Welcome To Miss J's TravelBuzz

To get the ball rolling on my brand new site, I would like to share some comments and info about my 3 DAY WEEKEND in Newark, New Jersey. Like a mini vacation, 3 day weekends can be very refreshing and enjoyable. I took this one on the "spur of the moment" as they say. Spontaneous adventures can bring exciting and unexpected results. My trip started by taking an AMTRAK train  from New Haven into New Jersey. With stops along the way in Bridgeport, CT and Penn Station, NY....just to name a few. Getting off the train in Newark/Penn Station, a busy and very "eye pleasing" facility. With shiny polished floors and brightly lit shops. My companion choose the (Marriot) Fairfield Inn & Suites by Newark Liberty Airport as our accommodations for the weekend. Another lovely and warm facility, beautiful decor and friendly service. I had 2 memorable shopping experiences while in the area. While on one of my driving tours of surrounding towns, we stopped at a yardsale in Cedar Knolls. There, displayed on a nice green lawn were all sorts of household goods. Something for everyone. I bought (4) large beverage steins of various colors(New Jersey Fire Dept. logos), and a straw tote bag with embroidered tropical island dancers on it. In the Livingston Mall(Livingston, NJ) I bought (3) monogrammed baseball caps for my 3 sons(personalized). I met a nice gentleman named Fatih Karatas who ran the vending cart. I enjoyed my shopping experience with him as we talked and made templates for the stitching on the hats. Dining out for lunch or dinner, my 3 picks are: FORNOS OF SPAIN(Newark)..winner of many " BEST OF" awards. From appetizer/salad to the entre, every taste was marvelous.Bowls of  fresh and plump olives, extra virgin olive oil, bread and homemade potato chips accent your dinner table. An extensive menu of eatible feasts to chose from. My companion had shrimp cooked in seasoned rice with fresh broccoli spears. I choose the fresh codfish in lime butter sauce...fresh broccoli on the side. I also had wine with dinner. 

THE TICK TOCK DINER (Clifton, NJ) a bright and airy place. Lots of "family" dining appeal and another extensive menu selection. From cocktails to dessert....an eye-opener. Cozy tables and booths, friendly service and ample portions. I choose the Shrimp and Chicken in Vodka sauce over penne pasta. With a fresh green salad as an appetizer. Cold imported beer in a tall glass topped it off. My companion had the Chicken Stir Fry over rice, cream of broccoli soup and salad.

THE UNION DINER(Union, NJ) ...colorful decor, nostalgic and airy. A choice of booths or tables and friendly service. Lots of chrome and etched glass lined this resturant......waitstaff uniformly attired in black and white.
Open 24/7.....I choose to have a late breakfast of whole wheat pancakes with bacon, and coffee. I must say they were the best wheat pancakes I have ever had. Freshly made and hot, with plenty of butter and syrup along side. For my companion, he enjoyed a bowl of  Lobster Bisque and stir fried chicken/veggies on a nice roll.
Before getting to the station to get my train home, we had hand-dipped ice cream from the Magic Fountain shop in Union, NJ. A nice treat!!!

And so, I am looking forward to my next travel adventure.

"Happy Travelin"

Miss J.

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msjnewhaven@aol.com

lAST MONTH(MAY).......I WAS TREATED TO A WONDERFUL EVENING OF JAMAICAN THEMES AND TASTY TREATS.  THE GRAND OPENING OF " A TASTE OF JAMAICA"  RESTURANT WAS A COLORFUL SUCCESS. LOCATED IN HAMDEN, CT....ON DIXWELL AVE..... RICH RED WALLS WITH WHITE TRIM AND LOVELY TABLE SETTINGS TO MATCH. CLOTH NAPKINS IN ARTISTIC FOLDS AND SPARKLING CRYSTAL PLACE SETTINGS. THE LIVE MUSIC PLAYED ON AN ELECTRONIC BABY GRAND PIANO, SO SHINY BLACK AND ELEGANT. PLATTERS OF CURRIED DELIGHTS SERVED WITH SAVORY CABBAGE, RICE DISHES AND MORE. JERK CHICKEN, FISH, GOAT AND OXTAILS WITH  REFRESHING FRUIT DRINKS TO ENHANCE THE MEAL. I WAS LEFT WITH THE NUMBING AFFECT OF CURRY ON MY TONGUE AND A GREAT SENSE OF JOY AT THE WONDER OF THE EVENING. CLAP YOUR HANDS,  STOMP YOUR FEET.......

AND TO TOP IT OFF......THE LIVELY PRESENTATION OF A JAMAICAN STORYTELLER/POET IN THE MIDST. MOVING BEATS OF JAMAICAN FLAVOR FILLED THE DINING ROOM. FRIENDLY HOST AND SERVERS WHO CALLED THEMSELVES " AMBASSADORS".......THE CULTURE WAS INTRODUCED IN BASIC FORM, WITH STORIES OF TRADITION AND A BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE.......LANGUAGE INTERTWINED WITH MELODY AND THE COSTOMED TEACHER TAUGHT AND SANG OF DOMINOES. HER HIPS SWAYING,  FEET STOMPING AND VOICE IN AN ALMOST OPERA-LIKE SONG........SHE SHARED THE DAILY EXISTANCE OF THE WOMEN WHO SOLD FRUIT AND OTHER GOODS IN THE TOWNS.

./"./" COME BUY MY OR- RAN- GES./"./"   SWEET AND RIPE