Brunch all day at PJ's Pancake House (Princeton)

PJ'S SPECIAL OMELETTE, BUCKWHEAT PANCAKES W/ STRAWBERRIES ($12)

STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE ($5)

SIDE ORDER OF BACON ($5)

One of my favorite brunch and breakfast places in New Jersey. Far better than most diner foods, because there is a variety of pancake (buckwheat, fruit, chocolate chip).I typically get some sort of egg-bacon dish. I love their omelettes because they have many add-ins and you can substitute with egg whites / egg beaters.
The omelette dishes come with either hashed browns and bread, or 3 abundant slices of buttermilk pancakes (which you can substitute and add on to for different options).
Their coffee, orange juice, milkshakes, and smoothies are so fresh! I can never resist ordering at least one.
In addition to breakfast foods, they have the typical sandwiches and salads that are served (but as of today, I have yet to try those).
As a huge fan of bacon, I want to note  that their bacon is always crispy and satisfying :)
Fun fact: in January 2013, Ben Affleck and Justin Timberlake filmed a scene here!

Price range: $5-$15

PJ's Pancake House's Homepage

154 Nassau Street Princeton, NJ 08540 (Central NJ)

Pasta and Dessert at Metro North (Princeton)

CHICKEN SALTIMBUCCA W/ PROSCIUTTO AND SPINACH AND WHOLE WHEAT PENNE ($13); MOLTEN LAVA CHOCOLATE CAKE ($10)

Metro North offers a great selection of American and Italian dishes. Their steak, chicken, pasta, and seafood entrées are always flavorful and never disappointing! I absolutely love the atmosphere, it's so comfortable, warm, and not-crowded. It even has a great fireplace.

The main dishes are never sparing in major ingredients. Notice in my chicken pasta dish above, there is an abundance of garlic. Never lacking in herbs and ingredients.
Their appetizers are very diverse and, of course, tasty. Great for a large group of people.
The dessert menu has a standard price, but the chocolate lava cake is served hot (prepared fresh after ordering) and the ice cream and fruit / cream pairs well with the sweet, warm chocolate.

Price: $7-$15
Metro North's Homepage
378 Alexander Street, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA (Central NJ)

Fat Sandwich at Hoagie Haven

HEART STOP ($5 for half)

BUFFALO FRIES ($3)

Ever heard of a Fat Sandwich? The infamous "fat sandwich" originated at Rutgers University (Adam from "Man vs.Food" competed in the Fat Sandwich Grease Trucks challenge there). But, the ever-popular Hoagie Haven has the best fat sandwiches, by far. The bread, meat, and vegetables are far fresher, therefore, better tasting! Most sandwich halves are less than $5, yet very filling. In addition, they have plenty of sandwich types, including, breakfast, hot, cold, and your generic deli sandwiches.

Note: definitely try their "Sanchez" sauce on pretty much anything. Also, try out their buffalo fries (pictured below). Most of their fries side orders are $1.50-$2.50!

Price: $2-$8
Hoagie Haven's Homepage
242 Nassau St, Princeton, NJ 08542, USA (Central NJ)

Taiwanese Buffet at Asia Buffet

BEEF NOODLE SOUP,  PORK RICE, DUMPLINGS, DOUGH STICKS

One of the few Taiwanese buffets out there! It's only $7 for lunch, and $13 for dinner and weekends (prices may vary, I'm not too positive!). They have traditional Taiwanese dishes (beef noodle soup, pork rice dishes), Dimsum, Chinese dishes (lo mein, fried rice, dumplings, general tso's), Japanese Sushi, dessert, soft serve ice cream, and shaved ice!

Note: try the Peking Duck (it has a soft, thick chinese bread as a wrap, instead of the usual thin wrap), and beef noodle soup! Also, there is a little traditional Taiwanese red bean pastry that is delicious! Flaky yet crunchy on the outside, and sweet on the inside.

