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Curlz, This is Portugese BBQ, so I would think very different in taste and style. Not much of a kick or heavy on sauce. American BBQ is different.

In Nutley, Stephanie's Barbecue. 8 Centre Street. Portugese BBQ...A little diner on the corner that has been many things is now Stepanies. We ate in, but there was a steady stream of take out orders. My clients ate here, and were thrilled with the ribs and the shrimp in garlic sauce. We ordered the bbq chicken, and rice and beans. It was good, and perfect for take out. 11.00 for a whole chicken and side.

See Dining...Marketplace. The link didn't work so good.

Congratulations to Picnic and her writeup in NJ Media: http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=e...nFlZUVFeXkxNQ==

I agree with Il Corallo Trattoria in Soho. Really inexpensive and pretty decent.

I can't wait to try this place out. I called to ask if smoking was allowed, and I assume I spoke with one of the owners who was quite lovely. He said that yes, until the deadline they allowed smoking against his better judgement..he said his partner still smokes....anyway...my question is...is the smoking bothersome? I am very sensitive to it, and can't wait for April 15th.

Grandma took me to the Olive Garden in Florida at least 15 years ago. I had no idea it was a chain restaurant. I thought it was a neighborhood Italian joint. Did it suck? Even then, prior to my now refined tastes it sucked. I can remember asking my granddmother why she chose this piece of crap place, and her insistance that it was close to home and decent. Mediocrity wins in the good ol' USA.

Thank you for all your suggestions. We ended up at Il Corallo Trattoria on Prince Street, and it was a great choice. The pasta is fresh, huge menu to choose from, and it is quite decent...and cheap. Average 10 dollar entree. Really good Tiramisu for dessert. A little crowded, and a little loud, but aside from that, well worth it.

Sure...under 15-20pp.

Going to an early dinner in Soho and need help with finding a place that is affordable and good. Is there such an animal??

Pointing out the obvious. With the advent of the internet and sites like this one, it gives the diner some power, and puts the restaurant owner and staff on call. Everyone is a reviewer now, and people do listen to other people's opinions..hence this site and others. So in the end, yes, we do sometimes beat a dead horse as it were. I think that is the nature of the exchange. We also have a voice to tell of our experiences, good and bad, and an opportunity for the restaurant owner to make changes, or continue doing a great job.

Read this article and cut this excerpt...interesting.... For people concerned about potentially lowering their exposure to pesticide residues, Consumer Reports said it's worth routinely paying more for organic items such as apples, peaches, spinach, baby food, beef and milk. Unless you have deep pockets, the magazine recommends passing on organic items such as asparagus, broccoli, onions and sweet peas because it says they're lower in pesticide residues. The limited presence of pesticide residues in Americans' food isn't a big risk to human health and shouldn't guide buying decisions, said Fergus Clydesdale, head of the food science department at University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Pesticide residues on any food marketed in the United States have to fall within federal guidelines, he said. Consumers should wash produce well, whether organic or not, Clydesdale said, noting the focus should be on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains of any kind. "If you have the money and you want to buy this and it gives you better peace of mind, then do it by all means," he said. "One could say there is the potential for less risk, but I haven't seen cause and effect for that risk."

Tommy, too bad you were not there to do just that

The water was brought out by the busboy who opened it and poured prior to asking if it was what we wanted...and I understand..she ordered it. However, she immediately told the waiter that we had not touched it, and did not want it. He said "How would you like it if I poured the water back in the bottle and then sold it to you?" At that point, we knew he was not pleased. And in all honesty, I could give a darn if it did not please him, especially as she was immediate in her explaining her mistake. Take the water back and shut the f... up. That is my feeling anyway...especially as a ex server who worked in NYC..... As mentioned, this is not an indictment of the restaurant as a whole..just the server. One attitude ridden server. Enough to make me think twice about returning and dealing with him again.

We did end up dining here last week. The place was packed, loud, and crowded...not something I enjoy. We were lucky and got a table outside of the main dining area near the hostess stand. Much better. The service was bothersome...the waiter did not give the prices with the specials, and when I asked, he seemed annoyed. My friend ordered 'still' water. I had not heard this term before, and what she meant was tap water...we got bottled 'still' water which she returned. Now the waiter really was not happy. The food came without incident and it was good. We had the Spaggetii with Seafood, and Scallops grilled over peppers/onions/potatoes. Big portions and tasty. Good. Never offered pepper/cheese..never asked if all was well. Okay...after dinner he appears...coffee etc. We get the coffee which I returned because it was watered down..terrible. Fascino is perfection in terms of service, atmosphere, and the food is damn good. This place was unprofessional by contrast. It is also a lot more affordable and an entirely different cuisine. Yet the atmosphere alone would keep me from going back.

On everyone's rec, we are going here this evening. I will report. I called at around 11:00, and got a reservation for 9:00pm. Friday night. So not too bad.

FYI...The Jingle Inn did close, and will be reopening in Englewood within the month. I will find out the new name.

It is location and economics. Montclair, Ridgewood, Hoboken, Saddle River...what do they all have in common....expensive homes, high incomes. The average person is not able to spend that kind of money on dinner, as we all know. It is a special occasion type meal. I know I sure can't

As I said my friends are regulars and friendly with the owner of the restaurant. Seems the owner of the building is a bit of a jerk...has many issues. He would not let the name change, and has made the rent so high that he may not be staying in that location..I think they are moving to Englewood. Nothing really to dig into..that is the whole story. But dig if you must. Let us know if you find any bones.

I know, hence the backpedaling....I realized I may have built it up a little too much

i'm looking forward to more BBQ offerings from chef gary. i have a feeling it's all going to be pretty damned good. ←

The parking lot goes around the building and holds many more cars. They have a very steady regular clientelle. The waitstaff and owner seem to know most of the people that come in on the occasions that I was there. I have only gone in the evening, and there isn't any special half price anything at that time. I don't know when those specials apply. As for the name...well...not a big deal? Inside it is far from a dive....not my style per se, but an average restaurant decor. Tommy, dissing a place you have never been to or seen inside..not like you.

The Jingle Inn. Little place off of 46 on the other side of China 46. Consistently excellent sushi, as well as other 'cooked' items. Friends are regulars there, and I eat there on occasion. Always good to very good. Never tried the oysters. I believe they are opening up in Englewood soon as his rent has skyrocketed. The owner was part of Sushi Lounge in Hoboken and opened up The Jingle a few years ago. It was some roadside bar before he took over, kept the name for some odd reason. Each time I go I am reminded how good sushi can be!

Last time I went to Daruma in Rutherford, it was awful. It was the last time. Shame.