Curlz

Thanks, Bruce. This is exactly the kind of info I was hoping to get from someone who really knows the area! I'm in the same situation here in Newark...been working here for 7+ years, and I know where it's fine, where' it's 'fringe,' and where I shouldn't go. Obviously, basic safety rules apply anywhere, but I really appreciate your being up front with us! Thanks again--you've got a GREAT place, and many more of us need to become regular customers.

If that's not a MOST excellent avatar, I don't know what is!!

I've had a couple of people ask me about the location and whether or not it's safe, so I figured I'd take this question public... Imo, this is someplace I definitely wouldn't go to on my own at night, but if I had a big strapping guy with me, I doubt I'd be worried. (Volunteers? ) It's not so much b/c of where the restaurant is located, but rather, because of the drive in through Elizabeth. It's definitely not horrible--I've worked in Newark for the last 8 years, so I'm used to driving through and near the sketchy neighborhoods, but I think for now I'll stick to weekend lunches/early dinners. Fwiw, I took the directions from Exit 13A; it's all of about 3 miles once you leave the Turnpike, and very direct. And the restaurant itself is really nice--they did a great job redoing the place! For those who live/work in the area, can you please chime in with some comments? Is the area really busy on weekdays? Is it a ghost town at night? I'm curious to hear your input on the subject, and assure you that others are as well. Aside: I reheated most of my leftovers for dinner tonight. YUUUUM!

We do! We do! Thanks SO much...I've never known the name of them, but the description always gets me an instant yes or no in a bakery. And they're good with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappucino, milk... Of course, now I think I'm going to have to stop in to the Lyndhurst Bake Shop tomorrow. Thanks for THAT.

Well, I did say that I'm not a good judge of bakeries, 'cause sugar's not my thing. Pete is right--LPS is smaller, but what he didn't mention is that they also have homemade italian ice there, and do a TON of business in that part of the store in the warmer weather! They also carry those classic italian cookies that are covered with sesame seeds, and Mazur's doesn't. I have no clue of the name, but they're more like a biscuit than a cookie, not super sweet, and are most excellent with a cuppa something.

My favorite falafel place is Beyond Pita in Montclair...it's on Church Street, but away from the 'main' part of Church--almost to Orange Road, right next to a Krauser's. Tiny little place that's takeout only (outdoor tables in warm weather), and they also make some pretty awesome hummus and tabbouleh. Just another option in the area!

I'm with you, Dana...if we wait for the pics, well... First of all, kudos and thanks to TMus and Daniel for finding this gem in the BBQ wilderness that is NJ! I do know the pressure of singing the praises of a place, esp a new one, but you were spot on in recommending Front Street. Bruce, thanks to you and your bride for making us feel welcome and for the yummy eats! A minute of conversation is all it takes to see that you're passionate about what you do. Dana gave a great synopsis--and I agree that the beef rib was wonderful. We all loved it! It was a big hunk 'o meaty/fatty/beefiness, and sharing it between 6 adults was the way to go--b/c then we could try all of the other meats! Of the platter ($24.95, iirc) we ordered, I think the pulled pork was my favorite, but that's in no way meant to dis the other offerings. I had cole slaw and baked (black) beans as my side dishes, along with the cornbread, and definitely have at least another 1-2 meals left from it. I also had the Briar's birch beer, which was a frosty, frothy treat. And the sweet potato fries were fantastic--esp when I started swiping them through the bbq sauce and beef rib drippings! The only thing I didn't love was the brisket, and yet, I'm torn. It has great flavor, but just like every BBQ brisket I've ever eaten, I found it a bit dry. Is that b/c I'm used to Jewish brisket recipes, which tend to be marinated and sliced thicker? I wonder. But as I said, the FSS version does have great flavor. I was surprised by how quiet it was when we got there, but I'm guessing that this part of the world is far busier on weekdays. I just wish I could find a way to pick up the whole building and move it to...say...Lyndhurst. It would be a GREAT local spot to have, but I guess I'll have to make the 20 min trek to Elizabeth on the weekends instead! The place is really comfortable (including the chairs) and welcoming, and we were all enjoying the different BBQ competition posters that are around the restaurant and in the restrooms. The one near our table said Memphis: the 4th(?) fattest city in the country...striving to be #1. Bruce mentioned that they are already entered in the NJ BBQ competition that takes place in Wildwood in July (?) and that they plan to be at the annual Guitarbeque in Asbury Park this summer as well. I doubt I'll even think about getting hungry again today, but I really am looking forward to having the leftovers for dinner tomorrow...!

Would love to hear the details on that, Deldino!

I know ejebud's too polite to say so, but dem's fightin' words, bgut! Have you been to Amazing Hot Dog yet? If not, I'd hold off on that statement... Then again, I don't think the AHD dogs grow on trees, as they originate from Best's in Newark!

