Curlz

Thanks, John. While I agree that new places should be given more than one chance, it honestly hasn't occurred to me to go back to Bubba's for two reasons--first and foremost, because I'm really not a regular hot dog eater, and secondly, because of my initial impression. When I do need a hot dog 'fix,' I go to Amazing Hot Dog, but I’ll keep this place in mind if only because of the Syd’s dog.

Wow, did we have opposite experiences, John! I was there 3-4 months ago and have to say that the thing that impressed me the most was the décor! The place makes you feel like you’re beachfront-a good thing, imo, and I agree that it was spotless. I went with two friends and in addition to having little-no luck in engaging one of the owners (I’m now assuming it was Sharon’s husband), many of our questions went unanswered, and we were thoroughly unimpressed by the dogs and the fries we tried. I realize that I'm not a hot dog expert , so maybe that made a difference to them, but in my mind, a customer is a customer, and we weren’t pestering anyone - just expressing an interest and asking a few questions. Iirc, we tried the dirty water dogs and the ripper. What I definitely remember is that we all hated the roll, which was dry, crumbly and tasteless, and that the (sweet potato and regular) fries were so unmemorable that we didn’t finish them. Perhaps things have changed since that visit. I guess I’ll have to go back and see if anything is different…

Those onion rings are pretty fantastic...it's probably a good thing that I can't get them closer to home (in Verona)! In other news, AHD was featured on the Bob Lape show yesterday. Click here and then on Thursday, Feb 21st to listen.

They opened (for dinner only-not sure when that changes) this week, and the basics are up on their web page: www.cravelounge.net

Exactly what I said...we'll see!

I called TF on Monday to see if they were open, and there is a recorded message saying that as of Jan 1 they are undergoing renovations and are "looking forward opening in the Spring." Anyone have any additional intel?

Just to clarify...this was at Hale & Hearty?

There is a short thread about it here...

A friend just returned from Puerto Rico and has been raving about the great tropical drinks; anyone know where we can find a legit pina colada or other similar items?

Crystal Plaza's food and service are fantastic, imo; don't discount them just because they're Kosher! They used to cater a major annual event (400-600 attendees) for me, and until we told people who the caterer was, they had no idea it was a K meal.

Even though Chef Lo Pinto's thread is still here, I thought Crave should have its own thread since they're slated to open within the next week or two. Their web site isn't ready yet, but I'll post it once I hear it's up. Here's the basic info: Crave Restaurant and Lounge 168 Passaic Avenue (across from the Essex Cty Airport) Fairfield NJ 973-882-8700

The very reliable word on the street (which I can also confirm) is that Crave will open within the next week or two! Stay tuned for further intel as it becomes available.

Don't know where you are in NJ, but Chengdu 1 in Cedar Grove has a great New Year's menu...

Just saw a billboard for this tonight as I headed home from Amazing Hot Dog; the billboard is on Bloomfield Ave just after you cross over Prospect heading east. It was the first I had heard about it...anyone know more than what is on the Calandra's web site?