PRICE: $7 (Weekday Lunch)/$10 (Weekday Dinner); $11 (Weekend Lunch)/$13 (Weekend Dinner)

368 Hwy 33, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619 (Central NJ)

Pre-Fixe Filet Mignon Steak at Porter House New York

PETITE FILET MIGNON W/ TRUFFLE MASHED POTATOES AND SHALLOT-RED WINE SAUCE (pre-fix menu)

RIGATONI BOLOGNESE ($14 sm./$25 lg)

Absolutely FANTASTIC pre-fixe menu available for $48! The portions are very generous, and do not skimp like most 5-star restaurants (as I tried to highlight in the photos). In addition to an appetizer, entrée, and dessert choice, there is fresh bread served with delicious butter. [I often go back to restaurants with great bread as a starter. As a side note, the pasta is not included in the pre-fixe, but just as delicious as everything else!].

Also, the view inside and out is beautiful, a great restaurant to relax in / go on a date / go with a group.

NEW YORK CHEESECAKE AND FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE (pre-fix)

Note: if you try to look for the pre-fixe menu at Porter House New York's website, it's only viewable online in the Lunch Menu (labeled as "Park View Lunch" which is priced at $24). But the same menu is available for dinner, just not advertised online.

PRICE: $15-$50
Porter House New York's Homepage
10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019 (Midtown West, New York)

Brunch at Sarabeth's

Absolutely amazing brunch restaurant! One of my favorites in New York City (serving Sat-Sun 8am-4pm). This was one of their $19 brunch specials that has a bit of everything, including fluffy/perfect pancakes, thick scrambled eggs (cooked with a little bit of cream), a couple strips of bacon, a sausage link, and potatoes! Naturally, there are far more options, but I would highly recommend going! Try to go early if you have more in your party, as there could be a longer wait. If you have 2-3 in your group, it should be easier to seat even if there is a line :D

Other locations: Central Park South, Tribeca (lower west side), and Upper West Side

Sarabeth's Upper East Side Homepage
1295 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10128 (Madison Avenue between 92nd and 93rd St.)

Prosciutto Pizza at Lugo Cucina e Vito

This is not your typical east coast pizza: it is about 10"-12" in diameter, and has fresh prosciutto, shaved parmesan cheese, and arugula. The dough wasn't dry nor old, it had a good amount of softness/chewiness to it! Regularly, this pizza costs $20, but for happy hour, pizza is only $10 (plus beer and wine specials)!
I haven't had a chance to try their other entrées, but I hear their pasta (less than $30 dishes) are great.

(There is a similar Italian restaurant in Princeton, Central NJ, called Teresa Caffe that has a prosciutto pizza and Italian food. However, their menu does not have as many options as Lugo's)

Lugo Cucina e Vino's Homepage
500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Sushi Buffet at Sushi Palace

All you can eat sushi, including: sashimi, and hot foods (teriyaki, udon, gyoza, shumai, edamame, tempura, seaweed salad) and dessert (ice cream, fruit)! It's also BYOB, which is cheaper than buying alcohol at any restaurant. It's extremely reasonably priced at $19.95/person on weekdays, and $21.95/person on weekends.

Must try: Spicy Seaweed Salad. I've never seen it at any other restaurant.
Service comment: the waitresses may not speak english very well, and they may be rushed! Basically, you may not expect the best service...but the food is worth it!

Sushi Palace's Homepage
Locations in Central Jersey: Princeton, Edison, Somerville, Red Bank & Middletown

Ultimate Kobe Beef Burger at Winberie's

This is one of my favorite burger places! It may be a little pricey at $16 (the most expensive burger on their menu), but it is definitely worth it! It has truffled mayonnaise, swiss cheese, shiitake mushrooms, arugula, and tomatoes. It also comes with chips or fries and a pickle on the side. (Note: the picture is of a very rare burger. I like them bloody!)

Monday special: $17 for the burger AND a draft of beer! :D

Winberie's Princeton Homepage
1 Palmer Square East #1, Princeton, NJ 08542

Spaghetti Bolognese at Radicchio Pasta & Risotto

My favorite pasta place, specifically for Spaghetti Bolognese, because the pasta is hand drawn and fresh! $16 for this dish, and the bread/butter/olive oil as a (free) starter is very refreshing and delicious!

Radicchio Pasta & Risotto's Website

52nd St and 2nd Ave (Midtown NYC)

Strawberry Shortcake at Americana Diner

Delicious dessert, and very reasonably priced...only $4.50! It is filling and has excellent toppings, but nothing is overwhelming or overly sweet!

Americana Diner's Homepage

East Windsor, NJ (Central NJ)