Tag Archives: NJ

The Pizza Princes of Grimaldi’s

April 4, 2023 tremendousblog 3 Comments

Pizza is a religion in New Jersey, ranking just below the Catholic Church. So I observed a moment of silence as I entered the inner sanctum.

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This is Grimaldi’s in Hoboken, NJ. Founded in 2010, Grimaldi’s serves outstanding Neapolitan and New York style pizzas from its 1000 degree coal oven.

After perusing the extensive menu, I decided to order the original: a margherita.

I tried to pay attention to how my friend’s week had gone, but I kept getting distracted. Just feet away, pizzaiolos were shaping dough with the skill of Michelangelo.

Whenever a pizza came out, I eyed it like a hungry dog. Shoot, not mine!

Then, the moment of truth. Our waitress placed my steaming pie in front of me, and I beamed.

Hoisting the first slice, I could tell the crust was crispy but not singed. Perfection.

Time for a bite….

I could almost see the garden where the tomatoes were planted. Fresh basil perfumed the luscious fruits.

This was the best pizza sauce I’ve ever had.

The mozzarella was soft and unctuous. The crust: airy and crisp.

You won’t find a better margherita. I made just one mistake: not ordering the larger size, like my friend did!

Perhaps the reason Grimaldi’s is so good is its attention to detail.

Every pizza is carefully formed. Every drink comes in a frosted glass.

That’s what it takes to be the best.

Grimaldi’s also has mouth-watering entrees like eggplant parm. I have to try it some day — if I can ever turn down the pizza!

Grimaldi’s is conveniently located on Hoboken’s Washington Street. It’s open from 11:30am to 11:00pm, seven days a week, and even delivers.

Stop in for the pie of your life!

What are you favorite pizzerias? Leave a comment and let me know!

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More on food:

Chocolate Almond Croissant Paradise

The Noodles Anthony Bourdain Dreamed Of

The Best Mexican Food Is In…New Jersey?

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Food, NYC Area

Chocolate Almond Croissant Paradise

April 3, 2023 tremendousblog 6 Comments

Strolling down a side street in North Jersey, I popped into a small storefront. Inside: the best almond chocolate croissant I’ve ever had.

This is Petite B French Bakery in West New York, NJ.

In a town that’s historically Cuban, Petite B brings a different flavor. The owners, originally from France, opened in late 2020 to rave reviews.

I feasted my eyes on baguettes, lemon tarts, and madeleines. But I was here for one reason, and one reason only.

A chocolate almond croissant.

This is the granddaddy of French pastry. You get everything wonderful at once: buttery layers of pastry, smooth almond cream, and rich chocolate.

I ordered, paid, and scampered off like a mouse with a treat. Standing on the sidewalk, I gingerly removed the pastry from the bag, not wanting to lose a single almond.

I bit down through crunchy layers of pastry and nuts into the gooey interior. Perfection.

A good almond croissant is moist without being soggy. Its outside is crisp, its inside yielding.

Petite B does it better than anywhere I’ve ever been, even in France.

Petite B also has excellent prices. A cannelé is just 50 cents, the lowest I’ve ever seen.

This sunny bakery offers a lot more than pastry. Savory dishes like quiche and croque monsieur round out the menu, along with a wide assortment of La Colombe coffees.

There’s even a spacious outdoor seating area in the warmer months!

I used to have to go to New York City to get some of my favorite French foods. Not anymore!

Petite B is open every day but Monday. Closing time varies throughout the week, so be sure to check the hours before your visit.

I hope you enjoy this taste of France as much as I did!

What are your favorite bakeries? Leave a comment and let us know!

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More on food:

From Fries to Pastry, Lafayette Shines

The Noodles Anthony Bourdain Dreamed Of

The Meatball of the Gods at Pasta by Hudson

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Misfits Market

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Food, NYC Area

Puerto Rico’s Finest at La Casa

January 11, 2023 tremendousblog 1 Comment

We filed into the dim, narrow space full of expectation. I didn’t even know what Puerto Rican food was — but I was about to find out.

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La Casa in Hoboken offers Puerto Rican classics in a cozy atmosphere. Each dish is deeply flavorful and cooked just right.

For starters, we ordered a papa relleno. It’s essentially mashed potatoes stuffed with meat and deep fried.

