Not Your Average College Late Night

About a year ago I first visited Frita Batido’s and was instantly wowed by their amazing flavors and college-friendly prices. Although this Cuban-inspired restaurant is not located nearby other late-night hangouts on South U or State Street, this should not stop you from heading over to satisfy your need for some late-night munchies.

On top of the savory Fritas (Cuban for “burger”) and sweet churros, Frita Batidos has a new addition that makes this even more appealing to college students – an exciting and varied drink menu.  The drink menu is sure to quench any late-night thirsts. Customers can choose between locally brewed beers, wine, Mojitos and make-your-own style Mix and Match Tumblers. If you’re in the mood for a sweeter drink – ask for a Batido (Cuban for “milkshake) with a splash of rum

On Monday-Friday if you head in between 4-6pm, or the last hour of service nightly, each item on the drink menu is only $3.50 (a steal for the already very reasonably priced drinks).Of course, there’s no better way to complement your drinks than with the other latest addition to the menu – the Chicken Frita. Although my personal favorite is the Fish Frita, the Chicken Frita is a close competitor. Simple yet packed with tons of flavor, this burger will definitely be a great addition to the other inexpensive burgers and sandwiches that fill the menu.

Here’s a glance at the treats Frita Batido’s has to offer:

Ready to late night with a big group of friends? Chef and owner Eve Aronoff recently debuted the “LOVE FEST”. If you bring 20+ people to Frita Batidos any night after 10pm and your group will be greeted with lots of complimentary food and treats to supplement your meal!! You can reserve your LOVEFEST by emailing frita@fritabatidos.com

Prices? All drinks, burgers and side are well under $10.

Atmosphere? Hip, young, inviting and great for large groups.

Best dish? Close call – my favorite will always be the Fish frita with Cilantro Lime Salsa, however if you’re a meat lover, I’d highly advise the Pulled Pork Sandwich.

Location: 117 W. Washington St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104

If you want to check out the menu before heading over:

Drink Menu: http://fritabatidos.com/drinks.pdf

Food Menu: http://fritabatidos.com/menu.pdf

THANK YOU FRITAS FOR THE LOVEFEST!! 

The Jefferson Diner

Location: 5 Bowling Green Pkwy #12 (Off Route 15) in Lake Hopatcong, NJ

The first time I passed a sign for the Jefferson Diner that boasted “#1 Diner in Morris County”, I was not sold on its claims.  However, months later as I salivated over the Moussaka being prepared on an episode of Food Network’s Diners, Drive-In’s and Dives, I abandoned all doubt and made it my mission to visit. Three years later, I continue to make it a routine stop on my way home from days on Lake Hopatcong.

I’ve anticipated blogging about this place since I kicked off the Jersey Diner Series and hope that this review will be able to capture what it is that makes the Jefferson Diner so irresistible.

With a large appetite and eagerness to eat some good food, we took on the Jefferson Diner’s huge menu in search of finding what it is that makes this a Top 5 Diner in NJ.

Here’s how we did it:

Soups, Soups, Soups!

While no matzo ball will ever compare to my grandmother’s, the light, fluffy and flavorful matzo balls were a close competitor and served with homemade chicken broth. I may be requesting some for Passover in Ann Arbor next year…

Burgers and fries:

Before getting into the burgers, I have to point out that when you come to Jefferson Diner, you MUST order the sweet potato fries. Fresh sliced and lightly fried, I advise ordering an extra plate to share for the table. To go alongside our fries, we tried out two very different, yet equally delicious burgers.

The Parmigiana burger, a char-grilled (and very fresh) burger on a bun with melted mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce, with an option of onion rings on the side.

The Curly Joe “Hammy” burger, a char-grilled burger on a bun topped with grilled ham and melted swiss cheese.

Both burgers were excellent, however, being both picky and a purist when it comes to burgers, I’d go for the Cool Hand “Duke” Burger, a hand rolled seasoned and pressed fresh black Angus sirloin, served on a toasted bun with melted American cheese.

Sandwiches:

Simplicity at it’s finest, the pastrami sandwich is stacked with thin sliced, smoky and peppery pastrami atop quality rye bread. A classic and no-fail diner selection.

Greek Dish:

Since watching it’s preparation on Food Network, I’ve been eager to try the Moussaka and thought that it’d be a perfect pick for the Jersey Diner Series. Stuffed and piled high with pan fried eggplant, zucchini, potatoes (all hand sliced) and chopped meat with a light cream farina layer on top, this entrée stole the meal. The sweetness of the light and creamy layer balances the robust flavors of the meat and vegetables. It is served with a Greek salad and pita and large enough to feed two people. ***HIGHLY RECOMMEND***

Although I strayed slightly away from my original meal guidelines of burgers, pancakes, omelets and a Greek entrée, it was all with good intention. Jefferson Diner’s quick service, welcoming wait staff, and palate-pleasing meals are what consecutively makes this diner one of the top rated in the state.

So head on over soon, I promise you won’t regret it.

