(cnbnews.net) WEST COLLINGSWOOD HEIGHTS NJ--Greetings, Gentle Readers, and thank you for stopping by. Since I’ve had several requests for my review series again, I decided to start with a local legend. My companion and I headed for West Collingswood Heights, titillated with local tales of epic culinary delights. Rexy’s Restaurant, around since 1943, is a bright star with the misfortune of being located near a building advertising cheap dentures and a strip of fast-food kiosks with flapping Chicken Parma flags and grammatically-incorrect banners. On the outside, Rexy’s is a confused combination of Spanish and Italian architecture with a bit of... Continue reading

(cnbnews.net) GLOUCESTER CITY NJ-Move over, McMichael's! There's a new kid in town. The Whiskey Barrel is located at 200 Jersey Avenue in Gloucester City. Formerly the site of Heavy's on the Harbor, this recently renovated hot spot is a place where workmen come for a pilsner and then go home to fetch the wife and kiddies for dinner. My companion and I stopped by out of curiosity one fine September afternoon and, after being warmly greeted by Jeff the Chef, decided to stay for a late lunch. We were glad we did. Alissa, our server (who was also tending bar)... Continue reading

Dear Gentle Readers: I announced several months ago that I would return with my cafe critiques once in a blue moon, so in light of the celestial skies my small clique of merrimakers decided to celebrate in style with a trip to Max's Seafood Cafe. We were warmly welcomed by Michael, a charming young man whose historical knowledge of the restaurant delighted us between courses. John, our server, was prompt in his appearance and quite knowledgeable in his menu directives. A friendly fellow placed a somewhat lackluster basket of bread before us and one of my few negative responses of... Continue reading

cnbnews.net On a steamy summer evening my companion and I decided to dine at a casual local eatery. Our decision was a difficult one; Gloucester City has become a mecca of modern dining choices unequaled in any other South Jersey locale. While strolling the boulevard we came upon a tiny, well-lit establishment that boasted fresh pizza, pasta, and sandwiches, reasonably priced and quickly served. We hastened to enter and find seats among the rows of picnic-style tables. The individual behind the counter suggested that, due to the limited space, we shout out our order when we had decided upon it.... Continue reading

IndeBlue Indian Cuisine, 619 Collings Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08107 856-854-4633. (cnbnews.net)In the spirit of adventure your gal, Rita decided to explore the mysteries of India without driving further than good old Collingswood, NJ. My companion and I entered the cozy, immaculate restaurant and were immediately greeted by the exotic smells of coriander, mango, and cilantro. Our host seated us at a lovely cherrywood table adorned with black linen napkins and pointed out several afternoon specials on the well-appointed menu. We ordered spinach and cheese naan (bread) and the host brought it promptly, along with hot, sweet chai tea. It took... Continue reading

cnbnews.net It was a dark and stormy night and your gal Rita was in the mood for food. Having no desire to travel more than a mile or so, I decided to sup 'in the 'hood' at the newest restaurant in Gloucester City! Yes, Gentle Readers, Pat's Family Restaurant has re-opened. I spent considerable time looking at the entrance-way and restaurant walls before entering the actual dining area. The pictures are historical in nature and show a great deal of Gloucester City in its first Glory Days. I say 'first' because, with restaurants like Pat's, this town will surely make... Continue reading

Hello, again Gentle Readers! Due to the kind requests of several fans I, Roving Rita, will again offer up reviews of restaurants in the Gloucester City, Audubon, Haddon Heights, Bellmawr, Mt Ephraim, and Brooklawn area. On a cold week-night, my companion and I embarked on our hunt for the perfect evening meal. Once again, our choice was Lillian's Cafe (34 W Merchant St, Audubon 08106, 856-547-1902), a charming BYOB in the heart of Audubon's shopping district. We arrived at 6:30 PM and, after standing about uncertainly, a customer seated at a nearby table instructed us to "sit anywhere". Our waitress... Continue reading

I must admit, gentle readers, that I only experienced Whata Weiner as a delivered meal. Miss Rita is getting far too fragile to traverse the icy streets of our fair city, at night. Therefore, I decided to experience the flavor at home. I ordered several of their specialties and took a generous taste of each dish. I felt it was important to mention this because previously, I was accused of being 'bloated' and thus unable to do justice with my now-famous palate-related column. And so, with much forethought I am spending a quiet Friday evening writing to you, dear friends,... Continue reading

Dear Gentle Readers, I want McMichael's, located at 157 S. Burlington St in Gloucester City, to succeed. I truly do. It is conveniently located, has a lovely, rustic decor, and the prices are reasonable. However, that is when the first scary dip on the rollercoaster takes hold. My companion and I entered during Happy Hour and indeed, the atmosphere was jubilant. There was a wonderful acoustic guitarist/vocalist performing, the bar crowd was upbeat, and our server (Ashley) was cheerful and competent. The beer was cold and plentiful (although it would have been nice to have had a beer and wine... Continue reading

Although I did not intend to review this particular eat in--take out establishment I felt as though I should, for several reasons. First, it is a local business and I am fond of the idea of shopping (and dining) locally. Second, there were a few comments regarding the wings and I wanted to taste for myself how good or bad they could be. In order to remain anonymous I chose to pick up an order when the owners were not on the premises. With a bit of help from my companion I took the order home and we sat down... Continue reading