Just what the doctor ordered! And as delicious as it sounds.

Next, I ordered the camarones al ajillo — garlic shrimp — with yellow rice and black beans. I’ve had gambas al ajillo in Spain, but Puerto Rico’s take is richer and more mild.

Spain’s heavily fragrant, oily sauce is replaced by a creamy one with a more subtle flavor. Even after I finished the shrimp, I lapped up the sauce like a hungry dog!

Unlike many restaurants, the shrimp are properly cooked. No tough little stones at La Casa!

The fluffy rice perfectly complemented the black beans with their deep cumin flavor.

I normally don’t like chicken breast — too dry. But my friend John urged me to try his, and it was moist and juicy.

Overcooked food is a common problem at restaurants. But at La Casa, they do things right.

On our way out, I swung by the kitchen to thank the cooks. They smiled broadly and one gave me a fist-bump.

When people take pride in what they do like the cooks at La Casa, the results are worth writing home about.

La Casa is open every day and in addition to the fine dinner we had, I’m told they serve a delicious breakfast!

There can be a wait on weekend nights. Given the small number of tables, they don’t take reservations.

On weekends, your best shot at getting a table right away is to arrive at 8:30pm or later.

What’s your favorite Latin dish? Leave a comment at the bottom and let me know!

More on food:

Korean Noodle Heaven at Food Gallery 32

The Best Mexican Food Is In…New Jersey?

NJ’s Best Apple Cider Donut

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Misfits Market

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I wrote a detailed review of Misfits here.

Use this link to sign up and you’ll save $15 on your first order.

NYC Area, Outdoors

Christmas Camping in New Jersey

December 23, 2022 tremendousblog Leave a comment

As Christmas drew near and the mercury fell, most people huddled inside with a warm mug of cocoa. Not us.

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On Tuesday, my friend Tom and I cruised down the highway, headed to the wilderness. Already by 3pm, the sun hung low in the sky.

I couldn’t wait to spend time around friends free of distractions. But I also wondered if we could stay warm.

“Land really is the best art.”
Andy Warhol

We pulled up to the little lean-to that would be our home for the next two days. We were utterly alone, every other site deserted.

Surrounding us was Stokes State Forest, a wonderful natural spot in northwestern New Jersey. We settled and in Tom whipped up a Brunswick stew as I warmed myself by the stove.

This delicious dish is easy to make and great for a campsite. Just empty some cans of beans and corn into a pot along with onion and pre-cooked pulled pork, and you’ve got yourself a beautiful hot meal!

Our little woodstove didn’t look like much, but it threw incredible heat! Soon, I was shedding layers down to a light sweater.

The next day, our friend Paulie joined us for a lively hike. We took in streams, a frozen pond, and even an abandoned silver mine!

Winter is a great time to hike. You have the trails to yourself, letting you really focus on nature’s beauty.

We wrapped up the day eating Beyond Meat burgers by the fire — our one nod to healthy eating on this trip!

If you go camping this time of year, be sure to get a cabin with a woodstove. Bring lighter fluid and a mix of kiln-dried and regular wood.

The kiln-dried wood and lighter fluid make it easy to get the fire started. Once it’s blazing, the regular wood can burn more slowly, providing lasting heat.

You’ll also want good sleeping pads and a 0 degree sleeping bag. This is the one I own — it’s amazing!.

Don’t be afraid to enjoy the woods even in winter!

Nature has a special, spare beauty this time of year. And with the right equipment, you’ll be snug as a bug in a rug.

Would you go camping in winter? Why or why not?

Leave a comment at the bottom and let me know.

There will be no blog on Monday for the holiday. See you on Tuesday.

Merry Christmas everyone! 🎅❄️☃️

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Misfits Market

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I wrote a detailed review of Misfits here.

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NYC Area, Outdoors

North Jersey’s Secret Campground

August 3, 2022 tremendousblog 2 Comments

We went deeper and deeper into the forest. Tents and shelters disappeared, replaced by foxes, deer, and silence.

We pulled up to a small clearing, scarcely another human in sight.

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This is Steam Mill Campground in Stokes State Forest. The 16,000 acre park in northern New Jersey is popular with campers, but today we were off the beaten path.

This beautiful spot is less visited than other camping spots in Stokes. The sounds of music and conversation were replaced with bird calls.

