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)

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.)