Tag: vegan

Red Lion Diner Southampton NJ quesadilla
Diners

Red Lion Diner Revisited (Southampton NJ)

Hollie

Red Lion Diner (Southampton, NJ)

The Red Lion Diner was one of the first diners I went to in 2014! I hadn’t been back in over five years. Since then, the Red Lion Diner has new management and the same owners as the Monarch Diner in Glassboro. I like the Monarch Diner, so I was excited to come back and review the Red Lion Diner. A few weeks ago, the timing worked out, so I went after work.

Red Lion Diner Southampton NJ

Red Lion Diner Atmosphere: A
After being redone, the Red Lion Diner is much bigger. When you walk in, you don’t think it goes back as far as it does. It’s clean and modern. The inside walks right next to the dessert case, which is always a win in my book.

Red Lion Diner Coffee: B
The coffee at the Red Lion Diner was decent, but there was nothing unique or unusual about it. I could have used more refills.

Red Lion Diner Southampton NJ coffee

Red Lion Diner Food: B
Like the Monarch Diner in Glassboro, the Red Lion Diner menu is massive. A unique component of the Red Lion Diner menu is the extensive vegan and vegetarian menu. If you are looking for meatless options, they have no shortage. Of course, they have anything else from breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but I was intrigued by the vegan selection.

I decided to order the vegan avocado quesadilla, which came stuffed with tofu, avocado, and some sort of cheese. It also came with beans, lettuce, and tomato. All vegetarian options come with soup and a muffin.

Red Lion Diner Southampton NJ
What is the soup? I may never know…

The waitress brought both the muffin and soup over but didn’t say what either of them was. I think it was butternut squash soup.  It was fine.  It wasn’t my favorite. The muffin was good as well.

Red Lion Diner Southampton NJ muffin

My tofu avocado quesadilla was excellent. I don’t think I’ve ever had anything tofu at a diner before, but this was good. I have no complaints about the quesadilla.

Red Lion Diner Southampton NJ quesadilla

Red Lion Diner Service: D
The service at the Red Lion Diner was lackluster. The manager (or maybe owner) seating people ignored my husband and I. He asked other parties waiting if they wanted drinks, but never made the same gesture to us. Our waitress didn’t seem like she as in a great mood either and neer came back and asked if we wanted refills or anything. Everyone has a bad day, but it felt like a trend in the entire Red Lion Diner.

Red Lion Diner Cost: $$
For the coffee and entree, it was $20.

Red Lion Diner Overall/Would I Come Back?
The food at the Red Lion Diner was good, but I was less than impressed with the service (which is a bigger deal to me). I prefer the Monarch Diner better and since both are about the same distance from my house, I’ll go there. If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan restaurant, the Red Lion Diner menu has plenty of options.  Since the new owners, the Red Lion Diner, is better than previously.

Atmosphere: A
Coffee: B
Food: A
Serice: D
Cost: $10-20
Overall: B

You can see all the diner reviews here.

Questions for you:
Do you like tofu?
Hae you been to a restaurant under new management?

 

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Olgas Diner Marlton boston cream pie
Diners

Olga’s Diner (Marlton)

Hollie

Olga’s Diner (Marlton)

Those who lie in South Jersey will know, Olga’s Diner used to be one of the most famous and popular diners in the area. It closed in 2008 and before I moved here. Sad, because everyone I talked to said it was the best. The original property in Marlton Circle at Route 70 and 73 was bought and the property was transformed into a medical building.  The new property is on the Northbound side of 73 on Baker Boulevard (less than a tenth of a mile away).

A year ago, a new family decided to recreate Olga’s Diner right up the road on route 73. It wasn’t the original family or original building, but the name Olgas.  When it finally opened in November of 2019, I was excited to go!

My friend Cyd from New Jersey Isn’t Boring and I met up around lunchtime on a weekday. It was packed! You would think we were going on a busy Sunday morning.

