CNBNEWS.NET/Gloucester City

How to Land Your First Job After College

  CNBNews graphics file

(CNBNewsnet)(September 4, 2018)--University is meant to prepare you for the job you’ve always dreamed of, but today a degree alone is not enough. Many top employers want candidates to have had real work experience, meaning that the new college experience needs to include internships throughout the four years of your Bachelors. Regardless of whether you prioritized interning during your college career or not, you can land your first job after college by following this guide:

Use Your University Services Before You Go

Most universities offer ongoing support to their recent graduates, and you should take advantage of it. Go to careers services and have them help you draft your resume and practice your interview skills. They are an invaluable resource that can help give you a leg up when applying for first job. A great resume can get you in the door, and a great interview can land you the position, but first you need to practice and refine these job-seeking tools.

 

Apply for the Job

CNB Business News: Mount Laurel Retail Plaza to include Qdoba, Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza

 

 MOUNT LAUREL TOWNSHIP -- Development around one of Mount Laurel's busiest shopping centers continues to grow, after developers announced a brand new retail plaza is set to be built along Midatlantic Avenue near Route 38. According to a press release from MSC Retail, which led the development, the 10,000 square-foot plaza is set to include a…

BlueJeanFoodCritic: Prime Time Beef and Ale

 

Prime Time Beef and Ale “Hand-Carves” New Life from Former Neighborhood Watering Hole; Celebrates the Spirit of 19th Century American Protectionism

Roslyn, PA…When Roslyn native and Abington High School graduate Kimberly Shire used to pass by Carney’s Tavern in 2005, then a dark and smoke-filled local watering hole at 1139 Easton Road, she never dreamed that one day she would be co-owner of a revitalized and welcoming spot for hand carved sandwiches and domestically brewed and distilled beers and liquors in the same location.

CNBNEWS BUSINESS SCENE: Every Meal Comes with 20 Minutes of Free Time

 

New San Giorgio® Oven Ready Penne lets you serve a great tasting meal faster.

 

Harrisburg, PA – Ahhh… Just think of it, a delicious baked pasta meal for the entire family and 20 minutes left over to do whatever you want! Go ahead pinch yourself; you are not dreaming.

 

Introducing new Oven Ready Penne from San Giorgio®. Now busy moms can make their favorite casseroles without having to boil the pasta first. Specially developed to cook up perfectly in the oven, San Giorgio® Oven Ready Penne makes it easier than ever to serve delicious homemade baked penne. Just mix, bake and enjoy!

Night Market Philadelphia West Oak Lane

• • 
  • • Night Market Philadelphia
    • Photo Credit: J. Kaczmarek

 

Night Market West Oak Lane

When: Thursday, June 19, 6 - 10 p.m.
Where: 72nd Street & Ogontz Avenue
Cost: Pay as you go
More Inf: Visit thefoodtrust.org

Foodies, get your taste buds ready because Night Market Philadelphia, the city's premier street food festival, is back with it's another delicious edition of this popular Philly event. Next up: West Oak Lane.

Diva Eats: Spring Risotto

 

Devil Gourmet, March 24, 2014 at 10:00:09 EDT

It’s officially spring.  Although it may not feel like spring, it is according to the calendar.  It’s funny how once spring arrives, we think that the weather will miraculously become sunny and warm.  I know it eventually will, just as I know summer will be here in less than 3 months.

I Want to Take a Bath in that Marinara

… Yellow Plum Bloomfield

Devil Gourmet

(February 12, 2014)--I didn’t set out today to do an article strictly on cocktails.  After all, a man must eat something if he is day drinking.  Day drinking- a lost cousin to day dreaming and the bastard son of the afternoon siesta or nap is not for everyone.  But should you desire a well crafted cocktail, made with only the best freshly squeezed juices and craft spirits, then make your way over to the Yellow Plum.  True they bought me my lunch and true they knew I was there representing the Devil… But with this said what I found on my trip was unexpected and therefore gorgeous. 

Grand Openings of Joe's Crab Shack in Deptford Township, NJ and West Nyack, NY | cnbnews

Joe's Crab Shack, Newport Beach 

 

PRESS RELEASE

April 16, 2013, 9:25 a.m. EDT

 

HOUSTON, Apr 16, 2013 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Ignite Restaurant Group IRG +1.08%today announced the opening of two new Joe's Crab Shack locations, located in Deptford Township, New Jersey and West Nyack, New York.

