Maplewood Deli & Grille: A True Maplewood Eatery
A clean, well-lighted place with friendly service and food so good you forget about counting your carbs
Right now I am a happy person. My tummy is full of delicious food I ate at the Maplewood Deli and Grille.
I have driven past this eatery for a while now and have been meaning to go in and try out the food, especially the sandwiches. After a snafu related to the wrong hours of operation being listed on their Facebook page, a friend and I finally made a date for an 11 a.m. meet-up.
I think we were the first people there since we walked in exactly at 11. The place is very clean and pleasant. I love the black wainscoting all over—it is reminiscent of a typical Maplewood house.
We were asked to have a seat and view the menus placed on the table. Maplewood Deli & Grille has a fairly extensive menu including hot and cold sandwiches, make your own burgers, quesadillas and half a page dedicated to the kids.
We asked our friendly waiter for suggestions or the most popular sandwiches. We wanted to share the food and have a cup of coffee. He suggested the chicken cheese steak. We agreed and ordered a side of fries with that and two cups of coffee.
Our sandwich came, already divided in half in two separate trays. The fries were placed in the middle. I noticed the sandwich was in a soft hoagie bread, with pieces of sautéed chicken, green peppers and onions with cheese on top and diced crispy potatoes—yum! I realized the fries were redundant, but when are fries really redundant? I tend to stay away from fries since I devour them once they are placed in front of me. These fries were no exception. They seemed to be coated with a light breading of some sort (as if the potatoes didn't have enough carbs). They were crispy and delicious.
The sandwich was good also. I loved the tender chicken with the sweet caramelized onions and green pepper. The potatoes on top worked really well also. We both enjoyed the sandwich and the fries. I will be replicating and posting the recipe soon.
The coffee was another story. My friend and I were a bit skeptical about ordering it in the first place. Once it came, my friend liked it. I didn't—I am super-picky about my coffee and rarely have it outside my home. I like it strong but not bitter. This particular one tasted almost burnt to me.
The friendly service made up for the coffee. I love going to restaurants where people are actually happy to be working there.
Overall, I was happy with the visit. I plan to go back with my daughter and husband.
I would highly recommend this casual yet comfortable eatery. Let me know what you think.
Judith
2:54 pm on Wednesday, March 10, 2010
I have eaten here several times and always come away satisfied, It's a great addition to the restaurant scene in Mplwd Village, especially for lunch. And I kinda like the coffee!
Mary Mann
4:23 pm on Wednesday, March 10, 2010
I had a basic grilled cheese and tomato today. Hit the spot. But, as a Philadelphia native, I've got to try the cheesesteak next time 'round!
Louis Toledo, Martial Arts & Kickboxing Instructor
9:38 pm on Wednesday, March 10, 2010
We love this place that's us sitting in the window.
Mary Mann
10:56 pm on Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Louis, you make an attractive window display!
Kerri
1:35 am on Sunday, December 5, 2010
Three teenage friends joined me at a causal dinner this evening and our food was sufficient. After an evening of miscommunication about when to expect wait-service and when not to, we directed one member of our party to pay for our meals at the sandwich line's register. He assumed that the tip would be on the table and we assumed that he would leave the change with our bill. Unfortunately, neither happened.
After exiting the restaurant, an employee came trailing after us and called out
"a tip on dining out:
If you want to divide the check, ask to before you start ordering.
Also, if you want to eat at a restaurant, you need to leave a tip."
In confusion, we realized that we had left without tipping and we even offered to pay one! We were left watching him make his way back inside, without acknowledging our efforts.
Although every member of our party was embarrassed to have left a dining establishment without having tipped our waiter, my understanding is that tipping is not obligatory, but rather an acknowledgement of exemplary service.
As an upper school student, I become flustered when my dining experience with fellow students is lesser than those experiences with adults. The frustration that I feel when I am treated differently or poorly because of my age, not my behavior, is a major deterrent from any establishment, including this one.
While the food was satisfying, being followed and reprimanded was no way to end an evening and was surely not appreciated.