Olgas Diner Marlton
Olgas Diner Marlton

Olga’s Diner Atmosphere: A
Olga’s Diner stands out on route 73. It’s hard to miss the big, shiny, modern building. The inside of Olga’s Diner is large. Each booth and table is spread out, so you don’t feel like you’re sitting on top of anyone.

Coffee: B
The coffee at Olga’s Diner is good. Olga’s Diner uses the local company, Lacas. I could have used a few more refills.

Olgas Diner Marlton Coffee

Olga’s Diner Food: A
Olga’s Diner menu has everything you want and need in a diner.  There are plenty of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. If you are looking for healthy options, Olga’s Diner has that too. Plus an entire page menu dedicated to vegan options. Yes, vegan!  I thought about getting a vegan option just because Olga’s Diner had it but ultimately decided for the beet salad with rotisserie chicken. If beets are on any restaurant menu, I usually order them.

Olgas Diner Marlton salad

The beets tasted good and the greens were fresh. There was plenty of chicken too. I couldn’t taste a difference in the rotisserie-style chicken versus grilled.

Olga’s Diner Dessert: B
Cyd mentioned the original Olga’s Diner was known for their Boston Cream Pie, so we both decided to order that. The Boston Cream Pie was good, but the cake portion of it was a little dry.

Olgas Diner Marlton boston cream pie

Olga’s Diner Service: A
The waitress said it was her first day, but you would not have guessed. She was friendly and seemed like she was working there for a long time. The food came out quickly. We were sat and eating our food within 15 minutes of arriving.

Cost: $$
For my coffee, salad, and pie, it was $25. The salad alone was nearly $19, which I found a bit pricey for the size.

Overall Thoughts/Would I Come Back?
I liked Olga’s Diner, and I’ll be back. The food was excellent, and Olga’s Diner has a lot of menu options I want to try.

Atmosphere: A
Coffee: B
Food: A
Dessert: B
Service: A
Overall: A

You can see all the diner reviews here.

Questions for you:
What is your favorite dessert?
What is the last new restaurant you’ve been too?

 

 

monarch diner glassboro
Diners

Monarch Diner (Glassboro)

Hollie

Recently I was at the newly opened Monarch Diner. The Monarch Diner was updated from PB’s Diner and Taproom.  Both the Monarch Diner and the Red Lion Diner are now under a new ownership and brand new look.  It’s still in Gloucester Township on Delsea Drive in South Jersey.

Typically I’m confused about whether an updated or new ownership diner should be considered, “new,” but I’ve come to terms with if it has a new name and new owner, it’s new. The Red Lion Diner has new ownership as well, but still the same name. Should I go back and rereview it? TBD.

Atmosphere: A
I arrived at the Monarch Diner (Glassboro) on a Friday for dinner, and it was busy. There was already a wait. The outside is a cobblestone building with a touch of modern flair, while the inside has plenty of booths, tables, and a full-length bar.

There is a bright diner counter, bar area, high top tables, a diner area too. The Monarch Diner is much brighter than PB’s Diner and Taproom, and it’s much more “diner.”

Coffee: B
The Monarch Diner serve local Lacas coffee which was excellent. I could have used more refills, but other than that, it was good. It also has it’s liquor license.

monarch diner glassboro

Food: B
The menu at the Monarch Diner is vast. It’s also one of the most unique diner menus I’ve ever seen. It includes menu choices that are both vegan or vegetarian. The Monarch Diner also has the ability to sub regular bread for cauliflower bread. I’ve never seen that a restaurant, let alone diner, so I had to try it.

