Hansel n' Griddle

This week’s restaurant is quickly becoming a New Brunswick institution. With homemade creations, fresh ingredients, and down to earth staff, Hansel n’ Griddle is a great place to eat, day or night. With their recent expansion down town, “Hansel’s” popularity is sure to grow. The original location, in a small, former garage, is still by far the coziest. College kids and construction workers alike frequent the friendly, colorful place. Waiting in line is made more bearable by the newest movies, and the staff, while laid back, expedites orders without missing a beat.

The food is really what keeps people coming back, though, and their niche of delicious food wrapped all in one has been firmly established. One of this author’s favorites is the Horseradish Mayo Roast Beef Special. High quality roast beef is heated on the grill, to which sautéed onions are added, along with Cajun home fries, and pepper jack cheese. This is all wrapped in a soft pita and slathered with homemade horseradish mayonnaise. If you can’t handle the heat, go with Swiss cheese. Finish all of this off with a nice, tall can of Arnold Palmer style ice tea/lemonade. The pleasant fullness is second only to the delightful mix of flavors. Another classic is the pork roll, egg and cheese crisp. This masterpiece is a “breakfast quesadilla”, and while this is a new food genre, it is by no means a gimmick. Breakfast now comes in 4 small, handheld triangles of steaming deliciousness. Get it with ketchup and mustard for a quick hangover cure.

Hansel n’ Griddle also has many other courses besides entrees. The rice pudding and tapioca are excellent- they are rare to find in New Brunswick but perfectly executed. There are also many different soups. Hot and homemade, they are a great answer to a chilly winter. One can also get a protein shake, salad, burger, even free pickles.

The little house on Mine Street is in some ways the same as the gingerbread house in the fairy tale; kids, seemingly lost, arrive at the doors entranced by the sights and smells of all the delicious treats inside.
What awaits them inside is not a witch, fortunately, but a young and energetic group. The owner, Nicholas Komandis, himself a Rutgers Alumnus, has an uncanny ability to anticipate what college students and full-time workers want, what they want to pay for it, and how they want it to taste. No need to go over the river and through the woods; a trip to Hansel is only a short walk downtown or at the corner of Mine St. and Easton Ave.

Hansel n’ Griddle delivers 10:30-11pm, with longer hours on weekends. Credit Cards Accepted. Because there is always a limited amount of fresh ingredients, some sell out faster than others. Go early and often!

Hansel n’ Griddle
53 Mine Street (732) 846-7090
112 Church Street (732) 846-9727
Price =$7 and up per person
Ambience = Collegiate

Mexican Standoff?

The New Brunswick Restaurant Guide will continue from this point as a bi-weekly publication. The reasons for this are due entirely to my lack of time; between going out to dinner, writing a review, and distributing paper copies, there is not enough time to do a thorough review. It is my time, but it is your night out. So I will try to post something small on alternating Thursdays- a little food for thought if you will.

New Brunswick has caught the eye of yet another multi-national corporation. Adjacent to Starbucks, the recent opening of Chipotle has caused quite a stir. Students and faculty, as well as J&J workers and city employees, can now make their way to New Brunswick's own "burrito district".

So the question is: Which is better, Chipotle or Qdoba? In addition, there are several Mexican owned and run taqarias on or around French Street. Have you ever been? Feel free to post your comments. Viva la raza!

Tumulty's Pub

This week in the New Brunswick Restaurant Guide marks an historic occasion. This issue is the first in the second edition, marking the triumphant march of the NBRG through the semesters. The restaurant this week is Tumulty’s Pub, one of the oldest restaurants in New Brunswick.