The Deptford Township, New Jersey restaurant is located at 2000 Clements Bridge Road in the Deptford Landing shopping center and is the first Joe's Crab Shack in Gloucester County. The location can accommodate 323 guests.

HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR, MARION LAZAN VISITS ST. TERESA REGIONAL SCHOOL, RUNNEMEDE

press release March 12, 2013

 

St. Teresa Regional School welcomed Marion Blumenthal-Lazan, a Holocaust survivor and co-

GIFTS FOR MARION, photo provided

author of Four Perfect Pebbles, an award-winning book about her childhood under Hitler's rule.

 

 

Marion, along with her parents and brother, survived the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. She spoke to the students about the suffering she and her family endured there and the importance of positive thinking as well as creativity and inner-strength when working to overcome adversity.

 

She also urged the students to share her Holocaust story, telling them that their generation would be the last to hear first-hand accounts of the horrors of the Holocaust. She urged the students to be sure that the story of the Holocaust is told and remembered so that it is not repeated. Marion reminded STRS students to be tolerant of others and not stereotype individuals based on religious belief, color, race or national origin. She warned students to not blindly follow the leader and to “be good to each other."

 

Upper school students read Mrs. Lazan's book prior to her arrival and  were further inspired and educated by her visit.  At the end of the session, she was kind enough to personally autograph everyone's book and spend time meeting the students.

 

 

 

Saint Teresa Regional School, located on Evesham Road in Runnemede New Jersey, was established in 1929 and is served by the Sisters of The Immaculate Heart of Mary, as well as by dedicated lay faculty. St. Teresa School is a PreK through 8 Catholic educational institution that strives to empower students to know themselves as created and loved by God. Forming minds and hearts for leadership and service, we achieve academic excellence, spiritual development and individual responsibility in a safe and nurturing environment. St. Teresa Regional School 27 E. Evesham Road Runnemede, New Jersey (856) 939-0333  For more information please visit our website at www.stteresaschool.org

Roving Rita's Restaurant Review: Rexy's Restaurant & Bar | cnbnews.net

(cnbnews.net) WEST COLLINGSWOOD HEIGHTS NJ--Greetings, Gentle Readers, and thank you for stopping by. Since I’ve had several requests for my review series again, I decided to start with a local legend.

My companion and I headed for West Collingswood Heights, titillated with local tales of epic culinary delights. Rexy’s Restaurant, around since 1943, is a bright star with the misfortune of being located near a building advertising cheap dentures and a strip of fast-food kiosks with flapping

Chicken Parma

flags and grammatically-incorrect banners. On the outside, Rexy’s is a confused combination of Spanish and Italian architecture with a bit of folk art thrown in, just for fun. Inside, the Italian theme wins, if only because of the piped-in music. My companion and I were seated by the hostess who seemed, by nature of her clothing and attitude, to be in mourning.

We slid into cozy booths and were approached by our bubbly server, Kathy. Our moods were immediately uplifted as she took our beverage order and brought us a basket of warm, house-made bread. We ordered the Village Greek salad ($11), a wonderful assortment of chopped vegetables and feta cheese, large enough to feed us both with some to take home.

Roving Rita's Restaurant Review: The Whiskey Barrel | cnbnews.net

(cnbnews.net) GLOUCESTER CITY NJ-Move over, McMichael's! There's a new kid in town.

The Whiskey Barrel is located at 200 Jersey Avenue in Gloucester City. Formerly the site of Heavy's on the Harbor,  this recently renovated hot spot is a place where workmen come for a pilsner and then go home to fetch the wife and kiddies for dinner.

 

Roving Rita's Restaurant Review: Max's Seafood Cafe | cnbnews.net

   Dear Gentle Readers:

I announced several months ago that I would return with my cafe critiques once in a blue moon, so in light of the celestial skies my small clique of merrimakers decided to celebrate in style with a trip to Max's Seafood Cafe.

   We were warmly welcomed by Michael, a charming young man whose historical knowledge of the restaurant delighted us between courses. John, our server, was prompt in his appearance and quite knowledgeable in his menu directives.