Dinner was an incredible coq au vin courtesy of our friend Jim*. A lengthy reduction of the broth left it redolent of bacon and wine.

We weren’t the only ones who loved the smell. As darkness fell, an adorable baby raccoon wandered onto our campsite!

He was so tame, he rubbed against my leg like a cat. My friend Tim* named him Roscoe.

As he ambled back into the forest, we heard his mother scold him with a loud shriek. I guess little raccoons can be as naughty as little humans.

Our days were for exploring.

We hiked Tillman Ravine, a steep and dramatic landscape of rock and evergreen. It reminded me of the hills and pine forests of the Pacific Northwest.

After a short hike, our friend Victor* casually mentioned “I think the car is this way.” Some campers prefer the hot dogs to the hiking. 🙂

Eager to go further, I took a long stroll down an abandoned fire road. The isolation and quiet does wonders for the mind.

But I wasn’t entirely alone. A huge barred owl glided across the path and landed in a tree, looking down at me.

In all our lives, what were the odds that we’d ever see each other? But I’m glad we did!

That night, unexpectedly heavy rain came down. I suffered a catastrophic tent failure and ran to the car.

Settling into the dry seat, I was so grateful for civilization. Sometimes you need to rough it just a bit to feel that gratitude.

Despite its remote location, Steam Mill is quite livable.

There’s delicious spring water on tap a short walk away. Many sites have platforms for tents and there’s even a bathroom…sort of.

The toilet seat is like the one you have at home, but it sits above a deep pit. 😨 It may not be the Four Seasons, but it’s serviceable.

Flush toilets and showers are a couple of miles away at the Lake Ocquittunk camping area, among others.

If you yearn for quiet and wildlife, Steam Mill is for you. It’s a bit less comfy, but the tranquil beauty makes it more than worthwhile.

Hope to see you there!

What are you favorite natural spots? Leave a comment at the bottom and let me know!

More on Fundrise in this post.

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Misfits Market

I’ve used Misfits for years, and it never disappoints! Every fruit and vegetable is organic, super fresh, and packed with flavor!

I wrote a detailed review of Misfits here.

Use this link to sign up and you’ll save $15 on your first order.

*Not their real names.

Business, Technology

Sequoia Comes to the Big Apple

July 29, 2022 tremendousblog Leave a comment

Exciting news out this week as legendary venture firm Sequoia Capital comes to NYC. Its new offices near Union Square are the firm’s first American branch outside the Bay Area.

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From The Information:

Sequoia Capital, the Menlo Park, Calif.–based venture capital firm known for its early investments in Google and Instagram, plans to open an office in New York City, its first U.S. facility outside Silicon Valley, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter.

The move by Sequoia, the most prominent tech startup investor, underscores a broader shift by venture capitalists to plant roots outside the San Francisco Bay Area following the pandemic-fueled boom in remote work, which spurred more founders to start companies in other regions and cities, including New York

I actually heard about this through the grapevine several months ago, but now it’s official! The firm will take offices in a beautiful new glass high rise on East 14th Street.

I happen to know the area well. Next door is the only Trader Joe’s in the city with a wine shop.

Perhaps Senior Steward Roelof Botha will pop in for some $4 red?

The arrival of the greatest firm in the history of venture capital is a landmark moment for New York. Venture funding in the city has jumped over 250% in the last 2 years.

I’m seeing more and more awesome startups here. Two of my last three investments have been NYC-based companies.

Remote work is fueling the New York tech scene. Founders who had to be in the Bay Area in the past are now free to live where they like.

The accelerators that birth so many startups, like Y Combinator and the LAUNCH Accelerator, are all online now. And VC’s are comfortable investing over Zoom.

So, many founders are abandoning the Bay and coming to NYC. It’s denser than San Francisco with more to do, safer and (a little) cheaper.

Entrepreneurs used to go where the VC’s were. Now investors are following founders.

Andreessen Horowitz is also opening an office in New York, along with LA and Miami. Soon, I expect every major US venture firm will have a presence in NYC.

If density of capable people and chance meetings fuel the startup world, New York seems like a natural choice.

It’s denser than anywhere in America, by far.

I can walk between offices of numerous venture firms and startups in just a few minutes. At NYC tech events, I randomly bump into the same people almost every time.

