Review of Cafe Pierrot

Different from our other restaurant critic choices, November's review captured a restaurant that many fellow Pope John-ers and/or Sparta residents recognize as one of the best: Cafe Pierrot. I still remember hearing of it from Angela Sophomore year in a study hall, (no, we weren't studying). "You just HAVE to go," she said, and I'm so glad I did!

Nestled in the middle of the busy road containing Sparta Dairy and Burger King, one would not expect the comfortable atmosphere that Cafe Pierrot embodies. Inside there are antique-y old floors and quaint tables, white-lace curtains and a hutch with seasonal decor. Cafe Pierrot feels like a step into a Cafe in Paris, which is a wonderful and surprising jewel of Sparta.

We decided to dine later than usual, it had been a busy day but we had to make time this month to fit it in. One thing I have noticed about Cafe Pierrot is that they have had the same staff for a long time, since my first meal a few years ago. As usual, the tall, male waiter with the brown hair, (whose name right now escapes me), told us we could choose our seat and gave us a few minutes to decide what to have.

Unfortunately, after he left I noticed a particularly large spider crawling it's way up the lacy curtain next to us. Ang and I decided to let it go, seeing as it was the only one, and never before had either of us seen any bugs in the restaurant. Later on in the evening I did squish it with a napkin, for it was inching too close to the table. Ordering ice teas, we then split in our "meal plans"- I chose a cup of chili and my usual chicken caesar salad wrap. Upon giving our order, we continued to talk until everything came.

My chili, which came in a fair size, was overall good. However, it was a little cold. I did like that it was not too spicy. The wrap was perfect as always, and the small side of salad and potato salad was also quite delicious. I had been very hungry when we sat down, and I finished my meal almost too full. And of course, the ice tea was very refreshing.

I would give Cafe Pierrot a 4 out of 5 star for the evening because of the spider and because the waiter, while kind and polite, was a little too "noticeable", if you know what I mean- he came to check on us a little too often. However, Cafe Pierrot will always be one of my very favorite places to eat, and Angela and I had a wonderful time.

Review of the Millside Cafe

After a long, stressful final week of the marking period, nothing could have been better than going out to eat and shop with a friend. Last Friday, Angela and I did just that for this months review: The Millside Cafe, a quaint restaurant nestled closely in between various antique shops and a steady stream. Parking was easy enough, as any senior driver would appreciate, and upon walking inside the ambiance was completely comforting. It was about 4:15 and it's closing time was 5 o'cloak, but the waitress kindly told us to choose a seat, not rushing us in any way to make a decision on what to have. After a few minutes, we both decided on ice tea and a turkey BLT wrap. Seated next to the window overlooking the stream, conversation easily flowed despite the fact that there was no other people except the waitress who was carefully cleaning the counter.

When the food arrived, we started eating right away because we were both extremely hungry, as usual after school. The wraps were wonderful: lettuce, bacon, and turkey covered by a tomato basil wrap. Undeniably delicious! Furthermore, there was two sides on the plate: a small salad and a scoop of pasta. Being the perfect size portions, each was a compliment to the wrap. Anyone in the mood for a filling, home-like meal would love the Millside.

But wait, there's more! Not only was the food delicious and service stellar, the decor was cozy and artsy. On the walls were paintings by local artists, hung from the ceiling were baskets of different sizes, and in a hutch near the entrance were books and catalogues for the single diners to peruse through. The floor complimented the atmosphere in its antique-y finish.

TO BE CONTINUED... REEEALLY LONG DAY AT UCONN:)

Ok- I'm back:)

So, the basic feel of this unique cafe was extremely comfortable- you could wear whatever you are most comfortable in because no one will judge and it is obviously low key once you peek inside. I would recommend sweats, but if you happen to be a jeans person that would be just fine. Bring friend(s) and or family, although this is most likely a restaurant that girls would like in particular. Mothers Day must be very busy here, even though that is months away it's never to early to start thinking.:) Any day that you're in the mood for a relaxing meal in a restaurant that feels so comfortable it could be your own kitchen, the Millside Cafe is the place to go!

ps- if you do go to any of the restaurants Angela and I write about, please leave your comments about them as we would love to hear:)

Critica di un Ristorante: The Pizza Place

As many of my friends know, I have never been a pizza person, per say. Some parlors have passed my criticism, but the numbers are few and far between. However, The Pizza Place located in the heart of Sparta, New Jersey is one that I would recommend to any friend with a craving for an Italian lunch or dinner.

Easily spotted from the road, it is almost impossible to miss which is very comforting for those, like myself, who worry about getting lost. Furthermore, upon entry, the decorations are quite festive, making you feel as if you've stepped in off a road in Italy. The black table spotted with stamp-looking pictures were my favorite decorative piece. In fact, I was told by Angela that they were designed by the restaurant executives themselves, converted from older tables to look typically Italian.

Most importantly, the food was wonderful. Starting with a cup of the chicken noodle soup, i must admit I was thoroughly satisfied. In fact, it was especially nice because despite the fact that the soup was not on the menu for today, the chef was willing to make some for us, even though we are not personal acquaintances. The chuncks of potato were just the right size, and the noodles were the perfect width and length. Not to hot, but not chili either, the chicken noodle soup was an absolute delight.

Afterwards, we each got two slices of pizza, cut in half to split each type. Testing pepperoni, mexicana, and chicken marciana (I'm a bit unsure about the name of the last type), we set out to choose a favorite. All three had thin crust and no cheese excess, which was a plus. The pizza mexicana had a concoction of hot peppers, onion, and a few other Mexican condiments making it a bit too spicy for my liking. The pizza marciana was more satisfactory, the mushrooms were cooked just right as was the chicken. However, I must admit that my favorite was the pepperoni, which had just the right amount of slices on it, mixing perfectly with the amount of cheese.

Finally, service and finance were both satisfactory as well. Our waitress, a former Pope John student, allowed us to choose our seat, and came over to check on us often enough to refill drinks and check that we liked our food but not too much to limit conversation. Furthermore, she did not pressure us to pick something to eat right away, we had plenty of time and once we were ready, she was there. The financial aspect was good too, nothing to worry about for any teen or adult. Dress is comfortably casual, allowing our fetish for sweatpants to work out just fine.

The Pizza Place will probably be the only pizza restaurant we will visit this year, which is fine considering my opinion that it would be hard to do better. The atmosphere was beautiful, service punctual, and food delicious. I would gladly go there again, and absolutely suggest it as an alternate to Villa.