janbee

Lotus Cafe is on River St. in Hackensack -- in the small strip mall where the larger Home Depot mall and Pathmark are located. Lotus Cafe remains one of my favorite "regular" places to eat Chinese. The food is consistently good and the staff is always friendly. I'm glad that someone else here agrees with me about Lotus. I know that most of you are high on China 46, and Lotus may not be quite up to that level, but it's an alternative! Janbee

I just returned from a lovely week in the White Mountains! We took the cog railroad to the top of Mount Washington and hiked through Flume Gorge. Since we were based in Bethlehem we tried two restaurants that I thoroughly enjoyed! Cold Mountain on route 302 in Bethlehem was inexpensive and delicious! My salmon was fresh, cooked to perfection and seasoned with a delicious tamari glaze. It was only $12.95....easily a $26 entree back in New York! The lentil soup and mocha cake were also DEE-licious!!! We also enjoy Tim-Ber Alley in the Adair Inn in Bethlehem. My pork tenderloin was nicely seasoned, moist and tender. The mesclun salad was nicely dressed and included with the entree. This is definitely a spot for fine dining! Although I did not eat there myself, I heard that Grand Depot in Littleton is also very good. Maybe next time. Does anyone have any suggestions? I will surely return to the White Mountains region again! Janbee

I think Kinara does a lunch buffet. I seem to remember a sign outside the restaurant that advertises the buffet. I only go there for dinner, so I can't promise that my memory is accurate! Kinara is very good. The gentleman who owns it used to work for the Indian restaurant on Route 4 in Paramus -- Namaskaar. Namaskaar isn't bad, but we really do prefer Kinara. Try it! Janbee

Last week, I called Relish to make a reservation for a 7:30 p.m. dinner on Friday night. I called Thursday around 1 p.m. The gentleman who answered the phone told me he "couldn't read the notations in the book" and would have someone call me back within the hour. Well, no one ever called back. When I called later that evening, I was told that "no, they did not have any 7:30 reservations available, but they could seat us at 8:30 p.m." When I asked why no one ever called me back they said it was because 7:30 p.m. was not available. Huh???? I think I deserved a courtesy call back anyway. Obviously, this place is having some growing pains since receiving such excellent reviews. Not unexpected, I guess. I still want to try Relish, but we'll wait for a week night when things are less hectic! Janbee

I went to the new Moonstruck last summer. I always loved the Ocean Grove place and we went there whenever our shore journeys took us nearby. The new place is lovely and we enjoyed our outdoor table overlooking the lake. I remember that the food was good, but it was a Saturday night and the place was jam packed so the service could have been better. Last year they didn't take reservations (don't know if this is still the same practice) and we waited over an hour for a table. Had it been my first visit to Moonstruck I would have been more impressed. Unfortunately, I missed the charm of the little storefront place. I just love those small places where you get personal service and dynamite food! I also missed the BYO and this new place now has a bar. Don't, however, be discouraged. You should have a very enjoyable meal at the new Moonstruck. It's just a different Moonstruck. Try it! Janbee

Thanks for your review, menton. I have heard equally good reviews from others. Looks like I'll have to add Relish to the top of the list! Janbee

Let me add my votes for Water's Edge and Louisa's! I spent two nights last week in a Cape May that was not yet flush with tourists. Water's Edge was a lovely, somewhat trendy setting with fairly inventive and tasty cuisine. Be prepared to spend $100 plus for dinner, but it is worth it. Louisa's is a small, informal nook with a relatively short menu -- but everything was so fresh and everyone was very friendly. Don't plan on Louisa's if you mind sitting elbow to elbow with other diners. The room is tiny. The food was so delicious, however, we enjoyed disecting our entrees with our neighbors and guessing the ingredients of the delicious cabbage salad that accompanied our seafood. BTW, Louisa's is also a bring your own. Enjoy! Wiener, I envy you... Janbee

I have been to Bacari a few times for dinner and had my both sons' Bar Mitzvahs in the very pretty banquet room and as well as planned countless PTA Holiday Parties at the restaurant on Monday nights when the place was officially closed. John, the owner, was always very community-minded and treated us well. My overall impression: the place is better at ambience than food. I think that South City Grill may also be affiliated with the "Grills" but am not entirely sure. Janbee