Roving Rita Plans Dinner Outing | cnbnews.net

by cnbnews staff

Dear Gentle Readers:

Because I have received so many requests for my reviews of local eateries, I shall endeavor to visit one of our fine restaurants in Gloucester City this week. I have chosen a well-known establishment and hope it is worthy of its reputation, nation-wide.

Please return to Mr. Cleary's lovely Notebook for the juicy details!

Happy Roving!

                                                Rita

 

 

Related articles

• Roving Rita's Restaurant Review: IndeBlue | cnbnews.net (gloucestercitynews.net)
• Roving Rita's Restaurant Review: Jacqueline's Pasta & Pizza (cnbnews.net) (gloucestercitynews.net)
• Roving Rita Coming to ClearysNoteBook (gloucestercitynews.net)
• Roving Rita's Restaurant Review: Lillian's Cafe, Audubon (gloucestercitynews.net)
• Roving Rita's Restaurant Review: Pat's Family Restaurant Select (cnbnews.net) (gloucestercitynews.net)

Roving Rita's Restaurant Review: Jacqueline's Pasta & Pizza (cnbnews.net)

cnbnews.net

On a steamy summer evening my companion and I decided to dine at a casual local eatery. Our decision was a difficult one; Gloucester City has become a mecca of modern dining choices unequaled in any other South Jersey locale.

While strolling the boulevard we came upon a tiny, well-lit establishment that boasted fresh pizza, pasta, and sandwiches, reasonably priced and quickly served. We hastened to enter and find seats among the rows of picnic-style tables.

Roving Rita's Restaurant Review: IndeBlue | cnbnews.net

IndeBlue Indian Cuisine, 619 Collings Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08107 856-854-4633.

(cnbnews.net)In the spirit of adventure your gal, Rita decided to explore the mysteries of India without driving further than good old Collingswood, NJ.

Roving Rita's Restaurant Review: Pat's Family Restaurant Select (cnbnews.net)

cnbnews.net

It was a dark and stormy night and your gal Rita was in the mood for food. Having no desire to travel more than a mile or so, I decided to sup 'in the 'hood' at the newest restaurant in Gloucester City!

Yes, Gentle Readers, Pat's Family Restaurant has re-opened. I spent considerable time looking at the entrance-way and restaurant walls before entering the actual dining area. The pictures are historical in nature and show a great deal of Gloucester City in its first Glory Days. I say 'first' because, with restaurants like Pat's, this town will surely make its come-back with haste.

Roving Rita's Restaurant Review: Lillian's Cafe, Audubon

 (cnbnews.net) Hello, again Gentle Readers! Due to the kind requests of

several fans I, Roving Rita, will again offer up reviews of restaurants in the Gloucester City, Audubon, Haddon Heights, Bellmawr, Mt Ephraim, and Brooklawn area.

 On a cold week-night, my companion and I embarked on our hunt for the perfect evening meal. Once again, our choice was Lillian's Cafe (34 W Merchant St, Audubon 08106, 856-547-1902), a charming BYOB in the heart of Audubon's shopping district. We arrived at 6:30 PM and, after standing about uncertainly, a customer seated at a nearby table instructed us to "sit anywhere". Our waitress arrived within seconds and apologized for the inconvenience. We later discovered she was the only wait-person working that evening.

Cherry Hill School Earns National Honor for Hunger-Fighting Work -cnbnews.net

 

 Cherry Hill, NJ - The Rosa International Middle School in Cherry Hill, NJ recently received a National School of Distinction status from the Schools Fight Hunger program. Fewer than 2,000 schools nationwide earned this level of distinction in the 2010-2011 school year.

RE: Roving Rita's Restaurant Reviews

Dear Restaurant/Pub Owners

 

CNB started Roving Rita’s restaurant column several months ago in the hopes to stir some interest in local eateries. It is meant to be a light hearted critique, and at the same time point out some things that might help your restaurant to improve your service and food (if needed). We have several people that have volunteered to write the column both men and women. As for experience, they are average people who enjoy eating. If they find a restaurant whose service and food is too bad they have been instructed not to write anything at all.

 

If any restaurant owner is offended by the story on his establishment please bring it to our attention. We are not trying to put anyone out of business. In fact, just the opposite; we hope more people will be attracted to your pub or restaurant after it is reviewed.