It never made sense for an industry predicated on instant worldwide communications to cluster all in one place. I’m delighted to see this dynamism that began in California spread nationwide.

Welcome, Sequoia! And here’s a tip: head across the river to Hudson County, NJ.

It’s just better. 🙂

What do you think of New York’s tech scene? Leave a commnet at the bottom and let me know!

There will be no blog on Monday. I’ll be in the woods celebrating a friend’s birthday!

See you on Tuesday. Have a great weekend everyone! 👋

More on Fundrise in this post.

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Misfits Market

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I wrote a detailed review of Misfits here.

Use this link to sign up and you’ll save $15 on your first order.

Photo: Roelof Botha “509307017DH00078_TechCrunch” by TechCrunch is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

NYC Area, Outdoors

A Special Weekend in Stokes State Forest

June 6, 2022 tremendousblog 1 Comment

I walked up the cracked country road, wildflowers on either side. The birds sang and a rustle in the bushes made me turn my head.

A chipmunk! The little grey man stood still, awaiting my next move.

I tried to get a picture, but he was too fast!

This weekend I had the joy of visiting Stokes State Forest in northwestern New Jersey. Our state may be known for chemical plants and garbage dumps, but in these verdant woods, you’d never know it.

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The land undulates gently, slowly rising into broad, thickly wooded mountains. Tucked away in that woods was our campsite.

I returned to our temporary homestead after my stroll, dropping into my lawn chair with a groan. Burgers sizzled on the grill.

After a wonderful dinner and many laughs with friends, I retired to my tent on the edge of the forest. There’s something peaceful about making your bed in nature.

Stokes State Forest has excellent camping facilities that I’d recommend to anyone.

There are real bathrooms nearby, and they’re actually clean! The dispensers always have soap, a rare amenity in the woods.

A short drive away were the showers, and I felt like a new man after lathering up there on Saturday!

The campsites themselves are spacious and provide a good distance between you and other campers. But the water might be the best thing of all!

Stokes has an artesian well that provides some of the best-tasting mineral water you’ll ever drink! Locals who aren’t even camping drive into the forest to fill dozens of plastic bottles from this pristine spring.

When we’re camping, my friends and I don’t have to worry about getting home. Home is a tent just a few feet away!

There is no other time in this hectic modern world where I get to spend days at a time with some of my favorite people. That’s why camping is special.

If you’ve never camped, give it a try! Stokes is just over an hour from New York City and its natural beauty is more than worth the trip!

What are some of your favorite experiences in nature? Leave a comment at the bottom and let me know!

More on Fundrise in this post.

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Misfits Market

I’ve used Misfits for years, and it never disappoints! Every fruit and vegetable is organic, super fresh, and packed with flavor!

I wrote a detailed review of Misfits here.

Use this link to sign up and you’ll save $15 on your first order.

NYC Area, Outdoors

Pine Barrens Glamping in Brendan Byrne State Forest

April 11, 2022 tremendousblog 3 Comments

We opened the door to the cabin and stood silently, our mouths agape. In years visiting the woods, we’d never seen anything like this.

A beautiful brand new cabin!

The bunks were feathery soft. The carpentry was stunning, each board fitting together perfectly.

No sleeping on a bare floor tonight!

This is Brendan Bryne State Forest in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. This unusual ecosystem of pine trees and sandy soil is home to many rare plant and animal species, including 274 kinds of moss!

My friends and I unpacked our gear and started a fire, grilling up steaks and salmon burgers. Sitting around that fire, the concerns of daily life faded away like the smoke.

After a fine night’s sleep in the cushy bunks, we wolfed down ham and eggs and set off for a hike. The hiking is easy in the Pine Barrens, with flat terrain and well groomed trails.

We wondered at the beautiful conifers and placid ponds, often content with saying little.

As we made it back to camp, our friend Victor* pulled up! He had been tied up Friday but didn’t want to miss this wonderful weekend entirely.

Together, we cooked burgers, apple gouda sausages, and even a savory chili over the flames. We joked and laughed, untroubled by the need to get home at the end of the night.

Come Sunday morning, we all sat around after breakfast, reluctant to begin packing. It would mean the trip was over.

But pack we did, already planning our next visit.

Brendan Byrne has both cabins (with plumbing and electricity) and “shelters,” which was the simpler cabin we stayed in. I found it more than adequate, and at about $50 a night for Jersey residents, it’s a steal!

