Rachel Perlow

I taped the show and we'll try to MP3 it for those interested, but it took most of the hour and may be too long. So I took notes and here's a summary of Rosie's appearance, in between segments were commercials and a conversation with Carol Berman about wine. First Segment: - The theme of the conversation was that NJ gets shortchanged, it is more than a suburb of NYC. - A 1* Michelin chef is coming to NJ, at Stage Left in New Brunswick - What are the trends in NJ food? Rosie came up with a great quote: "Every town, even the blue collar factory towns, now have a Thai restaurant!" - Rats in Hamilton will be reopening soon. It is about an hour from NYC. Go, spend a couple hours exploring the sculpture garden and then have a leisurely meal. Second Segment: - Talked about how NJ is the "Garden State" and that a lot of the produce available in NYC is grown in NJ. - Moonstruck is a good restaurant that is moving the Asbury Park, by the lake, as part of the revitalization of Asbury Park. - Montclair as a great restaurant town: Epernay, Blue Sky and Indigo Smoke mentioned. - Arthur brings up Maplewood as also a great restaurant town: Jocelyn's (very welcoming, like you are coming into their home), Verjus (Simple, quality French food), Celebrated Food. - eGullet is mentioned! (five times) Third Segment: includes Carol Berman, the wine guru for the show, on Wednesdays she presents the wine buy of the week. - More discussion of Rosie's "Table Hopping" column - Carol says that Jocelyn's is a favorite restaurant of hers and that she also enjoys Pierre's very much. - NJ is a big BYOB state because there are a limited number of liquor licenses available. - Rosie: "eGulleteers prefer BYOB, they can bring a $30 bottle that would probably cost $100 on a wine list, which is great" - Amanda's in Hoboken has a very reasonable wine list, many selections at moderate prices, and they have good food and service. Fourth Segment: He asked for calls in and gave the phone number, but never took a call. - eGullet is mentioned again, specifically that Steven Shaw, the Fat Guy, is the NY moderator and that it is also international, so you can inquire about different areas if you have travel plans. - Michael Corry ("his food reminds [Rosie] of Lupa") is moving to a new restaurant in Basking Ridge. - Scalini Fideli is rated as the #1 Italian restaurant in NJ. Arthur mentions how hard it is to get a reservation there (the Chatham location, not NYC). Rosie says they are BYO and that they get all the details right. It is contemporary Italian. They also own Il Mondo Vecchio in Madison (I've been there and the Scalini Fideli in Chatham and they're both great - Rachel). - NJ has a lot of ethnic restaurant: Union City for Turkish; Seven Hills of Istanbul in Highland Park is recommended. Two Cuban restaurants mentioned: Rebecca's in Edgewater (Rosie: "the coffee is wonderful!") and Marino's in Somerville, it has "a very lively crowd." Final Segment: - NJ Monthly restaurant survey closed on March 15th, the August issue will publish the results. - Arthur asks Rosie what she likes to eat when she's alone: "M&Ms and Red Wine! If I don't have to cook I won't even scramble and egg!" Great Job Rosie!

We're going on vacation to Palm Beach at the end of May. (I hope we don't miss Stone Crab season!) I am pretty familiar with the area south of there (Ft Lauderdale & Miami & in between), but not Palm Beach and its environs. All suggestions welcome. Specifically, we will be on Palm Beach Shores, east of Riviera Beach, north of Palm Beach and West Palm Beach, but are willing to drive - I'm sure we'll be hitting Versailles in Miami and Billy's in Hollywood.

Sorry I didn't see this till now. I hope it's not to late for you to hit Billy's Stone Crab Restaurant & Market on A1A in Hollywood, 954-923-2300, and Rustic in by Ft Lauderdale airport. Here's a link to a previous thread with some good details. About editing thread titles, just notify a moderator. I've edited your's.

I was commenting the other day to Jason that Englewood's Palisade Avenue is becoming quite a restaurant row. Especially for ethnic food: - Bennies is Lebanese - It's Greek to Me - Baumgarts, Gourmet Chinese & Ice Cream - Blue Moon, Mexican & Bar - Saigon Republic, Vietnamese, just opened - Big Red Tomato (on Dean St), Italian, the Fort Lee branch is excellent, haven't been to Englewood's location - El Prado or La Cumbia or La Fonda Paisa (haven't been to any of them), spanish or south american (colombian?) - Han Ah Reum, Korean supermarket (on Lafayette, just off the circle) - Wild Ginger, Japanese, always crowded, specializes in omekase - Sol & Sol Kosher Deli & Restaurant - Taraabya Mediterranean Grill, dressier than Bennies or Greek to Me And many more places that I haven't been to yet. If you've been to any of these (especially the ones I haven't been to yet) please post your impressions. If you think your town has a great restaurant row please post a new topic telling us about it!

