Curlz

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand? Do you live by some sort of freakish rules about eating the same type of food in a 12-hour period, Tommy?!? Heehee! I suspect I know the answer already. Do you want a 'scene' or a place where you can actually catch up with someone? Other options, btw...Rocca, Mignon in Rutherford, Sesame in Montclair (or is anything Asian out of the question?), Trattoria Fresco (Caldwell)--and if it's this warm this evening, you could dine al fresco!, Saffron (E. Hanover), in Morristown, French Origin Th...er, never mind. Why don't you just go to Lou's?!?

River Kwai is indeed byo--there's no bar there.

Ah, the joy of Google!! Here's your Olive of the Month Club, with many thanks for a GREAT gift idea for one of my friends! I would also like a Kitchen Aid mixer, just because I don't have one. I don't need one, but for some reason, I feel the need to have one!! Curlz

Great topic! And quite timely, seeing as I got the Harry & David catalog yesterday... Purplewiz, I'd love to know the OTMC that you're talking about!! PM me? Heehee I've never given an OTMC gift, but have had great success with subscriptions to Cooking Light, Food & Wine, Bon Appetit and Cook's. The beautiful thing is, most of those magazines will offer a buy 1/get 1 free or at 50% if you renew your subscription and give one as a gift this time of year! My not-so-foodie friends will buy these mags on occasion or leaf through them at my house, but they don't seem as inclined to subscribe, but they've all been happy with their gifts.

One of my favorites used to be at the Cherry Hill Hilton (for real)--a Chinese/Jewish deli restaurant called Ginsburg and Wong!!

I find it interesting that Robert Brown also mentions he had problems there on a (different) day when they were holding a special event. Perhaps they just can't handle anything in addition to their regular seatings. But if that's the case, perhaps they should re-think those events! Or at least forewarn those with reservations... Don't get me wrong; I greatly enjoyed most of the meal, and would like to go back there on a 'regular' day/evening. I just hoped it would have been a different experience, as I didn't expect to have these types of complaints. I'm also wondering if the 3-course brunch is a regular Sunday occurrence or if they only have it available when there is another event on the grounds...does anyone know?

I concur; it was very salty!!

Stone lets BH@SB off the hook a little more than I would with regard to this morning's brunch; when you're booking reservations a month out, I don't what special event is taking place on the grounds--those with the reservations in the restaurant deserve the same great food and service that you would offer any other day! I do agree with all of his comments about the place itself--it's really stunning, and worth the (very short from NYC and NNJ) drive on a beautiful day. I was also surprised by the short list of choices, esp because I hadn't noticed the brunch menu on their web site (and on checking just now, still don't see it). Then again, I had no trouble making my three choices rather quickly, so I can't complain too much! One person at our table did end up ordering off of the children's menu b/c there are a lot of foods that she doesn't eat, but they pleasantly accommodated her substitution (and charged her the full $42). You've heard about the polenta/mushroom dish, although I didn't realize that other diners were getting more mushrooms. Mine was also past room temp and leaning towards being on the cool side. The cod brandade was definitely the winner on the first course. I thought the lamb was a wonderful, simple dish. The flavor of the meat was so pure, it was perfectly cooked, and I thought the sauce was flavorful without being overpowering. The eggplant slices and pieces of red and yellow peppers were perfectly roasted, and the chives were an excellent addition. Considering that I kindly shared a solid taste of it , Stone neglected to mention the OTHER dessert on the table, which everyone agreed was the winner--the mixed berry coupe, which was served in a rocks glass--with the berries over an olive oil cake and the addition of some vanilla creme. An excellent carmely crisp with sesame seeds was a fantastic bonus. All in all, I thought the food was very good, but the service was definitely lacking both in the dining room and in the kitchen. If they need some extra staff, they ought to get hiring for the line; the room wasn't completely full when we were seated, and if they can't fully handle that many people, I wonder what they do when the place is maxed out. I'd be curious to go back up there for dinner and/or go for lunch (vs. brunch) on a day when they weren't having a festival, but stick to my earlier comments--that's no excuse. Edit: Can't believe that I didn't mention the purple basil mojito; I had read about it and ordered it today...it was FABULOUS. What a great way to incorporate the mint flavor with a twist!! And it was gorgeous in the glass, as well. I also needed to tsk tsk about the state of the ladies room; by 3pm, there were no paper towels left and the place was a mess. Another example of lack of staff/service, imho.