A classic pub atmosphere, Tumulty’s is still family owned and managed today. The menu is basic American food, with pub favorites such as fish and chips. Pay special attention to the burgers, as this is where Tumulty’s really shines. A must have is the Black Angus Burger. This massive mound of meat is covered in bacon (naturally!), and smothered in cheddar cheese; crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and red onions complete the masterpiece. As if it couldn’t get any better, Tumulty’s has a horseradish and mustard sauce that combines the moist feeling of mayonnaise with the “punched in the mouth” feeling of strong, pub mustard. Top one of these burgers off with a Guinness, Smithwicks, Yeungling, or Tumulty’s own Ale.

Not only is the food good, but the atmosphere is one of a kind. Tumulty’s is the kind of place chain restaurants try to imitate by hanging random shit on the walls. The wooden booths are original and have the delightful patina of something well used; your grandmother’s wooden spoon, or the old family badminton set. The antique train set that circles the restaurant still runs every half hour, to the delight of young and old. Alumni of all ages gather before or after Rutgers games, around the timber bar embedded with gold coins.

The menu makes note of Tumulty’s historic significance, and while these words may not be my original writing, every Rutgers student has used the “really long quote” method while writing papers. So here it is: In 1937, “‘University Pub’ as the tavern was known, was a watering hole for a colorful blend of New Brunswick townspeople, politicians, students, and businessmen. Rumor has it that if you had an inclination to place a wager on a horse, there were certain ‘customers’ happy to help fulfill that inclination.”

“Tumulty’s thrived during the ‘70s. It was the ‘First Date’ restaurant for many Rutgers students, a meeting place for business people, and with the model electric trains roaming the dining rooms, a great place for parents to bring their children.” Lastly, this is one of the only places that will sell you alcohol with your RU Express. So don that Rutgers hoodie or jersey, get on the bus, get off downtown and bring your RU ID. Have a burger and a beer, and watch the game. You weren’t going to use that money for books anyway.


LOCATION: 361 George Street
PHONE: (732)-545-6205
PRICE: $10-$15 per person
AMBIANCE: Irish Pub

Via Vita Restaurant and Cafe

This week’s restaurant on the New Brunswick Restaurant Guide is Via Vita. Since the close of the West End Coffee House, Via Vita is the only true, non-corporate owned coffee house in New Brunswick. The cozy atmosphere, while inchoate, is warm and welcoming. The building, on the corner of Condict Street and Easton Ave, must have been a hacienda in another life. Although not an ideal situation for a French café, it works. The exposed brick everywhere, warm colors, and snug atmosphere make for an enjoyable experience.

The fare is simple, French café food at reasonable prices. I started with a classic French sandwich, the Croque Monsieur. If the French Army is a grilled cheese sandwich, a Croque Monsieur is the French Foreign Legion. Unlike the easily defeated white bread and yellow cheese, this sandwich was silky-Gruyere Swiss cheese, and thick, soft, panini bread. But it doesn’t stop there. In addition, there is a layer of copacolla ham, a sort of non-greasy, slightly spicy, alternative to bacon. Lastly, the sandwich is topped with a chopped hard-boiled egg. The sandwich is moist, filling, and savory; if it took the field of battle, it could be led by Napoleon.

Next we ordered a warm sandwich of roast beef, caramelized onions, garlic basil aioli, and crumbled gorgonzola cheese. The roast beef was a good foundation- but it was no match for the garlic basil aioli, a sort of garlic flavored, ancient Gaul version of mayonnaise. The caramelized onions were a perfect match to the crumbled, biting bleu of the gorgonzola cheese.

Lastly, our table sampled Printaniere. If egg salad is Curious George, this sandwich is King Kong. The base is egg salad, with copious amounts of ham, provolone, cucumber, celery and French mustard. This glorious mixture is served on the most divine of breads, a French baguette. (The French word for spring is printemps, and the sandwich is named this in homage to the veggies therein.)

The meal would not be complete without a proper French dessert. We ordered a crepe (wafer-thin pancake) with Nutella, a hazelnut flavored chocolate sauce, fresh bananas and walnuts. Oh la la; it was delicious. The coffee and tea were wonderful as well- served in large cups like soup bowls, cradling it with both hands on a chilly November day warms wonderfully.

