Showing posts with label funplex. Show all posts
Showing posts with label funplex. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

French Fry Diary 181: Molly Pitcher Plaza on the NJ Turnpike

On the way home from the Funplex in East Hanover NJ we had to stop to rest as it's a long drive, so we took a break at the Molly Pitcher Travel Plaza on the NJ Turnpike. It was named for the heroine of the Battle of Monmouth in 1778. Legend has it she fetched water for the American soldiers during that decisive battle in the American Revolution. For her trouble, she got a rest stop, but as you'll see, not just any rest stop.

We arrived just after midnight on a Saturday night, which is why it seemed strange half the place was closed up. I was especially crushed as three of the restaurants at the place were of considerable French fry interest. Nathan's and Roy Rogers have some of the best fast food fries around, and Arthur Treacher's used to as well, but I had not been to the latter since I began this blogging journey. There was also something extremely enticing called Dick Clark's American Bandstand Grill.

Had they all been open, and our stomachs empty, I imagine I could have eaten lots of the favorite fried food, taken copious notes, and pulled at least three, maybe more, entries for the FFD out of this experience. As it turned out, we had Roy Rogers and Cinnabon. That's not a complaint, by the way. It was a good snack and a good break, but it could have been much better.

Mrs. Pitcher, we'll be back. Please be open!

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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

French Fry Diary 180: The Funplex Café

The trip to The Funplex in East Hanover, New Jersey, was a road trip to help celebrate the birthday of my dear friend, the Dark Crystal. The Funplex is a gigantic arcade, that among other things, has laser tag, amusement rides, giant ball pits, a total immersion theater, MagiQuest (The Bride's favorite that she discovered at similar places in Myrtle Beach and Great Wolf Lodge) and, believe it or not, a café.

After an exhilarating game of MagiQuest, we hit the café, and guess what I got? That's right, the favorite fried food. These were barely warm Invisicoated regular cuts, and pretty tasteless save that of the oil they were deep fried in. They were however good in a pinch. Let me be clear. These are not good fries. But if you are tired from MagiQuest or laser tag or just plain arcading… you might just eat all of them without realizing it. Great but evil marketing plan.

The best part, discovered while waiting for our pizza (a dozen times better than the fries), is that the Funplex apparently has its own brand of oregano and garlic powder. Intriguing. And I guess it keeps you from taking it home maybe? Either way, neither made the fries taste any better. Go for the games, not the fries.

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