One for Kami

Today I took the drive down to The Golden Eagle Deli to pick up some Christmas Eve provisions – kielbasa, pierogis (okay, yes, I should be making my own but it’s a crazy time!), babkas, etc.   

For those unfamiliar, The Golden Eagle is on Lanza Ave.  It is a Polish delicatessen/store. They speak Polish, all of the products are labeled in Polish, it is fantastic.  You walk in the front door and the smell of smoked meats is simply heaven.  You can pick up prepared foods to bring home and eat or stock up on items to refrigerate or freeze. It is definitely worth the trip if you are looking for good, homemade, authentic Polish cuisine.

So, I packed up my provisions and was heading home on River Road when I got to Elmwood Park.

I heard the calling.

I saw the sign.

I pulled in.

River View East!

Oh – heaven on a bun!

River View East 455 River Drive Elmwood Park, NJ

Go there – quickly!

This place has been around forever – well, longer than my lifetime anyway.  As a child growing up in Elmwood Park & Garfield, we logged many hours at River View.  Hot Dogs with chili sauce, French fries with cheese and gravy, cheeseburgers, roast beef, Taylor ham and cheese on a hard roll with extra mustard,  the list goes on.

You order at the counter, wait a brief 2 minutes or so, grab a booth and scarf down your food like it was your last meal and someone was trying to steal it from you.

Here was my lunch – 1 All the way (that’s how you order it), French fries with cheese and gravy (it’s a Jersey thing) and a nice cold Birch Beer – not root beer but creamy red birch beer – it has more of a bite.

The hot dog has mustard, onions and chili sauce.  The chili sauce is THE best in Jersey – hands down.  I know many others who would agree.  I also know of others who would disagree and lean more towards The Hot Grill, Rutts Hutt or even Johnny & Hanges, but this is my opinion and my blog. 

The fries are crisp until they start soaking up all the gravy and ooey gooey cheese.  You could eat the plate when you are done, it’s that good.

Like I said, I spent a lot of time with my family at River View growing up.  Except for my Dad, they have all moved to Florida and I have been missing them something terrible – especially now.

So, I dedicate this blog to my sister Kami who would want to go as soon as the plane hits the tarmac in Newark.  It’s one of her favorites.  She just had a baby and I know now more than ever, she would appreciate a 1 away 1! 

So, maybe that’s what brought me in there.  Me missing her and I knew she would love to be there with me.  Or, maybe it was out of spite that she is not here – well, whichever, this one is for you, Itch!

Children's Birthday Party = Cocktail Time

This morning was our daughter's 8th birthday party.  I think I mentioned in a previous post that we were doing a Polar Express themed movie  party.  I think everyone had a good time but boy, do these kid's parties suck the life out of you!  Don't get me wrong - I wouldn't have changed a thing and I do enjoy throwing them but it's exhausting.

By the time we cleaned up, packed the kid's in the car, loaded up the bags, drinks, presents and other stuff - in the torrential rain - I was done.  And it was only noon.


So, after the presents were opened, pulled apart and organized, it was time for some Mommy juice!

Pear Martini



Like the picture?  It was taken on my floor since my table and counters were filled with papers, dishes, wrapping paper, markers...you get the idea.  But, sitting on the floor to drink your martini is safer anyway.  Closer to the ground = softer landing when you've had too many.

3 oz. Trader Joe's Pear Cinnamon Cider
2 oz. Fresh Squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp sugar
3 oz. Vodka


In a shaker, add ice, and all above ingredients.  Shake well to combine sugar and chill liquid. Take some lemon juice or a piece of the squeezed lemon and run it around the rim of your martini glass. Pour some extra-fine sugar onto a small plate and run the rim of martini glass along the plate to coat with sugar.  Strain martini into glass and drink up!

For this cocktail, I used the Trader Joe's Pear Cinnamon Cider but you can substitue pear nectar if you are not near TJ's.  The cider is awesome and only available at this time of year so if you really like it, stock up now.  It comes in a 64 oz bottle.  If you are not going to use it all  - do not let it go to waste - freeze into ice cube trays and pop out into ziploc bags.  When you are in need of the juice just grab a couple of cubes and use for the drink.  These also make great ice cubes for sangria or other cocktails and by using the juice cubes, you will not water down your beverage.

Also, for the sugar rim, I used Lemon Sprinkles because I had them on hand.  But, like I said, you can use extra-fine sugar or regular sugar.  You can also kick it up by zesting some lemon into the sugar before you juice it for your drink.

Cheers to all my Mommy friends, non Mommy friends and anyone in need of a Martini - especially the ones who have just attended the kiddie parties!

2 suggestions...............