Correction to that last post...the Clifton NJ store now has churros! Was there today and noticed the sign as I waited at the cash register. The sign says they're $1.00, but I didn't partake, as I had just had a big lunch (elsewhere).

OOOH! OOOH! TELL US MORE, PLEASE!! Oh, and I do like DD (cream, no sugar), but only from the stores--every time I've made it at home, I've thought it was terrible. And I really don't care for Starbuck's. LOVE the Intelligensia I drank and brought home from Chicago, though...

Edit (in a new window b/c the Edit button didn't appear): And/or are the directions on the web site better (from Exit 13)?

For those who have been to FS already, are these directions good?

I was going to guess shumai, but they looked very large and VERY homemade (not that there's ANYTHING wrong with that!) so I wasn't sure...those are now on my must-order list next time I go! And gyoza too, just b/c I love them.

Great pics, Lowell! The tuna three ways is what I had when I was there. Talk to us about those dumplings, please! Esp the ones in the second picture...

Hands on, teeth on... Here's the only issue, though--I'm really not a sweet eater, so I'm probably not the best judge, but I'll tell you what I know. I think their prices are reasonable for most of the items I've purchased, but I also stick to a few regular things...I happen to like their birthday cakes (I go for whipped cream--not buttercream) with the choc mousse filling; love their pignoli cookies (NOT cheap--never are--something like $14/lb), and they make a few custard-filled tarts that I've always enjoyed. Black and white cookies...cannoli...crumb cakes...decent foccacia on the few occasions I have bought it... What I'm certain of is that every time I've brought goodies from Mazur's in to my office, people go apesh*t. Is that a good sign?

LOVE that image, Daniel!!! Great pics--thanks for the report. We must RUN...

Balthazar thread.

Not in my book!

I would have enjoyed it had they used a real dog...

YES, YES, YES!! And I'd like to submit Mount Gay and tonic w/a piece of lime as a shining example.

Well, I'm going to throw a wrench in your data, folks... I'm a vodka drinker ('tho it's rare for me to drink it on the rocks), and I love a good mojito! But I'm with Katie--don't make it too sweet. For me, that's not about wanting to taste the rum as much as it is about my not liking sugary stuff. And I love anything tart, so a GOOD mojito is a beautiful thing in my book! My two cents! And PS, my first mojito is still one of the best I've ever had--at Cafe Atlantico in D.C.

Sounds like you should (gasp) take a PATH train, bus or ferry to Hoboken (NJ--just across the Hudson River) and try Venue. Full thread is here. Edit: And a lunch at Shake Shack on a nice day is also a great idea...

A Google search turned up their web site, which has dated info, but a contact form. Likely your best bet for answers!

It's been too long since my last visit to TF, and Saturday night's dinner was a reminder of how terrific this kitchen is, in both food and presentation. Preface--my folks were in town, and my dad insisted on a BYO. Too late for reservations at any number of other places, I was pleased that we were able to snag one at TF for 7pm just a few days ago. Of course, I would have been even happier if the weather cooperated enough for us to sit on that lovely patio, but I guess I'll have to wait another 6 weeks! I ordered a cone of the Tuscan Fries for us to nibble on while looking at the menu; that 'fra diavolo' aioli that comes with them isn't so fra diavolo in my book, but I love it--just enough heat! For apps, my dad had the antipasto, which was beautifully presented on a trianglular slab of marble, my bro had the mussels, which he RAVED about, and the rest of had the grilled romaine, which was very good, although I'll ask to have it grilled a little longer next time. Entrees were the skirt steak, the sugar cane skewer with shrimp, scallop and lobster (on the app menu), the salad special (with calamari, scallops and shrimp, iirc), the veal tasting (milanese + barolo-braised), and I had the tuna (a huge piece), served over white beans with cippolini onions, olives, roasted tomatoes and fingerling potatoes. Dish after dish elicited a "look at that presentation!" from my folks, who can be tough customers, and everyone was more than pleased with the meal. My dad completely cleared his plate, and was gushing over the aromatic whipped potatoes, proclaiming that "it takes a special extra touch" to produce a 'side' like that. We were far too full for much in the way of dessert, and despite my efforts to convince them that we needed either the fondue or an order of zeppole, we settled on coffees, a dish of truly amazing lemon ice, and the apple marzipan crisp. The latter was very good, but just a tad too sweet for me. The house-made biscotti that came with the check were terrific; I sh/could have just had a few of those. My only consistent complaint about TF is the unbelieveable volume in the room (another good reason to sit outside if you can). There were five of us at a rectangular table, and I literally couldn't hear my stepmother, who was two people away, against the wall. Since we're not a quiet group, this isn't something I notice very often, but it's undeniable here. Before we left, I showed my dad and brother the patio, which they loved. Will certainly be back soon, and most especially, once the weather warms up!