O'Reilly's Pub - Dinner

Chicken Pot Pie ($12.00) - second time around
They have improved their chicken pot pie. There is much more substance to it with big chunks of chicken and more vegetables. It still is covered with the puff pastry which when it gets wet from the gravy while eating, looses all its puff and becomes a strange texture. At this meal I also had their New England clam chowder (a special) which was wonderful. It had a great flavor, was thick enough but not gluey thick like many diners make it. It also was not a glaring white but had a slight tan color which is how it would turn out from making it at home and browning some things. A good choice. I continue to like this place on lower Spring Street. Visit it if you haven't yet. It is a great addition to Newton's food places.

Salsa - Dinner

Soft Tacos with shredded pork ($7.99)
When I sat down at the table I was asked if I wanted the hot or regular salsa with my chips. I asked for hot but they discouraged me but I insisted. It was a green salsa...spicey hot with a nice flavor. I did not find it overly hot.. but I like spicy food. The soft tacos come with a choice of steak, chicken, or one of two kinds of pork. I went with the pork (which one I am not sure.) The plate had for soft tacos with the meat, a bunch of freshly chopped chilantro, and some sliced radishes. It would have been fine for a lunch but not enough for a dinner. I had flan for desert and WOW, I have never had such smooth, silky flan with no separated water. There was a sweet syrup over it. VERY nice. I ordered the black bean soup to go because I loved it so much. Be aware that the packing of the soup was not in a good containor and it was all over in the bag when I got home. I am sure it will taste great for tomorrows lunch. They have a take-out menu but they do not deliver. I really like the flavors in this place but if I get the soft tacos, I will also get a soup to fill out the meal. Be sure to try out this place. It is just down from the Newton Theatre on Spring St, across from Rite Aide. There is a parking lot around back.

O'Reilly's Pub - Dinner

Chicken Pot Pie ($12.00)
This was my first disappointment at this place. The pot pie was a bowl of something like a thick chicken soup (the pieces of chicken about twice the size of sugar cubes) with puff pastry on top. It tasted very nice but there was little substance.. in fact I had to ask for a tablespoon to eat most of it. I prefer a pie crust on a pot pie but what disappointed me here was the lack of body (and chicken) in the pot pie. Hopefully they will improve this dish. I can't wait to go back to try their "bangers and mash" and one of their wonderful looking hamburgers. O'Reilly's is on lower Spring St (in what used to be Flapjacks.) They have a liquor license and the bar with two wide screen tvs was busy on this weekend evening. There is a small parking lot and parking on the street. This is a pleasant, homey place that serves just what they say.. pub food. Be sure to try it out. The service could be a little faster, but they obviously make everything there.
NOTE: read my latest entry on their chicken pot pie. They have improved it.

Salsa - dinner

Enchiladas with mole sauce ($8.99)
My dinner plate contained three enchiladas with a rich mole sauce which had a pleasant bite to it. On the plate was also Mexican rice, shredded lettuce with tomato and refried beans that had some body to them. I ordered as a prelude at $3.99 (which I didn't need) the black bean soup which came in a large bowl. It had a dark flavorful broth and plenty of beans. The soup was garnished with a lot of chopped fresh cilantro and diced raw onions. This soup was the star of the evening. For desert I had a pound cake soaked in three kinds of milk.. evaporated, sweetened.. and I don't know. It was very moist and sweet. The restaurant is located in the strip mall just down from the Movie theatre on Spring St, across from Rite Aid. There is an adequate parking lot behind the building. This place has also taken over the next store unit so it is very roomy. It has pleasant Mexican decorations, some historical and fun.. but not too gaudy as some Mexcian places do. Although I had the soup and dessert which I did not need, the bill was under $20.00. The place is a good alternative in Newton... inexpensive... Mexican. They are opened for lunch and dinner and breakfast on Sunday. Give this place a shot. In these hard times we need good food at reasonable prices.

O'Reilly's Pub and Grill - Dinner

Shepherd's Pie ($12.00)
Newton now has an honest to goodness pub. My shepherd pie had lots of ground beef, peas and onions, topped with evidently home mashed potatoes with melted REAL cheddar cheese on top. It looked like something I would make at home.. and very satisfying. The meals come with a salad of iceberg lettuce with thick slices of onions and sweet red peppers. It looked like a home-made salad. I ordered a dessert of apple crisp. The apples had large slices (with skin as I prefer) with a buttery crisp along a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This place looks like a true pub that fell out of the 1950s. Everything is.. and looks home-made. No trendy menu here.. just a traditional pub food. They even have "Bangers and Mash!" There is a wide selection of 1/2 pound burgers and some meal salads.. all reasonably priced. O'Reilly's is on lower Spring Street in Newton next to G&S, in what used to be Flapjacks (plus a lot of other places.) Check out this place for real good and satisfying pub food, not a bar trying to be a restaurant. They are opened for lunch and dinner.. and they do deliver. I can't wait to go back and try their pulled pork on cornbread.

