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Haddon Avenue

Saturday, December 1, 2012

From Finicky Eater to Gourmand

With 14 Italian Restaurants in Collingswood, How Does Villa Barone Stack up?

In a crowded dining scene, Villa Barone, the anchor of the downtown Restaurant Row renaissance, is doing all the right things to maintain its venerable position.

Much has been made about the excess of Italian restaurants in Collingswood—a lot of it by me, probably (and I’m sorry for coming off, at times, as an incessant whiner on the subject). But when it comes to dining diversity in town, there are options, but not many choices. We have one South American restaurant (El Sitio), one Mexican restaurant (The Tortilla Press), and one Cuban restaurant (Casona). If you want new American, there's Blackbird/West Side Gravy.  Collingswood is home to two Indian restaurants, one Thai restaurant, one grilled cheese restaurant—you get the idea. How many Italian restaurants are there in town? I counted 14. From casual pizza shops Stella and Café Antonio’s II to the super-refined Zeppoli and Sapori, and …

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David Valiante

8:49 pm on Sunday, December 9, 2012

I've written about Little Louie's in the past, and glowingly: http://collingswood.patch.com/articles/lunch-at-little-louie-s-bb   more ›

Thursday, November 29, 2012

I Am Collingswood

I Am Collingswood: Eileen Boyle

A Collingswood resident for more than 25 years, Eileen Boyle is a business owner, volunteer and one of the architects of the local arts scene as we know it.

It's no wonder that "welcome change" is a mantra for long-time Collingswood resident Eileen Boyle. She's weathered the changes in her own life gracefully, including raising children after the loss of her husband and starting her own business, all while helping Collingswood transform itself into the vital, artistic community we know today. An independent life coach and business consultant, Eileen moved her graphic arts business to Haddon Avenue in the late 1990s. Her work with Newton Colony Arts Bank helped revitalize the town, and she says Collingswood has sustained her through difficult times. Collingswood Patch: Can you tell me about your role in the redevelopment of 729 Haddon Ave., the building that now houses El Sitio and the Pop Shop…

Thursday, November 15, 2012

I Am Collingswood

I Am Collingswood: Andrew Faupel

Kenkojuku Karate owner Andrew Faupel explains how his practice embraces non-violence, discipline, and self-respect.

Collingswood's resident sensei, Andrew Faupel, discovered karate as a teen.  As owner and head instructor at Kenkojuku Karate on Haddon Avenue, he's been sharing his gift for martial arts for over 10 years. This week he tells Patch about how the philosophy he teaches his students extends beyond the doors of the dojo, fills us in on a new program for the littlest karate buffs, and gives us some tips on keeping ourselves safe when we're out and about. Collingswood Patch: What style of martial arts are you trained in and where did that style originate? Andrew Faupel: Primarily Shotokan karate. Shotokan came from Okinawa, Japan. Prior to that it came from China and if you go far enough back, from India. Patch: When and why did you start your …

Janice Morze

8:49 am on Thursday, November 15, 2012

OSS! Agree with Mary! A wonderful person, teacher and role model.   more ›

Friday, November 2, 2012

From Finicky Eater to Gourmand

Indiya Offers Bold New Lunch Options

The new Haddon Avenue restaurant offers a refreshing change from the usual Restaurant Row fare.

Does Collingswood need another Indian restaurant? That may seem like a silly question. Haddon Avenue is, after all, not exactly the definition of diversity. Despite a plethora of options, Collingswood tends to lean on an Italian-heavy influence when it comes to cuisine. Therefore, the opinion of many folks I’ve spoken to is that anything new that’s not Italian is acceptable. I only ask that question because Collingswood is already home to one of the premiere Indian restaurants in South Jersey. I’m sure you’re familiar; Indeblue has been established in the area for some time and has grown quite a reputation. When you’re talking about a style of food that’s generally considered as foreign and exotic as Indian cuisine is, it seems an …

Saturday, October 20, 2012

From Finicky Eater to Gourmand

Gourmet Popcorn Creations: New Twists, Old Favorites

The unique shop on Haddon Avenue is changing the way you think about popcorn.