We went to the newly opened La Cambusa in Ridgewood last night. I arrived thinking I was in for some good Italian food. Boy, was I wrong. We began with a Caesar salad. It arrived looking like a bag of pre-chopped romaine had been put on a plate witha few boxed croutons -- not even Pepperidge Farm croutons! The dressing, although light and somewhat tasty, was barely there. I felt like I was eating plain lettuce. We shared a half portion of lobster ravioli for an appetizer -- too bad it was delivered with our entrees. The ravioli was tasty but too al dente for me. I ordered the chicken with portabella mushrooms. It was so dry, I could barely saw through it with my knife. The floured chicken breast was in a tasteless gravy that I could liken only to chicken stock mixed with white flour. The mushroom was equally tasteless and was served in three hunks on top of the chicken. Yes, hunks. Not even slices. I could not get over how this dish had absolutely no flavor. No wine, no garlic, no lemon, no balsamic...nothing. Not even a piece of green parsley. For the first time in a long time, I sent it back to the kitchen. My companion has breaded veal topped with arugula (lightly dressed and spread over the plate in an unappetizing stack) with chopped anemic looking tomatoes and three hunks of fresh mozzarella (served cold.) The veal was breaded and fried. At least it was tender. We were so disappointed, we paid the bill and left without dessert. I know that this restaurant has a following, but if this meal is any indication of things to come, I choose not to be a member of that group. Hopefully someone has a more promising story to tell about La Cambusa in Ridgewood. Janbee

What about brunch at the Bicycle Club in Englewood Cliffs? I think they have a party room. Even though I have been booed when I say how much I like Bischoff's, I know they have a cute party room upstairs at the Ridgewood location. El Cid in Paramus has a party room, too. I haven't been there in ages. If you're looking to spend a bit more there's The Assembly in Englewood Cliffs, Stony Hill Inn in Hackensack and Ho-Ho-Kus Inn. I was recently at dinner party at Ho-Ho-Kus and it was much better than I remembered it to be. Good luck with your planning. Janbee

Pity, I don't recall the guava flan being on the dessert menu last night. I hope I catch it next time around! Janbee

We peeked in Daruma last night on our stroll to Tapas de Espana. It looked V-E-R-Y interesting. I will return!!!! Janbee

After reading all of your glowing recommendations on Tapas in Hoboken, I booked a reservation at the new Englewood location last night to celebrate my sweetie's birthday. Nice atmosphere, attentive and unobtrusive service only added to the delicious food. We ordered three tapas -- a California avocado salad, fried sweet plaintains and marinated pork cubes. All three were delicious. The avocado was soft and fresh and topped with a lightly seasoned oil. I have a weakness for plaintains, they were just great! The pork, albeit slightly dry, was soft and flavorful and arrived toped with soft red peppers and cubed potatoes. Then, we shared the Shrimp in Salsa Verde for an entree. It came with chips and Spanish rice. The shrimp was cooked perfectly and was in a salsa verde that was much less overwhelming than those I have tasted in other Spanish restaurants. In fact, although all of our dishes were seasoned with distinctive Spanish flavor, nothing was overwhelming or overdone. I often leave Spanish restaurants feeling as though I am taking the odor of the meal (emphasis on garlic) out the door with me and have a hard time digesting long after the meal is over. This was not the case with Tapas. We shared a small pitcher of red sangria (next time I'm trying the white) and for dessert had a delicious, creamy flan that had a hint of lemon (no coconut flan offered as I've read about at Hoboken) and a light homemade sponge cake filled with vanilla creme -- it tasted like an extraordinarily good Hostess Twinkie!!!! The bill, before tip, was $65. That was very reasonable for so much food! I would definitely recommend a reservation, especially on the weekend, since there were only a couple of vacant tables on a Monday night! The next time we're in the mood for Spanish cuisine, I will return to Tapas de Espana. There is no need to consider anyplace else. Janbee

Since I work in Hackensack I've been to Bangkok Garden many times and always enjoy it. Been to Wondee's only once. Maybe the decor threw me off. What can I say, I'm a princess... But reading all your comments makes me want to go back and try Wondee's again. I'll have to focus more on the food and less on the wallpaper, I guess. Janbee

I like Victoria's in Teaneck on Queen Anne Rd. It's a tiny remodeled house with lots of charm. The desserts are pretty good and they still serve cappucinos in the tall glass mugs -- not cardboard cups like Starbucks. I've been to Cool Beans in Oradell. For the most part it has become a teenager hangout. I just see too many of my sons' friends when I am there! Janbee

