Fifty2weekhi
Latest Reviews
New-York Historical Society
Most people would not think this is an inviting place based on the name of it. For us, it was a big surprise, especially due to the low expectation.
The exterior alone already gave us a good first impression. We had to immediately take a photo with the statue of President Lincoln to the right of the entrance.
It was recommended to start from Level 4, where I think housed the top 2 highlights of our visit: Gallery of Tiffany Lamps, and Meet the Presidents & Oval Office. There were many dozens of stain glass lamps windows. Sure, we've seen them in other places, but the rooms themselves that housed them were simply exquisite. And for the Replica Oval Office, you are actually encouraged to SIT at the president's desk for your photo op! There were also a miniature White House right outside the Oval Office, with all of the miniature presidents standing in front of it. Very cool.
There was no Level 3, just space for staff.
On Level 2, one highlight was the Exchanging Imagination which showcased the works of 2 French jewelers. Each of the 2 dozens or so pieces was eye-popping and jaw-dropping amazing.
Level 1 was the lobby and some garden variety exhibits which you can skip if you're out of time.
It was time well spent. Totally worth the visit.
The exterior alone already gave us a good first impression. We had to immediately take a photo with the statue of President Lincoln to the right of the entrance.
It was recommended to start from Level 4, where I think housed the top 2 highlights of our visit: Gallery of Tiffany Lamps, and Meet the Presidents & Oval Office. There were many dozens of stain glass lamps windows. Sure, we've seen them in other places, but the rooms themselves that housed them were simply exquisite. And for the Replica Oval Office, you are actually encouraged to SIT at the president's desk for your photo op! There were also a miniature White House right outside the Oval Office, with all of the miniature presidents standing in front of it. Very cool.
There was no Level 3, just space for staff.
On Level 2, one highlight was the Exchanging Imagination which showcased the works of 2 French jewelers. Each of the 2 dozens or so pieces was eye-popping and jaw-dropping amazing.
Level 1 was the lobby and some garden variety exhibits which you can skip if you're out of time.
It was time well spent. Totally worth the visit.
Yunnan Rice Noodle House
Wifie saw a tik-tok on this restaruant which seemed fun so we made it a point to stop by.
It was around noon on Sunday and the place was all packed. There was a wait list kiosk in front of us as soon as we entered. We entered a name and a cell phone number. Immediately we got a text, stating we were #12. We wondered around the neighborhood for 15 minutes and decided to go back and check even though we did not get any text. Strangely, we got seated after we asked for status of the waitlist. Seriously, it appeared that no one ever get texted - at least that's how we felt. So it pays to check personally instead of relying on text.
The menu look complicated and we were a bit lost because the a la carte add-ons are listed below each soup base choice. It's not clear if the soup base comes with anything. Once you know, it's really easy and I'm telling you now:
Just pick a soup you like, and choose the default rice noodle.
THAT IS ALL YOU NEED TO DO! You pay the price listed for the soup base, which comes with 10 toppings by default. You can change the rice noodle to glass noodle or Shanghai noodle for $1.50 more. You can have unlimited noodles, but I don't think most people can handle more than 2 servings. We came out totally stuffed.
It was indeed fun place to try. In a way it's like a mini hot pot. That being said, the service was really a big mixed bag. First, the wait-list system seems state of the art but I don't think the staff processed the workflow at all! Second, we waited for nearly 20 minutes for the soup base to come. That was a long time, but we suspect they were batched and we simply missed the previous batch. Finally, there was just 1 super waiter who handle the entire store, (plus one guy at the register, and a bus boy who served out the food). As a result, we had to request 3 times before we finally got the extra serving of rice noodle and we had to request twice before getting our bill -- even though we were so impressed each time they acknowledged us even though they were totally swamped. Effectively, they acknowledge as a way to placate but had no plan for action. It's frustrating and amusing at the same time. Rare experience.
It was around noon on Sunday and the place was all packed. There was a wait list kiosk in front of us as soon as we entered. We entered a name and a cell phone number. Immediately we got a text, stating we were #12. We wondered around the neighborhood for 15 minutes and decided to go back and check even though we did not get any text. Strangely, we got seated after we asked for status of the waitlist. Seriously, it appeared that no one ever get texted - at least that's how we felt. So it pays to check personally instead of relying on text.
The menu look complicated and we were a bit lost because the a la carte add-ons are listed below each soup base choice. It's not clear if the soup base comes with anything. Once you know, it's really easy and I'm telling you now:
Just pick a soup you like, and choose the default rice noodle.
THAT IS ALL YOU NEED TO DO! You pay the price listed for the soup base, which comes with 10 toppings by default. You can change the rice noodle to glass noodle or Shanghai noodle for $1.50 more. You can have unlimited noodles, but I don't think most people can handle more than 2 servings. We came out totally stuffed.
It was indeed fun place to try. In a way it's like a mini hot pot. That being said, the service was really a big mixed bag. First, the wait-list system seems state of the art but I don't think the staff processed the workflow at all! Second, we waited for nearly 20 minutes for the soup base to come. That was a long time, but we suspect they were batched and we simply missed the previous batch. Finally, there was just 1 super waiter who handle the entire store, (plus one guy at the register, and a bus boy who served out the food). As a result, we had to request 3 times before we finally got the extra serving of rice noodle and we had to request twice before getting our bill -- even though we were so impressed each time they acknowledged us even though they were totally swamped. Effectively, they acknowledge as a way to placate but had no plan for action. It's frustrating and amusing at the same time. Rare experience.
