fatcatbrew

I will be travelling back to Saratoga in a few weeks. Last year when I travelled there, Egullet recommended to me The Springwater Bistro. I had a large group and they gave us a very private table. Everyone had a great time and the food and wine were excellent. Thank you!!! Are there any new restaurants that are worth seeking out ? The only other recommendations I have received is for a restaurant called Chez Sophie. Is this of the same calibar of Springwater Bistro? Any recommendations and information is greatly appreciated.

We went again to the Village Green last night. Another outstanding meal. FYI, their menu will change today to reflect the new season. Tommy, Anthony, & Amy: It was a pleasure seeing you again, and Thank you so much for sharing your wine. I really enjoyed the Pinot Noir

Other than the Village Green in Ridgewood, what other restaurants in north jersey offer a tasting menu or small plates? Note: Merged by moderator.

I just returned from dinner at Rocca. I spoke with the owner regarding the liquor license application. They have not even sent in a formal application at this time. They are meerly considering getting one. He would be happy to host an egullet dinner and would put together a tasting menu for us. He would prefer to do this on a Thursday night in lieu of a weekend night. I was thinking sometime after Labor Day..... What are your thoughts?

My cousin always brings over excellent Italian pastries from bakeries near where he lives, which is the "Nanny Goat Hill" section of Lodi/Garfield. I believe the name of the one of the bakeries is Sorrento's and it is close to Vitamia Ravioli Company. I get my cannoli's at the Italian Riviera in Waldwick. They are quite good.

Curlz, I saw on the California board you will be in Monterey. Have a great trip!

I'll be travelling all throughout Napa and Sonoma Valleys. I am staying at The Kenwood Inn & Spa. I am on the waiting list for French Laundry..... Any recommendations?

I am traveling to Napa Valley and will not be back in the area until August 8th. I can speak with the restaurant owners at that time, unless Tommy wants to speak with them prior to that regarding hosting an egullet dinner. I have a feeling that the owners would want to accommodate us.

Carolyn, How much notice do you need to arrange to tour your winery?

I dined here two times in the past week. Both times I had a very pleasant dining experience. The service was warm, friendly, and knowledgeable. The owner's wife came to our table and introduced herself to us and welcomed us. The fennel & orange salad was wonderful and refreshing. Tenderloin with walnut and gorgonzola was cooked to perfection and served on top of tender broccoli rabe along with fingerling potatoes. Homemade white chocolate blueberry ice cream was a delicious finale. I also sampled some of the pastas - garganelli with mushrooms and the orrechietti with escarole and sausage. The orrechietti dish had cherry peppers mixed in as well which made this dish quite spicey. Anthony, how was your dining experience here? PS - Do you think they would be willing to host our next egullet dinner?

Are you saying that in the fall, the laws may change to allow shipping to NJ?

Can you tell me what the regulations are concerning purchasing wine at the wineries and having it sent home to NJ?

or hungry

I generally go during the week and do the 4-course tasting menu. I have never left the Village Green hungy.

Yes, we are staying at The Kenwood Inn and Spa for an entire week. Has anyone been there to stay or eat? It looks beautiful from the website and brochures. Is it true that this area is much more laid back than Napa? Other than our spa treatments, we have nothing set in stone as of now. Do you think we should make all of our restaurant reservations in advance? I am on the waiting list for French Laundry so if we get in, I know that we will be travelling to that area. I would imagine we will though regardless. Places that have been recommended for dinner is La Haye or something to that effect and The Girl and The Fig. There is also a restaurant that is somewhat new that just opened in a Sonoma Square Hotel that I read about....

Thanks for all of your recommendations. I figured out where I am staying which is in Kenwood which I believe is about 10 miles from Sonoma or Santa Rosa. Any restaurant recommendations for this area would be appreciated.

I am bummed I can't make it - I chose both a white and red Treana from Paso Robles to bring. I promise I will save them for the next dinner.

I am sorry but Rob and I have to cancel for tonight also. I know I will be missing out on a great time with all of you, and I look forward to hearing about it on the forum.

I would try looking in The Wine Seller which is on the West side of the railroad tracks. They have a wonderful wine selection and staff.

Tommy, I have yet to experience China 46! When are we going....

Another new restaurant is "coming soon" to Ridgewood in the space where The Sounding Board was. Some type of Dim Sum restaurant.

In my opinion, anything would be better than either of the past tenants.

Are they going into the space where the El Prado used to be?

While shopping at the Market Basket this past weekend, I noticed the sign said "Coming Soon - Golden Dynasty" Apparently they have another location in Hillsdale.

There are so many items on the menu that are awesome. The duck is wonderful, salmon, swordfish..... cheese course.... ginger donut for dessert, chilled melon soup with berries. YUM! Have a great night, and let us know what you think.