I finally got to Next Door last night, and had the first of what I'm sure will be many wonderful meals there. As usual, the quality, quantity and pricing of Zod's food is far and above most of the other restaurants in NJ, let alone in Montclair. We started with a couple of the baby arugula/goat cheese/beet salads and a mozz and tomato plate. The mozz was delicious; I wonder where he gets it and if it's local. For entrees, my niece had a bowl of spaghetti bolognese that was bigger than she was, so of course, she allowed a few tastes...the sauce was delicious, meat very flavorful (was that a ground beef/pork/lamb mixture, I wonder?), and she took about 2/3 of it home. Mom had the salmon, which she loved; my sis-in-law had a piece of tuna that was almost as big as her dinner plate, my bro had the hanger steak (fantastic) and a side of spinach, and I had the lamb over white bean ragu. All simple, flavorful, and satisfying. For dessert, my niece ordered the chocolate custard with Rice Krispies; I had the poached pears with raisins and walnuts, Mom had the rice pudding w/caramel, and my bro and s-i-l shared the apple tart. Never got to try the tart, but I loved my generous bowl of poached pears, which were swimming in their (just sweet enough) syrup. The choc custard is simply ridiculous (in a very good way-and this is coming from someone with a fairly small sweet tooth). SO rich, so decadent, and SO not meant to be eaten by one person! It was a giant serving, and about 1/2 of it also went home with my niece, who was none too thrilled to have our spoons constantly dipping in to her bowl. The biggest winner, though, had to be that rice pudding. Mom had it there on a recent visit for lunch, and she was right--it's amazing. Juuuust enough caramel to give it a different flavor from the usual rice puddings, and again, a huge bowl (too big for her to finish, even after we tasted it)! If there is one thing I wasn't nuts about, it's the (lack of) decor. This is literally a painted room and nothing more; I hope Zod warms it up with something other than the food! A few paintings by local artists, perhaps? Or even a paint treatment so it's not so flat? With food like that, I don't need (or want) decor distraction, but it's a tad cold when you're facing the back wall as I was. We heard similar comments from others who were obviously there for the first time. Since it was a pre-birthday meal, I never saw the bill, but salads were around $8 each, all of our entrees were $16 or less, and desserts were $6. The coffee and cappucinos were delicious (although no french press as there is at Blu). Service is just as attentive here as it is at Blu (I wanted to say next door, but that might confuse some people! ), and included fresh silverware between the apps and entrees and new wine glasses for a different bottle of wine (as it should be). And of course, it's BYO. Next Door is a fantastic value, and a wonderful addition to Montclair, imo!

Wow. Assuming that all that took place is as you're telling it here, I do hope that the chef/owner hears about this--from you! I've never had that kind of experience at Blu, and can't imagine that Zod would give that attitude his blessing. Let's hope it's merely an issue with this particular hostess.

I haven't been up there (yet), but people I trust say they are, yes!

The Newark Club does have a beautiful view, which I'm sure is even lovelier now that the Newark skyline is more lit up! BUT...having run/been to a few events there, I'll tell you my biggest complaint, and that's the sight lines in the room. I realize that the layout/setup for a wedding may be different than what I've seen, but check it out if you're seriously considering the place. Nothing like having (insert annoying relative here) complaining that they can't see the couple/other annoying relatives!

This may be true, but who has room for soup after you've eaten at AHD?!? Seriously--iirc, the Hale & Hearty Soup was one of my favorite 'tastes' when I went to the Fancy Food Show for the first time, back in...2000, maybe? They just signed on to do a big restaurant in the NYTimes building in NYC this week, so the company is obviously in expansion mode!

Daniel, is that cole slaw IN A BAG?!?

Well...trip to Crave.

Congratulations! I have no idea if they can do a group of this size, but I'd definitely call Fascino in Montclair, esp b/c you have time to plan. Keep in mind that Fascino has two different rooms and is BYO--there are good/bad sides to both. Crave could be a possibility as well, 'tho I have no clue as to their capacity or layout just yet. They do have a full liquor license! Will post other ideas as they come...

I can now confirm that the news about Crave is good. From a VERY trusted source. I am SO looking forward to having Anthony's cooking (again)!!!

Good news (I hope) about Crave...

A number of people have sent PMs to me and/or posted on this thread regarding "an eG gathering" at Chengdu 1 for the Chinese New Year. I'm sorry, but I'm not willing to deal with the rules/regs required to plan something. If you want to go there for the special New Year's menu, I suggest you call and make a reservation, and QUICKLY, as the owner has told us about a number of large parties (large, as in, 30+ people at a time) who have made reservations. The restaurant isn't that big, so it's going to fill up FAST! Jo-Mel, thanks for the Gong Xi Fa Cai! At least now I know how to spell it correctly...