Aroy-D Thai Truck in Hoboken: Good

Even though the folks at Hoboken City Hall absolutely hate lunch trucks, and wished they never existed – some brave entrepreneurs forge ahead and still try to make a living here in the Mile Square (as difficult as it may be).

One such place is the Aroy-D Thai Elephant Food Truck.

Aroy-D is a reliable pit stop for Hoboken Thai food lovers

Here are your 60 second review of the Aroy-D Thai Lunch Truck:

• Spicy Basil Chicken: I ordered this without rice since I’m living the low carb life here in Hoboken. I also ordered it “triple-dog-dare” spicy. They asked me several times if “I’m sure” I wanted it that hot. Of course! Well this was a traditional Thai dish with sauteed chicken, and the usual vegetable suspects. What made this hot was basically fresh red pepper flakes. Yes it was hot, and the flavor of the dish was satisfying enough. Didn’t burn my mouth off, but perhaps not ordering it triple-dare next time I might be able to more accurately taste the spices. Overall, good.
• Chicken Pad Thai: This is another staple at Thai restaurants – and I gave it to my girlfriend to eat. The verdict? I tasted one forkful of it – and found that it was satisfactory. What could have improved was that it was a bit light on actual chicken, and the peanut flavoring is much less than other places I’ve tried. Conversely, the person that actually ate the dish enjoyed it tremendously for exactly those reasons (she doesn’t like too much peanut taste.)
• Value: The prices were about in line of what brick & mortar place would charge ($8 per entree). They should have probably knocked a bit off my order since I didn’t have the rice, but I’m just being a stickler.

In conclusion – I will definitely be back to try other dishes at Aroy-D. I hope that they make improvements here and there to become a better alternative to the other Thai restaurants in Hoboken. Since they don’t deliver – they need to stand out significantly to gain viability and new customers in this town. Otherwise, they run the risk of relying more on just the “walk-by” customers who happen to be hungry – and less on loyal repeat clients.

Either way, good luck Elephant Truck!

Technorati Tags: 60 second review, Aroy D, AroyD, Elephant Truck, food, Hoboken, Hoboken411, Lunch Truck, New Jersey, NJ, Restaurant, Review, Thai Truck

Get out of Hoboken and visit Long Trail Brewing Co.

Long Trail Beer is becoming pretty popular here in the Northeast.

It’s even featured at the Octoberfest Beer-tasting (for Hudson County CASA) over at The Turtle Club this afternoon!

Hoboken411 had the opportunity to visit Bridgewater Corners, Vermont recently – and happened to stop by the Long Trail Brewery for a bite to eat.

It’s a relatively small complex, complete with full bar/restaurant where you can drink the freshest Long Trail Beer possible! Indoor & Outdoor seating, a full bar – and a walking tour where you can see the beer being fermented and bottled right before your very eyes. A fun & unique experience.

Couldn’t stay long, but the area was beautiful (right along a river), and the scene was peaceful and mellow. Tried a sample of six beers, and have to say I liked them all (especially the Harvest Brew and Blackbeary Ale).

If you ever find yourself up north – try and find a way to make this one of your destinations!

Technorati Tags: Brewery, Bridgewater Corners, destination, Hoboken, Long Trail, Long Trail Brewing Co., Long Trail Brewing Company, New Jersey, NJ, photography, Restaurant, travel, Vermont, VT

1 Republik Hoboken – Grilled Cheese Heaven!

When 1 Republik opened up at 221 Washington Street last Fall, it made a big splash in Hoboken with it’s expansive dining space, large bar, and phenomenal menu.

I’m happy to say that they continue producing fantastic dishes at relatively fair prices. After many disappointments trying to find a decent grilled cheese sandwich in town, we tried our luck at 1 Republik this past weekend.

The grilled cheese is comprised of bacon, tomato and sharp cheddar cheese on a nice thick “Texas Toast” style bread, along with some french fried potatoes. Two can enjoy this terrific (and naughty) weekend brunch meal for under $15. Highly recommended for grilled cheese lovers.

