jwjojo

The Elysian has been renovated and turned into a restaurant by the owners of Amanda's in Hoboken. The bar is usually pretty busy even on weekday nights. They have an outdoor dining area on Washington and 10th, and they did a beautiful job renovating the indoor space. Someone needs to go there to eat and review it!!! I have heard so/so reviews from clients in Hoboken.

Went here last night for dinner. Also disappointed. Physically the place was too bright and too loud. It also was a bit unkept when we walked in. They tried to seat us at a table that was in the midst of the staff walking by..we declined and waited for a better table which we got quickly. We waited for a server, and when he came all he said was "what would you like". No pleasantries here... After ordering, we did not see him again until we were finished. I ordered the Halibut, my boyfriend ordered the chicken w/tuscan fries. My dish was good...not great...good. His was not good. It was overcooked, and the fries were terrible...overcooked and horrible tasting. Is that what Tuscan fries means? We skipped dessert and coffee....very disappointed, won't be going back again. Too bad.

We like Paisanos as well, but they are not open on Sunday. Went to Ecolla in Parsipanny the other night. I was very impressed with the fresh pastas and tasty sauces. Must go back.

Yes, La Isla in Hoboken. Great Cuban food. Zafra is good too. I would wait on Spring Grill....or go to Wondees..much better.

Just 'okay' in my book too. Would not go back when La Isla is so close.

Trattoria Fresco it is. Thank you. He can always order a pizza if need be I don't know how I found a person with absolutley no passion for food.....but I did, and I still love him

We had dinner at Rocca a few weeks ago. I really enjoyed it, but my non foodie boyfriend did not. Too much for his palate?? Don't ask. Anthony David's sounds like a good idea, as does Elysian Cafe (have not tried it yet...heard one okay report) but the festival is tomorrow and will avoid Hoboken if possible. Cafe Matisse for someone that does not love good food is just a waste. Any other ideas??

Going for an anniversary dinner tomorrow night....many places closed on Sundays. Any suggestions for Northern NJ (near Rutherford). Not too expensive, and going with a non-foodie...the anti-foodie BYO if possible.

How bout Mazurs in Lyndhurst?

We had dinner last night at Spring Grill. It was their second night open. We should have waited a couple of months before trying this place. We ordered a coconut milk soup w/chicken, and entrees chicken w/lemongrass and a grilled shrimp dish. The very inexperienced waitress asked my dinner companion if she would like her entree when I was served my soup. I explained that the soup needed to come prior to the entrees. As we waited every single table around us had started talking amongst themselves about the food they neither received or came out incorrectly. It was a disaster. Of course my soup and the entrees came out at the same time. I ate my soup as my companion ate her entree. Big surprise. The soup was okay, very typical. The entrees were okay as well. Nothng inventive and Wondees does a much better job and is less expensive. The staff is young and inexperienced. I don't believe anyone had a clue as to what to do. They were very nice and apologetic, offering us free dessert. I would wait a few months on this one, if I go back at all.

Betyi Kabob is a Turkish place in Weehawken/Union City. Very good food.

Wow, jaded and cynical . Has Italian in NJ made you so? I know, I know, me too! I don't know anything about this place...if it is owned by asians, italians, mexicans....I don't know. Yes, BYO I would assume because Rutherford is a dry town. I would bet that my Rissoto is better than theirs!!

I have eaten at Taj Palace and Namaskaar, both were okay, but far from the level of food mentioned in NYC. Not even close. I had gotten used to the NJ Indian food, and then I was amazed by some of the dishes at the NYC restaurants. I often order the eggplant dish Bhangan Bhurtha. No comparison from the typical way I get in in NJ, and the much more delicate preperation in the two restaurants mentioned. Do yourselves a favor and try them...or don't, because the restaurants here will then be so much less satisfying.

Has anyone tried the new Restaurant on Park Avenue in Rutherford, Risotto House? Walked by it today..had no idea it was there! Menu consists of many..you guessed it..Risotto dishes, as well as other items.

Yes, 6th street used to be not be very good. As of late there are two standouts that many feel are among the best in NYC. The Brick Lane Curry House as well as the other restaurant on the corner of 1st and 6th (forgot the name, but I have eaten there and it was very good...Darube maybe?). Both are decorated in a more upscale manner, have liquor licenses (not good), and have a more delicate and thoughtful touch to the food as well as presentation. I miss the musicians playing though.

I have eaten at Taro's a couple of times. The first time I brought a friend for her Birthday. We both ordered fish (I forget which kind), which tasted funny. We brought it up to the server who gave us some kooky explanation. We ate it anyway and both had upset stomachs (I know, stupid). I called management who graciously gave me a comp. dinner. I went with two friends the next time and had appetizers and dinner. They both had the encrusted shrimp, and I had a chicken dish. The appetizers and salad were very good. The shrimp was very good. My chicken was just okay. The service was just okay. I know the 3 strikes rule, but after 2, I would not run back again. I miss 28 next store!!

I should have emphasized Northern NJ....closer to the the city. Edison is a bit of a drive out. Thanks for the responses.

Had Indian food at the Brick Lane Curry House on 6th street last night. It was very good. Much better than the places I frequent in Jersey(Mela in Ridgewood which was very disappointing the last time I went, and India on the Hudson in Hoboken). Where can you find Indian food in Jersey as good as NYC?

It's called Dai Kichi and it's at 608 Valley Road / 973-744-2954. Linda and Aki are the owners Yes, that's the one....it is very good. Thank you Rosie for the update on where Taste of Asia moved to....I will be going soon!

I have to agree with everyone on the Mexacali Rose....very uninspiring. I agree with the others. Missing Taste of Asia which I know moved. Tumptim Thai is very good too. The sushi restaurant on Valley Rd. is good...but cannot remember name. Always filled, always fresh.

Daruma is a little pricey but not too bad. It was not great when it first opened many years ago, but has since become a decent restaurant.

Daruma in Rutherford is pretty good. They also serve Korean food which is good too.

mmmm....Rocca's. It was very good. I only eat fish and poultry, which made the menu a bit daunting. Most things had meat in them. I opted for the citrus salad and the Scallops over Israeli CousCous. The salad was wonderful with a mix of citrus and basil. The Scallops were cooked to perfection. The service was good, and the atmosphere is warm. A definite thumbs up!

Going to Rocca tonight. I hope it is as good as Tommy says.....he could be a ringer too!

La Isla- Cuban Augustino's - Italian India on the Hudson Amanda's Sri Thai Ali Baba Pizza place on 14th street near the Shipyard I have eaten at the Malaysan place twice. Not great. Not even in the same ballpark as Taste of Asia formerly in Montclair. India on the Hudson has a coupon if you go on their website, and they validate parking. Can't beat that!!