Now is the perfect time to visit the Pine Barrens!

The weather’s getting warmer but the ticks have yet to emerge. Enjoy this unique world while you can!

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Misfits Market

My wife and I have gotten organic produce shipped to our house by Misfits for over a year. It’s never once disappointed me.

Every fruit and vegetable is super fresh and packed with flavor.

I thought radishes were cold, tasteless little lumps at salad bars until I tried theirs! They’re peppery, colorful and crunchy!

I wrote a detailed review of Misfits here.

Use this link to sign up and you’ll save $10 on your first order.

Food, NYC Area

Classic Coffee and Cake in North Jersey

March 22, 2022 tremendousblog 2 Comments

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What could be more classic than coffee and cake? After a recent dinner out, my wife and I stopped at Paris Baguette in search of this venerable combo.

We found cases filled with some of the most beautiful, artistic cakes I’ve ever seen. They’re so pretty you almost don’t want to eat them.

Almost.

We ordered a tiramisu cake and cappuccino for her and mocha cake and a small coffee for me. They were ready in no time and we sat down at the handsome marble tables, ready to feast.

The tiramisu cake was novel with a deep espresso flavor. But the star of the show was my mocha cake.

My fork sliced through the rich icing into a deliciously moist, crumbly interior. I closed my eyes as I chewed, transported to chocolate heaven.

The finely brewed coffee was a perfect counterpoint to the chocolate. We sipped and relaxed, content as could be.

As we finished up, I noticed my wife furtively eyeing the dessert case. I mean, you only live once right?

So she grabbed a scrumptious twisty donut thing whose name I don’t know, holding it triumphantly in the air like a trophy. Oh, and a mini cheese cake for the morning, too.

Who’s counting?

In addition to numerous locations across northern New Jersey, you can find Paris Baguette in New York City, Philadelphia, and numerous other locations across the country. Stop in for delicious coffee and baked goods in a relaxing atmosphere!

More on food:

Our Man in Hunan

The Best Mexican Food Is In…New Jersey?

Manhattan’s Burger Baron

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Save Money on Stuff I Use:

Fundrise

This platform lets me diversify my real estate investments so I’m not too exposed to any one market. I’ve invested since 2018 and returns have been great so far.

More on Fundrise in this post.

If you decide to invest in Fundrise, you can use this link to get your management fees waived for 90 days.

Misfits Market

My wife and I have gotten organic produce shipped to our house by Misfits for over a year. It’s never once disappointed me.

Every fruit and vegetable is super fresh and packed with flavor.

I thought radishes were cold, tasteless little lumps at salad bars until I tried theirs! They’re peppery, colorful and crunchy!

I wrote a detailed review of Misfits here.

Use this link to sign up and you’ll save $10 on your first order.

NYC Area, Politics

Jack Ciattarelli’s $10 Billion Budget Cut

November 1, 2021 tremendousblog Leave a comment

New Jersey has an election tomorrow, pitting Democratic Governor Phil Murphy against Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli.

While researching who to vote for, I came across a startling piece of information. From NJ.com:

Ciattarelli has vowed to cut $10 billion in spending from the budget. But he has not outlined what programs he’d slash.

That got me wondering: how big is the state budget? Would cutting $10 billion be a little, or a lot?

It turns out the total state budget is $46.4 billion. A $10 billion cut would mean slashing 22% of the state budget.

That sounds drastic. If Ciattarelli had clearly outlined wasteful spending we should eliminate, I’d feel a little better about his argument.

But the total lack of clarity on what state services will get the axe concerns me.

Would this mean no more buses, closing state parks, or the end of free community college? We have no way to know because the candidate hasn’t told us.

The question is, do we want to find out?

Tremendous

Tag Archives: NJ

The Pizza Princes of Grimaldi’s

Chocolate Almond Croissant Paradise

Puerto Rico’s Finest at La Casa

Christmas Camping in New Jersey

North Jersey’s Secret Campground

Sequoia Comes to the Big Apple

A Special Weekend in Stokes State Forest

Pine Barrens Glamping in Brendan Byrne State Forest

Classic Coffee and Cake in North Jersey

Jack Ciattarelli’s $10 Billion Budget Cut

An angel investor's take on life and business