I'll say it before tommy does. Whale Poop.

I thought one of the reasons you were going on the show was to promote eGullet. I figured that was the main topic of conversation and that you wouldn't have to back into it. Perhaps mentioning some of the activities done by the NJ, NY, Northwest (Seattle), and London board members (dinners, pub crawl).

tommy's fine. He's much less obnoxious in public and his wife is very nice. I'm pretty sure the next dinner will be at Bella Rosa in East Hanover on May 18th, but I've been busy with tax stuff and will do the final planning later this week. Hey Mark! I think we should plan something down towards your way, wanna help me plan something?

Not quite an answer, but when I know that we're going to be sitting for a while, I'll just let the bill rest on the table and not put out the money or credit card until we are about ready to leave. Also, did you ask for the bill or did they just bring it? If a place brought me the bill before I indicated I was ready for it (I suppose except for buffet or one-price brunch type places) I would make a point to say that we weren't finished yet. You should've said, no we aren't done and ordered more coffee.

Isn't that really strong chinese mustard just dry english mustard reconstituted with water and sometimes a little vinegar?

I said we'd be going back frequently... we returned tonight with jhlurie. We repeated a few of the dishes, but the first-timers were the French Vietnamese Beef Salad, the BBQ Beef Skewers and the Beef Ball Pho. The beef salad was more salad-y than the rice noodle salad. A variety of greens dressed with a simple asian soy vinaigrette with cubes of sauteed marinated beef. Simple and delicious. The beef skewers are like satay, but you wrap them in lettuce leaves with herbs and cucumber like the spring rolls. BTW - the front of the restaurant really blends into their neighbors as they all share the same awning. They don't have any neon lights and look dimly lit from the street, so remember the address so you don't miss it. Oh, and they had a nice mellow jazz radio station tuned in for some pleasant and unobtrusive background music. Edit: They now have a neon sign that says "Saigon"

We returned to Saigon Republic in Englewood tonight. Everything was just as good as on our first visit, on Tuesday. Hey lano, after you try Little Saigon, make the trip up to Englewood and compare.

Last night's dinner came out pretty good. I had a piece of london broil marinated in teriyaki in the freezer, so that was defrosted in the fridge for a couple days. I actually cooked it perfectly medium rare. I was so proud of myself because I usually overcook it. With this I served mashed potatoes with garlic and celeriac, and roasted cauliflower. All very beige, but delicious. This was my first time ever eating or cooking celery root, and I should have put the mash through the food mill rather than hand mashed, as the celeriac stayed a little rough. FYI, I made these completely non-dairy as dairy has been bothering Jason lately. I put the cubed Yukon Gold potatoes in the pot of cold water, added three peeled garlic cloves and the peeled and diced celeriac (after being peeled it was about the size of a small potato, but added enough of its flavor). This was set on the stove (covered until it boiled) over high heat for about 20-25 minutes. Drained and put back in the pot, I added Don Alfonso extra virgin olive oil that I think we bought from Jim Dixon, and stock from some leftover chinese veggie soup (any stock will do). Salt & pepper and yum! The roasted cauliflower was fabulous as usual. This time I made a huge head of it (took up two half-sheet pans) and it still wasn't enough!

This is a NYC suggestion, but I know that Sinatra used to frequent Gino Italian Cuisine, on Lexington between 60th & 61st. The last time we were there the food wasn't as good as the previous two times, but still, it's pretty good. It gets packed, doesn't take reservations or credit cards, the waiters know their stuff, and the red zebra wallpaper hasn't been changed in about 50 years!