Technorati Tags: 1 Republik, 60 second review, bacon, French Fries, Grilled Cheese, Hoboken, New Jersey, NJ, Recommended, Texas Toast, tomato

Joe’s: A serious contender for “Best Hoboken Cuban Sandwich”

Back in February – Hoboken411 contributor Anna submitted an article about Cuban Sandwiches in Hoboken.

She talked about La Isla, Zafra, even Big Banner on the west side.

One thing she left off – was Joe’s Prime Meats (918 Washington St.)

I know Hoboken411 gave Joe’s a great 60-second review recently – since they changed ownership, but I have to give them another shout-out today for their Cuban Sandwich as well.

For reference, take a look at the 60-second La Isla Cuban Sandwich Review I did here – and compare it to the photo below.

Augie at Joe’s Prime Meats makes a MEAN Cuban Sandwich! I’m talking the type of sandwich that you say “Wow!” out loud after the first bite, and make the “nom, nom, nom” sound each bite thereafter. Pork shoulder, ham, Swiss cheese & pickles – not dry and weak – but moist, flavorful and phenomenal!

I’ll be making this a weekly meal destination. And it’s available 7 days a week (not a special menu item). I believe it’s only $5 (without fries).

Proof positive you don’t need to be labeled a Cuban restaurant or anything else to knock out a superior product. If you don’t believe me – try it for yourself. If you find fault in it, I can recommend some doctors that might be able to help. Wink, wink.

Technorati Tags: Best, Best of, Cuban Sandwich, Exemplary, food, Hidden Gems of Hoboken, Hoboken, Joes Prime Meats, New Jersey, NJ, Review, sandwiches

Limited window of opportunity for Subway breakfast sandwiches

Hoboken411 often pulls some pretty long nights – that can lead to mornings and beyond.

Walking around the barren streets of our city at the crack of dawn can be quite a treat. The birds are chirping, there’s minimal traffic – and hardly anyone out and about. Refreshing and peaceful (if you can say that for living in a place a stone’s throw from the busiest city in the world).

However, the other day – while milling about with Hoboken411 Mascot Oscar at around 6am-ish – I decided that it was time to finally try one of those Subway Foot-long Breakfast Sandwiches I see signs for. The special of the month was “double bacon egg & cheese.” Sounded like it was worth a shot for only $5 bucks!

Lo behold, we arrive at the Subway to discover they were closed – and didn’t open until 9am! What kind of place serves breakfast starting at 9am? Everyone’s at work already! You’d think that the executives at Subway would have thought about the concept that “breakfast = mornings,” and they’d change their operating hours to coincide with the types of food they’re selling. What next? Foot-long Midnight Snacks available at 2pm?

I ended up getting a nice fresh hot bagel at Hoboken Bagels (the best cream cheese in Hoboken) instead.

Anyway – I did eventually try the sandwich at Subway – and I can sum it up in two brief points:

1. A good value – fills you (and another person) up.
2. Despite the value – tasted artificial. Use only in case of hunger emergency and limited other options or money!

May your next meal be a tasty one!

Technorati Tags: Breakfast, Footlong, Hoboken, New Jersey, NJ, sandwich, Subway, Wacky hours

Wicked Wolf a perfect spot for quick bar food

Many people get in the mood for a burger & fries, or some other kind of fast, simple (and possibly greasy & cheesy) bite to eat.

A great place to go is Wicked Wolf Tavern along the Hoboken waterfront. Not only do you get the great views, and nice river breezes – but you can choose from your standard “bar & grill” menu (like buffalo wings, burgers) – along with some unique items (like mac & cheese bites – which are great for kids too).

The views, large beer selection, the plethora of TV’s and WiFi – make Wicked Wolf a reliable stop for many people – and is why they’re very popular with waiting periods during peak times!

Do you visit Wicked Wolf frequently?

Jeez – Now I’m hungry!

Technorati Tags: 60 second review, bar, Grill, Hoboken, New Jersey, NJ, NYC Views, waterfront, Wicked Wolf