Neighborhood Character

People and the places they populate generate neighborhood character. I’m not talking about the franchise joints tested by marketing focus groups. I’m talking about your corner bar, barbershop, or back room, where, for whatever reason, people congregate. I like these places. The social fireworks are fun to watch. Hence, the photo of me with Sandy, the bartender at Bonk’s Bar.

Dan and Sandy at Bonk's

Bonk’s Bar features all the usual action of a corner tavern: local color, reliable booze, minimal interference from skyscraper geniuses looking to make everything the same. It’s been more than 20 years since I first set foot in there. Looking forward to many more years doing the same. Support your local establishments. They’re worth it.

 

Published in: on June 19, 2013 at 12:58 pm  Leave a Comment  
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George’s Place, Cape May

Stopped in to George’s Place for a nice lunch in Cape May, NJ recently. This place has been on several TV shows, but I just like local joints that serve up someone’s specialties. Greek food is on the menu, so we started with pita and hummus that you see here.

Pita and hummus at George's Place, Cape May.

Pita and hummus at George’s Place, Cape May.

That pita was super fresh and light, as was the hummus. Then we enjoyed gyros, like the chicken one you see in the next photo:

Checken gyro at George's Place, Cape May, NJ.

Checken gyro at George’s Place, Cape May, NJ.

Dig that sauce! Very good, with some subtlety that I wasn’t expecting. Nice. The tomatoes, onions, and lettuce all crunchy fresh which added a nice contrast. It’s served with those veggie sticks for those keeping a bit healthy. Get a side of fries or something to boost your cholesterol. A good meal with good service. Worth a stop if you’re in Cape May.

Lunch at General Store, Aruba

General Store is one of Aruba’s main hardware supply houses. They have a great selection of electrical goods as well, everything from wire and circuit breakers to clamps, junction boxes, and switches. They also have a cafe where you can get lunch, and if you’re lucky, watch the airplanes taking off from Queen Beatrix Airport across the road. Today, I stopped for some supplies and decided to try the lunch. I went through the buffet line for a chicken teriyaki with two vegetable sides that you see in the photo below:

Chicken Teriyaki at General Store, Aruba.

Chicken Teriyaki at General Store, Aruba.

The food isn’t awesome, but it’s pretty good. Besides, you’re there anyway to get the hardware, paint, or whatever else you needed. Might as well have something to eat before getting back to work. Bon dia.

Published in: on March 28, 2013 at 7:17 pm  Comments (1)  
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Amadeus Restaurant, Aruba

Enjoyed a darn good meal at Amadeus recently. This restaurant is located slightly inland from the main tourist area. It’s an easy drive and well worth the visit. So, let’s get to the food. There was a garden salad as you see here (sorry about the lack of light, fixed in later photos):

Garden Salad at Amadeus, Aruba

Garden Salad at Amadeus, Aruba

Nice and fresh that salad. There was also an escargot, which is served in a mushroom sauce as you see here:

Escargot at Amadeus, Aruba.

Escargot at Amadeus, Aruba.

Plenty of the little buggers in there, too. Also had an order of coconut shrimp which were fried nice and crispy. Take a look:

Coconut Shrimp at Amadeus, Aruba.

Coconut Shrimp at Amadeus, Aruba.

I liked the bit of greens on the side, a nice touch. Before we get to the entrees, let me say the service at Amadeus is also very good. Okay, more food. Here comes the sea bass:

Sea Bass at Amadeus, Aruba.

Sea Bass at Amadeus, Aruba.

Notice the veggies are bright and tasty. Then there was an order of ribs.

Rack of Ribs at Amadeus, Aruba.

Rack of Ribs at Amadeus, Aruba.

And then there was a beef tornados, which I can personally say was done just right and very flavorful.

Beef Tornedos at Amadeus, Aruba.

Beef Tornedos at Amadeus, Aruba.

Finally, a roast duck, which was reported by a friend to be spot on for flavor and texture. Here’s a look:

Roast Duck at Amadeus, Aruba.

Roast Duck at Amadeus, Aruba.

There was dessert, but it was ice-cream and a few other small treats. Very full after this meal. Amadeus gets it right and the prices are very fair. Again, take the time to make the short drive. You’ll enjoy it.