For my appetizer at the Monarch Diner, I decided to order the grilled Meditteranean platter. It came with grilled squash, eggplant, cauliflower pita points, hummus, and tzatziki sauce. It was good. The vegetables were cooked perfectly. I didn’t know what to expect from the cauliflower pita but it was delicious, and I have no complaints.

monarch diner glassboro

For my entree, I ordered the BLT on cauliflower bread.  It was a $3 upcharge, but I was so fascinated by it, that I decided I had too. The BLT was stuffed with plenty of bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and even avocado. The cauliflower bread was good, and truthfully I couldn’t taste much of a difference.

monarch diner glassboro

I asked to substitute the fries for a side salad, but they said that wasn’t an option, so I just chose one of the side vegetables. I was surprised I couldn’t but not the end of the world.

monarch diner glassboro

Dessert: A
I chose a chocolate pie to go. The chocolate pie was delicious. It had plenty of whipped cream and pudding, and I have no complaints.  While not cake, and not usually something I would order, the whipped cream called my name. We all know if it has whipped cream, I will probably like it.

Service: A
The waitress at the Monarch Diner was nice, and our food came out quickly. In all, it was a great diner. I always appreciate it when the manager (or maybe owner) walks around to see how the meal was.

Cost: $$
For the appetizer, meal, coffee, and dessert, it was $40. This isn’t an inexpensive diner, but the food is good.

Overall Thoughts/Would I Come Back to the Monarch Diner?
I liked the Monarch Diner (Glassboro, NJ), dare I say it, better than PB’s? I would go back, and it’s one of my favorite in the area.

Atmosphere: A
Coffee: B
Food: B
Service: A
Dessert: A
Cost: $15-30
Overall: A

You Can See All 237 Diner Reviews Here.

Close by diners: The Lamp Post Diner,The Metro Diner

Questions for you:
What is your favorite dessert?

Have you tried cauliflower crust? I don’t love or hate cauliflower crust. To me, it’s not a substitution for bread (and I don’t need it), but I do like the flavor and having it once in a while.

Curry Tiger Sweet Earth
Sponsored

Saving Time with Sweet Earth

Hollie

Recently I was given the opportunity to try Sweet Earth burritos and bowls.  Between life and work, there are some days I’m out of my house for 12+ hours a day.  Am I the busiest person? No. But do I find myself stopping somewhere and spending 20+ dollars for a meal if I don’t pack enough food? Always.

When Sweet Earth gave me the opportunity to try their Sweat Earth burritos and Sweet Earth bowls, I jumped at it.  Storage for Sweet Earth is easy, and they sit in my freezer until I pack one.  The Sweet Earth burritos take about 2 minutes to cook in the microwave, and the bowls take about 3-4. It’s not like you’re taking time to cook. Plus must Sweet Earth products contain foods like sweet potatoes or brown rice.

Curry Tiger Sweet Earth

About Sweet Earth:

  • All foods are vegan/vegetarian and packed with plant-based protein.  I’m not vegan or vegetarian, but it’s nice to occasionally have a meatless meal.
  • Sweet Earth is environmentally friendly. They only choose ingredients that sustain and protect our coast. Along with good tasting products, the food is also sustainable.
  • Sweet Earth also listens to customer feedback. They’ve grown and adapted with new flavors, vibrant colors, and complex textures. That’s how the Sweet Earth Tiger Bowl was created!

So Anyway a Few Products I’ve Tried from Sweet Earth:

Sweet Earth Curry Tiger:

My favorite is the Sweet Earth Curry Tiger which contains lentils, curried seitan, red peppers, and potatoes.  Lentils are one of my favorite foods, so I enjoyed it. It keeps me full for a while thanks to the potatoes as well. I’ve heard the Sweet Earth Tiger Curry Bowl is very good too.

Sweet Earth Chana Marsala:

My favorite Sweet Earth bowl so far has been the Marsala which has turmeric rice with chickpeas, curry seitan, potatoes, and peas all in an Indian Marsala Sauce. I had never had seitan before this, and it was good! I’ve heard the Sweet Earth Curry Seiten is equally as good. I found myself full for most the day.Sweet Earth food

They have dozens of more products to try, and all are vegan and vegetarian, made from sustainable and healthy good. Fast doesn’t mean unhealthy, and that is something I appreciate.

