Curlz

Ditto. And I wonder if it's possible that not one person on the planet who knows the owners or is related to them hasn't said "Gee, you'd better do something or you're not going to be able to stay in business!" SIGH...

Little Saigon has been open for 4 months now, and I finally made it over there. And you know what? It lived up to its (new) reputation--great food, terrible service. When that room is 75-80% full on a Tuesday night and they have ONE waiter and two runners, Houston, WE HAVE A PROBLEM. At the end of the meal, we had a small bowl of wonton soup (for my niece), the sweet potato nest (YUMMY--while it was hot--but I'd love to have a few more shrimp ), and a very mild beef with egg noodle dish (ordered with the 3.5 year-old in mind). The chicken curry dish that my brother and I were looking forward to (for the spice) never arrived, and since it took a solid 8 minutes before we even saw THE waiter again, we then just asked for the check. And waited another 10 minutes before we saw him again (yes, I was timing it as I sat there while my bro walked around with my niece). Finally walked out to the 'bar' and told the gentleman there that we couldn't wait any longer for our check, and he totalled up what we had. My brother's comment as we left... "Well, it certainly was exactly what you said you had heard about it--great food, awful service. At least I have the take-out menu for the next time I want Vietnamese food!" Sad, sad, sad. And in a restaurant town like Montclair, I honestly hope they can survive solely on good food, because all I heard around us were people complaining that they couldn't get a (THE) waiter's attention. On a positive note, I was pleasantly surprised by how big the place was, and although it was simple decor, it is clean and light. I'll certainly go back--but for takeout.

Be sure to chat with Michael (Chef) when you do get to The Jeff! He's a doll. Tell him Curlz sent you!

Just had to share something that happened tonight...my brother, niece (see my signature) and I went for Vietnamese food. We ordered a small bowl of 'wonton' soup for her, an app, and one entree to start. We each had a small plate in front of us (as is the norm in a restaurant where we're sharing dishes) and about halfway through the meal, she stood up on her chair, looked around at a few tables nearby, and announced "Wow! We have a LOT of lunch on our table!" I lost it, partially b/c she's so damn funny and partially b/c the only thing I could think of was this thread. Can you tell we're related?

Meant to post about this last night--my apologies! Worked out great--the location was easy for each of us, and we had a tasty although not knock-you-out lunch. Far too much food, so I have enough leftover pasta for TWO lunches! We shared the fried calamari, then I had cavatappi with rock shrimp, mushrooms and asparagus; he had the penne vodka with shrimp. My dish was (is) yummy, and I loved the lemon/garlic sauce on it, but I don't understand why the rock shrimp needed to be breaded--that's my only complaint. And seriously--does each portion really require a pound of pasta??? CRAZY. Service was very good, but I will say that we were seated at a 2-top right next to a group of 4 and then they seated a 3-top right next to us; no need for that when the place is only about 1/3 full (we got there after 1pm). And best of all, he refused to let me pay the bill (about $50 for the two of us with tip)! Thanks again for the recommendation/reminder about LouCa's, y'all.

One word: FASCINO. And of course, it's BYO. Of course, I have other ideas, but that's my top choice! :-) The Jefferson in Hoboken (parking included in a big lot less than 1/2 block away) and the patio will be open if it's nice out. Close to NYC, and if any of your guests come via mass transit, you can put them on a ferry, bus or the PATH from there. Trattoria Fresco in Caldwell (BYO) Petite Cafe in Nutley (BYO) Congrats to the Mrs.!

Steven, if this isn't the first time you've told this story on eG, I don't care--it was certainly my biggest eG laugh of the day!! Killer. I don't know if I qualify as an over-orderer so much as one of those who wants to have a taste or two of everything AND leftovers. I am definitely guilty of choosing apps or entrees based on what else my dining companions are ordering, b/c I figure I'll get a chance to try those dishes in addition to my own! But the stories told on this thread do remind me of my first meal in an Indian restaurant, with my then-b.f., who is Indian. He was what you'd call a good eater and decided that I needed to try EVERYTHING (or so it seemed) for my virgin meal, b/c I might not like something. The table was identical to the scene that Charity Case described; a waiter that kept asking "Are you sure?" with each dish he ordered, and the two of us sitting at a four-top surrounded by plates and bowls. Needless to say, we ate the leftovers for 3 days. And I still adore Indian food, even though that b.f. is history!

Interesting...and based on the reports about the place in the International Food Warehouse, this isn't a bad thing!!

I certainly think so (for whatever that's worth... )! As I recall, John explained to me that the difference between the ones that they sell in the supermarket and the ones sold from their warehouse is that the supermarket ones are skinless. I don't eat hot dogs too often, but when I do, I always buy Best's...they're what I grew up eating (here in NJ)! Great on the grill.

