Haute Coffee in Concord, Massachusetts was the first stop for our July vacation. This charming coffee shop on Walden Street is a local favorite offering large coffees, breakfast items, and indoor and outdoor seating.
Top of the Park
Top of the Park in Boonton, New Jersey — My first impression restaurant review of this mom-and-pop Italian restaurant and pizzeria that has been in business for over 10 years. This restaurant sits at the top of Main Street and offers fresh, classic Italian dishes, delicious pizza, and tasty desserts. Read the full review on the blog at kmartinelli.com/blog
Oven-Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip
Spinach artichoke dip is one of my favorite appetizers. My dad is well-known for bringing spinach artichoke dip to parties as a snack. While Costco has a great deal for spinach artichoke dip, I decided to try and make my own oven-baked spinach artichoke dip from scratch.
W's Grill
W’s Grill in Oakland, New Jersey is a great restaurant and bar featuring a menu of entrees and comfort food, mussels, wings, sandwiches, burgers, and more. Read my first impression restaurant review of the space — where I share my thoughts as a first-time diner and my score for the food, service, and space.
My Top 5 Blogs from 2021
From baked feta pasta, bell pepper sandwiches, pasta chips, and salmon rice bowls, 2021 was a busy year of viral food trends. I’m happy to say that as a foodie this year, I was able to accomplish a lot. I added product/ingredient reviews to the blog, took my first trip out of state since the start of the pandemic, and celebrated the new restaurants that have opened. Click to read my top 5 blogs of 2021.
7 Appetizers to Make for New Year's
One of my favorite parts of New Year’s parties is the variety of appetizers. I like being able to have small tastes of different dishes to see what I like best. Check out my list of 7 appetizers to make for New Year’s.
Yuki Japanese Restaurant
I had a Thanksgiving break from work, so I decided to explore some new restaurants. After some research, I found Yuki Japanese Restaurant in Oakland, New Jersey. I enjoyed Yuki so much on my first visit, I went back for dinner a few weeks later. This blog is a combination review of my first lunch impression and subsequent dinner.
5 Soup Recipes to Try this Fall
Soups are one of my favorite recipes to make in the fall. For this week’s blog, I’ve compiled 5 of my recipes which you should try during this chilly, autumn season. They include french onion soup, pumpkin soup, and other recipes of my family’s favorites. Comment with your favorites or let me know what recipes you’d like me to try.
Nene's Cocina
On a Wednesday evening, my boyfriend and I visited Nene’s Cocina in Wanaque, New Jersey for Mexican food. Our meals did not disappoint and I am excited this week to share the appetizers, entrees, and desserts that we tried.
Crabby Joe's
A birthday weekend in Lake George during their Oktoberfest brought me to Crabby Joe’s. A seafood restaurant with a bar and outdoor seating right on Canada Street. We tried two appetizers and the same entree. This was a great first impression for me — I would go back to Crabby Joe’s to try the rest of their menu.
Vanilla Coffee Creamer
I’ve always used International Delight coffee creamer in my morning cup of coffee. But after some reflection, I realized that coffee creamer was composed of artificial flavors and oils. This made me wonder: Couldn’t I make my own homemade coffee creamer with milk? Thus, this week’s recipe video was created — homemade vanilla coffee creamer.
Thai Corner Bistro
Thai Corner Bistro in Wayne, New Jersey is a bright and modern Thai restaurant offering amazing dishes, unique drinks and desserts, in an inviting space. I finally visited Thai Corner Bistro and am excited to share my thoughts on my dining experience.
Trader Joe’s Champignon Mushroom Snack
I found this champignon mushroom snack during a recent visit to Trader Joe’s. I liked the idea of eating a whole food in replacement of highly processed chips, so I decided to share my first impression of this healthy champignon mushroom snack as a product/ingredient review. Check out my thoughts on the packaging, flavor, and price of this healthy snack!
Summer Vegetable Salad
This week’s recipe video uses in-season and homegrown produce to make a light and refreshing summer vegetable salad. This salad uses fresh ears of Jersey corn, tomatoes, homegrown cucumbers, and bell peppers to create a refreshing main course or summery side dish.
Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Sauce
A few years ago, I was gifted a cookbook by Max and Eli Sussman called, “This is a Cookbook: Recipes for Real Life.” One of their recipes is a side dish of roasted cauliflower with tahini sauce. So for this week’s blog I follow their recipe and share my thoughts on the flavor and instructions of the recipe.
Tabor Road Tavern
Tabor Road Tavern in Morris Plains, New Jersey is a large American restaurant. With private rooms, bar seating, booths, and classic dining rooms, you’ll have access to thoughtfully plated meals that blend American cuisine with elements of Italian food. We had a three course meal and drinks for my first impression visit of Tabor Road Tavern. I left with a great impression and some new favorites I’d love to come back and try. Click to read more about my restaurant review!
Cucina 347
On a humid Tuesday evening, my dad and I decided to catch up over dinner. He recommended we visit Cucina 347 Pizza and Ristorante in Oakland, New Jersey. This modern Italian restaurant offered unique appetizers, large entrees, and fresh desserts. Click to read more about my first impression of Cucina 347.
7 Days of Trader Joe's Yogurt
This week’s product review features 7 days of Trader Joe’s Yogurt. I score these yogurts based on branding, flavor, texture, and price, to share my favorite dairy free and whole milk yogurt recommendations.
Cucumber Boats
This week, I’ve tried another trending recipe on the internet — cucumber boats with cream cheese and everything bagel seasoning. This recipe is easy to pull together as a healthy, single-serving snack. Check out my cooking notes and the recipe video to make your own!
Trader Joe's Ice Cream Bon Bons
Trader Joe’s Ice Cream Bon Bons have a layer of crunchy chocolate, a generous layer of vanilla ice cream, and crumbly cookie bottom. Read more about the packaging, flavor, and cost for Trader Joe’s Ice Cream Bon Bons.