Awesome Filipino catering: Barangay Union

Barangay Union Grill and Food mArt

1045-A Stuyvesant Avenue

Union, NJ

(908) 964- 3500

We always look forward to certain Filipino gatherings where we get to sample specialty dishes that are too esoteric, too complicated, or too messy/smelly to cook.  Our friend, A., recently had a christening party for his little bebe and the food was way beyond what we usually encounter.  I'm talking some real scrumptious chop suey, fried squid, laing... I (and everyone in the party, I suspect) was really impressed by the sheer variety and quantity of the food.

Barangay Union is apparently well-recommended among those in the know in central Jersey.  Here's the sign from the catering truck:

One of these days, we'll make a special foray to check this place out. 

Maharajah

Maharajah Palace Restaurant
Upper East Side, NY

Coworker V., and  I were very sad to see Sachi go... this spring, the location reopened up as an indian restaurant with $ 10 lunch buffet specials.  So when an excuse/occasion came up to eat out, we were game to try this place out. 

It seemed that many in the neighborhood were also excited about this new place (I think it's the only indian joint in the immediate area).  Maharajah was bustling at lunch.  It was quite awkward maneuvering through the selections; the space itself was L-shaped and the tables were too close to the buffet. 

The portions were laid out in attactive copper dishes and labelled.  Selections included a salad, a chicken tandoor, veggie curry, goat korma, chickpeas, rice and I couple of other dishes. Dessert was included (sweet rice balls in syrup).

This is a picture of the chicken tandoor.  V. mentioned that it was dry.

Here's my initial foray.  From top, clockwise: rice with a bit of sauce, veggie curry, chickpeas, potato curry.  Everything was agreeable and the spice level was definitely toned down.

The best part was the fresh naan that they brought out a few times.  Nice and piping hot, they were great for sopping up the sauces. 

Here's a coworker's plate, with the chicken tandoor at one-two o'clock.

Overall, the food was ok, nothing outstanding.  For its price and selection, it's a good addition to the lunch scene here by us.  Still a few bugs to be worked out, being new and all, and we are looking forward to trying it again.