fatcatbrew

Last night I dined at Chakra for the first time. After a mildly annoying reservation snafu, we were whisked off to the lounge to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail. And what wonderful cocktails we had. The list of interesting concoctions was long and made it difficult to choose. On the way to the bar you get your first glimpse of the decor, which is very nice. Lots of warm colors, brick, candles everywhere, chairs with large pillows, larger tables seperated with airy fabrics. We certainly didn't feel like we were in Paramus anymore. My husband's menu choices were slightly less adventurous than mine. His meals were good, however, nothing we hadn't had in other restaurants. I enjoyed my meal immensely. All in all, we had a very nice experience. When I was leaving for the evening, the hostess gave me a branch of orchids to bring home. I have the feeling that this place will do very well. We will definately return - and I feel this place would be a great place to go with friends in lieu of just the two of us. My only complaint was the service. I know Chakra is brand new so I am sure it will improve. There is a tremendous amount of people working at this restaurant. However, no one had a personality. In a place that exudes warmth and energy from the decor, music, atmosphere, the people that worked there were the opposite. Everything seemed extremely rehearsed and robotic.

Another place to try for wonderful produce is a place called Delicious Orchards. It is a little out of my area (It is in Colt's Neck) But sometimes on the way back from the shore I stop by to pick up some goodies.

Chakra's revised Grand Opening was Monday, February 9th. I have reservations for dinner tommorow night. I am excited to try this restaurant.

Re: The Spiced Pear. It is in the hotel that used to be The Cliffwalk. How strange that there was no sign. Do you think it is even open? Glad you enjoyed Yesterday's - next time try Yesterday's The Place.

Sorry! I thought I may have spelled it wrong. Thanks for the tip - I didn't know they added a fish market. However, I usually buy my fish at the Market Basket Seafood department which I find to be very fresh and high quality.

I have been to Newport several times. The one restaurant that I always go back to is called Yesterday's The Place. Yesterdays is a pub style restaurant with casual fare, however on the side of it is a small, intimate space that serves very innovative food. They have a great wine list and you can also do tasting flights of wine and beer. A new place that just opened is in The Chanler called The Spiced Pear. It is supposed to be wonderful.

I love DePietro's farm in Montvale. The vegetables are always fresh and at wonderful prices. They also have a bakery, cheese department, greenhouse, gourmet foods..... The Market Basket in franklin Lakes has good produces as well but the selection is limited in comparison to DePietro's.

BUMMER! I JUST GOT THE CALL. CHAKRA'S GRAND OPENING IS BEING POSTPONED UNTIL FEBRUARY 9, 2003. THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD A WATER MAIN BREAK - HMMMMM

I have not been at any of his places other than Po years ago. I know he is not affiliated with them anymore. Does anyone know why? When I was at Po I had the pleasure of meeting him and seeing him cook in the kitchen with his orange clogs on

La Campania in Fair Lawn. I have been there several times. The food is very good - lots of little extras and large portions. I usually get 2 meals out of the leftovers alone. It appears to be a family-run operation and the cost of dining there is quite reasonable. Unfortunately since the place is so popular it is always crowded and a bit loud. It is definately not the place to go for an intimate dinner. The menu selections are not your standard Italian fare, though they have the basics but most of the menu is more innovative. It is much nicer on the inside than it appears on the outside.

After visiting the website, chakrarestaurant.com, I am intrigued. I am going to be daring and give this place a try on its opening night, Friday 1/30. Let's hope this place has better luck than Bisque

I'd like to know what your opinion is regarding the following: If there is a restaurant that just opened, when do you feel the best time to try it is? Opening night? After a month of working out the kinks? After it has been reviewed?

Delpino's in Franklin Lakes has great salads. They must get all their fresh ingredients from Market Basket next door.

Has anyone tried the new location in Pompton lakes? If so, can you share your experience. Always in search of the freshest and best sushi...

There is a very casual cafe in Wyckoff called Cafe Amici. They have at least 10 salads on the menu to choose from - all made with very fresh ingredients. They are all priced in the $8.00 to $12.00 range and are large. I usually have some wrapped to take home with me after ordering one for a meal.

Any afffiliation with the new restaurant Monster Sushi & Steak, 615 Ringwood Ave, Pompton Lakes (973-835-6321); BYO.?

I had my wedding catered by Above The Salt in Franklin Lakes. The food was wonderful and they were attentive to every detail.

I walked by there yesterday while shopping in Ridgewood, and peaked into the window. It looks like they are far away from being open. Based on their current state of construction, I would think that it will not open until after the holidays. This space includes a first-floor former dance studio and a basement level bar formerly American Grill, Russian White House and old time favorite Chester Drawers. It should be interesting when it does open-I hope it will be worth the wait.

A new japanese restaurant opened in Nyack, NY last month. It took over the location where Icki Ricki had their restaurant for over 20 years. Anyway, the name of the restaurant is Wasabi, and I was lucky enough to be at the grand opening and thought it was great. The menu was reminiscent of Nobu's. - Lot's of "small plates" to choose from which is nice since it tends to encourage sharing. I don't know what location you are in or how far you are willing to travel - if you are close enough it is worth your consideration.

Ecce Panis bread is wonderful.

ok, how can i go about trying one of these for free?

I am not going to have a wine tasting dinner - I plan to have an assortment of of finger foods - filet mignon on garlic toasts, salmon & creme fraiche canapes, Explorator & champagne grapes, etc. I guess I am looking for ideas on how to present the wines - Thanks for the tip on serving champagne first - that is a nice idea!

I am hosting a wine tasting at my home and have never before. I am asking everyone to bring one bottle in the $10-20 range and asking them to bring some information about the wine they choose. I am providing the glasses and the appetizers to accompany the wines. Any suggestions or ideas would be appreciated as I want this to be an interesting and fun event.

i have been to el prado. i thought it was positively aweful-both service and quality of food.

Market Basket in Franklin Lakes has fantastic produce - Also, DePiero's market in Montvale is also very good.