GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN

Thisilldous Eatery presents

GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN

tasty places to take your bike

RED WOLFE INN 130 COUNTY ROAD 519, BELVIDERE, NJ 07823 • 908-475-4772

Sometimes it boggles the mind when you think back on how long you have been going to certain places, hung with certain people, and had so many great times. Not that anything feels different, and we are all so young at heart, but the years and numbers do not lie. We were more than a bit tickled when we approached our old friend Rudy Waltz about nishing our Benny’s Bodega Run, which we’d be holding at the end of July. Rudy’s mom and dad, Lauren and Rudy Sr., had been running the small western New Jersey Hideaway for decades and we have spent many a great afternoon and evening at this neat tavern a few miles east of the Delaware River. In fact, I remember having family and friends join us at the Red Wolfe for one of Shira’s bigger birthdays back in… well back thenabouts. Back then they had a number of wolf-hybrid puppies in a large pen outback and every now and again we’d get to play with them, like Costner in Dances with Wolves, only real. Today the wolves are gone, and the day-today running of the place is handled by a devoted staff and some of the younger members of the Waltz clan. Lauren might not be in command of the recently expanded kitchen, and Rudy Sr. might not be holding court and solving the world’s problems at his corner seat, but their hearts and souls still linger and give this tavern a down-home and comfy western edge of New Jersey feel all its own. In addition to being owned and operated by a great family, we have always found the Wolfe’s staff to be a tight and happy group as well, and as we know staff will make or break a good restaurant. For us… the Red Wolfe Inn has always been about one thing – steaks. But we’ll get to that. First, let’s just tell you about some of their starters and appetizers: Littleneck Clams, Mussels a la Victor, stuffed mushroom caps… but you might want to look at the herring, escargot, their awesome calamari, and…yes, frog legs! As you would think the Red Wolfe serves up several great salads as well - Garden, Caesar, grilled chicken, taco, and, of course, steak.

On the soup side of things, you have a constant ow of daily specials and their staple French Onion along with their Chili Con Carne – created with Red Wolfe steak, tomatoes, beans, and their own mix of southwest seasonings. We really do not have words to describe this.

For me, if not a steak, their Chambord Roast Duck is a favorite. They do a serious Jersey Peach Chicken, as well as a Texas Breast and Caribbean Gold Chicken dish as well. Over on the seafood part of town, you will nd their Creole Shrimp – this is also a favorite of ours – as they say the “shrimps are swimming in a zesty sea of tomatoes, bell peppers, onions with a splash of white wine and served with red rice and beans.” It is certainly a taste of New Orleans here in New Jersey. Their burgers are excellent, as is their Philly-Style Cheese Steak. Want a bit more, then go for their ribs – Baby Back or Whiskey River or the Whiskey River Combo – Their Texas Chicken Breast, topped with Cheddar and Jack Cheeses, the Wolfe’s superior Bacon, Onions, and Peppers… and a Half Rack of Ribs! Pasta can be found too – Ravioli, Primavera, Seafood Alfredo, and Vodka. Yum! Their sides run the gamut, so you will not be disappointed with the extras. If ordering a steak, do not pass up the option of topping with garlic butter and mushrooms - delectable! But I really wanted to talk about the Red Wolfe Inn’s Steaks. The top of the menu is titled the “Call of the Wild!” Rack of Lamb, London Broil, Filet Mignon, and then their Signature New York Strip. Here size matters and the cuts are named for different wolves; The Cub a mere 8 ounces, then the Beta and Alpha cuts – 12 ounces and 16 ounces respectively. Then we jump to the Big Boy cuts – or girl if you are one. The Loki Cut (Named for one of their great wolves of the past) – is a full 24 ounces but we can go bigger. The Arctic is 32 ounces and the Timber Wolf 40 ounces. Then there is the Red Wolfe itself – a monstrous 48 ounces – that is three full pounds of meaty perfection … Please do not ask for it well done or I will personally chase you down. The Red Wolfe will set you back $99 – but if you have a few friends involved it could be a lot of fun… how big is this thing? The Red Wolfe is a true hidden gem on the western edge of the state and well worth seeking out, but to help you get there we will give you a monstrous Red Wolfe-style route from the Bear Mountain Bridge to the Wolfe’s impressive front door, that is surrounded by old river stone – that has a number of ancient fossils that can be clearly seen – a little Jurassic avor as you enter. Enjoy the ride and the food! ,