Feel free to contact us if you would like one of our "Roving Rita's" to stop and visit your food establishment in the near future. 

 

All the best, 

Bill Cleary

BillGCN@verizon.net

 

 

 

RELATED CATEGORY ROVING RITA'S RESTAURANT REVIEW

Memories of Gloucester City: Topic The Pub Crawl

 

By Jack "Bomber" Bennett

Note: The author is a former resident of Gloucester City and a graduate of Gloucester Catholic High School. Today, Jack resides in Florida. The article was first posted on CNB in 2007...click map to enlarge

PUB CRAWL – the act of one or more people drinking in a number of pubs in a single night, normally walking between them.  Wikipedia

As a kid growing up in Gloucester City in the 50's and 60's, it was always there beckoning to you. You never quite understood what it was, but you could feel it every time you walked down most any street in town. There was always this vibe in the air—a tingling sensation. You couldn't quite put you finger on it, but you knew it was there.

Then, one day it suddenly hit you like a bottle of stale beer and you saw it—Gloucester had a tavern on nearly every corner. Some street corners had more than one. Of course, you said to yourself, why hadn't I seen it before. It was so obvious. And with that epiphany came the realization that some day you were going to visit each and every one of them. It was your calling--your duty. It was in your DNA, like a salmon going upstream or a Sherpa climbing Mt. Everest. There was no running from your destiny. But, you wondered, how could you visit all of them?  Then somebody said these words to you, "PUB CRAWL."

 

By Jack "Bomber" Bennett

Note: The author is a former resident of Gloucester City and a graduate of Gloucester Catholic High School. Today, Jack resides in Florida. The article was first posted on CNB in 2007...click map to enlarge

PUB CRAWL – the act of one or more people drinking in a number of pubs in a single night, normally walking between them.  Wikipedia

As a kid growing up in Gloucester City in the 50's and 60's, it was always there beckoning to you. You never quite understood what it was, but you could feel it every time you walked down most any street in town. There was always this vibe in the air—a tingling sensation. You couldn't quite put you finger on it, but you knew it was there.

Then, one day it suddenly hit you like a bottle of stale beer and you saw it—Gloucester had a tavern on nearly every corner. Some street corners had more than one. Of course, you said to yourself, why hadn't I seen it before. It was so obvious. And with that epiphany came the realization that some day you were going to visit each and every one of them. It was your calling--your duty. It was in your DNA, like a salmon going upstream or a Sherpa climbing Mt. Everest. There was no running from your destiny. But, you wondered, how could you visit all of them?  Then somebody said these words to you, "PUB CRAWL."

Letters: Kudos to Restaurant Owners; A Tribute to Art DiPatri

THANK YOU AREA RESTAURANT OWNERS

  I would like to thank all the diners and  restaurant owners for servicing the people in Gloucester City, Brooklawn and Westville. Also, the dishwashers, busboys, and waiters for their jobs.

 

It is not easy serving the public. We don’t take the time to think about that. If we did not have diners or restaurant. We would have to take time to cook. Today we don’t have the time, always in a rush. Not only that, a lot of people don’t know how to cook, we would starve to death so be thankful for having them.

Stephen S. Tremback, Gloucester City

 

 

 

TRIBUTE TO ARTIE DiPATRI

  If during your lifetime, you were fortunate enough to have been a friend of Artie DiPatri, your life has to have been enhanced by that acquaintance. Artie was the nicest man I ever knew.

  He was a man’s man, whose presence just made you feel good about being a human being. He was a kind, sincere, giving, unselfish and loving man, a wonderful husband and father and grandfather.

  His coaching ability approached greatness, but his gentlemanly and fair demeanor both on and off the court far over-shadowed the X’s and O’s he drew on his clipboard.

  The people who came in contact with Artie on the basketball court, the classroom or in his guidance office are truly blessed to have been in his company and be influenced by his personality.

  We will miss you terribly. One of those friends you touched.

Friend and Colleague,

Steve Shimkus, West Deptford 

 

 

(reprinted from the Gloucester City News)

Roving Rita's Restaurant Review: Whata Weiner

     I must admit, gentle readers, that I only experienced Whata Weiner as a delivered meal. Miss Rita is getting far too fragile to traverse the icy streets of our fair city, at night. Therefore, I decided to experience the flavor at home.