Gosh, I'm too old to remember if there ever were Grease Trucks parked anywhere around RU! But I do remember Greasy Tonys, Patty's, Old Queenes and the Corner Tavern. The good old days.... Janbee

My favorite BYO's: Gen, WoodCliff Lake - sushi Andrea's, Waldwick - Italian Babylon, River Edge - Turkish Janbee

Hands down the best bagel restaurant in Bergen County is Ronnie's Bagels in Hillsdale and Norwood and soon to be in Oradell so I am told. Ronnie's bagels, spreads, salads and lox are plentiful, fresh and delicious. His Hillsdale location is rather cramped, but you will be able to get a table if you are patient. Be prepared to wait in a long line if you arrive on the weekend around noon. I assure you, however, it's worth the wait. Ronnie is a great guy. He is often out and about in the restaurant greeting customers (many of us are regulars.) His restaurant was one of the filming locations for the television show, Ed (I think that's the name) and he has photos of the cast and crew on the walls. My favorite is the "Ronnie's Special" -- bagel, lox, smear of cream cheese, cucumber, tomato, onion and a splash of lemon juice. Try it!!!! Janbee

Ah yes, I remember Monte's!!!!! Never tried it, but I sure drove by it all the time. Forest Tavern goes too far back for me. I'm not a native Bergenite. Tawaraya was in the Bergen Mall section next to the old Shop-Rite. I think it's gone now, but I could be wrong. Janbee

I don't remember the other restaurants that were housed in that building, but it certainly seemed to be a cursed spot, don't you think? Too bad because Paramus could really use a good restaurant. I guess there's some promise with Chakra, but I gather it's fairly expensive and more of a special occasion place - at least with my pocketbook. Not too much of mention in River Edge or Oradell for that matter...I like to eat at Babylon in River Edge (next to Huffman Koos.) It's a small, family-owned Turkish place. The food is fresh and the service is friendly. Reasonably priced, too. I also go to Namaskaar n Rte. 4 in Paramus for Indian food. It's not quite Kinara in Edgewater, but it will do. They take the Entertainment card, so it's a cheap weeknight alternative. Napa Valley Grill in Garden State Plaza is not bad, but you have to contend with the mall... Got any Paramus vicinity favorites you'd like to share???? Janbee

Oh, this is fun! What night? I love eating out on the weekend, but lately have taken to weeknights -- usually a Wednesday or a Thursday because I hate long waits, not being able to get a reservation and crowded dining rooms that weekend dining often brings. Drink more on weekends or weeknights? I never have more than one drink whatever the night -- unless, of course, I am fighting with my ex. Couple or group dining? I usually like to dine with my significant other, but it's also fun to meet friends about once a month. Restaurants and corking charges? I have never considered bringing wine to a restaurant with a liquor license. Frankly, I prefer the "bring your own" places because I can bring the wine I enjoy and it saves $$$. How far will I drive? Most nights, I will drive about 30-45 minutes to reach a restaurant. I usually plan these excursions in advance. Spontaneous nights are usually no more than 15 minutes from my home. I have been known to plan weekend trips geared specifically toward eating at a restaurant that is a long distance from my home. Like Boston, for example... Janbee

I am having lunch with a business associate/friend on Friday. He has suggested we meet at Luka's in Ridgefield Park. Anyone ever been there? Just curious as I don't think I have much choice about where we eat. Janbee

Have you ever tried Bangkok Garden in Hackensack? They are also on Main St. in Hackensack, maybe a block or two away on the other side of the street. I think they make the BEST Pad Thai. I have been to Wondee's only once and it was very good. I will be sure to try it again since many of you speak so highly of it. I know of the Japanese place that opened in Riverside Square, but did not know it was connected to Thai Chef. Has anyone been there? Thanks, Janbee

Tommy, I agree that China 46 is a good bet for Chinese food. I like the funky "diner" setting, too! I know that many of you regard China 46 as the best in the state. I have only been once, so I am not yet ready to take a position -- but I will add my impressions after my next visit to China 46. Janbee

In my Rutgers days (like 20 years ago) I used to love Chan's Garden in Dunellen and the A-Kitchen on route 27 in Kendall Park. I have looked for them and know that they are no longer in their former locations. Does anyone remember these restaurants and know if they are still in the area in another incarnation? Thanks. Janbee