Visit New Jersey: Fritz's

Upon landing in New Jersey, we were a bit hungry, so we stopped at Fritz's for some brunch-ish eats.

Breakfast Sandwich

Breakfast Sandwiches come with your choice of cheese and meat.  New Jersey is known for their Pork Roll, so I had to get a sandwich with Pork Roll.  The sandwich was okay.

Fritz's Filet-O-Fish with Crispy Yukon Hash Browns

The Filet-O-Fish was made with fresh flounder.  My friend enjoyed it.  He didn't enjoy the Hash Browns as much.  They were housemade, but we both thought that although it was perfectly golden on the outside, it was too mushy on the inside and not seasoned well enough.

Side note: They even had an "Aloha Ham-wich" on the menu (Polish smoked ham, pineapple jam, arugula).  

Fritz's also offers a variety of baked treats.  I had a Chocolate Chip Cookie to go, and it was so good - soft, chewy, and one of the best cookies I've had. 

Fritz's
115 Easton Ave.
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Read More

Visit New Jersey: Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market

When we visited New Jersey in October, our friends had mentioned the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market is something we should check out.  We didn't have time to visit then, but on our recent visit to NJ in the summer, we happened to pass the market by when we remembered we should visit.  

We made a U-turn to what turned out to be a pretty incredible market!

There was a huge meat department, sweets department, ice cream, donuts, fresh fruit, and so much more!

If I didn't have to catch a plane to Italy, I would've bought a number of sweet treats for omiyage to take back to Hawai`i, and my friend would've bought some meats to cook up as well.

There was a Pickle Patch where you could get freshly made pickles, as well as an array of preserved foods, such as eggs (Beet Eggs are a very popular Pennsylvania Dutch Food).

There was even a free wine-tasting!

If you are near a Pennsylvania Dutch Market, I highly recommend stopping in for some cool finds!

Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market

4437 NJ-27

Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 683-5260

Read More

Visit Newark: The Bistro

We overnighted at a Newark hotel and decided to eat at The Bistro in the Courtyward Newark Downtown since it was just a short walk away (and we had no other transportation).

Bistro Burger

Caesar

Loaded Tot-Chos

Chicken & Bacon Quesadilla

My friend didn't care for the Bistro Burger much, but we both thought the Caesar, Quesadilla, and Loaded Tot-Chos were good, especially for a very casual hotel lobby bar.

The tots were actually a generous serving, and it was topped with cheese, bacon, and a green goddess dressing.

The staff was very friendly, and I wouldn't hesitate to dine there again if I were in the area. 

The Bistro

858 Broad Street

Newark, NJ 07102

Read More

Visit New Jersey: Garden State Diner

Upon catching our flight back home, we had breakfast at Garden State Diner in EWR.

The Frequent Flyer

Meat Lovers Omelet

I had the Meat Lovers Omelet, which was filled with lots of bacon, sausage, and ham. it was supposed to come with seasoned home fries, but they only had regular fries available. Also, they were out of sourdough, so the omelet came with 7-grain toast. Overall, I thought it was a great, hearty breakfast.

For airport food and prices, I thought this was a pretty reasonably-priced meal and portion. 

The Frequent Flyer was a nice looking sandwich, with eggs, cheese, bacon, and ham.

Service was very friendly, and I'd definitely visit again if I'm passing through EWR. 

Garden State Diner
Newark Liberty International Airport
Terminal C Gate 109

Newark, NJ 07114

Read More

Visit New Jersey: Twenty/20 Taphouse

Late-night hunger struck in Somerset, so we decided to get some eats nearby at Twenty/20 Taphouse.

Taphouse "Poutine"

I thought the Poutine was okay.  It definitely was loaded with duck confit, fried cheese curds, cheese sauce, and gravy (scallions were forgotten).  

Taphouse Tots

The Taphouse Tots were not the typical store-bought, frozen tots, as I had expected.  They were made in house, and although huge, lacked the crispiness I craved.  However, topped with cheese, tot sauce, BBQ sauce, and bacon (for extra; unfortunately they forgot chives), they were quite good and satisfied the late-night cravings.  

Taphouse Burger

Although both sides had something mistakenly left off, I did appreciate how they were able to sub bleu cheese on the burger, as my friend requested.

Twenty/20 Taphouse
18 Cedar Grove Ln

Somerset, NJ 08873

Read More

Visit New Jersey: Plainsboro Nature Preserve

While in New Jersey, we did some outdoor exploration at Plainsboro Nature Preserve.

There are several different trails on the preserve, and for the most part, we stuck to the White Trail.  This was the main trail with the least mosquitoes (true story).  

During our time there, the people and the mosquitoes were minimal, but once we hit the thick forests (the Yellow Trail), the mosquitoes were just too many.  I did have repellent on, but the amount of mosquitoes were just too much for my comfort, so we went back onto the White Trail.

There was plenty to see at the Preserve - birds, berries, fungus, and more. 

McCormack Lake was so pretty!

The weather was nice and the temperature was in the low 70s, so it made for a very enjoyable walk through the woods. 

Would definitely love to explore other trails if I end up in the area again!

Plainsboro Nature Reserve
80 Scotts Corner Rd

East Windsor, NJ 08512

Read More

Visit New Jersey: Princeton Battlefield State Park

I had no idea that Princeton played such a huge role in the American Revolution.  According to the website for the Princeton Battlefield State Park:

In one of the fiercest battles of the American Revolution, American troops under General George Washington surprised and defeated a force of British Regulars on the morning of January 3, 1777. American soldiers, pushed back by a strong British assault, were rallied by Washington who rode his horse between the British and American lines, leading his men to his first field victory over British troops. The Battle of Princeton capped 10 days of maneuvering and fighting, including three battles, which began with Washington’s famous December 25, 1776 crossing of the Delaware.

The Princeton Battlefield State Park also happens to be a great place for a hike.

We saw all types of foliage, and even some deer!

The historic Clarke House is open for tours.

The Princeton Battlefield State Park is a great place to visit, whether you're a history buff, or simply want to explore the outdoors.

Princeton Battlefield State Park
500 Mercer Road
Princeton, NJ 08540

Read More

Visit New Jersey: Princeton University

If you visit Princeton, New Jersey, you must tour the grounds of Princeton University.  Spanning over 600 acres with over 200 buildings, this world-renowned institution, and the fourth-oldest college in the US, has some of the most stunning architecture you'll ever come across.  

The picturesque buildings have served as backdrops to a number of movies. 

Touring the campus, I felt as if I were in another country!

We only toured a very small part of the campus, but I would love to return to explore more, and visit the acclaimed museum once it reopens.

You may visit on your own, or take a student-led campus tour.  Click here for more information. 

Read More

Visit New Jersey: Shake Shack

Shake Shack is known for their burgers and shakes, neither of which I get whenever I make a visit.  On my most recent visit to one in New Jersey, I ordered an Avocado Bacon Chicken Sandwich. 

It was really good!  A crispy, tender chicken breast was topped with bacon, avocado, and a buttermilk herb mayo.

Can't go to Shake Shack without ordering Fries!

I got the Bacon and Cheese Fries, and although it looked hastily put together, it was still good.  The fries were nice and crispy!

Maybe next time I'll try a shake!

Shake Shack
3303 Brunswick Pike

Lawrence Township, NJ 08648

Read More