I'll see your Crate & Barrel (but only during a sale), and I'll raise you one Bed Bath & Beyond, Linens & Things and/or Kohl's. But seriously, if you're looking for plain sets (all white or a solid color), any of those (or Ikea) would do the trick, and they're forever mailing out 20% off coupons, so go to their web sites and sign up! There are also some 'name' outlets you can try on line or in person--Mikasa in Secaucus (less than 5 miles out the Lincoln Tunnel in--GASP--NJ); Dansk in Flemington, and Crate & Barrel--but it's just off of Exit 8A--waaay down the NJ Turnpike. Well worth the ride if you can get down there, though! Restaurant supply places are also a good idea, but again, you're going to find more 'basic' stuff there. I guess it would help to know your taste--simple, solids, or patterns?

Thanks...I really do prefer to stay out of the chains if possible, esp b/c they can get really LOUD at lunchtime! LouCas is a great solution for us.

There's a reason they call him John the hot dog guy...

"...A flambé of plaintain-stuffed spring rolls" ??? COUNT ME IN!!

Thanks, everyone! LouCas had completely slipped my mind...it's been at least 10 years since I was last there, but that works great for both of us. Feel free to keep ideas coming, as of course, I'm willing to change my mind if the mood strikes.

I'm meeting one of my favorite volunteers for lunch on Monday; he works in Woodbridge, I'm coming from New Brunswick. His thoughts: "It will be easiest to meet at one of the restaurants on Route 1 in the Edison area, which is close to the Parkway. You have your choice of Bennigan's, Steak and Ale, Pizzeria Uno, Macaroni Grill or White Castle (just kidding), all of which are between the Menlo Park Mall and the Parkway, or Charlie Browns at the Woodbridge Mall, which is just north of the Parkway on Route 1." Well, you can guess MY reaction...ugh. Is there anything else in that corridor that's DECENT? This is a guy who actually likes good food (and wine), so if you can offer any other ideas, I'd be MOST appreciative! Doesn't need to be fancy, and shouldn't be too expensive. I'm familiar with Oak Tree Rd and the Indian restaurants but I'm not sure if he likes that kind of food. Throw 'em at me, folks! And thanks in advance. Curlz

For the record, I do realize it's possible that the original poster is merely a long-time customer; I just wish s/he would have started out by saying whether or not there's a personal connection. And I'd LOVE for some folks who have eaten there to post about it!

I merely asked a question. 'tho I will point out that #s 1, 2 and 3 seem to be well-represented on the Tommy scale. (dulyl noted that s/he has made FIVE posts)

Weissman, do you have a connection to the place?

The difference between the two recipes isn't huge, but there is less butter and brown sugar used in the CL version; and trust me, they're still awesome! Oh, and the CL version has you toast the matzo, which definitely adds flavor. If anyone wants the CL recipe, just PM me--happy to share it.

Very much open, Menton! We stopped in there during the Hot Dog Run!

Emma, I love making soup precisely because I always freeze a few containers of it! Then when I'm having a nutty week with no time to cook, I can pull one out for lunch. I'm pretty good about eating leftovers a few times in a row before I get sick of a dish, but this solves the problem pretty easily. And I've gotten REALLY good at the spacial relations aspect of filling my freezer, too!

Good call, Jason--thank you! I agree that the others are baggy, but for me, it's sometimes just about (GASP) protecting a new manicure while I do something like dredging chicken pieces. I actually like getting my hands dirty--reminds me that I'm creating something! That's why I don't use them too often.

Are these the non-latex ones, Andie? They're basically thin plastic baggies that are glove-shaped? If so, I'd love to know a source for a non-professional to buy them! I had a pkg of 20 that I bought a long time ago and haven't been able to find them anywhere since... Any/all ideas are greatly welcome! Curlz ← These are the ones I use. I get them at Smart & Final. Any restaurant/bakery supply place will have them. There are plenty of places open to the public. ← Thanks for sharing...these are what I can find--but prefer not to get b/c of the powder. What I can't find are what I described; basically plastic baggies in the shape of a glove! Loved them for things like handling chicken. But I'll keep searching...

Are these the non-latex ones, Andie? They're basically thin plastic baggies that are glove-shaped? If so, I'd love to know a source for a non-professional to buy them! I had a pkg of 20 that I bought a long time ago and haven't been able to find them anywhere since... Any/all ideas are greatly welcome! Curlz

Menton-- I think the word Kosher was used to imply that it wouldn't be legal for them to cater out of their home kitchen! At least, that's how I read it... Curlz