BarbaraNJ

Hello All: I have been to Belmont Tavern, and agree 100% with all of the comments, including "attitude" and the top food favorites. Have been to AlDiLa also. I always thought, however, that "Stretches" was just another name for Belmont Tavern. Never knew that there was a seperate Stretch. Where is it??? Thanks, and am lovin' all the very honest reviews of local spots.

Last time I looked (months) Vito was still open in Cliffside Park. Don't know if the quality is still "up there". No one has mentioned Callandra's in Fairfield (also of Newark, of course). Go there for the very hot bread, but usually can't walk out without some type of pastry.

How about Baccari......isn't it down the road in Washington Twp? Also, does Seasons serve dinner, or is it just catering?

It may be; as I mentioned, while I'm sure there is a sign, I can't even visualize it. Assuming that we are thinking of the same market, what is your impression of the produce? I know they have fish and meat and some other groceries, but I have only purchased fruits, vegs, and flowers there.

My choice in the summer is absolutely DePiero's. Fresh, plentiful, and reasonable. In the "off" season, Maywood is good. I'm suprised, however, that no one mentioned the market in Hackensack between Main Street and River Street. May not be too noticeable because the large parking lot faces River Street, and the building, while large, does not front Main. Don't know the name....not even sure it has a name visible!!!!! Caters to a large and diverse ethnic base, so the selections are great! Also, given the location and clientele, the prices are every bit as reasonable as Corrado with none of the crowding. I have not been to Corrado more than 3 times in the last two years. Produce is very "tired" in my opinion. The Hackensack store typically has very reasonable yellow/red/orange peppers, 2 or 3 types of cukes and zucchini, counted 5 kinds of eggplant, 6 types of onions (including cippolini). Hass avocados usually 89-99 cents each, and 4 or more types of loose hot peppers like habenero, jalepeno, etc. Actually, I'm kind of reluctant to share the good news. Might be a good place to check out when you're nearby in Maywood.

Hello All Thanks for the warm welcome on my last post; got a bad cold just around that time and was not able to respond quickly. Now that I'm better (and can taste food again), this review has my interest. Often find myself in the area, and may attempt take-out, but I have a question. The menu does not indicate alcohol; do you think it would be OK to bring in beer?? Can't think of a more appropriate beverage with BBQ, but don't want to get the owners either upset or in trouble. Should I just call the establishment ??

Whole Foods also has my vote for salad bar diversity. They seem to have a nice selection of greens and veggies, as well as some of their "homemade" vegetable, pasta and bean salads. There is usually chicken and tofu done a couple of ways, as well as two or three choices of hot soup. Since they are a sort of upscale market, the selections are normally quite fresh and don't appear "picked over" or tired and dried out. The nearest to you is likely Ridgewood, and the others are Montclair, Edgewater and Short Hills. If you go to Ridgewood, try your luck at wait jobs there. While some of the places are really pretentious, there are also some funky places. There are so many eating establishments, you may be there the entire day!!!

Most of my recommendations for Bergen County "sit downs" have already been mentioned, and most quite accurate. Don't forget, bagel preference is like ice cream flavor preference, which is why you will see a "like" and "dislike" for the same shop. Anyway, I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the small bagel shop on Saddle River Road in Fair Lawn, in a small strip mall at the spot where Morlot Ave meets Saddle River Road. Take out bagels only (and soda/juices/refrigerated butter and spreads). The big and pillowy type, good outside crust and varieties. The big draw?? They are baked virtually in front of you, and I still can't figure how these guys manage to handle the bagels long enough to put them in a bag. The bagels are always SO hot that you really have to keep the brown bag open so the crust doesn't steam itself soft on the way home.