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!