Kim WB

Rosie, any info on who the chef is now? I got tired of the revolving door and the inconsistancy in the first months, and decided to just hold off on a visit until things got settled down a bit..perhaps its time to try again. SB, how was the service? I've been plagued by really young waiters with little interpersonal skills, let alone service skills.

Rachel was also modelling the egullet tshirt...great article, accurately described us as high caliber and knowledgeable, but at the same time approachable and user friendly.

The old FOYS was BYO.

I know. But we all need something to aspire to.

FYI, I just came on this link to tell you about that place, in case you missed it on the pizza thread. Can't get one by you, tiger.

Here is another perspective of RN, but it is VERY important to read all the way through this topic... the review and responses...it really shows how taste and impressions are such a personal thing, and how one person's view won't match that of others at the same table. http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=34147

I had a marusca's slice over the weekend, in Seaside. Mighty good pizza to enjoy with a cold brew. good cheese to crust to sauce ration.

Katie, my first thought in reading your posts was what Sqashblossom referred to later on..that there is not a variety called Jersey..just varieties GROWN in Jersey! Also, the mishapen ones, and I'm no expert, are the heirlooms, a collective name, as I understand it, of "pure" bred tomatoes of different varieties.

Yes, we're the group that often gives up on the lines, goes to the room off the bar, and orders a bottle! Phil, We're going with Jeff and Laurie. Hope to see you there...I can imagine how difficult athat event could be in poor weather...hope it stays dry. Kim

I'd check on that...it is a FL, but not THE FL...I think a place in the midwest somewhere. edited to add I should have read Mace's post first. Sorry.

but don't wear high heels, right Rosie? there is some walking involved. Are you doing the radio show this year from the event?

Thanks..that is where Whole Foods is going in, I think. I've gone past it a million times, it never inspired me to visit but your rec will. Thanks so much.

Hi emannths, can you elaborate on the location? South as in lawrence, or into Trenton?

I braise my ribs in a crock pot, and then grill them. Usually use beef broth and some vietnamese hot sauce. This means that I can spend 2 minutes on prep in the morning, and 5 minutes cooking time..its not real Q, or even close..but it is a way to prepare ribs that are quick, easy and produce a tasty result. I don't htink Ms. Lee is presenting it as an autehntic wasy to prepare them, just an easy way with limited fuss and muss. Yes, my husband has done real smoking and grilling, and they are great..but that's not going to happen on a busy Wednesday evening between work and play practrice and whatever else the kid have going.

Hi..info on location, please?

Well, the poster seemed to want ambiance as a priority. I notice a marked difference between lunches and business dinners, versus "dinner for two" for speicail occassions..the roses for the ladies, the grappa..they can really pull out the stops. I have had wonderful meals at La Fonatana, when I have stuck to the more classic Italian selections, ie francaise, scallopine, marsala.

It sounds like you were there with a large group..how was the service? Phil mentioned they were just getting their "sea legs"...did you feel they were on the right track to compliment the food you enjoyed so much?

This sounds like quite a combo..did the game sauce work with the fish? Thanks for the updated review, I really need a return visit after reading this.

Can't help but think o fthe New Brunswick standby's...not going to get anything too gourmet at LA FONTANA , and PANICO's , while a little more cutting edge, certainly wont' qualify as "gourmet" La Fontana can be very romantic..call them and tell them aobut your special ocassion.

here's a review from March of 2004: http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showto...=0entry541962

To clarify, the new chef took over sometime between Jan and July? Sorry I didn't mention that when creating the link, I should have, it could confuse or misinform readers.

here's a post to an older review, in case anyone is considering dining at SHI and wants to review all the posts: http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=24460 Thanks birder for an updated review...I alsways need to see an updated reference of this place to be reminded to visit!

i have souvenier t-shirts if anyone wants one!

I'd have to warn that Rats has booked a number of private events through June, its good to check availability. It's a great special occassion place, but the city has a lot to ofer and it might be more 'special". I've yet to find a NJ BYO that compares to a city place, and I am not familiar with the places Rosie recs, other than RATS.. ( perfect, as she suggests...loooooong drive, though) and Nicholas ( austere, there are some stellar reviews but I won't concur to great. just good, three visits)

Glad you "unlurked", mythreesons... do you live in central NJ?