Town and Country - Lunch

Spinach Pie & Greek Salad ($6.95)
Town and Country is a great luncheonette - if you don't mind using plastic utensils and eating a foam plates. The meals are all home-made and they are very friendly. They make the spinach pie special about twice month and I always try to get it. The spinach pie is tasty and the crust is not rubbery like at many diners because they make it fresh that day. The "Greek salad" is not a traditional Greek salad, but rather, carrots, celery, onions, tomatoes, black olives, green peppers, and cherry pepper rings with feta cheese. For them.. it holds well it is tasty.. just not traditional. They are busy but also operate like a smooth oiled machine. Go there for breakfast or lunch (they close at (4:00 pm) They are located in the strip mall at the corner of Woodside Avenue and Newton-Sparta Road. There is a small lot. Make sure you visit this place for lunch. It is one of Newton's treasures.

Asian Island - Dinner

Grilled Sea Bass $20.00
The Asian Island is a Japanese restaurant in Sparta (next to the Post Office.) They have a lot of shushi and a shushi bar.. but I don't care for that so I asked for a recommendation the the Sea Bass was suggested. It was one of the more expensive things on the menu but was well worth it. The fish was served on a bed of diagonally sliced blanched asparagus with three sauces around it.. one was a mango sauce. There was also halved new potatoes, fried and the fish was topped with a flower blossom. I was not aware that the meal came with soup and salad, so I ordered the $6.00 Shumai (steamed shrimp dumplings.) These were wonderful with the dipping sauce. The soup that came with the meal was nice (could not identify it) and had small diced tofu in it. I don't usually like the fish stock of Japanese soup but this was good. The simple salad was dressed with some kind of Asian inspired dressing... Asian meals don't usally come with a salad, but I always like one. I drank tea which was a cloudy green tea with ground leaves in the bottom of the cup. The tea had a very pleasant body and flavor. My meal totalled for less than $30.00 but I got an expensive item along with an appetizer which I didn't need. The Asian Island is a pleasant, small restaurant. Since it is in the strip mall at the Post Office in Sparta, there is plenty of parking. I had an excellent dining experience. If you like Japanese food, check it out for a change. It has been opened for a year and I just heard about it.

La Baita - Dinner

Salmon Vincente's (19.95)
The entree came with either a choice of soup or salad. I chose the salad which was a single kind of lettuce, onions, and cherry tomatoes, dressed correctly with a vinaigrette (nicely seasoned with the correct amount of oil.) The salmon was cooked perfectly.. flaky and moist in a tasty wine sauce with mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, and artichoke hearts. The plate also had some nicely cooked vegetables and a wedge of a smaller potato - cooked perfectly, crispy on the outside while being soft and flaky on the inside. Things like side order potatoes are not always cooked correctly and this was. There was plenty to eat. The meal also came with a part of a warmed and slightly crispy part of an Italian bread loaf. I chose a desert - a cannoli which was drizzled with chocolate sauce. The shell was crisp and filled on order. The whole meal experience was wonderful. With this salad, entree with vegetables, dessert and coffee, my tab was under $30.00. That is a good price for an excellent meal at a quality resaurant. La Baita is in the former "Memories' Ice Cream Palor" on 7 Woodside Avenue. If you want to BYOB, Seplow's liquor store is off the same parking lot . If you haven't this place yet, be sure not to miss it for a fine Italian dining experience right in the heart of Newton, with adequate, free parking.

JC's Grill House - Dinner

Grilled Salmon $19.00
I ordered the grilled salmon with crab sauce. For $2.00 extra I added a house salad which was a nice option. The main course was spectacular - salmon cooked perfectly with a tasty crabmeat sauce. The vegetables were not overcooked, slightly crispy, just the way I like although some people may think they are undercooked. The rice mixture (white and long grain) was cooked well; the grains were separate and moist. The salad was a varied mixture of greens with freshly cut cucumber and some cherry tomatoes. Unfortunately the salad was over dressed with the vinaigrette which was way over seasoned and was mostly vinegar - not enough oil. When I was finished with the salad there was a puddle of vinegar on the plate. The french bread was warmed in the oven to the point of being too crispy - it broke when it was buttered. Finally, the waitress never came back and asked if everything was ok. Overall, it was a great dining experience. If those three minor things were improved, it would have been excellent. This is a great restaurant, reasonably priced with good food. JC’s Grill House is on Spring Street in the center of Newton. There is plenty of parking on the street or in nearby lots. Give it a shot.