The service was friendly and responsive, a true pleasure in which to dine. The same menu is used for breakfast, lunch and dinner, making Via Vita a bit pricey for breakfast, a good lunch spot, and an absolute steal at dinner time. French food is much better with wine, so bring a bottle. (Or a box if you fancy.) No need for reservations; drop in, get a seat near the window, and watch the passerby for an hour or four. Bon appetite!

LOCATION: 58 Easton Ave
PHONE: (732)-220-0122
PRICE: $10 to $15 per person
AMBIANCE: Informal

SoHo on George

This week’s restaurant review focuses on SoHo on George. Several feelings hit you upon entering the door located right on George Street: First, the lively attitude of the patrons at the bar, eating a quick meal before a show at the State Theatre. Second, the spacious interior feels at once solid, yet beckoning. Lastly, the clientele all seem to be out for a special occasion. Whether a birthday, promotion, or just a nice night out, every person in the place seems to have a more convivial attitude than usual.

This feeling is promoted by the staff who offer drinks before they utter the word “Hello”. So we started with Manhattans. A classic cocktail, the dash of bitters is as fruity and pungent as the freshly fallen autumn leaves. The bread course was deliciously hearty as well, consisting of warm, buttered, whole wheat rolls, accompanied by olive tapenade and a roasted red pepper puree.

Our appetizer was just as seasonal, it being a deep fried slice of brie on fresh greens, covered with a fig and brandy sauce. The warm brie was a perfect balance to the cool greens, and the whole dish ended sweetly with the fig and brandy sauce.
The entrées were delicious as well. One was rack of lamb with dried fruit couscous. The petite lamb was tender and perfectly cooked. The couscous really stole the show however, as it was slightly sweetened by the fruit. The whole dish was interesting, as something sweet is traditionally served with lamb. The sweet flavor does not normally end up in the “pasta” dish, however, and it was a nice surprise. The other entrée was a stuffed pork chop, nearly the size of a softball, filled with chorizo, cheese and spinach, and covered with a mango salsa. This was a perfect combination of flavors, and a great plate for someone with a big appetite.

The dinner was not without incident, unfortunately. Our hostess sat us, and another person took our drink order. Our waiter then arrived, followed by a food runner, and then our waiter again, informing us the other “guy” delivered the wrong plate. While this may go against the restaurant chain of command, I would like to think the rapport built between one waiter in the 3 hour course of the meal would be a benefit, rather than a detriment to the service.

Lastly, the décor could use an update. A portion of the restaurant screams early 1990’s, and while a bottle of Scotch from the time would be great right now, it feels like one is eating on the set of “In Living Color”.

While the potpourri of flavors and genres is surprising, and the interior design was done by the “Golden Girls”, SoHo is a great place to celebrate with great food. Don’t forget your wallet.

Tula Restaurant and Lounge

If you just eat, rather than dine, if you feel more comfortable with a paper bib rather than a cloth napkin, or good manners make you uncomfortable, stop reading immediately. TGIF called, and they’re holding your (lack of) reservation for you. For all of you still reading, Tula is on the way to becoming the best restaurant in New Brunswick. The food is beyond reproach- feel free to complain about anything, but you’re probably wrong. The interior is immaculate- natural colors, exquisite tiling, perfect sound, and wispy curtains to prevent any uncomfortable, outdoor draft. The staff is well trained, knowledgeable, and attentive. Without even tasting the food, one can already tell this is one of the best in the city.