A while back we mentioned that Saigon Gourmet, a Vietnamese take-out place in Fort Lee, was going to be opening a new sit-down restaurant in Englewood. They opened today and we couldn't wait to check it out. It is a small dining room (seating for 22), minimally decorated, primarily in red and black. The menu is similar to the one in Fort Lee, with some additions. We sampled a variety of dishes, but considering chef/owner Katey has moved to the new location we were sure the food would be up to her previous standards (now I hope the take-out place doesn't go down hill in the hands of her relatives). We started with a few appetizers, including Miniature Spring Rolls, Shrimp Summer Rolls and BBQ Ribs with Lemongrass. The fried spring rolls are accompanied by mint, cilantro, cucumber slices, nuoc cham and lettuce to wrap it all up in; an order of 4 rolls for $4.95. The fresh summer rolls can be had vegetarian or with chicken, shrimp or duck; 2 for $5.95. We had the shrimp tonight, but I used to get the duck in Fort Lee and it is really good too. They come with a peanuty nuoc leo for dipping. The ribs are short, but very meaty with a deliciously sweet barbecue sauce. I didn't notice the aroma of lemongrass, but they were excellent, if a little fatty ($7.95). We also tried a variety of other dishes, including the Rice Noodle Salad with Pork ($8.95), Pho with Sliced Rare Beef ($8.50), Spicy Beef ($12.95) (this also comes in a vegetarian version), and Caramel Chicken ($11.95? I'm guessing, but that is the price for the other sauteed chicken dish on the menu). The Caramel Chicken was a special request by Jason - leave it to him to ask for something off the menu on a restaurant's first night open! However, Katey does have a similar dish on the menu, Grilled Pork Chop in a Caramel Lemongrass Sauce, and she created a version better than the one we recall lovingly from our trip to D.C. Everything was delicious, and the Caramel Chicken was spicier than the Spicy Beef (beef sauteed with onions, ground peanuts, hot pepper in a rich brown cocnut sauce) so if you like things spicy, Joe the waiter says to ask for 5-star (as in 5 alarm chili). The lunch menu includes a variety of soups, salads, noodle & rice dishes and sandwiches (both a french and vietnamese version), with prices ranging from $6.95-$9.95. Overall I would say the food is excellent and the service knowledgable and friendly. It is a slightly more expensive than the other Vietnamese restaurants we have frequented in Jersey City and Nutley, but is still a welcome addition to the area. We plan on going back frequently! Saigon Republic Vietnamese Cuisine 58 West Palisades Avenue (across from McDonalds) Englewood, NJ 07632 201-871-4777 phone 201-871-7477 fax Lunch Hours: Wednesday - Friday: 11:30 AM to 3 PM; Saturday: 12 Noon to 3 PM Dinner Hours: Tuesday - Thursday: 5 to 9 PM; Friday - Saturday: 5 to 10 PM; Sunday: 4:30 to 8:30 PM BYOB, closed Mondays Edit: Adjusted restaurant's hours.

Thanks for the update on Bella Rosa, Rosie. The next NJ eGullet dinner will likely take place here or at Corso 98 on May 18th. Anyone have a preference?

Just so as not to besmirch a fine restaurant's reputation: that fish was impecably fresh, it just obviously tasted like what it had been eating. I tasted the fish from Rosie's table and the swampy taste was not as pronounced. Also, I specifically asked Cecil to pace the food slowly. I've been there with up to eight people before and sometimes there are too many dishes on the table at once. Last night there was never more than two platters offered at once (not counting the cold apps which were all brought at the same time) with plenty of time in between to digest and talk.

Thanks for starting the thread, Sandy. Only one person was unable to come at the last minute, so we did indeed have 19 attendees. Towards the beginning, after the puffy-crunchy dumpling buns, Rosie asked me if we could ask for more (there was only one dumpling each), I said we probably could but there was a lot more food to go, so it was better to hold off. Cecil probably heard this exchange because there were enough of the pork and crab soup dumplings for two per guest. Funny moment: Tommy trying to demonstrate to Paul Reis how to pick up the soup dumpling (so as not to tear it) and dropping it on Paul's lap! Around 6:30, Dee Reis asked me how many more courses were there left? I checked my list, the answer was seven! Groans of disbelief was the reply from around the table, and I noticed people taking much smaller portions from the platters thereafter. There were many highlights for me besides the salt & pepper shrimp (they were great, I haven't had them in a while). I always look forward to ordering the Ruby Pork. A good rule of thumb for this dish is to only order it when there are at least 5 people at the table, so you can't get it everytime you go there - well, except for tommy who manages to! ;) Two of the dishes on our menu I hadn't had before. These being the Fish Maw and Mixed Seafood simmered in White Sauce and the House Special Sauté with Baked Sesame Buns. We learned the fish maw was like fish tripe, or stomach. It was rather spongy with a delicate taste, but we were all suspicious of it and there was quite a bit left on the plate. The mixed seafood consisted of sea cucumber, scallops and shrimp. The scallops were so perfectly (=barely) cooked, as they were in the Shanghai Casserole. How do they manage to serve food so hot and not overcook the scallops? The House Special Sauté was a revelation. It was a spicy mixture of firmed tofu, ground pork and chives, all chopped finely (about 1/8-1/4" cubes). Very interesting and I'm sure Jason'll be ordering that one again. This dish and the Ruby Pork are both eaten by stuffing the filling into the crispy sesame buns. Earlier in the evening (between the dumplings?) Cecil added an extra dish, sauteed potatoes he humorously calls Shanghai French Fries. This is flavored with that yellow pepper oil, which is why I had him bring out a dish of the oil for people to examine. Oh! That's what must have made us all get too full, too early!!! Congratulations to the door prize winners, tommy and Jonathan Sibley! They each won an eGullet mug. Click here to read about all the eGullet Merchandise available for purchase. And, thank you to Jon Lurie for donating a third door prize: $5 in McDonalds gift certificates, won by Sandy Levine. :D

Anyone may feel free to let us know last minute. Since we only have 20 people coming there is room for more. Just try to let me know ahead of coming to the restaurant. Send an eGullet private message or email, but please email me and Rosie because I may not get a chance to read my email - got my goddaughter's 1st birthday party this afternoon.

