuisine lends itself to seafood too and its' here in Monmouth. Atlantic Ocean and Cape May Counties where you'll get the best lobster fra diavolo and spaghetti with clam sauce.
Lately the Jersey Shore is making the news - unfortunately not for its' fun foods.When you visit , discover the vast wealth of stands and restaurant down there. It's the best vacation any foodie could ask for.
The one thing that amazes me about the Jersey Shore is the number of hot dog and hamburger stands. Ona recent trip through Monmouth Beach and neighboring Long Branch; I was astonished by the fact that every corner stand offered fast food. Of course in that area The Windmill. a family owned chain reigns supreme. They offer a whole cornucopia of ribe eye steaks, chicken,burgersand dogs. They sell the last two in vast quantities with people ordering two and three at a time. They evn have special rolls made for their super long hot logs. I love these however just fell in love with The Windmill's bacon burger.Even the bacon is grilled!
The Jersey shore has long attracted Italians (an d not the kind you see on the crass MTV show) and Italian restuarants abound. It's somehwat of a traditiion for th e North Jerseyians or bennies to always order a spaghetti and garlic bread dinner.Italian cuisine lends itself to seafood too and its' here in Monmouth. Atlantic Ocean and Cape May Counties where you'll get the best lobster fra diavolo and spaghetti with clam sauce.
Lately the Jersey Shore is making the news - unfortunately not for its' fun foods.When you visit , discover the vast wealth of stands and restaurant down there. It's the best vacation any foodie could ask for.
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