   I ordered several of their specialties and took a generous taste of each dish. I felt it was important to mention this because previously, I was accused of being 'bloated' and thus unable to do justice with my now-famous palate-related column. And so, with much forethought I am spending a quiet Friday evening writing to you, dear friends, about my culinary experience.

   The cheese steak I ordered was indescribable because it was was nondescript: there was nothing 'different' or 'special' about it. However, the wings (honey barbecue) were delicious, meaty, tender, and reminiscent of the General's Chicken one might find at any good Chinese restaurant. The fries, served with their skins on, were unappetizing at best. I will mention that it is almost impossible to serve french fries in an elegant manner with a take-out order. Nonetheless, these were exceptionally unappealing.

   Lest you think my evening was sullied by unacceptable food, do not fear--the chili cheese dog deserves its own column, or at least its own paragraph!

   The roll on the chili-cheese dog was soft as a cloud and still warm after being driven across town. The cheese was melted, sweet, and perfectly proportioned. The chili was obviously home-made and seasoned to perfection. And the 'weiner' was round,  snappy, and an absolute mouthful of wonder. All in all, this was the most perfect chili cheese dog I have ever eaten! When next I order from this establishment I shall order at least three of the aforementioned and become as bloated as I please!

   All in all, at least as a take-out order, What a Weiner ranks the following, from a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest rating:

Creativity: 4

Taste: 4, with an extra half-point for the chili cheese dog

Delivery time: from phone order to door--about 20 minutes

Cost: very reasonable

I recommend this eatery to all that enjoy a reasonable-priced, tasty but casual meal.

With Culinary Kudos,

Rita

 

Roving Rita's Restaurant Review: McMichael's Pub & Grill

   Dear Gentle Readers,

 I want McMichael's, located at 157 S. Burlington St in Gloucester City, to succeed. I truly do.  It is conveniently located, has a lovely, rustic decor, and the prices are reasonable. However, that is when the first scary dip on the rollercoaster takes hold.

My companion and I entered during Happy Hour and indeed, the atmosphere was jubilant. There was a wonderful acoustic guitarist/vocalist performing, the bar crowd was upbeat, and our server (Ashley) was cheerful and competent. The beer was cold and plentiful (although it would have been nice to have had a beer and wine menu) and the coffee was delicious. The signature potato soup was a delicious preamble to an otherwise disappointing entree.

We ordered the "signature" fries--a mix of scallions, melted cheese, and tree bark--a steak, and some sliders, all lackluster reminders that McMichael's may take some time to get its act together. When and if it does, it will rival Max's for elegance and refined but friendly dining in this lovely little town.

Later, on the suggestion of our server we ordered dessert: Chipwich & ice cream sliders.  We were assured they were "to die for". I'm sorry, gentle owners of McMichael's, I returned home half an hour ago and my cheeks are still red with embarrassment for you. Unless our local Girl Scout troop created them, stick to one or two types of home made cakes or a simple bread pudding and leave the bags of cookies on the shelf.

Rita's Rating on McMichael's Pub & Grill, on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score:

Ambience: 4

Service: 3.5

Cleanliness: 4

Creativity of food products: 2.5

Taste of food products: 2.5

Potential: 5

My companion and I agree that we'd love to give this eatery another chance. I believe that once they've decided to make a few good, rustic dishes they will ride that rollercoaster out of the park and be the successful restaurant it was meant to be.

Yours in Good Taste,

Rita

Roving Rita's Restaurant Review: Troxies Chicken & Pizza

    Although I did not intend to review this particular eat in--take out establishment I felt as though I should, for several reasons. First, it is a local business and I am fond of the idea of shopping (and dining) locally. Second, there were a few comments regarding the wings and I wanted to taste for myself how good or bad they could be.

   In order to remain anonymous I chose to pick up an order when the owners were not on the premises. With a bit of help from my companion I took the order home and we sat down to enjoy our meal. I was interested in comparing the onion rings with some I had ordered from a different establishment a few weeks ago. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Troxie's onion rings were superior: light, flakey, not at all greasy, and well-seasoned. The pizza was next on the agenda and it was delicious: loaded with just enough mozzarella to make it interesting and just enough sauce to give it a savory explosion on the palate. But the crust was what set it apart from other pizzas. It was exactly the right consistency and texture to make it an original. I must admit I ruined my best dining gloves in my enthusiasm for this unique product!