County Seat - Dinner

Shepard's Pie ($12.99)
The meal was served in its own dish - gravy with chopped meat and a few vegetables. It was covered with mashed potatoes and baked with a crust on top. The dish was presented with three onion rings. This was the first item at the new County Seat in which I have been disappointed. The presentation was blah (tan and brown with a garnish of onion rings.) Under the mashed potatoes there was very little meat or vegetables. I am used to shepard's pie being a hearty, solid dish and this was not. The only high point was the three onion rings. They were real onions and fried to a nice crisp. The County Seat is just north of Newton on Route 206. You must park across 206 in the lot diagonally across from the restaurant. Give it a try.. just maybe not the shepard's pie.

Taste of Newton

Once again, "The Taste of Newton" is arriving on the scene - Monday September 8 from 7-10 p.m. Everyone who has a ticket gets to sample dishes from a number of local restaurants. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time for $50.00 by phoning (973) 300-0433 or (973) 940-32172. There are a limited number of tickets but it they are available, the will be $60.00 at the door. See you there!

County Seat - Lunch

Pulled Pork Sandwich ($7.99)
The sandwich was served on a multi-grain roll which was not heavy at all. The pulled pork was toped with a coleslaw. You had a choice of a salad or french fries. I chose salad. Once again, as last time, it was a great salad with a mix of lettuce, dressed nicely with a balsamic vinaigrette. This was a tasty lunch at a decent price. The County Seat is just north of Newton on 206, at Clinton St, across from the Exxon station. Parking is diagonally across 206 in a dirt lot.

Hampton Diner - Dinner

Fire Roasted Salmon (14.95 or 15.95 - not sure) on Atkins Menu
This dish is spice covered salmon on a LARGE bed of roasted fresh vegetables. There is a substantial amount of fish and an incredible pile of vegetables... I had to take home some vegetables. This is a tasty dish. The fish and vegetables were cooked just right. The Hampton Diner is just north of Newton on 206 and has a large parking lot. It is a pleasant place to eat and the service is fine.

Narin Thai - Dinner

Hot Pepper (Pad Krapao) with chicken $11.00
Once again I had a delightful dinner at this Thai restaurant on the square in Newton. It is nice having a different cuisine available in the area... we all should support it. Since the prices are so good, there is no problem getting a soup or appetizer. I chose "Golden Triangle" ($5.00) which is fried bean curd served with a spicy tamarind peanut sauce. The triangles were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside (kind of like scrambled egg.) I told the waiter that I like hot things... yet the sauce, although tasty, was far from spicy. I barely could notice any spice heat. The hot pepper with chicken was a delightful mix of vegetables and diced chicken with a flavorful sauce. There was a nice hint of licorice in dish which may indicate that one of the vegetables was fennel. I liked it. The atmosphere is wonderful in this small restaurant. The staff is informed and pleasant. The menu fully explains all the dishes so you don't have to figure out what an unfamiliar name is. This is my third time here and my only complaint is that, even when asked for, the food is not spicy hot. I had heard that Thai food was "blow your head off hot." It definitely is not here. There is no parking lot for the restaurant, but at dinner time, there is plenty of parking around the square, up 206 or on Spring St. They say on the menu "call ahead for curbside pickup."

County Seat - Dinner

Adobe Chicken ($13.99) - special, not on regular menu
I started with a tri-color salad ($4.99) which was the best salad I have had in a long time... mixed greens with some bitter ones like watercress. It was lightly dressed with a house balsamic vinegar dressing. My chicken was served with a Mexican type rice, average guacamole on a bed a shredded lettuce. The chicken breast was spicy, yet flavorful (not just hot.) It was covered with a wonderful creamy corn salsa and the whole thing was topped off with freshly fried noodles (which I could have done without.) I splurged and had the warm bread pudding for dessert which was delightfully rich, served with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. I drank iced tea with my dinner (which was refilled at no cost) and a cup of coffee with dessert. For all of that, it cost me $30.47. Hooray for the new owners of the County Seat who have taken a dark bar which sold some pretty good food, to a bright (new big window added) quality restaurant with a bar (half the size of the old one.) This is a great choice in Newton for a nice restaurant at a reasonable price. Since I always like a salad with my meal, I would have liked to see a small salad included with dinner.
The County Seat is just down the hill from the Newton square, north on 206 (across from the Exxon station.) They have their own parking lot but it is across 206 (which has always bothered me) but it is not hard to cross with the extra lane in the middle at that point. You now enter the restaurant from the 206 side (not down the alley.) Watch out, there are two doors in the front, take the right one.. the one on the left leads upstairs. Try the NEW County Seat out. You will be pleased.