If you want to check out their menus and other information before heading over, visit:  http://www.jeffersondiner.com/Home-page.html

The Clinton Station Diner

Location: Exit 13 off Route 78 West in Clinton, NJ

Coming from the Westfield area, Clinton is not exactly right around the corner. But to kick off the Jersey Diner Series, my cousin Dan, my brother Michael, and I, felt the 30-minute trip down Route 78 was necessary.  

The Clinton Station Diner hosts two different dining ambiances that both overlook a scenic area of 78: one half is a927 Blue Comet observation train car and the other is a much more cozy, family dining atmosphere lined with model train tracks suspended from the ceiling. The waitstaff was extremely friendly and happy to serve all their customers. We were also impressed by how quickly our rather large order was served (we did get some stares for ordering enough food for six even though there were only three of us).

Now onto the food. Clinton Station Diner had a fairly standard diner menu, with breakfast served around the clock, however, there were a few items that set this place apart from other diners.

Burgers and fries: The burger was juicy, flavorful and char-grilled to perfection. Their fries, hand cut from fresh potatoes, were wedge-sliced with a great balance of crunchy outside and soft, warm inside.

Hungry and ready for a challenge? Clinton Station Diner offers a prize of $5,000 to any ten people who can finish “The 8^th Wonder”, a burger that weighs in at 105lbs including the bun and toppings, in one hour.

If you’re interested in a small taste of their delicious burgers, try the “Nano Bites”, 0.4oz of the same ingredients in their larger burgers.

Pancakes: A perfectly portioned order of fluffy, light and buttery short stacks. 

Omelet: Greek omelet filled with feta cheese, tomatoes, onions and kalamata onions served with well-done hashbrowns that I could’ve mistaken for my grandmother’s latkes. Great way to start, or end, the day.

Greek Entrée: Spanakopita: flaky crust with the just-right balance of warm spinach and feta. Served alongside a Greek salad which on it’s own would be a delicious meal. **Best dish of the night**

Before leaving, we finished off this feast with two desserts: a chocolate mousse bomb and a vanilla shake. Although the shake was a little thin for my liking, the weight of the mousse bomb definitely compensated for it. Both desserts were amongst the many good-looking treats displaced with the other bakery selections.

If you want to check out their menu and other details before heading over:

http://www.clintonstationdiner.com/index.htm

Introducing: The Jersey Diner Series

If there’s one thing I missed about my home state, it is the diners. There are more diners in New Jersey than there are in the other 49 states combined. Each diner has its’ own distinct feel, specialty dish and waitstaff personality. This summer, I have made it my mission to find out what it is that makes Jersey diners infamous. I am prepared to travel north, south, east, west, from the shore, to the farms and the suburbs to find which diner reigns supreme.

I’ve chosen 4 diner classics: burger & fries, a Greek entrée (either spanikopita or moussaka), pancakes, and omelettes.

I’ll get to know the waitstaff and learn their personalities (every Jersey diner-goer remembers their favorite diner waitress…the one with the long fake nails, big hair, and too much makeup, who loves calling you “sweetie” or “hun”). Sure, this will only add to the workouts I have planned for this summer to keep in bikini-ready shape, but I know in the end the extra calories will be worth it.

So here it begins, my mission to find to find which diner has what it takes to be the ultimate Jersey diner. 

A Taste of Cuba in Ann Arbor

Warm and sunny Friday afternoons are a rare occasion during the winter in Ann Arbor. Looking to take full advantage of the weather, Jill, Jessie, Sarah, Jen and I ventured down towards Main Street with a final destination in mind: Frita Batidos.

Located on W. Washington St, right off of Main, Frita Batidos is a modern and flavorful flare on traditional Cuban dishes. The menu is simple: customers can choose between mouth-watering Fritas (Cuban for “burger”), side orders such as twice fried ripe plantains or variations of churros, for dessert. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can top your burger with muenster cheese or a sunny-side up egg. Every item on the menu is under $10 and you are sure to walk away feeling satisfied.

Here’s how we did Frita Batidos:

Fish Frita: Ground Michigan Whitefish blended with herbs and spices such as cayenne and cilantro, topped with lemon-scented mayo. Even better when topped with cilantro lime salsa.

Turkey Frita: Ground Turkey meat blended with herbs and spices and topped with lemon-scented mayo.

Black Bean Frita (not pictured): Blend of ground and whole black beans, blended with spices and herbs and topped with chipotle mayo.

***Chorizo Frita: Fresh ground chorizo blended with spicy herbs and spices, topped with sweet chili mayo. WINNER.

If you want to check it out before heading over, here’s their menu: http://www.fritabatidos.com/menu2.htm

Best dishes? Close call, but I’d advise any of the listed Fritas. They’re the perfect size, filled with flavor and topped with fresh shoestring fries, to round out your dining experience.

Atmosphere? A hip and modern ambiance with communal seating makes this dining experience both unique and enjoyable. If you’re looking for something away from campus that’s still a fun and relaxed environment, this is it.

Cost? With every dish under $10, Frita Batidos is college-budget friendly.