Roving Rita's Restaurant Review: San Lucas LI Tierra Mexicana

 My dining companion and I were geared for an uncharacteristically spicy adventure on an unseasonably warm afternoon so we searched for a restaurant that would cater to our discerning tastes. What better way to satisfy an urge for earthy fare than to look for an unclassified Mexican eatery!

San Lucas LI Tierra Mexicana is wedged in a small strip-mall on the Black Horse Pike. We passed it by without seeing it, turned around, and saw the sign. We entered and saw no one at first, so we grabbed two menus and seated ourselves. The tables were graced with colorful serapes, which lent a festive air to an otherwise drab interior. Our server arrived with a plate of unfortunate-looking nacho chips coated with a grayish substance I can only hope was a bean derivative of some kind. We were also given a plate of red chili and a plate of green chili to go with the chips.

   Our server was attentive and cheerful. Our food arrived quickly. I ordered several appetizers: Picanditas, Flautas, Chalupa, and Tostados de Pollo. My companion ordered Mushroom Quesadillas and Deep Fried and Seasoned Pork on Pan Cubano (Cuban bread). We both had a taste of every dish.

   At first glance it was difficult for me to tell the difference between my four dishes; all were covered with lettuce and a strange-looking but tasty cheese dressing. The Chalupa was dry and bland but the Flautas, Picanditas, and Tostados de Pollo were divine. I truly enjoyed the tender, pulled chicken inside each of the three dishes. All were seasoned perfectly, just spicy enough, and the portions were large enough to share.

   My dining companion's fried pork sandwich was the star of the show. It was spicy, warm, and delicious, wrapped in aluminum foil and large enough to take half of it home. The Cuban bread was fresh and crisp and the sandwich was well worth the price. I found her mushroom quesadilla inedible but my friend seemed to enjoy it.

   We were dismayed that the restaurant did not serve coffee. There are many interesting Mexican and Cuban blends available but alas, we were forced to eat dessert coffeeless.

    The only homemade dessert available was flan. My companion and I each ordered our own dish and it was sumptuous and light, the way a flan should be.

     Rita's Ratings are as follows:

Atmosphere: 1/2 star out of 5 stars

Cleanliness: 1 star out of 5 stars (due to unsanitary conditions on the floor)

Taste: 3 out of 5 stars

Service: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Economy: Supper for 2 with 2 sodas: $24  (inexpensive)

Rita's suggestions:

Pleasant background music & cleanliness throughout would have lifted this eatery from a Quickie-Mart luncheonette to a family-style restaurant. Get rid of the high, delicatessen-type counter, move the sodas to the kitchen instead of having a refrigerator take up a quarter of the dining room, and get rid of the jukebox, altogether.

San Lucas LI Tierra Mexicana

115 S Black Horse Pike,

 

Bellmawr, NJ 08031-2304

(856) 931-0152

 

 

Roving Rita's Restaurant Review: Vitale's Italian Bistro, Gloucester City NJ

Related category Food and Drink

Dear Gentle Readers:

On a crisp, Autumn day, in the midst of a sun-shower, my traveling companion and I decided we needed some comfort food.

   I had never visited Vitale's and I don't know why. Maybe it was because my old-lady stomach cannot tolerate certain spices prevalent in Italian food. Or, maybe it was because the word, "bistro" conjured up images of metal umbrella tables sprinkled with the residue of pigeons. Whatever the case I'd like to share with you a true adventure in dining.

   We entered a dark and rather dreary-looking room that housed a bar and several high tables with bar stool chairs. The bartender, a rascally, good-looking man directed us to the dining room and we were seated by a congenial server who welcomed us with menus and a lovely smile. She rattled off the specials and I was impressed with the descriptions she had memorized. When we were ready to place our orders she brought us a covered bread basket, butter, and some spiced garlic and oil in a small bowl. I was disappointed that the bread was cold; it would have been a nice touch to dig into a crisp, warm loaf of Italian bread.

