Cinder Wood Fire Grill: Tapas, Grilled

Stepping into Cinders Wood Fire Grill you’ll feel like you’ve wondered into a barn, but the high quality of food and service quickly reminds you otherwise. Cinders has the aura and interior of a steakhouse, but actually serves up a surprising array of vegetarian and seafood options in tapas form. Open for weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner, Cinders is a great place to enjoy with a group, whether friends or family. The tapas menu is broken down into Cheese and Vegetables, Meats, and Seafood including unique new American dishes like Coconut Raspberry Brie, Truffle Shrimp, Lobster Fondue, Southern Pork and Waffle, and Foie Gras and Quail Egg. Pair several tapas plates with wine or signature cocktails for a fun Happy Hour. For a heartier meal, full entrees include unique sandwiches and salads, along with familiar and one-of-a-kind pasta, meat, and seafood dishes.

Cinders Wood Fire Grill
319 Route 46
Mine Hill, NJ 07803
(973) 928-7000
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cinders-wood-fire-grill-mine-hill

Alice’s Restaurant: Lake House Relaxation

Scenically located beside Lake Hopatcong, the red, wooden Alice’s Restaurant could easily be mistaken for a fishing lodge. The interior maintains this cozy, inviting atmosphere with a decor that maintains a rustic vibe but with added polish. Opened in 2009, Alice’s has already become a popular destination for regulars who return for a friendly ambiance, deck seating, and, naturally, the fresh new American fare. For lunch and dinner, the menus offer entrees made from freshly-caught seafood and local, seasonal vegetables. The modest breakfast and lunch menu features basic breakfast food, fresh and flavorful salads, and classic sandwiches like pulled pork and fish and chips. The dinner menu is similarly curated for freshness, with options of soups, salads, pasta dishes, and the classics. Appetizers and entrees range from fried calamari and spare ribs to beer batter onion rings and homemade meatloaf. The rotating seasonal menu offers the freshest fare.

Alice’s Restaurant
24 Nolan's Point Park Road
Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
(973) 663-9600
http://www.yelp.com/biz/alices-restaurant-lake-hopatcong

Hot Rods Real Pit BBQ: Yankee Barbecue in Morris County

Hot Rods Real Pit BBQ is a great spot for a fun, relaxed dinner. Hot Rods has a quirky interior that mixes a ‘50s diner with a bar decked out with NASCAR tributes. As a self-proclaimed celebration of the open road, Hot Rods definitely feels as if it is living in the past. The modern-day innovation, though, comes in the preparation of its menu. The Jersey-born head chef and owner takes his knowledge of cross-continental barbecue to craft what is dubbed “Yankee Barbecue.” All the dishes use fresh meat and flavorful homemade sauces and are cooked over an open flame. Favorite entrees include the slow-smoked pulled pork, BBQ babyback ribs, meatloaf, and beef brisket. There are lighter salads and sandwiches too.

Hot Rods BBQ
19 N. Main Street
Wharton, NJ 07885
(973) 361-5050
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hot-rods-bbq-wharton

A Local Sushi Favorite: Fu Sha Sushi Bar

Fu Sha Sushi Bar's proprietors Candy Huang and Collin Lin polished their culinary skills in New York City before setting off on their own in Parsippany. Their hard work is the gain of those who rave about the excellent sushi at Fu Sha. The classy, eclectic dining room is dominated by a beautiful light sculpture that slowly shifts colors and tones. The menu has the typical sushi standouts, including well-prepared nigiri and rolls, but Chef Lin has also added some of his own creations to the menu. Regulars rave about the spicy crawfish and avocado hand roll, which uses a very American ingredient to excellent effect, as well as the Hot Lady roll, made with black pepper tuna, avocado, and spicy mayo for a real kick.

Fu Sha Sushi Bar
156 Parsippany Road
Parsippany, NJ 07054
(973) 386-9200
fushasushibar.com

Parks and Recreation

There are a lot of good parks around, all within 30 minutes or so (except High Point which is about 45 minutes.) They all have a lot of good hiking and biking and most have lakes or ponds.

-Lewis Morris Park: Morristown- Hiking, biking, pond.

-Mahlon Dickerson: Sparta- hiking, biking, pond, camping.

-Kitatinny Park: Andover- hiking, biking, lake.

-High Point State Park: this is closer to Port Jervis- nice hiking, biking, it may have a lake. This park has a cross country ski center and camping as well.

-Stephens State Park: near Hackettstown, located on Muscenetcong River- hiking, biking, fishing, camping.

-Waywayanda: Vernon- hiking, biking, backpacking.

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