Er, I don't believe that I can, can I? Post a new topic under Pinned, that is? That's what I was suggesting; then people can just dump ideas in it...

Stopped in to TPC today for a late lunch with my mom...and remembered that I have to do this more often! Our lunch was very tasty, though nothing wild (our choice); a Paris salad for me (goat cheese, walnuts + beef tenderloin added by moi to the order) and a tuna wrap for my mom. There's a sign up that says Chef's Tasting (this) Thursday. Here's the deal: 4 courses (actually 5 with dessert--don't know why they don't just bill it that way) for $40pp. You have to make a reservation, and let them know at that point if there is anything you don't eat or are allergic to. And of course, it's BYO. There is also a sign for the next Wine Night, which is when everyone who comes for dinner shares their wines with everyone else. That's on Oct. 20th. Just thought I'd share the info!

Actually, if you get the NYT delivered on Sundays, you get the good stuff (all those special sections) delivered on Saturday! A nice bonus, imho. Major congrats, Jason!! Might I suggest a topic at the top of the NJ Forum for suggestions for future articles for Jason? Curlz

You've got lots of good options, Mike! Personally, I'd head to Rocca (Glen Ridge) or if you want something a little fancier, Village Green (Ridgewood). If that's too far from home for you, how about Trattoria Fresco in Caldwell? There have been a few posts of late about the service declining, but it's a casual atmosphere, and we really enjoyed ourselves when we went with a large group--esp because Evan personally took care of us. Not BYO, but Adega Grill in the Ironbound really is a lovely spot, and the food has been terrific every time I've gone there. It's a given the An American Grill in Randolph is excellent, but it's out in Randolph, so that may be a bit too far out of the way for your group. And how about Epernay in Montclair? It's a favorite of many on this forum. I'm sure others will be happy to weigh in with ideas, but if you do a search on any of the places I've mentioned, you'll find lots of info here on eG. Let us know where you end up! Curlz

BIGGER PFFFFFFFFFT!!!

I'm guessing that I speak for most of us when I say PFFFFFFFFFFFFT, Lou!! Have you ever considered opening An American Grill EAST? I know I'd spend way too much time there if you were closer...

Leave now!! That's the best suggestion I can come up with...

Thanks to both of you...please keep your ideas coming; I'll be in touch if he's interested. Curlz

Thanks for saving me the trip, Scott! Not sure where you live, but if you're in/close to Morris County, I'd recommend you try Saffron on Rt. 10 in East Hanover. I was VERY impressed by their buffet when I went last month--lots of different lamb, chicken, veg and non- dishes, and I can honestly say that there was almost too much to choose from! For $9.95 a person.

Trying to help out a friend...does anyone know of a place on the NY/CT border that could accommodate a large (20+) group for lunch? He's trying to arrange an antique car show along with it, so it would also need a big parking lot to display the cars. His thought was an inn of some sort, but he's open to all suggestions. I'm trying to get add'l details from him and will post when I have them. Thanks in advance!! Curlz Edit: He says... We are totally open in terms of price and location. We wanted to drive up through nice old country roads with our classics for about an 1hr or 1hr and half and then have nice lunch and drive back through other fun back windy backroads... we had hoped to go to the INN AT POUND RIDGE but they are closed on Saturdays... so mostly just looking for a fun drive on small back roads and a nice place for lunch with parking lot--- classic Inn preferred but others possible.

OOOH, but that's a good one, Bloviatrix!

Quote: Tommy's new sig... "'candy-gram'. get it? it's *funny*" Yes, Mongo, we get it. And it IS funny.

Binh Duong -- in the East West Shopping Plaza 61 1/2 Belleville Ave Bloomfield NJ 07003 Phone 973-680-8440/8441 And rumor has it the Little Saigon is prepping to re-open in a new location!

Glad you enjoyed it, Pringle! I don't know the answer to your sauce question, but I'm betting that Jason will. But I agree with you; they do a nice job of Pho for take-out, separating the broth, beef and ingredients. Enjoy your leftovers!

I'll be VERY curious to hear about your dinner, Babyluck! There's already a thread on the free lunch they offered in early September (and the promo over the next few months) here , but I can't find one just about the restaurant, so maybe you'll start one!