I found one of my favorite places in Collingswood almost completely by accident. My girlfriend and I were strolling down Haddon Ave one afternoon, enjoying the weather and talking about movies—specifically, what we felt like watching for our movie night. When autumn’s in the air, all I really want to watch are scary movies, something she has no interest in. While we walked, I was trying (and failing) to get her to change her mind. As it happened, right about the time I threw in the towel and agreed to watch something a little more her speed, we noticed we were standing outside of Gourmet Popcorn Creations. The timing was too perfect. My girlfriend is the kind of person who can’t go to the movies without making herself sick on a giant tub …

Friday, April 20, 2012

From Finicky Eater to Gourmand

Westmont's Pour House Is a Beer Lover's Paradise

Great selection and great prices make The Pour House stand a (foamy) head above the competition.

I really wanted to like The Pour House. I had heard great things about its extensive beer and burger-centric menu, and I figured a Flyers/Phillies double header would provide an ideal opportunity to experience it for myself. I really, really wanted to like The Pour House. And you know what? I really, really did. A little background: I was a bit apprehensive about when I learned it was owned by the same group that owns the P.J. Whelihan's franchises that dot the South Jersey landscape. Nothing against P.J. Whelihan's; it’s just your run-of-the-mill sports bar that offers pretty standard food and drink. But the beer list at The Pour House features 141 different bottles (including the notoriously difficult-to-find Brooklyn Black Ops) and an …

Thursday, April 5, 2012

From Finicky Eater to Gourmand

Keeping Things Casual at Knight's Bistro

The eatery is a nod to Collingswood's past and fills a void in its restaurant scene, says owner Nick Abbate.

Knight’s Bistro is doing something different--and that’s a very good thing. Named for the famed local family that also lent its name to nearby Knight Park, the new Italian eatery on the bustling corner of Haddon and Collings aims to combat the Collingswood swank with something über-casual. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. “I love the Collingswood restaurant scene," says Nick Abbate. "That’s a big part of the reason I wanted to open here.” Abbate, who co-owns Knight’s Bistro with his brother, Joe, noticed an absence of laid-back, family-style restaurants along Haddon Avenue, and saw an opportunity. This isn’t the brothers' first foray into the restaurant business. Their father opened the popular People’s Pizza in Cherry Hill, and …

Clare Sheehan

1:32 pm on Friday, August 17, 2012

... The sign does Not say Knight Bistro Parking only.. Many people may not realize that lot belongs to them.. Customer parking could mean all customers of Collingswood   more ›

Thursday, February 9, 2012

From Finicky Eater to Gourmand

Show Some Love at Local Restaurants on Valentine's Day

Our food columnist rounded up dining deals around Collingswood and Haddonfield for Valentine's Day.

Ah, Valentine’s Day. Flowers, hearts, candies, all that gushy romantic stuff that ladies love, fellas have to endure and single people detest. I’m going to make at least one part of your evening on Tuesday, Feb. 14 easy: dinner. I called restaurants in Collingswood and Haddonfield and got the scoop on what specials they’re offering to celebrate everybody’s favorite Hallmark holiday. (Some people I spoke to seemed unsure of certain details regarding their specials. Call and make sure they’re offering what you’re looking for before making reservations.) Haddonfield The British Chip Shop: Regular menu, plus Valentine’s Day specials, including bacon wrapped shrimp, butternut squash risotto and flourless chocolate cake. The Bistro: Menu will be…

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David Valiante

11:07 am on Monday, February 20, 2012

@Salt E Water... A BYOB initiative isn't going to "ruin" Ocean City for a number of reasons. First of all, Ocean City is a dry town, but it it's perfectly legal for residents to bring liquor into the city and drink as much as they want in their homes. BYOB restaurants won't be the first time alcohol is introduced to the city. Furthermore, the etiquette of a BYOB is to bring small amount of …   more ›

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