   My salad arrived and it was fresh, crisp, and had just enough vinaigrette to make it

Roving Rita's Restaurant Review: Lillian's Cafe, Audubon

    I was walking along Merchant Street in Audubon recently and stumbled upon a sign that said, "Grand Opening". Being of the curious type, I walked inside and discovered Lillian's Cafe!

   My companion and I were seated at a table adorned with crisp, white linens and neatly folded cloth napkins. The music in the background bespoke of the romance of another era, the freshly painted walls and spotlessly clean floor showed us that the staff really cared about our dining experience.

   Our server was polite and refined. She took our orders and brought me a crystal-clear glass of wonderful iced tea, pointing out to me that it was home-made. My companion waited for his coffee because, as our server explained, "I am putting on a fresh pot for you!" It was well worth the wait.

   I ordered the crab napoleon. Although the crab salad was delicious and fresh, the puff pastry was not. I mentioned it and the Chef immediately approached our table, apologized, and took it off our bill. I was incredulous.

   My companion ordered a wrap with a Dijon dressing and some fries and enjoyed them very much. The plating was beautiful and the portion was enormous. We split a dessert from the samples we were graciously shown; a double-rich, black & white cake, baked on the premises. We were a bit disappointed with it, but Rita bakes a sumptuous chocolate cake so the comparison was perhaps a bit subjective. And, while I am not a "professional" critic, I recognize elegance and good food when I come upon it. 

   I plan to encourage my friends to dine at Lillian's Cafe--the wine-savvy crowd will certainly appreciate the fact that it's a BYOB. Lillian's can be reached at 856-547-1902. Reservations for supper are encouraged.

   Rita's Ratings:

Service: 4 out of 5 stars

Atmosphere: 4 out of 5 stars

Quality of food: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Pricing for lunch service: moderate

Rita's Suggestions: (Just one) Make absolutely certain your pastries are fresh if you are going to boast about them being "made on the premises".

www.lillianscafe.com

34 W. Merchant St, Audubon NJ

Pictured: Lillian's Cafe at lunch time

Roving Rita's Restaurant Review: The Dining Car Depot, Gloucester City

    It was a dark and stormy night. My two companions and I decided to stop for a quick bite to eat at the Dining Car Depot, a restaurant across from the library. We entered and were warmly greeted by a cute little waitress and seated next to a noisy family. In retrospect perhaps we should have requested a quieter spot but that was no fault of our server/hostess. We were immediately given menus and asked for our drink orders.

   Our drinks were served within minutes. One of my companions ordered a milkshake and raved about it. I tried it, and have to agree that its homemade flavor took me back to my childhood!

   When our orders came they looked great and were presented beautifully on the plate. But when my friend dug into his enormous hamburger he noted that it seemed to have been microwaved. Yesterday. The bacon on top of the burger was definitely microwaved and the entire thing was coated with bottled barbecue sauce. We all felt sorry for the fresh kaiser roll it was resting on. It deserved better.

   My other dining companion ordered, among other things, some onion rings. They were inedible, cold and hard. But her chicken salad was delightful, well-seasoned, and fresh. We all had a taste and agreed it was one of the best salads we'd eaten in a long time.

   I give the Dining Car Depot, located on Monmouth Street in Gloucester City, the following ratings:

Service: 3 stars

Atmosphere: 2 stars

Economy: 3 stars

Food quality: 2.5 stars

Rita Recommends: A nice tablecloth, freshly prepared food, and choice seating goes a long way toward turning a good dining experience into a great one. A few fresh flowers on the tables would be nice, too. And please, if a menu item has to be smothered in bottled sauce, don't serve it to your customers.

Happy Roving,

Rita

Roving Rita Coming to ClearysNoteBook

I'd like to introduce myself to readers of Cleary's Notebook. My name is Rita and I live in Gloucester City, NJ. I'm a die-hard 'foodie', a person who is particular--and particularly interested in--food.

I'm going to be roving around the area (Audubon, Belmawr, Brooklawn, Mt Ephraim), trying out the food and testing the service at local eateries. If you are a restaurant owner, beware: Rita's comin' to getcha! You just never know when I'll show up to critique your culinary skills, the overall attitude of your staff, the cleanliness of your establishment, and the value in dollars and cents, of your menu.

Whether you impress me or depress me, you'll read about it here!

Roving Rita, the Restaurant Reviewer