This was of the best brunches I've ever had in Jersey! I came here with my family because we saw…read morethat this place is run by a famous chef (Maricel) and that they even offer cooking classes. We were quite hungry so we ordered one of the tower sets and some other stuff like lumpia and eggs. I loved the tower- it featured a superb mix of meats, potatoes, eggs, and sweet pastries. I will definitely say either share it or come super hungry because I was stuffed to the brim by the end of the meal. Service is super fast and efficient too. The owner did rounds to talk to everyone as well which felt quite inviting. The vibe inside is also nice and cozy, and the tables are spaced pretty far apart so it doesn't feel crammed in there. Overall, highly recommend as one of the best Filipino spots and brunch spots in the central Jersey area.

Maricels Kitchen Is Bitchen!…read more What a imaginative way to serve several dishes at 1 time. Usually called a boodle or Ramadan, where the layout several dishes on leaves on the table, all dishes were served on a 3 tier tower. Cute for a celebration. The towers immediately brought to mind English tea service, with finger foods displayed on two- or three-tier stands. The customer service truly stood out, from the attentive waitstaff to the three chefs who came out to greet us--including Chef Maricel herself--the hospitality felt warm and genuine. The dining room is cozy and inviting, with a mix of sofas and chairs giving living-room vibe. They offer two preset towers, and we ordered the first: The Classic Filipino Brunch Tower, which included: Siomai, Crispy Shrimp, Ukoy (sweet potato and vegetable fritters), Pork Tocino, Beef Tapa, Bangus (milkfish), Garlic Fried Rice, Fried Eggs, Salted Eggs with Tomatoes and Atchara, Homemade Pandesal, Suman, and the Chef's selection of homemade pastries. It would be great if guests could choose items from a list or make substitutions. There were no substitutions allowed, so we had to pick the tower with the fewest items we wouldn't eat. I especially wanted the Torta Talong from Tower 2, but it wasn't available as a side dish. The siomai was the first item cooked--it arrived cold and had started to harden. Everything else was delicious. Since the towers are meant to be shared, providing tongs would be a thoughtful touch and more hygienic for communal dining. We also ordered a few side dishes. The Lumpia Shanghai were fresh and delicious, though a few were still pink inside. The Baked Siopao was dry and lacked sufficient meat and sauce. The Empanadas, however, were the clear favorite--fresh, flaky, generously filled with savory seasoned beef and vegetables, and baked to perfection. Every bite was a flavor explosion, and we were literally fork-fighting over them. The Sans Rival was the perfect ending to the meal--so good that we ordered an extra slice to take home. **BYO LIQOUR** I would love to take my Mom for a dinner.

Everything!! The greeting when you enter, the service, of…read morecourse the food. This team certainly knows what hospitality means.

I've now gone to all three of this celebrity chef's shore restaurants. Heirloom Kitchen is the…read morefirst and remains the best. Its price fixed menu offers four courses with adequate choices to appeal to all diners. Each dish was a creative take on things you might have seen on other menus but better here. The staff is solicitous, very friendly, and explain each dish and its nuances as it is served. It has a limited wine menu but allows BYOB and for those who don't like alcohol has some creative mocktails. I look forward to returning in the future.

Had the pleasure of doing a coooking class at Little Fox Kitchen with my hubby and it was such a…read morefun experience. It's BYOB (huge win), the group was small so it felt super personal, and we actually got to know everyone. I learned some new cooking techniques and the food turned out amazing. Honestly a perfect date night dinner and a show lol! 10/10 recommend!

What a fun time!! Not only do you learn a lot and have a lot of fun, but you get to enjoy delicious…read morefood and time with loved ones while you cook! The chef was so helpful and knowledgeable and was able to make the most complex steps simple and approachable. Definitely want to come back for a lovely date night!

John and his assistant Tom catered a "grazing party" at my home for 11 of us. I'm so upset that I…read moretook no pictures to share or to have to show. Everyone was so impressed by the food. He came ready with some business cards and it was worth his effort. My husband and I don't have a large home but do have a decent size kitchen. John and Tom came in and worked miracles. I can't praise them enough for how well everything turned out. Party, large or small consider Be My Guest. You won't regret it.

From the owner: "Be My Guest is a one-stop shop for all your culinary needs! Be My Guest offers services such as…read morepersonal chef, boutique catering, and weekly meal prep. Each event & menu is specifically designed by Chef John Manzo to fit each individual clients, tastes, wants and budget. Be My guest will do events from intimate dinner parties for 2 to large dinner parties for 20+ guests; small and large catering events, in-home cooking classes, corporate events to weekly meal prep delivered right to your door.

I'm not really a sweets gal, but I'm in love with these beignets - the jelly was my fave. Matcha…read morewas yummy and flavorful. Staff is nice and accommodating despite it being super busy. Parking is a hard find during the weekends, but there are a couple of lots in Metuchen.

I love this spot! I stumbled upon this place, and it's such a hidden gem. It's small, but you can…read moretell it's full of love; cozy, welcoming, and full of good vibes. The staff was lovely and made us feel right at home. My boyfriend ordered coffee, his sister had jasmine tea (so good!), and I had the mango tea, absolutely delicious. We shared the pancake balls, which were fluffy and perfectly sweet. I highly recommend this place! The food is delicious, the prices are affordable, and the atmosphere is just so nice and chill.

