fatcatbrew

I went to Ginger and Spice again last Saturday night. Had another nice meal. Peppered Calamari was extremely fresh and tender and presented in a chinese take-out container (cute) with a garlic aioli for dipping. I had the tuna and salmon sashimi and daikon salad that was exactly as delicious as the first time I had it. It is always so nice to have consistency. Also had black and blue tuna over oriental greens that was very good. Service is definately green but they get an "A" for effort. They made some menu adjustments based on the feedback they received from their customers over the last couple of weeks.

Has anyone been to Friends Lake Inn since the change of ownership?

Now I am going Sunday evening in lieu of Friday night so I will be able to take advantage of the Aphrodisiac Menu Here is some information on the special menu they have in honor of Valentine's Day: Aphrodisiac Valentine's Menu This Valentine’s Day the Adirondacks will have a 6’2” tall cupid. This cupid won’t be shooting arrows; he will be creating plates of the most innovative interpretation of the local ingredients available in and around the Adirondacks. He will be sharing his great passion for cuisine in the magnificent dining room at The Inn at Erlowest. Chef Matthew Secich, who prefers to be called a Cuisiner, has studied in Paris, France, under Pierre Gagnaire, Guy Martin, and in Oxford, England, with Raymond Blanc. Chef Secich has created a Valentine’s Evening that will feature two different tasting menus! One menu will be created for the gentlemen and the other will be created for the ladies. There will be six courses for each and there will be an Aphrodisiac in each course that will pair with the gentlemen’s’ menu and the ladies’ menu. This is the second Valentine’s Day that Matthew Secich will be creating an Aphrodisiac menu. This is an experience that you and your loved one don’t want to miss. There will be two seatings and the experience is $89- per person and there will be a wine pairing for each course $65- per person. Chef Matthew Secich is creating innovative cuisine that is touching the soul of his delighted guests at The Inn at Erlowest. This menu will be served starting on Saturday the 12th and ending the Monday of the 14th.

Could you tell me what the preferred dress code is at The Inn at Erlowest?

In yesterday's Go section of the Bergen Record, there was an advertisement for a Grand Opening of Fusion "Fine Italian Cuisine with a European Flair". The address is High Mountain Plaza, 5 Sicomac Road, North Haledon, NJ. The ad says Extensive Wine List, Jazz Night ever Wednesday, and that it features Seafood, Steaks, Chops, Game, and Pastas. Is this where Il Capo was? If anyone has tried this restaurant or does try this restaurant, please post your opinion.

A group of us are week-ending at The Friends Lake Inn next weekend. Six of us are dining at The Inn at Erlowest on Friday evening. From the posts, it seems we are in for a wonderful dining experience.

Very reasonable. It's BYOB and it cost us $25/pp with tip last night. We each had appetizer and a main course. No dessert.

Tried Ginger and Spice last night. It was packed and you could tell that they were a little overwhelmed. We were treated very nicely and I was pleased with the dining experience. Nicely decorated and the menu interesting. A great selection of teas and an option to have a chef's tasting menu. They also have a Chef's table in the rear of the restaurant that allows views of the kitchen. I started with a fantastic spicy salmon and tuna sashimi over mixed greens, daikon, radishes with a vinagrette hinted with Ponzu. My second course of tiger shrimp and lomein noodles was good but a little bit uninspired after the great app I had. But it was fresh and abundant and only $8.00 and I had enough to take home. My friend had laquered duck with a lychee salad and enjoyed it very much. My husband had a 7-spice steak that he wasn't crazy about and when one of the owners noticed his dissinterest, he sent over another steak entree with his complements that came on a bed of asian greens with taro root fries. Unfortunately we were too stuffed for dessert and I wanted to try the Smores that EDS33 referred to. They sounded sinful. It was apparent to me that the people working here and managing are new to the business. However everyone had a friendly and positive attitude and were very interested in making their customers happy. I would definately go back and I wish them success.

http://www.gingerandspice.com/

Has anyone been here lately?

Thanks Holly Debra, you saved me from giving Golden Dynasty a dissapointing second chance.

The Village Green -- Ridgewood, NJ

The Endless Vine and music was allot of fun. The Golden Dynasty however needs allot of polish. It wasn't so horrible that I will never go back, however, I want to wait a little while until they get their act together. Regardless of their food or service, they will do well there if only for the fact of having a great location and filling a needed niche.

I will have to give Masa another try. The first time I went, I was dissapointed in the sushi. However, it was when they first opened and possibly didn't have everything together yet. FYI, Flirt recently expanded their menu and added some delicious new items.

Mikey Mike, Next time you are in Allendale, try Flirt Sushi Lounge. The sushi is far better than Masa and the atmosphere is also much nicer. Flirt Sushi Lounge is about a block away from Masa, is a byo, and there website is: www.flirtsushi.com

I am going tonight and will let you know . I've seen the band perform many times. They are good, and are all friends of Mark Skanga who played for us at The Village Green back in May.

I'll be dining at Chez Sophie on Friday night the 12th. Looking forward to it. Thank you all for your comments.

I frequently shop in Montvale, and that it why I inquired about those restaurants. I wouldn't want to drive 45 minutes or so for a impromptu bite to eat.

Which shopping center on Chestnut Ridge Road are these restaurants in?

I am going to check it out anyway, since I am planning to go to the Endless Vine later in the evening on Thursday. I'll post my comments afterwards. It would be nice if it wasn't a "must avoid".

Ray Longchamp and the Reckoning www.raylongchamp.com The Endless Vine with the Reckoning Trio Start Time 9:00 PM Franklin Lakes Road Franklin Lakes, NJ 201-891-3669

No, I haven't gotten to China 46 yet Endless Vine is a "smoke free" environment and has some wonderful wine offerings by the glass. They also have live entertainment and occasional wine tasting parties.

Tommy, Some friends and I will be checking it out on Thursday night then off to the Endless Vine for some live music afterwards.

I believe the name of the prior establishment was Grosso's Deli. The restaurant that just moved in is Golden Dynasty 825 Franklin Lakes Road (Next to Market Basket) Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417 Their website is: http://www.goldendynastynj.com

I just received an announcement in the mail that Golden Dynasty has opened in Franklin Lakes. Has anyone tried it yet?