I don't think so. (you guys think he's joking...)

Local to me would mean very local, as in a place you can drop in on a weeknight without a reservation, wearing jeans and less than a 10 minute drive. Those would include Tea Garden in Tenafly (fabulous Chinese take-out, that would be rated just a notch or two under China 46), The Road House in Cresskill (that large bar & grill feel, like a TGIF, only locally and independantly owned with much better food (amazing beef pot pie), and live music), Bennies in Englewood (oft discussed), and even Jerry's Osteria, also in Tenafly (only I wouldn't wear jeans on the weekend and also would probably make a reservation or at least call ahead).

A microplane grater is the kitchen version of a rasp. Here's a picture:

Yes. The bread knife is like 8" long and 1" wide, the tomato knife is about 5" and about 1/2" wide. (I have one too.)

Hunan Cottage is what Rosie meant, I'm sure, not Hunan 46. On a scale of 1-10, I would say that China 46 is 10, Hunan Cottage is a 9; Noodle Chu (Rt 46, Hong Kong/Cantonese) & Mr. Chu (Rt 10 - Gourmet Chinese, What Bill & Harry used to be) are about 8.5. On this scale the standard local chinese place would be about a 5, the better ones above that, the lesser ones below. Take-outs with yellow fried rice would be 1's! BTW - Bill & Harry isn't owned by Bill & Harry anymore. Harry is Harry Chu, who owns Noodle Chu & Mr. Chu. I don't know anything about the new one in Livingston. Ask if it is owned by Harry Chu if you go. PS - to make a smiley face you click the smiley face you want from the bunch to the left of the reply window. This will put the smiley at the end of your reply, so it is best to add them as you go. If you try to add one to the middle of your text you will have to cut & paste the code into the proper place. If you do make it to China 46 (my friends who live in Nutley find it easier to get to than Hunan Cottage), here's some ordering advice. First, stick to the more authentic sounding dishes, don't get anything from the "Rich Tradition in America Section." Cecil is the very friendly host. He speaks English very well. Tell him you heard about the place on eGullet, he's read the threads about the restaurant and knows of us. Allow him to suggest dishes (they may be the more expensive ones, but will be good). Here are some of our favorites: - Pork Soup Dumplings (juicy buns) - Pan Fried Shanghai Buns (Jason calls them "crunchy puffy buns") - Spicy Capsicum Cellophane Noodles (served cold) - Ruby Pork (only order if there's at least 5 of you, it's really big) with Sesame Buns - All of the Crab, lobster or jumbo shrimp in shell dishes; and any of the fresh steamed fishes (ask Cecil what's the freshest and to prepare it the most appropriate way) - You won't be disapointed with their Peking Duck! - The Fried Rice with the raisins in it (I don't know the name) - Stir Fried Rice Cake with Pork (noodle coins) - Stir Fried Shanghai Noodle - They do all the vegetable dishes really well. I particularly enjoyed the Shanghai Baby Bokchoi (as opposed to regular baby bokchoi), Cecil usually brings us a different veggie dish each time we're there. All this is making me really hungry for this restaurant. I'm going there now! Anyone want to meet us there at 7PM?

Ditto on the black pepper. What's the point of sprinkling sawdust on your food? I do enjoy my heat proof spatula. I even have a red one that is reserved for tomato based things, so my white one doesn't get stained. I forgot about the meat thermometer. Use it all the time. I just used it this morning to see if the water that was set in the microwave to boil (in a pyrex glass measuring cup) was actually hot enough to make tea (versus cool enough for the coffee in the french press). Oh! Don't actually microwave the thermometer! I decided this counted towards food preparation, since it helps the fruit ripen: I just bought the best fruit basket. It has a bowl made of metal rods in a very wide weave and has a built in banana hook. I can't find a picture of it on the web, but I bought it at the Arthur Avenue Retail Market, from the guy at the housewares booth on the right, for less than $20. It is beautiful and functional.

Wilfrid, do you ever get tired or a headache during the day? Especially on hot days? These are the first symptoms of dehydration and drinking a big glass of cool water is the first thing I do when feeling sluggish or headachey.