Gabby, owner/chef at Autumn Olive Food Works is the most warm and wonderful human we have met in a…read morelong, long time. She is inspirational, creative, flexible, accommodating, and very, very cool under pressure. Gabby hosted a private affair at our home recently. She curated the most incredible menu that took into consideration all kinds of dietary components (vegetarian, hard core carnivores, those with celiac, and picky little eaters). It was seamless, delicious, and enjoyed by all. AND, she managed to pull off this exquisite multi part meal with no power - yes no power. We had a large storm come through the evening of our event and Gabby was limited to the grill and candle light. She was so relaxed and easy going and managed to produce a magnificent, sumptuous meal with everything, bar one of the desserts that needed the oven to bake off. I would highly recommend Gabby for your next event, whether it be a formal occasion, garden party, or intimate family gathering. I certainly can not wait to use her again.

I wish I could give 10 stars to Autumn Olive Food Works. My band conducted a a very long music…read morevideo and Gabby prepared literally BEAUTIFUL and healthy good for us all day. Apart from the fact that it was absolutely delicious and grown from the land, we truly needed healthy and filling food to have energy for the shoot. Pizza and other junk food wouldn't have given us the energy to perform at the highest level. And if that wasn't enough Gabby is truly one of the Kindest and most accommodating people I've ever met. She's a true artist, and it was beautiful to have her a part of our creative process. The video came out great and kickstarted a lot of our career, and We have her to thank! truly the food and service from Gabby is one of the most special memories I have of that time. The artists and crew were treated like royalty. If you ever have an event, book her!!!

I recently purchased some amazing cupcakes, cookies and a tray of spinach/cheese wrapped in phylo…read moredough from Aunt Viv's. The gourmet cupcakes were delicious and ran out faster than you could count them. Had many praises from the party goers on all the items. The quality was great, fresh, and with a homemade taste that was just perfect. We'll definitively contact Aunt Viv for our next event. Thank you!

Do you remember when you were a child and went to visit Grandma or Aunt Mary in New Jersey and the…read moresmell of fresh baked cookies and sweets had you mouth watering and you couldn't wait for dinner to be over so you could dive into that tray of sweet desserts? Well for me that wonderful memory came alive when I attend a dinner at a friend's house in Brooklyn. They served a nice meal but the desserts! The cookies, the biscuits, the apple pie cookies! I was afraid to test my blood glucose level the next morning. When I asked my friend where the desserts came from they showed me the business card of Aunt Viv's Kitchen. All of the items served were delicious and simply sinful. I highly recommend this wonderful homemade cooking business. Your taste buds will thank you. Chris F Bayside, NY

Chez Barbara just catered my husband's 50th birthday party and did such an incredible job!…read moreBarbara visited my house several weeks before and within 5 minutes she knew exactly where the bar would be, how the menu should be planned and she nailed it in every way. The food was magnificent--my guests could not stop raving! There was a beautiful, huge sushi boat, lobster Mac and cheese, Pinot Noir meatballs, potato pancakes with caviar, shredded duck tacos, pulled pork sliders and more! She also made a stunning and delicious birthday cake, and an assortment of mini cupcakes that were also scrumptious. Her team of servers and bartender were all seasoned, excellent professionals and the entire evening was perfect. It is such a wonderful feeling to see your guests truly enjoying the food and having a wonderful time. Thank you, Chez Barbara!

I started my first culinary class with Chef Barbara back in 2015. This is when the new Shop Rite…read morestarted Culinary workshops and I was hooked! I learned so much and it was a fun experience! Very disappointed when Shop Rite discontinued the program. She's now been running culinary classes much further away from me, but it was so worth the trip! You can participate or just observe. The food is always delicious and you leave pretty stuffed. She's the best! I highly recommend attending her class!

Chef Brian catered a very special dinner for my family. From start to finish he was amazing. He…read moreworked with me on the meal selections and helped plan out a menu. He came to our house and setup everything and made one of the best meals I've ever had. He even cleaned up afterwards and was so kind. If you are looking for someone to hire, this is your man.

Heavenly Eats catered our church/pastoral anniversary during the recent HEAT WAVE. However, not…read moreeven the heat was able to stop them from doing what they do or prevent me from giving them a 5 star rating. If I could, I'd give them a million plus stars !!! First of all, their professionalism and mannerism is a Class A Act, and Chef Brian and his staff were extremely attentive to the guest and detail. The food was so artfully presented, simply mouthwatering, and some of the best that I've ever tasted in all of my 70 years!!! All of the guest in attendance left asking the same question ... "WHO IS THAT CHEF !!!" If you are planning an event, it is my suggestion that you adjust your calendar to fit Chef Brian's schedule. Heavenly Eats, without a doubt, has set the bar high!!!

I can buy Macarons at the mall now?! Sweet! Found this little gem in Menlo Park Mall yesterday in…read morethe midst of the scurrying shoppers. Round, sweet, colorful treats stood called out to me and said "Hello! Taste me and we will satisfy your sweet tooth". I always compare macarons to my favorite places, (not Ladureé, it's all about Biscuterie de Montmatre). Macarons and Cookies is pretty good. The girl who sells them doesn't work for By Woops, the company who franchises these "mall macarons". But she was nice and helpful. A single macaron is $2.75, a bit steep, but they are slightly bigger and I guess you're paying for convenience. I bought Cookies and Cream, Red Velvet, and Nutella. They are soft, sweet, not too gooey and just a delight. I'm happy to have the opportunity to buy macarons before or post shopping. This location is a small kiosk located on the lower level of the mall across from Coach and Arden B.

I called this place before going to find out where they were located in the mall so I don't waste…read moremy time walking around. The woman told me it's by Sephora and journeys, it's NOT! I got there 10 mins after I called and it was closed so I called back and told the same woman no one was here. She told me hold on she'll call the guy back, I patiently waited but after another 10 minutes I called back to make sure I wasn't wasting my time. That's when she told me oh the guy said the mall closed early so they closed too. I was standing in the mall! I was so happy to find this place because it's close to my house but I wouldn't waste my time to even go back.