=Mark

Wrap up of 1st NJ eGullet dinner is here.

Wrap up of 2nd eGullet dinner is here.

Actually wasn't it closed for a good chunk of the mid 90s?

I've been collecting menus for years, and have hundreds of menus. I've even managed to post a number of them online. I've found in general the more expensive, better establishments are more than happy to accomodate. The Inn At Little Washington has prepared folders that contain that evenings meal menus plus brochures about the Inn and restaurant. After all, if you are going to drop a ton of money on a special meal how are they going to begrudge you a menu? The places that are most reluctant to part with menus are usually either franchised chain places (Who cares?) or small private or family run places that have yet to bring in profits enough to allow them to give away menus. These places often have cheap take-out menus that can suffice.

Yes both Big Eds are owned by the same folks and churn out the same bogus commercial BBQ, slathered in sickly sweet sauce to ensure the flavor of pork is not evident. I agree that the tiny Atlantic BBQ in Belmar is better for spares, but for baybybacks I'd have to go with Memphis Pigout in Atlantic Highlands, or what I consider the ultimate babyback slab, Armadillo Crossing in South Belmar. Of course none of these places comes close to my ribs, but then I've not crossed forks with Col Klink either... Armadillo Crossing Online

I was there last weekend and he did mention having seen you there a week or so prior. Of course I had to have the mussels, they're the only appetizer dish that can be substantially spiced up. It was too hot outside to go for any soups. I often like to get the crispy roast duck dishes, but he's been running a soft shell crab special with chopped shrimp and spicy garlic sauce that I wanted to try before it went out of season.

While attending a cooking demonstration a few years ago the chef said that in his opinion the best ingredient to use to practice the saute flip was Cheerios dry cereal.

I live alone and cook for myself. Often a large onion is just too much for what I need. For instance if I want a slice of onion for a burger I'm not going to pull out a huge spanish onion, take one thin slice and feed the rest to my compost heap.

I would have to disagree with the idea of grilling in excess of 400 degrees, while it may cook a perfect ribeye or porterhouse, it is a sure way to turn brisket into a hunk of leather.

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/24/dining/24TEXA.html

A real Beanery run by a buddy of mine on a BBQ list.

From Merriam webster: Main Entry: hay·seed Pronunciation: 'hA-"sEd Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural hayseed or hayseeds Date: 1577 1 a : seed shattered from hay b : clinging bits of straw or chaff from hay 2 plural hayseeds : BUMPKIN, YOKEL

What's a Virtual Beanery?

Munchousen by Proxy.

Don't worry about Steve, attacking newcomers and declaring them Trolls is just his way of saying welcome! Sort of like hazing in a Frat. Consider yourself honored.

I think John should forfeit all the ill gotten gains he recieved for the article and distribute it amongst all the poor ravaged eGulleteers that he has defamed...

Casa Comida is not listed in the current guide. The previous local editor was Charles Monaghan. I was under the impression that they just helped in the compilation, but the fact that a restaurant that I know Clurfield dislikes was dropped from the guide seems more than just a coincidence.

I'm waiting for the punchline...

Malawry, forgive me if this has been covered, for I've not seen it. Are the instructors and fellow students aware of your continuing diary on eGullet? If so what are their feelings about it?

I've not had problems with the larger cities, but the smaller areas who are set up to be managed by a "local editor." In many cases these are the food critics from the local newspapers. These folks can carry some baggage which can seep into the ratings. In my case, which is delved into on another link, this involved a large, popular Mexican Restaurant. This place has drawn standing room only crowds for over 20 years and was voted top Mexican restaurant in our region by NJ Monthly Magazine for a dozen years straight. Well, our local newspaper critic has never liked the place. She never actually reviewed it, but from offhand disparaging comments made when reviewing other local Mexican places it was obvious she did not like it. For over 5 years this restaurant has gotten good reviews in the NJ Zagat, the last issue prior to this critic becoming the local editor the Zagat review contained comments like "Best Mexican at the Jersey Shore" and "A happening bar" as well as "Long Waits." Well, this local restaurant critic who has publically been on record as not liking this particular restaurant is named local editor of the Zagat and guess what? The Zagat listing for this place is now gone. Nada. Zip! The ratings were not lowered, the narrative was not made negative, the listing just dissapeared. The restaurant is still there, it still has hour long waits for tables, it's the largest Mexican restaurant in the county, they're still making a ton of money and satisfying a lot of diners, but the listing is gone. The history of the editors obvious dislike for this restaurant makes the sudden dissapearance of it from the guide seem awfully suspicious. The fact that the personal baggage brought into Zagat can be used to further the agenda of one of the local editors is disappointing.

But eGullet rules!

I also just noticed the new Zagat completely omits Casa Comida Mexican restaurant in Long Branch. One can argue the merits or lack there of of the food or service, but the fact remains that Casa Comida has been a commercial force to be reckoned with for 20 years now. It has been voted Central Jerseys top Mexican for like a dozen years in NJ Monthly. I know that Andrea Clurfield, reviewer for the Asbury Park Press has had a running feud with Casa Comida for well over 10 years now. I know the owners and have been following this for a long time. The fact that Clurfield is now also the local editor of the NJ Zagat speaks volumes. Casa was listed in all the previous NJ Zagats until Clurfield took the reigns, in fact, in the 99 guide it is quoted as "The best Mexican on the Jersey Shore." The fact that a supposedly "objective" restaurant reviewer can use her position to play politics against establishments that she personally deems "unworthy" is an affront to anyone who thinks the free flow of information is a good thing.

It's a very small new American type BYO that does breakfast lunch and dinner Wednesday thru Sunday. They do really good soups and salads and have a crispy pan seared duck entree that's wonderful. Rays is still there, this place is in the little group of shops just south of there. I don't know if he's got peaches...

Not to change the subject too horribly, but as you've brought up Delicious Orchards (Fresh Habaneros! Be still my heart...), have you had a chance to try Christofers Cafe across the street from DO? Very nice little gem...

This is one aspect of eGullet that has been lacking in coverage by most of the articles I've seen. The number of actual gatherings of people from the list who have gone out of their ways to attend eGullet events. I've been to 5 or 6 gatherings from ethnic dinners to a potluck to a street festival in NYC. Every one of these was enjoyable and only a minor percentage were marred by Tommy and I drunkenly duking it out in the parking lot...