El Mejicano Restaurant - Lunch

Enchiladas Mole Poblano - $12.95
Since it was a glorious day, we chose to sit out on the deck under colorful umbrellas. I noticed that they have outdoor heaters for the deck (when needed.) For our appetizer we ordered the fresh guacamole which was wonderfully rich and chuncky. I would have preferred it a little spicier with some jalapeno. The one order of guacamole was so rich that it was plenty for the four people at our table. My enchiladas mole poblano had a wonderfully flavorful mole sauce. I could taste the chocolate and cinnamon. It was a very rich sauce and I think I would have been better over whole pieces of chicken rather than on enchiladas. When the meal was over, I was stuffed with two rich dishes. For those of you who are interested, El Mejicano does not presently have a liquor license but they said they will be getting one . The do have a "bar" and will provide mixers. I have been here twice now and the service is a tad slow (not overly so) , but the food is great. The restaurant is at the corner of Routes 23 and 517 in Franklin (about 14 miles from Newton.)

El Mejicano Restaurant - Lunch

Enchiladas Suizas #12 - $8.25
Before the meal, we were presented with taco chips and salsa. Before I go much further, I should explain that I am not very familiar with "authentic Mexican food" so these comments are my opinions not based on comparing the food to traditional Mexican food. My two Enchilados were served in a nice presentation of rice, beans, and shredded iceberg lettuce. The refried beans (with melted cheese) were smoother and more soupier than I have in other places. I wanted to try to green sauce (Suizas) on the enchiladas. The sauce was wonderful with a flavorful vinegary bite to it. The shredded chicken inside was hand shredded with large chunks. I can tell it was home shredded because there was a small bone in mine. When we were finished were presented, at no charge, with a desert (probably something special for new customers) of a deep fried banana in a flour tortilla, covered with syrup and a scoop of strawberry ice cream and whipped cream on the top. The restaurant is pleasant, well-lit, and colorful with adequate parking. Outside there is a large deck with umbrellas if you want to eat outside. The place is on the corner of 23 and 517 (about a 30 drive from Newton) - just take Newton-Sparta Road all the way to 23 in Franklin. The parking lot entrance is actually on Munsonhurst Road, once block in from 23 on 517. If this place were closer, I would go there frequently...I enjoyed it the most of our now three Mexican restaurants. Be sure to try it. Dinner prices are a little more with the most expensive item being $23.95.

Yetter's Diner - Lunch

Tuscany Salad $8.95 ($10.95 with chicken Breast)
This is a wonderful salad with a variety of greens (similar to the spring mix bag in the grocery store.) It also has sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced large portabello and roasted red peppers. The salad is served in a large bowl, laid out nicely for a nice presentation. A special dressing is served on the side. There is plenty to eat with the cheese, so you may not want the chicken breast (opt for the balsamic marinated chicken breast if you want it.) This is a wonderful meal on a hot day.

Hampton Diner - Lunch

Greek Salad - $7.95 Whenever I go anywhere and order a Greek Salad, I always ask for the small, which is cheaper and is generally almost the same size as the large. The Greek salad at the Hampton Diner is my favorite around here. It contains, iceberg lettuce, peppers, onions, tomatoes, anchovies, black olives (with pits), feta cheese, and stuffed graped leaves. The thing I really like about their Greek salad is that they create it in a bowl, break up (not dice) the feta cheese and toss it in the bowl before plating it. This partially emulsifies the cheese with the dressing - not like most places that make a salad, dice some feta cheese and then sprinkle the dressing over the whole thing. At the Hampton Diner the anchovies and grape leaves are added at the end. One other thing that I like.... the stuffed grape leaves are much lighter (or less dense) than others I have eaten around here. I don't know if they make their own, but they are good. - NOTE: I have not added much to this blog lately because I am trying to lose weight and it is difficult to be careful when eating out.

Riviero Maya - Dinner

Mixote $13.95 I asked the waiter for something with a strong flavor and he gave me the Mixote (steamed pork in a tomato sauce.) It was very tasty and was served with rice and beans and some mixed vegetables. Unfortunately the mixed vegetables were ICE cold, like they were taken straight from the refrigerator and laid on the plate. The waiter never came back to see how the food was until it was time to ask for dessert. He apologized and I expressed my displeasure again asking him to please tell the cook. He apologized again but did not offer anything. It was not until I was leaving that I saw he did not charge me for my cocktail. They have finished decorating the place and it is charming. New carved chairs from Mexico (which I found uncomfortable) the the decorative painting was complete. They menu has been simplified from last time. Riviero Maya is in what used to be Mama Roni's on 206 North of Branchville. It has a parking lot. I have been told by friends that they have been there and it was VERY crowded. Hopefully my next visit will be more pleasant.