Our appetizer was a watermelon ceviche. The ratio was perfect: about 2 parts chopped, lime-marinated seafood to 1 part crunchy vegetables. The acidity in the lime begins to breakdown the crab, tilapia, and shrimp, tenderizing the seafood, turning every piece into a morsel. Our main course was a lemon risotto with cherry tomatoes and scallops. The rice, with a perfectly light lemon flavor, enhanced by lemon-zest oil, was the piece de resistance. Skip the scallops, as their texture does nothing to enhance the risotto. Instead, go with a side dish outside your comfort zone. The truffle sautéed spinach, for example, was deliciously earthy. Lastly, a balsamic marinated, grilled Portobello mushroom salad balanced out the meal. The sharp greens, with sweet balsamic and mellow mushrooms were a nice counterpart to the previous lime and lemon flavors. In addition, a nice bleu cheese was crumbled on top. This was not average, mayonnaise covered, hot-wing dipping sauce. This was authentic, room temperature, French bleu cheese. It was dry; meaning the cheese is not kept in an icebox where it dies, but in a room temperature environment where the natural flavors can come to the forefront.

With each course the staff dutifully cleared all plates and silverware, making each course seem as if a mini-meal unto itself. This allowed us to enjoy each dish individually, resulting in an experience that was greater than the sum of its “plates”. Dessert was not an option after eating every bit of our meal; it must be delicious, however, in that the menu proudly displays Tula’s use of Thomas Sweet ice cream in every dessert.

For a little more than the price of a "'Boli and a Beer", one can have a wonderful evening out in a terrific atmosphere. Make a reservation ASAP for a table near the front on a balmy evening. The windows open floor to ceiling, feeling like an Old World bistro. As you see the last rays of the Tuscan sun dip below the horizon, your senses will feel as if you are in Europe, without ever having left idyllic New Jersey.

Marita's Cantina

The words “authentic” and “Tex-Mex” are found together in a food review about as frequently as the appearance of Halley’s Comet. If this is what one prefers, look no further. From start to finish, Marita’s Cantina is the epitome of “Tex-Mex”. The menus were delivered with corn chips and salsa. Not too spicy, not sweet or plain, it was predictably predictable. To start we ordered the “go to” appetizer of American dining out- Artichoke and Spinach Cheese dip. We each ordered an entrée from the specials menu. Spicy Tequila Shrimp over a bed of penne pasta, and Chicken Ensenada.

The pasta and shrimp dish is most accurately described by calling it “spicy macaroni and cheese” topped with shrimp. The Chicken Ensenada was marginally better, the chicken breast grilled but still moist. Unfortunately, this was covered with liquid queso, canned jalapenos, musty olives and a few pieces of chopped tomatoes. If dining out with friends who like bland food, this is the perfect place to bring them.

As uninspiring as the food was, the staff and service were the exact opposite. We were greeted the moment we walked in the door by a friendly host. Shown to our seat, our waitress arrived shortly, and our drinks were out in a flash. The Spinach and Artichoke Cheese dip, 3 different types of piping hot cheese melting over the side, arrived on the table. The chips, freshly from the fryer, were still glistening with oil like a disco ball in dim light. The smell of the fresh cheese jumped from the plate, with the earthy smell of the fresh corn chips lingering behind. The manager was even walking around, ensuring diners were happy and that the food was hot & expeditiously served.

We decided very early on that the tequila we had with the hot, melted cheese dip was the best part of the meal, and so decided to stay at the bar after dinner. The drinks are strong, the bar tenders attentive, and the drinks are strong. The DJ was just starting his set, and the music was a thorough review of hip-hop.

Marita’s is not a restaurateur’s restaurant. However, if you’re looking to avoid the sweating throngs of drunken AXE wearing 21 year olds, or young women holding hands pushing rudely through crowds, Marita’s is your place. The eclectic crowd, attentive staff, spacious layout, different DJ’s 4 nights a week, and yes, strong drinks, make it a great place for night life in New Brunswick. Your next night out, arrive at 10pm, order an appetizer, enjoy a margarita, and put on your dancing shoes. You’ll be hungry when you leave at 2am, but this is New Brunswick-- just order pizza.

**Credit Cards as well as RU Express are taken here. Reservations not necessary.**