Cook456

I for one would welcome it. I've been known to ride up to Chester to Sally Lunn's just for tea and a scone with strawberries and clotted cream..

American Grill in Nutley..

Wondering the same thing. ← I didn't post the frown icon. It was from a previous post..

Now you tell me???? I had the mushroom ravioli with a light tomato veal sauce. They were small very delicate pillows. Also very good.

As mentioned above I met some friends for dinner at Berta's tonight. It was very nice. As soon as we sat at our table, sliced carrots, celery, cucumbers, olives, and scallions were placed on the table to pick on, along with three spreads with focaccia and toast points. You can order ala carte or the full four course dinner. We chose the dinner and there were many items to choose from. My entree was two center cut pork chops ( cooked perfectly), in a luscious barolo reduction sauce that included apples, pears and figs. It was served with a fresh vegetable medley and farina dolce. A mixed salad was offered at no extra charge. I saved half of my dinner, so I could enjoy cappuccino ( no extra charge) and fresh peach pie alamode. Both were excellent. Refills on the cappuccino at no charge. Extensive wine list, but many wines in the $30 range that were quite good. I would definitely go back again.

oooooooooo. That does sound good!

I frequently have lunch at a place in NYC called Ollie's Noodle Shop, where they serve roast chicken or Roast Duck in a soy, star anise au ju. It's yummy!

wow! I'd never heard of a bicerin. I am a mocha nut ( no pun intended) so I will definitely be ordering this , tonight. Thanks Curlz!

Nice to hear. What do they do best? Any favorites ? Any favorite wine choices?

Anyone been lately? I've been invited here for dinner tomorrow evening.

while i agree that there's no excuse for crappy bread, i don't think that bread should be warm. bread should be warm shortly after it comes out of the oven. but i don't think restaurants are baking their own bread (though some due). when bread is warm it means that it was heated up which does nothing to my mind other than accelerate the drying-out/staling process. i can't think of many top restaurants that heat up their bread. thankfully. ← Agreed, but Fortunato's bread does not live up to the quality of the restaurant. Where do they buy it? at the local Shoprite? It's horrible. I would have thought it would have fixed this since I last dined there in Dec.

Great pics, Curlz, So sorry I missed it!

How about an Asian Tuna made with wasabi mayo, or a curried chicken salad with raisins and almonds.

I agree, the Michele Chiaro is our favorite wine in the 10 dollar range. ← I used the Michele Chiaro Muscato for my Xmas Eve dessert. Roasted Pears and Grapes in Muscato from Lidia's Book.. A fabulous dessert!

I'll add Rex Goliath Pinot Noir to this list...

Try the Muir Glen Brand at Whole Foods. I just checked...I have a can of Crushed Tomatoes "with Basil" and Diced Tomatoes . Basil is listed on the front label of the crushed, but the diced does not note it on the label, nor does it list in in their ingredients.

I wish I could remember where I read the article, but I read it just last week . It stated that being in a smoked filled room for 7 hours affects that person as though they had smoked 4 cigarettes. I, for one, would be perfectly happy if it's banned. At least I can breathe easier.

I'm also addicted to this yougurt. I mix in a teaspoon of vanilla and some toasted almonds...What a treat!

You're probably thinking of Orchid, which is on Washington Ave. near the bridge to Lyndhurst. I agree...just OK. I thought Thai Essence was quite a bit better, but have only checked out their limited lunch menu. There was a small thread on it here. ← Yes, That was the restaurant I was referring to..Typical thai fare, and not that memorable.

I happened to dine here, last year. My impression was the same: Just OK. ← You're confusing this with Little Siagon. Thai Essence just opened at the end of the Summer of 2005. It is a lovely little place. Good food, clean, pleasant and comfortable. Never feel rushed. Always welcomed with eager to please waitstaff. It is a nice change of pace. ← The place I dined at was on Washington Ave..

I had the pleasure of dining at Fortunato's last evening . My friend and I decided to order from their Fixed prix menu, which included many items that were also on their regular menu. My friend really wanted the grilled shrimp appetizer but isn't fond of the shaved fennel that accompanied it. She politely asked for a substitution, and the shrimp were served over a nice bed of greens, instead. She was very happy. I was tempted to also have the shrimp ( I LOVE shaved fennel ), but had to have the eggplant tower that has been mentioned here. It did not disappoint. The entrees we chose were the sauteed striped bass, topped with capers and olives and the risotto of the day, Mushroom Risotto. Both were excellent. My risotto was nice and creamy , and flavorful, but could have used a bit more parmagiano. I also decided to try the sangiovese that Curlz raved about...very nice indeed. Good choice! For dessert we both chose the marscarpone cheese cake which came topped with a sauce of chopped mango. It was dense and luscious, and the decaf coffee was good. There was only one disappointment, and it definitely can be improved upon. With so many good local bread bakerys in our area, I was surpised to find the bread soft. It was also served cold.. :-( That withstanding, we really enjoyed our meal at Fortunato's and will be back. Oh..Anthony mentioned that he now has a Wine Dinner every month. Perhaps that could be an E-Gullet get together...

I happened to dine here, last year. My impression was the same: Just OK.

They should have put one where that Shoprite is in Lyndhurst.

I couldn't agree more. My cousin's celebrated their Feast of the Seven Fishes, there on Chrtmas Eve.. Another great mom and pop Italian restaurant.

I've dined at Ollie's Noodle Shop in NYC and Roasted Duck is on the menu. It, too is roasted witha light soy sauce & five spice . YUM