Kear

Thank you, all. We have gone ahead and decided we will go to The Ryland Bistro. Rosie, have only heard good things about Nicholas and will positively go there when the chance presents itself. The same goes for Frank's Waterside. Bernardsville Inn is terrific, but we were there around the holidays. Coughy, Scalini food is very good, but I think it's a little 'full' of itself, if the maitre'd could look any further down his nose he would fall over backward. Kim WB, we ARE going to celebrate our years together! We are both in our mid 50's and have been married 5 years, we have been lucky enough to have found each other this late in life. On our first trip to The Ryland Inn we went all the way, tasting menu and the top flight of wines to just short of $500, drinks and tip included. This trip to the Bistro is a joint decision. I thank you all again for your intelligent imput and interest. Neil and Carol P.S. Bhelpuri, we have been to The Newport and did enjoy it very much. We look foreward to going back when the weather is nicer to walk along the dock and see those multimillion dollar yachts, before sitting on the patio.

We have an anniversary coming up in a few short weeks and I have 2 places in mind, The Vu in Jersey City and The Ryland Inn. We have been to both before, The Vu a week after it opened, and we went to The Ryland 2 years ago and had the tasting menu with the wines. The Vu was good but not fantastic, and the Ryland was fantastic , but very expensive. Now I hear that The Vu has a new chef, or at least changed the menu, and The Ryland has a Bistro every night except Saturday, that is not as expensive. Has anyone been to either since any of these changes came about? If so what was your take?

We stopped at Bernardsville on Saturday. Split an anti pasti for 2 . Huge mound of greens covered completely by large pieces of Italian meats and cheeses, olives, anchovy and fresh roasted sweet red peppers. (15.95) My wife had shrimp and scallops over homemade linguine w/ a white wine sauce. I had homemade cnocchi ,(sp), and filet tips w/ a great brown gravy and blue cheese on top. Both were specials and were 17.95 and 16.95 respectively. Lou, if you read this. Iit's easy to see how you evolved into the chef you are today with this training in your backround.

Does anyone know if these related places are still in business. I haven't been up on RT46 in awhile, but I do know they closed the gourmet retail outlet awhile ago. I have no idea about the Bernardsville location.

The Palms at the Surf Side Beach Club is very good. It's a place favored by the locals for their own get togethers. Try the rack of lamb, excellent! It sits on the south shore, in Warwick, just east of The Stoneham. The restaurant is situated around the pool that's on top of a coral cliff overlooking the Atlantic, very romantic! Have Fun! P.S. Almost forgot, all the seafod dishes you can get on the island are very good and true Bermudian specialties are variations of English dishes. So just try everything! Should you be one to enjoy a mixed drink, an island standby is 'A Dark and Stormy '. It's Bermudan rum and Bermudan ginger beer, great over ice.

Thank you Scarlet Knight. I live right in town and go to the Shoprite regularly and often wondered about this place. Now I know, and will give it a try. It sounds very interesting.

Don't know about the fat lady?

Rosie---- Give Lulu's another try, I don't think you'll be sorry. Jimmy Johnson's is actually in Roseland at the Livingston border. Eisenhower Parkway at rt280, exit 4, I believe. Neighborhood type of place, alot of regulars, older crowd and very friendly towards newcomers. Large dining room.

Rosie , The Trib does not have a web page and they only list inspections when there is a problem. I read it every week and if some place shows up I'll relay the information. As for places I like in this area: Lulu's Bistro------ First time last week, excellent Nero's-------------Old standby Calabria's---------Totally renovated, all granite and marble, very good food Northfield Bar and Grill--- Formally Bice's, gone downhill Ravello's----------Very good, inventive Jimmy Johnston's -- GREAT burgers These are all right in the Livingston area, but we have traveled long distances for a good meal. I guess that's why I read and write on these forums!

Rosie, I reside in Livingston, and the weekly paper, The West Essex Tribune, had it in the week before lasts edition. I'm sure this can be verified by calling the Trib's office: 495 So. Livingston Ave. 973-992-1771

Not exactly in the same area, but............. The Houlihans at the circle on RT10 in Livingston was cited 3 weeks ago, and paid a hefty fine for raw sewerage in the basement close to storage areas. It was their 3rd large violation and fine in 3 years! A word to the wise!

Perth Amboy's is Sabrea (sp) Armory. Great place for Rodizio, also terrific in the spring. It sits right on the water across from the southern tip of Staten Island at the beginning of Raritan Bay. They have outdoor dining and the view is great! They give you a 'chip', red on one side and green on the other. While you keep the green side up , they will just keep coming with the skewers. When you give up filp it to red and they stop. That and a pitcher of Sangia, great way to kill an afternoon.

Thanks for the welcome, Rosie. Frank's was on my list to try, but I did'nt know they had a good bar too.

I was wondering about places with large comfortable bars where you can have a drink and also have dinner. We've been to An American Grill and sat at the bar and had a wonderful time. Likewise with Rooney's down south, Marco Polo and even Nero's. What recommendations does anyone else have?