Since Halloween is celebrated on the 31st, this month’s edition of Street Stories will offer a play on “Trick or Treat.” I’ll do this by explaining some of the many tricks (shortcuts) I have learned on the road and a few of the multitude of places where I enjoy going for a delicious meal or treat.
Tricks
Newark Airport
When dropping off a passenger at Terminal C, if the line of cars is exceptionally long, get off at Terminal B, level 2 (Delta) and bypass all the traffic to get to Terminal C faster. If traffic to all terminals is especially heavy, drop off your passenger(s) at the parking level, where there is no traffic. Your passengers will just have to go up one or two levels, but they’ll save a lot of time.
Since Black Cars can’t park in the cell phone lot (which is insane!), I park on International Drive just off of Routes 1 & 9 South, right outside the airport. When on airport property at Newark Airport, I park at the Budget car rental parking lot (P2). The police don’t chase you off there.
Lincoln Tunnel
This tunnel is always a mess, but the approach is fastest from the center lane. Once at the bottom of the helix, shift to the EZ Pass lane to avoid trucks and get through the tunnel faster.
GW Bridge
Avoid the upper deck because trucks mean trouble. Take the lower deck, where only cars are allowed. I follow this rule for the Verrazano Bridge and the New Jersey Turnpike as well.
Treats
Breakfast
Whenever I’m in Hoboken, waiting to go into NYC or waiting between rides, I’ll hit the Malibu Diner. Open 24 hours, their Poached Eggs Chesapeake platter has crab cakes, and it is amazing!
Paul’s Diner in Mountain Lakes and the Mark Twain Diner in Union, NJ (where I live), have an amazing ham steak with breakfast that is delicious.
Lunch
When near LaGuardia Airport, I’ll stop by the Jackson Hole Diner. Their coffee is the best I’ve had anywhere (and I love coffee!). For lunch, their “SoulBurger” is awesome. You may not be able to finish it, but it’s a $20 Burger!
Dinner
Dallas BBQ is a great place to go for a hot, fast and cheap meal. You can get a nice chicken dinner with all the fixings for less than $10, and they’re all over New York City.
Arthur’s Tavern in Hoboken and Morris Plains, NJ, had a Delmonico steak for under $30 that is the most delicious steak I’ve ever tasted. It comes with amazing home fries that are addictive. Don’t have it if you’re watching your cholesterol!
In conclusion, there are a few tricks I’ve shared with you that might save you a few minutes and some treats you may enjoy on your way to your next ride. Feel free to send me an e-mail with your own tricks or treats.
Happy Halloween!
