Rats, at The Grounds for Sculpture

Try not to work up an appetite after touring the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, one of my favorite places to spend a day. The food at Rats is superb, and expensive. We'd lunched there before and never had to wait, but this time it was crowded with businessmen, ladies who lunch, and tourists. We made a reservation, and waited about half an hour for a call on our mobile phone. Unfortunately, the only table available was outdoors, in full sun, no umbrella. We took it, I put on my baseball cap (so fashionable) and hoped I'd used enough sunblock. The waiter brought fresh bread and herb butter, then seemed to disappear, which he did on and off while we were there. The meal more than made up for the bad location and poor service. Joel had Bronzini and salad with green beans, frisée and potatoes, with a light vinaigrette dressing. The fish was excellent. I had generous chicken Cobb Salad, with bite size pieces od grilled chicken, tidbits of real bacon, avocado, chunks of Bleu Cheese, minced boiled eggs on a bed of crisp Romaine lettuce. pedestrian, it wasn't. Joel had a tasty Claufouti tart with mango, and hazelnut ice cream and a Cappuchino. I had a cup of very good regular coffee. The sun got to Joel, and he waited in the shade for the bill, which took a long time coming.

El Oaxaqueno 2 Restaurant

If you want authentic Mexican food, go no further than the City of New Brunswick, where there are many Mexican family restaurants that serve real food, not Tex-Mex, at affordable prices. We usually get lunch at a favorite taqueria with a limited menu but decided to try El Oaxaqueno 2 at 260 Drift Street. The open kitchen takes up part of the relatively small room, and there was a steady stream of local families and workmen, so you know the food is authentic. Ah, the food. Choose from a diner size menu for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Our server brought gratis taco chips and three wonderfully spicy hot dips while Joel studied the menu. I'm easy, ordering Enchiladas Rojas Asada, five enchiladas filled with bite size just right beef morsels swimming in an absolutely delicious hot and spicy red gravy, topped with sliced tomato, lettuce and avocado. A party in my mouth. Joel had Conejo (rabbit) a la Mexicano in a fresh tomato sauce with the absolute best corn tortillas I've ever eaten. No, There is no way I will ever eat a bunny, but Joel enjoyed it, along with a big glass of Tamarind juice. I loved the ambiance, felt like I was in Oaxaca. Service was excellent. We took home our desserts, creamy Mexican style Flan. The restaurant is open daily, from 9 A.M. to 1 A.M., closing later on weekends.