Leonard J Buck Garden
Owned by Leonard J Buck and designed by Zenon Shreiber, this exquisite garden is a mere 2.5 miles detour from I-78 off I-287. It's a quick excursion under an hour. It's a must on a nice weather day if your road trip passes through this section of I-78. There are ponds, bridges, streams, hills, rock gardens, a water fountain, a gazebo, well maintained trails, and of course, flowers and plants throughout the garden. The garden also sports a variety of terrains, many ups and downs, meadows and hills. My favorite spot is the bridge by the lilies right off the Lower Lot Path, and the nearby redwood tree. I'm not a fan of the water fountain though in the Lower Pond; I thought it's too low and utilitarian looking.
Parking is very limited. There is a lower lot for additional parking but that's also very limited. On the day of our visit, we had to resort to roadside parking. Admission is free but donation is suggested, $6 per adult and $3 for seniors and students. Definitely bring insect repellent. Sun protection won't be absolutely necessary as there are lots of shades. I brought a sun umbrella on this bright sunny day but didn't end up using it.
Parking is very limited. There is a lower lot for additional parking but that's also very limited. On the day of our visit, we had to resort to roadside parking. Admission is free but donation is suggested, $6 per adult and $3 for seniors and students. Definitely bring insect repellent. Sun protection won't be absolutely necessary as there are lots of shades. I brought a sun umbrella on this bright sunny day but didn't end up using it.
Spice House
I have never tried Indian chaat and a review from a Yelp friend got me tempted to give it a try. Unlike most of the restaurants on the Edison stretch of Rt 27, Spice House is on the northbound side. Signage is huge and professionally designed. Parking is plenty and easy. The interior is also well thought out with red and yellow ethnic theme. The menu contains Indian and Chinese dishes. I knew I was going to try one of the chaats so I asked the manager for his recommendation. As a result, I ordered Samosa Chana Chaat ($8.95). In the process, I learned that the manager isn't Indian but Bhutanese. That may explained the color theme?
It took a bit longer to prepare despite no one else was waiting. I think that was because the samosa either had to be cooked to order or had to be reheated properly. The rest of the ingredients were cold and ready made and just have to be mixed/sprinkled in. Most if not all chaats are vegetarian, so I didn't expect to be wowed. But the taste was explosive! It was plethora of spices, temperatures, and textures. The samosa was hot and chunky, the yogurt was cold and creamy, the chutneys were sweat, the curry was spicy, and the nylon sev was crispy. It was fantastic! I am glad I had a positive initiation to Indian street food. I will definitely venture for more in the future!
PS. 5% off if paying with cash
It took a bit longer to prepare despite no one else was waiting. I think that was because the samosa either had to be cooked to order or had to be reheated properly. The rest of the ingredients were cold and ready made and just have to be mixed/sprinkled in. Most if not all chaats are vegetarian, so I didn't expect to be wowed. But the taste was explosive! It was plethora of spices, temperatures, and textures. The samosa was hot and chunky, the yogurt was cold and creamy, the chutneys were sweat, the curry was spicy, and the nylon sev was crispy. It was fantastic! I am glad I had a positive initiation to Indian street food. I will definitely venture for more in the future!
PS. 5% off if paying with cash
Delhi Garden Indian Restaurant
This is becoming my go-to place for Indian food when I visit my parents in NJ. It's located off Rt. 27 in Edison. If you have trouble locating the restaurant, just look for the ugly green building. Kidding aside, its signage is actually quite vibrant and eye-catching.
I've ordered Tikka Chicken Masala, Dhaba Chicken Curry, and Chicken 65. They are all excellent. However, for whatever reason, I cannot shake off the urge to get Chicken 65 every time I order from Delhi Garden. It's my go-to dish for sure. It's not cheap any more - now$17 instead of $13 just before the pandemic. But considering how many servings of rice get to go with the dish, it's still a good value especially comparing to other dishes. Yeah, the amount of rice that come with the dish is nowhere near enough.
Service-wise, I can't say they are friendly. They are always busy, so their priority is to complete the transaction as quickly as possible. Speaking of speed, it does take 25-35 minutes to get the order ready; so lately I've been calling ahead. You'd be advised to do the same.
One other thing, maybe it has to do with NJ's new ban on plastic bags, I didn't realize I've been paying 30 cents for the bag each time I do takeout. So just like grocery stores, bring your own bags!
I've ordered Tikka Chicken Masala, Dhaba Chicken Curry, and Chicken 65. They are all excellent. However, for whatever reason, I cannot shake off the urge to get Chicken 65 every time I order from Delhi Garden. It's my go-to dish for sure. It's not cheap any more - now$17 instead of $13 just before the pandemic. But considering how many servings of rice get to go with the dish, it's still a good value especially comparing to other dishes. Yeah, the amount of rice that come with the dish is nowhere near enough.
Service-wise, I can't say they are friendly. They are always busy, so their priority is to complete the transaction as quickly as possible. Speaking of speed, it does take 25-35 minutes to get the order ready; so lately I've been calling ahead. You'd be advised to do the same.
One other thing, maybe it has to do with NJ's new ban on plastic bags, I didn't realize I've been paying 30 cents for the bag each time I do takeout. So just like grocery stores, bring your own bags!