Saving Time Other Ways:

When I have a full plate of things to do during the day, saving minutes even hours, has helped me.

  • Eliminate all distractions for a set time:  If I’m working on important information or even writing, I turn off distractions. I put my cell phone in another area and turn off any notifications.  I’ve found I can get work done 50% faster and save minutes or even hours just by putting my cell phone somewhere else. Thank goodness, I went to college in a time cell phones weren’t “a big thing.”
  • Plan each day: Every morning before I go for a run or leave, I write down what I want to accomplish for the day. It takes 5 minutes but my mind is clear, and it’s much easier to get things done when I have a plan.
  • Small Tasks First: Anything I can do within 5 minutes, I do first. I might cross ten things in 20 minutes and then spend 2 hours doing the next.
  • Stop Multitasking: It seems counterintuitive, but for me, if I focus on one thing at a time I get it done much faster. Focusing on multiple things at once, means I slowly finish things.
  • Set a Timeline for Research: Often I don’t know the answer to something, so I need to research. That can lead to mindless internet browsing…how did I get on this cat webpage? Something I recently started was setting a timeline. Once my set limit is done, I go back to doing what I was doing. It’s amazing how you can somehow complete a task in less time when you give yourself less time.

Thanks to Sweet Earth Enlightened Foods for sponsoring this post!  You can find Sweet Earth at your local Kroger (my favorite grocery store LOL), Harris Teeter, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Frys, King Scoopers, Marianos and more.  Plus nationwide.

Questions for you:

How do you eat healthy while out?

How do you save time during the day? 

Diners

Shamong Diner

Hollie

Shamong Diner (Shomong, NJ)

shamong diner
Image via here

A few weeks ago I headed instate to the Shamong Diner in Shamong. Located in the Pine Barrens, the Shamong Diner is closer to where I previously lived. t was nice to be back in the farmlands and open roads. It does feel like a very long time ago since I lived out that way!

Shamong Diner Atmosphere: B
The Shamong Diner is easy to get too and located directly off of 206. It’s well marked. It reminds me more of a restaurant than a “traditional” shiny NJ diner.  It’s like the log cabins of diners.  Different isn’t a bad thing, though. The inside is cramped, but there were plenty of tables open. It appeared they had a salad bar, but it wasn’t being used.

Shamong Diner Service: B
When I arrived to the Shamong Diner, my table was the only party in the restaurant.  It was like they saved the restaurant for us!  For being empty, the service was a little bit slower than I would expect. At several points, I needed drink refills but the waitress was nowhere to be found. They were friendly, but the waitresses seemed to disappear frequently.

Shamong Diner Coffee: A
The Shamong Diner uses the local Lacas coffee brew. I have no complaints, and it was great. Any diner with Lacas coffee is a winner in my book. Plus the waitress added whipped cream both times she refilled it, so I couldn’t go wrong.  As I mentioned I wish there had been more refills of both the coffee and water. shamong diner coffee

Shamong Diner Food: A
The Shamong Diner is known for their vegan and vegetarian options. I found that fascinating because it is a diner. I don’t know why diners that are known for their vegetarian options. They have everything from traditional breakfast staples to seafood and ice cream as well as their vegan menu. They have items like scrambled tofu!

I ordered their vegetarian wrap that consisted of mixed vegetables in a wrap. It was excellent.  The ingredients were all fresh and it tasted great.

mushroomwrap

Shamong Diner Cost: $$
For my wrap and coffee, the cost was $14.

Overall thoughts/Would I come back to the Shamong Diner?
I enjoyed my meal, and I would return. The Shamong Diner has a lot of unique options that I haven’t seen at any other diners.  I have a few friends that I believe would enjoy the food.

Summary:
Atmosphere: B
Service: B
Coffee: A
Food: A
Cost: $12-20
Overall: B

You can see all diner reviews here

Questions for you:
Do you have a favorite vegetarian dish?