Lolita’s Mexican Cantina, Westwood, NJ

Have you ever had a craving for some good old fashioned street tacos? We call that Tuesday in our house. Always looking for new adventures, we were excited when our neighbors suggested a new taco hot spot- this local suburban NJ Mexican Cantina called Lolita’s in Westwood (Bergen County).

Stepping into Lolita’s felt like stepping into an old family friendly Mexico City eatery with the brick walls, wooden tables, and vibrant colors complete with a full 360 degree bar as the centerpiece. There is a range of Mexican beers and the premium tequila collection sets the stage for some delicious margaritas. After all, what’s a taco without a margarita to wash it down?? Those who know me understand my love affair with spicy margaritas and Lolita’s did not disappoint with the “El Barrio”- a margarita concocted with jalapeno infused tequila!

Both times that we visited Lolita’s (Yes, we liked it so much we went back a few weeks later!) , we decided to make our own “family style” meal. The dishes come complete with 4 tacos, so we ordered multiple different flavors and them divvied them up!

Needless to say, our craving was satisfied! The food was fresh and delicious and the servings were the perfect amount- we felt full but not regretfully overstuffed. Here is what we ate:

Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle Aioli and Avocado
Beer Battered Fish Tacos with Mango slaw
Carne Asada Tacos with Guacamole and Pico de Gallo
Crispy Chicken Tacos with Avocado and Pico de Gallo


And I wouldn’t be doing our visit justice if I didn’t mention the Mexican Street Corn, which was AMAZING!

Also pictured: Mexican Meatballs, Handmade Guacamole, Rice and Beans, and Flautas.

Tacos are not the only food served at Lolita’s- the menu is complete with empanadas, quesadillas, paellas, enchiladas, and more! So if you are in NJ and looking for a night out with some delicious Mexican food, check it out!

For more information visit Lolita’s Website www.LolitasMexicanCantina.com

Buen Provecho!

The Green Pear Cafe- Hoboken, NJ

Having a gluten allergy, I am always looking for allergy friendly restaurants.  This gem on the back streets of Hoboken was a great find.  Located between Newark and 1st on Grand, you can stop by for a coffee to go or sit at one of the tables to enjoy a full breakfast or lunch (outdoor seating also available).  There are many gluten free options available on the menu, including a variety of gluten free pancakes, gluten free crepes, and gluten free arepa sandwiches.  The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is relaxing.  Make this your next stop for breakfast or lunch!

My Gluten Free Menu pick:

Italian Arepa: Gluten Free cornbread Arepa with Fresh Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Greens, Prosciutto, and Pesto. 

This is perfect combination of sweet and savory!!

The Green Pear Cafe
Italian Arepa Sandwich

For the full menu and hours visit www.greenpearcafe.com

Vinnie’s Mootz- Lyndhurst, NJ

Southern Italians have been hand making fresh mozzarella since Roman times.  This mild cheese was originally made from the rich milk of water buffalos in Naples. It was created when cheese curds accidentally fell into a bowl of hot water in a cheese factory, thus, Fresh mozzarella was born, or “mootz” as it is so lovingly called.  Today, fresh mozzarella is found in most grocery stores or food outlets.  However, like with all things, quality plays a role. 

I have had my fair share of Fresh Mozzarella in my life, including in Italy itself, however few to none compare to Vinnie’s Mootz in Lyndhurst, NJ.  Vinnie Morelli, the Fresh Mozzarella Chef at Vinnie’s Mootz, spent his summers in Italy as a child.  This is where his mother and grandmother taught him how to make the perfect mozzarella that he sells today in his Lyndhurst store.  Vinnie is a winner of Hoboken’s “Mutzfest” for homemade recipe.  He combines high quality ingredients with the perfect amount of love and time, creating the yummiest, creamiest most delicious mozzarella this side of Italy. 

Vinnie sells basic fresh mozzarella, as well as his specialties including burrata (to die for!!!), and his signature “Spicy Mootz” which is sundried tomatoes and sriracha sauce rolled into his fresh mozzarella, making a flavorful combination of melt-in-your-mouth goodness.  For the fall season he has cooked up a special pumpkin burrata, with just a subtle hint of pumpkin creaminess.  Other specialties include strawberry burrata, pepperoni mozzarella, and roasted peppers and prosciutto mozzarella.  If you love mozzarella (and who doesn’t??), you need to make time in your day to drop by Vinnie’s Mootz.  It’s the only place we purchase our Mozzarella and I promise you won’t be disappointed.  Vinnie also holds mozzarella making classes on Monday nights (by appt).  For more information, visit the website below.  Happy cheese eating!

265 Ridge Road
Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
201-697-0203
www.vinniesmootz.com

Meet Vinnie
Pumpkin Burrata and Roasted Red Peppers with Prosciutto Mozzarella

The Turning Point- Hoboken

Turning Point has been a steady Hoboken breakfast spot for several years now.  We have never had a bad experience here and the food is always fresh.  Turning Point originated in Little Silver, NJ and its success has grown to over 15 locations, even expanding into Pennsylvania.  

Breakfast options range from french toast and pancakes to their popular “skillets” to healthy dishes such as the “Garden Frittata”.  Their extensive list of coffees, teas and juices is also impressive. 

GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS!

Restaurants everywhere are starting to provide gluten free or gluten sensitive menus; Turning Point has joined the club!  They have a separate menu for gluten sensitivity, just ask your server, or you can check out the website. 

My GLUTEN FREE pick (from the “Fall Specials” Menu):

Cali Flatbread: Cauliflower crust topped with grilled chicken, chopped bacon, caramelized onions, spinach, diced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and chipotle drizzle.

Cali Flatbread
Walk on the Beach Juice: carrots, golden beets, apple, lemon and digestive aid ginger

You can visit the Turning Point Hoboken location at:

1420 Frank Sinatra Dr.
Hoboken, NJ 07030
(201) 222-3797
7:30am to 3pm 7 Days a Week

For more information, visit their website at www.theturningpoint.biz