Curlz

Duh. How could I forget? My dad has called me "Sugar" my whole life! Guess I was thinking of LITTLE kids based on the topic title.

We've referred to my friend's daughter as "The Bean" since she was still in the belly...not even sure why, but I'll still ask "How's the Bean?"

Happy to help! If you can convince her to get out of the hotel, I'd at least spring for a cab ride to NJPAC or the Ironbound. The Sheraton isn't that far away (less than 5 miles)! Hope you can do better than hotel food.

You're absolutely right!! I know this isn't exactly on topic, but why is that?!? When my bro moved to Montclair a few months ago, we went searching for Chinese food, and the only thing in town that was decent was Sesame. Truly surprising in a place with so many dining options.

Theater Square Grill was going to be my suggestion as well. I work in Newark and can tell you that other than the Ironbound restaurants, there is a dearth of decent places to dine here! TSG is at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), a beautiful space all of 3 blocks from Newark Penn Station. But before you dis the Ironbound options, remember that seafood is HUGE in Portuguese and Spanish cooking! So if either/both of you will eat fish, you have great options. I'd strongly recommend Adega Grill for a nice atmosphere that I bet will surprise even you! If your sis has an option, staying at an airport hotel will be a bigger pain in the *ss in terms of getting anywhere to eat. If she is staying 'downtown,' she'll likely be at the Hilton, which is attached to Penn Station via a walkway, so getting a cab to NJPAC or in to the Ironbound (about a 3 min ride) will be easy. (But crossing the street to Penn Station is faster than the walkway, btw.) Your other option is to take NJ Transit or the PATH train to Hoboken! It's a great place to walk around and there are tons of choices there, many with great vegetarian options. Let us know if you get info on where she's staying and I'm sure we can offer more ideas! And one last thing...don't be so hard on Newark--esp the downtown area. I'm really enjoying the fact that in the six years I've worked here, changes for the better really are happening in this part of town (near NJPAC)! It's not a destination spot, but it's also not as bad as many people seem to think. Commercial over.

Unless there's another one, the White Rose SYSTEM is in Highland Park! And yes, I remember them being quite delicious, esp after a late night out...!

I'd get off Rt. 3 and go to the Petite Cafe in Nutley! It's not fancy, but it's a really cute spot for lunch, and you can sit and chat without any pressure. The thread is HERE. And/or I'd head to Montclair, which has numerous options...

Was back at The Jeff last week for one last shot at the winter menu, as the new spring one is up starting today. I finally had a chance to try the oxtail and all I can say is WOW. Two huge pieces over sweet potato puree with roasted root vegetables (beets, carrots, etc.). Just terrific, and there was plenty of meat on 'dem bones!! We also enjoyed the toast points with a 'spread' of melted cheese (wish I could remember what kind(s)!!), onions and peppers. Great way to start, as was the pomegranate Bellini . I then had the special salad of escarole, grated cheese, toasted walnuts and red onion. Beautifully dressed, with a great balance of flavors throughout--and a very healthy serving. Great food, fun company and a few quartinos of wine (between us, one white, a montepulciano and a supertuscan)--a great way to end the day, imho. Dining at the bar is a lot of fun--Michael and his staff are warm and welcoming every time--to all of their guests. As we sat there, a pair of guys who were walking past and saw Michael standing at the bar stopped in to tell him how much they enjoyed the food they had taken out the previous week; there was also a guy at the other end of the bar who was enjoying a crossword puzzle along with his meal. It's really nice to see that The Jefferson is quickly becoming a favorite of many Hoboken residents. Some of us even (gasp!) travel a little way to get that great food, wine and service!

Chuck, I think this should be your new signature line...it's a CLASSIC!!

Here's one link from the RU student newspaper.

I've never been to Le Bernardin, but I'm curious...is it usually the 'policy' of the Times' (or Bruni's) to give four stars to a place when "...the dining room, which has all the sex appeal of a first-class airport lounge" ??? I realize that all of htis is subjective, but it seems to me that although (imo) the food is the star of the stars, decor is usually considered a factor as well, no?

Rutgers University's College Avenue campus (New Brunswick NJ) is famous for its 'Grease Trucks'!!! I'll try to see if I can send you some links, but of late, lots of news has been about RU trying to get the names of some of the sandwiches banned. Edit: If you google Rutgers grease trucks, you'll get a TON of links!!

You can also check out the Brunch on Sunday thread by clicking HERE!

Tarte Tatin it is!!!

Thanks for making this so easy! I've never set foot in the place, but I'll have the frisee, the fries and the short ribs, please. What should dessert be? Keep in mind that I'm not a chocolate freak.

One place in that area where I used to go with an ex b.f. was Las Palmas. It was the first place where I saw bisteca and it was hanging off the plate! As I recall, their maduros were pretty awesome too. I think that might be where we ate some damn good "moros y christianos," too. Haven't been to Union City to eat in a few years, but I'm betting it's still open--you can't miss the giant green neon palm trees on the sign! It's right on Bergenline.

I am completely shocked by the idea of adeguilio drinking. And PROSECCO? Shocking. If I were eating at Epernay (which I'd eventually like to do), the first thing I'd try is the frisee salad I've read so much about. And of course, I'd bring RED wine. But that's ME. Don't listen to me.

AHEM, Cibo... The Jefferson has a LOVELY patio out back! I'm looking forward to trying it out once the weather permits. The (new) Elysian Cafe has a pretty big dining section out on the sidewalk... ←

I've been meaning to add to this discussion...I finally had a chance to try Spring Grill a few weeks ago; a friend and I ordered take-out from them for dinner one night. We had spring rolls (YUMMY), pad thai (ok), duck curry (WINNER!!!) and because she had never had it, I ordered beef pho (DON'T BOTHER). The woman who took the order over the phone worried me because when I ordered "beef 'fuh'," she said "beef satay, okay" TWICE before I said "no...the soup...fuh...er, FOE" and then she got it. Sigh... But everything in the order was correct, very nicely packaged, and they threw in the shrimp chips with peanut sauce (drinkable on it's own, imho). Total was about $38, and the $8+ for the pho killed me b/c it was flavorless. But the duck curry was awesome--will definitely order it again!!

If you're in Basking Ridge, you really need to try Thai Thai on Valley Road in Sterling! Haven't had a bad meal there yet, and it is definitely the top choice of two different friends who live out that way. Easy to get to from Basking Ridge, too!

Chef D-- An American Grill is a FINE establishment, and if you're willing to drive the 45 minutes, many of us can highly recommend it!!! Directionally, you'd have to take the GSP to Rt 80 to 287 to Rt 10--that's the most direct route. It's really not a horrible ride, and the food/drink will certainly be worth it! Depends on how much your babysitter charges, I suppose... Other ideas: Fascino (BYO) in Montclair (call if there isn't a table free on OpenTable), or (GASP) The Jefferson in Hoboken. Both are also worth the (shorter) trip!! Curlz

The Jefferson has a LOVELY patio out back! I'm looking forward to trying it out once the weather permits. The (new) Elysian Cafe has a pretty big dining section out on the sidewalk...

I'm with you, suzz--I love dining al fresco too! As the name implies Trattoria Fresco has a beautiful patio! If you haven't been there in the nice weather, it's definitely something to look forward to!

Has anyone tried this place? I read about it here on Baristanet.com and realized I had never heard of it. An eG search finds info on the Broad Street/restaurant row thread, but that's it. Sure sounds like it's worth a try!