Susan

So, we went to Ursino on Saturday night. The place is beautiful. We ordered the mussels and the cavatelli for appetizers and the short ribs and the scallops for dinner. Everything was delicious. We will definitely go back.

Thanks for the feedback. I just made a reservation to go there on Saturday and was wondering if anyone had been there. Really looking forward to it now. Thanks.

Is David Drake still at Alice's Restaurant?

I have not been to Cafe Arugula in years. When I went, it was a BYOB (maybe it still is) and not sure if it had a private room. I recently went to "Above" which is located upstairs from the Eden Supermarket in South Orange right near Cafe Arugula. They have a nice bar and a private room on the 3rd floor. The food and service were actually very good. Again, not sure if they are in your price range but you may want to check them out. http://www.aboverestaurantbar.com/

Due Amici in West Orange is a BYOB Italian that serves very good food. They have a large 2nd room, but I doubt they would make it private on a Saturday night. Avenue Bistro in Verona, has a bar and good food. They also have a 2nd room. Not sure if it is small enough to dedicate to one group on a Saturday evening. Primavera Restaurant in West Orange also has a liquor license. Not sure if it has a private room but I would think it does since it's connected to a Wilshire Grand Hotel (maybe some of your guests are staying there). They may not fall into your price range. If I think of anything else in the area, I will let you know.

Just read that the name of the new restaurant will be St. Eves.

Blu and Lorena's both serve skate.

I went once for breakfast and felt the same way about the food - no flavor at all.

Went to Basilico's in Millburn last night. They do have pumpkin ravioli. They were delicious.

Last week I had one large pumpkin raviolo at Culinariane in Montclair. It was very good. I would have preferred small individual raviolis, but that is what they had. Sometimes Basilico in Millburn has them at this time of the year.

According to Zagats, Nicholas in Middletown in the most expensive restaurant in NJ.

Anyone been here lately? Thinking of trying it next week and was wondering if still worth checking out. Thanks.

This place is located where Mountain Deli used to be next door to the dry cleaners. It has been there over a year. Has anyone been there or heard anything about it?

If Cafe Monet is open for lunch, their food is very good.

I was actually thinking of Meema's, but Gina's sounds like a good idea. Thanks.

I have to bring dessert to a party this weekend. There used to be a cute little dessert place on a side street in Montclair that I believe either closed or moved (I think it was a woman's name). Can anyone suggest another place. Or if you know where that place moved to, I'd appreciate if you would give me that address. Thanks for your help.

I think the whole name is Rome Italian Tavern. I have no other details.

Someone told me that their parents went here and loved it. I thought it was also a pizzeria, but I understand that they no longer server pizza and have very good food. Has anyone been there? What do you think?

Thanks for the suggestions. Sounds like they could use some new restaurants in Morristown.

Any suggestions for dinner in the area? Settebello, La Campagna and Famished Frog are all not on the list of the restaurants recommendations that was sent with the tickets. Are they all gone? Is there a new restaurant next door to the theater?

Anyone been here lately? Any good? I was thinking of going with a friend next week. Thanks.

I was wondering if anyone has tried this new restaurant that opened on Valley Road in Montclair. Walked by yesterday. It looks nice.

Tracey, How big of a group are you talking about? Gencarelli's has a patiio with tables out back. I have only been there twice, but enjoyed the food both tiimes. If they are open Monday, I would think they would not be that busy and would be able to give you the whole patio to yourselves. It is a BYOB located on Bloomfield Ave.

Had an absolutely delicious dinner at Passionne tonight. My husband and I tried a few things off the new summer menu. We shared 3 different appetizers and all were outstanding. There was a nice refreshing cold peach gazpacho with tiny bits of apple in it (and other flavors I can't remember). The rabbit spring roll had some pickled vegetables in it (again can't remember exactly which vegetables). I'm not big on pickled, but I did not detect a real pickled flavor at all. Delicious! The last appetizer was a foie gras with cherries jublilee over a thin toasted bread. Loved it!! For dinner we both decided to try the monkfish. It comes wrapped in bacon and was the most tender and delicious monkfish I've ever eaten. The chef makes his own bacon so it is not too salty and does not overpower the dish at all. Sorry that I can't remember all of the exact ingredients. I feel I'm doing the dishes a disservice, but just believe me - they were excellent!! I have eaten at Passione many times, but it just keeps getting better and better.

I am thinking of spending Thanksgiving in Newport RI. Some of the restaurants I may want to have dinner at are closed that day. Right now these look like some of my choices. Which would you recommend? Spiced Pear 22 Bowen White Horse Tavern Castle Hill Inn (Buffet brunch) Clarke Cooke House Thanks for your feedback.