First suggestion - go see Andrea Bocelli live. Seriously.  He was amazing!  

I went last night to the Prudential Center in Newark courtesy of my Aunt Marie (aka Rie, Riezie, Auntie Rie).  Never before have I been so moved by a performance.  The sounds that came out of this man were simply unearthly. 

The tears came down as he performed "Con Te Partiro."

Honestly, I am no sap - and not much of a cryer either but, forget it.  The orchestra started up with those first couple of notes and I was done.  Hooked!

I felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman - the part where she goes to the opera and is bawling like a baby at the end.

Typically, I have always been more of a rocker chick.  With the exception of my deep love - dare I say - obsession with Sting.  And of course, the classic Frank Sinatra/Louis Prima era - especially when I am cooking. I definitely spent a lifetime back then.

I always liked Bocelli and respected what he could do with those vocals.  Download his music or better yet, buy a CD.  It is best listened to loud so you can "feel" it.  Turn it up and see what I mean. 

But, until you hear/see him live, you cannot possibly be able to appreciate what he truly can do.

Thank you Andrea for the beautiful performance.  And thank you, Rie, for the amazing night!  You're the best and I love you terribly!


Okay, the 2nd suggestion is a little less intense and serious.  It was a fun discovery from last night also.  (Thanks again Rie!)

Before the Bocelli concert, we went to dinner, of course!  We decided to go to Porcini's Restaurant in Totowa (awesome meal by the way!) which is a bring your own.  Love the bring your own bottle places!

So, we go into a local liquor store and the first bottle of wine I see is called - okay, can't remember - I'm still trying to find it and will post about it as soon as I do.  It was great and was called Opera something.  I bought it thinking it was appropriate for the evening.

As I perused further into the store, I found this one and could not resist:

The wine is Rebel Red by Middle Sister Wines. 

Honestly, I haven't even tried it yet but am looking forward to a glass later this evening.  I'll let you know.  But how bad can it be - a wine that celebrates the middle sister and sisterhood in general is okay in my book!

Here is what the back of the bottle says:

"Did you know that birth order is commonly believed to have a profound and lasting effect on psychological development?  And that the middle sister has a greater chance of having a special wine named just for her?  A sassy blend of our three favorite red varieties perfect for sipping before, during and after our favorite family meals.  Some people are just born lucky.  Now give me back my blouse."

Love it!!!

They have some other great wines on their website and some pretty cool swagger - great idea for the Christmas buying season! 

Hint hint.....

Order a gift and get a few bottles of wine for yourself.  One stop shopping - my kind of site!!

Lunch with Sue

So, in the midst of post Thanksgiving/pre-Christmas madness, I am also planning my daughter's 8th birthday.  Her birthday is not until January 2nd but last year we had her party before Christmas, so of course, she wanted to do it again this year.

Which, actually gives us a few more creative options.  Last year, we had brunch with Santa at Blue Moon, complete with sombreros and everything!  So, we had to top that!

My friend Sue's son just turned 8 in November and she was in the same boat as me.  We decided to split the venue and have a joint birthday party screening of The Polar Express, complete with kids in pj's and golden tickets. 

So, today, we decided to put together the favors - conveniently at lunchtime when we could have an excuse to have some food together.  Not that we really need an excuse or anything.  Anytime we are in the same room, there is food and drink involved.  This is one of the many reasons I love her. 

My favorite way to eat. My kids would call this a "snack lunch".  Little cheese, little fruit, little pepperoni.  Like I always say, the simplest things are the best. 

Okay, so actually the best part was............

I got the basic idea from a Sandra Lee cocktail but changed it a bit based on what was in the house.  For those of you really analyzing the photo, that is Mimi Sheraton's book Eating My Words on the table behind the food.  This week I decided I would like to be a food writer.

So, for the cocktail, this is what I did:

3/4 bottle Riesling (Caity had the other 1/4 on Thanksgiving) 
1/4 cup sugar 
1/4 cup triple sec
1/4 cranberry pomegranate juice
sliced orange

Pour all your ingredients into a pitcher and stir.  Refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors blend.

Now, if Caity (love you - had to throw your name in!) was not over and you are working with a full bottle of wine,  increase the rest of your ingredients to 1/2 cup. 

After favors were finished, we had a wonderful Apple Cobbler with vanilla ice cream for dessert that Sue made.  I planned on taking a picture but then Mary Ellen came over and we got to chatting so I lost focus.  Then there was a little bit left that I thought I would heat up and take a nice little photo of later on, but then I housed it before I got the chance. 

Sorry!  I'll post it along with a photo and recipe soon.  Another good excuse to get together.  Sue - hint, hint.........