One of my interests is food, next to computers, politics, family, and work. Now that I plan on blogging perhaps I should share some of the links that were on my former webpage. The list includes Russillo Ristorante on Bloomfield Avenue in West Caldwell; Katz’s Delicatessen on the Lower East Side in New York City; Holsten’s, my favorite ice cream parlor in the whole world; and Corrado’s, a supermarket in Clifton with costumers who come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. It looks like the United Nations.
Living in Essex County, New Jersey is like living in the best area for good food. Do you have a place you always visit because you know the food will be delicious each and every time you go? Well, my place is called Russillo Ristorante, 675 Bloomfield Avenue, West Caldwell. The owner is Enzo. He makes great Italian food, whether it is soup, pasta, pizza, or any of the many appetizers or main courses on his menu. It looks like a typical pizza joint in the front but there is a small, intimate restaurant in the back. Why you don’t see his restaurant listed in New Jersey Monthly or on a best of list is beyond me. Don’t ask me why because in my book it offers the best Italian food in North Jersey.
Down the street from me, literally, is an ice cream parlor, Holsten’s, made famous in the last episode of Soprano’s. Don’t be a tourist if you go there and ask for onion rings. Their specialty is ice cream and chocolate. Be prepared to wait in line at Easter time. Their homemade bunnies are amazing. I get my fix about once or twice a month with a hot fudge sundae. 1063 Broad Street, Bloomfield, just minutes off the Garden State Parkway, exit 151.
Back onto the Parkway to exit 155 and you are a couple blocks from the best multi-ethnic supermarket anywhere. Want cheese you never heard of? Fruits from all over the world? All at bargain prices is the standard for Corrado’s, 1578 Main Avenue, Clifton. Need directions, just check their website. Once you go there you will always go back.
The other place that makes my mouth water is Katz’s Delicatessen located on the Lower East Side in Manhattan. Remember the movie ‘When Harry Met Sally’ in which Meg Ryan fakes an orgasm in front of Billy Crystal? The scene was shot at Katz’s. I don’t go there hoping to meet Meg Ryan but that would be nice. Instead I take my kids for the best pastrami you can find. My problem is that it is so delicious and so large that all other pastrami sandwiches in the metroplitan area just can’t match the taste. Does anyone know of a better place than Katz’s?
These are a few of the places in my top ten places to eat. Try them out.
Michael Swayze's Community Resources 
Dear Michael,
Just wanted to say thanks for your “New Jersey Community Resources” –
which reflects the fine work of a true info-maniac, who recognizes the value of connecting people in need with the resources they don’t know about, and too often fail to get connected with.
Best to you in your continued good works.
Take care, hope, and thanks,
– Ed
P.S. On the very western tip of Essex County in Livingston on the south side of Route 10 is another good Italian restaurant. It’s popular with the young family set, and my wife likes that there are lots of small children. You can eat out on the patio next to the flowers in the summer. Some of the Italian food is quite good (not as good or as well priced as your Italian place). But the bottomless orange flavored ice tea and chicken/cheese sandwiches served before 4pm are good.
What is nice for family fun is that, for free after eating, you can get a bag
of bocce balls from the bar, in temporary exchange for your driver’s
license, and go to either of the bocce courts for an hour or two of fun
(with often the females of the family sitting talking under the shade of one
of the pear trees next to the court). Of course you have to have at least one family member who knows the rules of how to play bocce!