Kilkenney House- Cranford NJ

We stopped by the newly opened Kilkenney House on South Ave in Cranford on Sunday afternoon. It is a charming Irish Pub/Restaurant located across the street from the Cranford Train Station.

The interior is painted yellow and has a classic Irish feel. There is a long pub bar with tables throughout the restaurant. There are 6 large flat panel televisions with all the different sports teams playing. There is also a back room with additional seatting.

The menu was limited since they only opened two weeks ago. We sat at the bar and ordered the hot wings - the hot sauce had a good kick to it. The staff seemed friendly and we will go back.

Rockn' Joe in Westfield

This was about 5th time I have been to Rockn' Joe Coffeehouse and bistro in Westfield, NJ and I really enjoy it. They offer a full menu with soups, salads, sanwiches and even wine.

The atmosphere is hip! They play great music. There are booths, tables, high pub tables, chairs with pillows. Its a great place to catch up with friends or the perfect end to a date night. There are even a few tables outside - for those who enjoy outside dining. If you havent checked it out- its a must!

My visits to Rockn' Joes have revolved around going with a friend for coffee and of course dessert! They have an extensive coffee selection to choose from (hot, cold, frozen) and delicious desserts that you can take a peek at before you order. My favorites? The brownie chocolate cake - served warm!

A new location recently opened in Cranford (near the Train Station). And according to their website.. they are growing with more locations opening around NJ and even PA and FL!

Rosie's Wine Bar - Garwood

I had been hearing about a new wine bar that opened in Garwood on North Ave called Rosie's Wine Bar. We went this weekend to check it out and it was a nice change. It felt a little like being in NYC. It was sophisticated and trendy. There is a large bar when you walk in that takes up a large portion of the establishment. There are a few high tables next to the bar (where we sat) and then about 20-30 tables in the place.

We ordered the Iceberg wedge salad and grilled chicken skewers and the Boneless Spicy Jerk Chicken Breast Served with Mashed Potatoes. The food was excellent! The spicy jerk chicken had a kick to it - if you like hot spicy- you will enjoy this dish.

The restaurant offers a wide selection of wines. You can order by the glass or browse the walls/menu for a favorite bottle. They also have flat panel tv's up at the bar for those who want to watch the game while sipping on a glass of wine.

Cosimos - Westfield NJ

This was our third time having dinner at Cosimo's Restaurant and Pizzeria. The first time we had dinner outside on a beauitful night. They have about 6 tables set up around the front of the restaurant.

Tonight we ate inside and the doors in the front of the restaurant were wide open to let the fresh air come in. We were a party of 6 and seatted at a large round table. We ordered the calamari to start. It came with regular and spicy marinara sauce. The calamari was excellent and the spicy marinara was delicious!! They have a full menu at Cosimos but tonight we were all in the mood for pizza. The pizza is one of the best in town... the crust is delicious and the pepperoni is small and tasty.

Cosimos also has an area for take out and they offer delivery in and around Westfield. We have ordered pizza several times and they are punctual.

Sweetwaters Steakhouse - Westfield, NJ

This past Saturday, June 21, we had a wonderful lunch celebrating the retirement of my father-in-law. We had the retirement lunch at Sweetwaters Steakhouse on Elm Street in Westfield. They offer a great price fix lunch for $20 per person + tax that includes choice of appetizer, entree and unlimited soft drinks and coffee. We had about 33 people attend the lunch and they set up about 5-6 tables for us in the front room. We were able to mingle for the first hour, as the servers took our drink orders. When we were ready to sit down for lunch, each person had their own nicely printed menu with a 'congratulatory note' on the top of the menu for my father-in-law's retirement. I would definitely recommend this restaurant and will certainly be going back myself. The food and service were both outstanding!

Commuting to NYC

We moved here in October 07', so I have been doing 'the commute' from Scotch Plains to downtown Manhattan for about 8 months now. I don't really mind the commute to be honest. I take the train out of Fanwood/Scotch Plains Station every morning. The trains run about every 25 minutes- so typically I will take the 7:27 or 7:44am train to Newark Penn Station (approx 24 minute ride). From Newark Penn Station I jump on the PATH to the World Trade Center station (about another 22 minutes). I am at my desk about 8:30 or 8:50am. Not too bad.

I typically read or email on the train ride to Newark Penn Station. Once I get to Newark - it is time to transfer to the PATH train. If you have never commuted to NY for work - it can be quite 'interesting'. Commuters have their routine. Many will typically stand in the same place everyday while waiting for their train and sit in the same seat or train car.

For those that transfer to the PATH (as I do) when you arrive Newark Penn Station - this is a whole other story. Commuters line up on both sides of the train track- waiting for the PATH to roll in (it comes every 1-2 minutes during rush hour). Smart commuters know just where to stand, so that the train door will open up right in front of them. The train doors alternate which side doors open first. Once the doors open- it is FAIR GAME. It is an adult version of 'hot seat'- each person for themself. The winners will get a seat for the 24 minute ride to NYC. For those commuters who really do not want to stand- they wait on the platform for the next PATH to roll in. And if they are 'smart commuters' they have kept track of what side doors opened first and they are sure to stand on the opposite side - waiting for the next round of 'hot seat'!