The Chart House - Weehawken, NJ

This was fabulous every step of the way. This establishment boasts a view of the Manhattan skyline able to be seen from any part of the restaurant through immense floor to ceiling windows. The service, menu, and every bite was executed perfectly. Our waitress was very knowledgeable about the menu and truly helped to guide our selection with detailed descriptions and researched recommendations. We started with the lobster spring rolls accompanied by a spicy honey mustard sauce. Unreal! We then moved onto the crab, avocado, and mango stack which highlighted each flavor beautifully while combining to form a truly delicious tower of flavor. On to the main course I went with the Chart House mixed grill (as I am often unable to decide on one thing for dinner) but I substituted the salmon with a blackened Chilean sea bass fillet. One of the best decisions I have ever made....DELISH! A crab cake, grilled shrimp skewer, vegetables and rice pilaf accompanied my treats from the sea exquisitely. For dessert, a pre-ordered (they insist!) molten lava cake which speaks for itself in flavor and aroma. All in all it was one of those amazing meals you remember and reference for years to come. I love when they sneak up on me like that!

Best thing on the menu: Everything!

Rosa Mexicana - Hackensack, NJ

Um no me gusta! I have been to two of the locations in the city and loved every bite. This New Jersey extension, while welcomed at first, was a travesty to the Rosa Mexicana chain. The empanadas were tasteless and hello???? Deep fried beef??? How can that not have taste? I ordered a "lump Crab Meat Enchilada" and was appalled when I was served stringy crab meat in a tortilla drowning in "ok" sauce. I could have made the same canned crab meat thing at home and saved myself the $25! The only redeeming morsel of the night was the guacamole which they make in front of you. And if you have enough pomegranate margaritas you'll forget you're getting second rate Mexican food and first rate prices!

Best thing on the menu: The signature Pomegranate margaritas...even over on this side of the river they're spectacular!

Spice - New York City

This yummy AND CHEAP Thai food is quite possibly the best comfort food available in NYC. Now I realize that is a bold statement and all you Smack and Spurs loyalists are rolling your eyes right now but SERIOUSLY! The food is perfectly cooked whether you eat in or take out. Aroma's that tickle your nose and reach every part of your tongue with each bite, a lovely mix of crunchy and smooth textures, and perfect portion sizes make this NYU staple and must try on your next rainy day...and there are allot of those days coming!

Best thing on the menu: The Shrimp Phad Thai and shrimp Fritters

Solera - New York City

Just had lunch here and was impressed. The service was impeccable and the food was very good as well. Some of the hot tapas we ordered came out a bit cold but were actually not bad given the temperature discrepancy. The star of the lunch was the paella! Bountiful amounts of lobster, scallops, shrimp still in their shells, and clams left my mouth unable to stop inhaling the delicious dish. Sangria was ok at best and really just tasted like wine with some fruit in it. I've had better. To be honest it was a delicious lunch despite some obvious set backs. I would definitely recommend it and I look forward to returning.

Best Thing On The Menu: The Paella!

Luka’s - Richfield Park, NJ

If you walk to fast down the street it’s on you’ll pass it and trust me you don’t want to do that. The larger than life chef, Luka, makes a mean Italian dinner. The portobello mushrooms literally melt in your mouth the second they hit your tongue. The calamari is crispy but not over fried as I've found most restaurants tend to do lately. For main courses you can't go wrong. Fresh ingredients, home made pasta and sauces, give a whole new meaning to comfort food. Choose anything and you'll be in heaven. The space itself is tiny so large groups and last minute Saturday crashers beware. Plan in advance and get your tummies down to this place. You won’t be sorry!

Best thing on the menu = anything…you really can’t go wrong!

Bombers Burrito Bar - Albany, NY

The Name Bombers says it all. These jam packed gigantic burritos are so fabulous you wish you could eat two...or finish the one you started. Great hole in the wall atmosphere, coupled with neon lights and loud music make this a great place to start out your weekend or tie one on after a long day of work. Beware!!! The margaritas are no joke and will leave you stumbling out of the place before you could even say adios! Try the poppers and the grilled chicken quesadilla for a lighter approach to the evening. This lark street hot spot boasts trivia and karaoke nights as well as multiple drink specials. Go on your birthday and you'll get a giant Margarita to share with friends or dare to tackle yourself. Muy Bueno!

Best Thing On The Menu: Any of the Burritos paired with a regular margarita (rocks and salt of course)

Il Buco - New York City

Delicious. This place will bring you to Italy and back again. Fresh ingredients, inventive flavors and unique combinations make this peasant Italian food a must taste in Noho. Just some of the amazing things to order include: Zucchini flowers stuffed with creamy ricotta and anchovies then lightly deep fried, Fresh mozzarella and cucumber, the homemade pastas of the day and so much more. The countryside decor makes you feel at home instantly and the knowledgeable staff complete this perfect package. Great for groups, great for lunch or dinner, great great great!
Ciao!

Best Thing On The Menu: Everything!

The Mile Square - Hoboken NJ

Eh not the best fish Tacos I've ever had but decent. I think "decent" is probably the word I'll use to describe this whole establishment. The humus platter, while slightly yummy, did nothing for the eyes. The drunken burger was just OK and not surging with the flavor of beef, cheese and Guinness the description promised. Our Waiter was pleasant but not too knowledgeable about the menu and sat us at a dirty table we had to ask to be washed. Beers were great though! The expansive layout and lengthy beer list make this a fabulous bar to go to after you've eaten somewhere else. But I'd eat somewhere else. haha

Best Thing On The Menu: The Beer!