richl2214

I'm tellin' ya hitmanoo. The subs at Lenny and John's in Bloomfield are incredible. I'd put them up against any place around. Definitely worth the pre-Football drive down. Give em a shot and let me know how you like them.

I had a chance to go here on Saturday night. We arrived about 9pm with two bottles of chianti in tow since it is BYO. Valet parking to my suprise cost $5. However, for the convenience it is more than worth it vs. trying to find a spot around there. The place was smaller than I expected and we were told our wait would be about 10 minutes which it was. If you don't like smoke at all do not go here. Smoking cigars is encouraged and many were smoking right at the table after their meals. Smoke was a huge factor although it doesn't bother us at all, someone that is even slightly annoyed or sensitive about it wqill absolutely hate this place. The place is noisy and bustling but I'd expect that from an authentic Cuban place. People were having a great time! Appetizers: We ordered the Chicharron de Pollo $9 - lime marinated morsels of chicken on the bone that were fantastic. Very tender, fell right off the bone. The marinade was awesome and complemented the chicken perfect! Beef Empanadas $6- two large empanadas fried to perfection loaded with tender ground beef and potatos. Served with a lime/lemon, buttery dipping sauce. They were excellent and not greasy at all. Dinner: She had the Grilled Pork Chops- $26(?) two huge pork chops, one was double cut. Served with a pyramid of Morro rice and beans. I thought is was overcooked and somewhat dry. The server suggested to have them cooked medium. They were more like medium well. I had the Whole Red Snapper- $27(?) broiled and coated with a lime adobo rub. FANTASTIC! It came on a bed of thin slice potatoes that were in a slightly sour sauce. There was a warning on the menu that it would take 30 minutes to cook to order. It was wortt the wait! Dessert: homemade rice pudding and two Cuban coffees(espresso). the rice pudding was made more on the sticky and chunky side. I liked it, my girlfriend said it was "OK" After dinner we retreated upstairs to the cigar lounge and I smoked a Cuban Trinidad Fundadore while finishing up our wine. She smoked a smaller vanilla flavored CAO cigar. Nice big deep leather lounge couches and chairs. very comfy. They will serve you dessert/coffe upstairs too. I would definitely go back. I think the appetizers are where they seem to shine but this is only my first visit. I would definitely recommend the snapper. All dinner plates were very generously sized. I would also add that unlike a lot of Cuban places the food here is not greasy at all. Ive been to Zafra which is ok, but not nearly as good and much greasier than Azucar. I would put this place on par with La Isla, very close call here, but MAYBE a small tick below it. For non-smoker/smoke haters its a no brainer, stick with La Isla.

Will be going tonight. I'll give a report in the next couple of days.

Seems to be en vogue. Anyone have any experience with cooking with it? Does it impart a sweet anise taste? Any recommendations on where to pick it up or mail order? Im in Northern NJ.

I know it's not close but if you are a sub "sangwich" fiend then you must get down to Lenny and John's on Bloomfield ave. in Bloomfield. Right next to Wendy's. I think they are closed on Mondays. Truthfully, I have never had a sub that was fresher and tasted so good. The bread is to die for.

Chicken Murphy is usually a white wine based dish with potatoes, peppers, mushrooms and sometimes sausage. However, the Belmont's chicken savoy is definitely the best and I would suggest foregoing your balsamic snobbery and try it. I love eating it with some nice crusty Italian bread to soak up the juices. If you like hot peppers and your stomach can handle them try the garlic sauteed hot italian peppers appetizer. The Clams Oreganato is great too but my Dad makes it better. Shrimp "Beeps" is a regular on the menu. I never ordered it but I think it is red sauce based dish on the spicier side. Make sure you order espresso when asked. if you change your mind and order it after the fact you'll catch hell from the waitress. Service is pretty much this. Waitress: "Whatta ya want?" You: "How's the Shrimp Beeps?" Waitress: "It's good. Are you ready to order yet?" You: "Yes but I have a few more....(Cut off) Waitress: "Ill be back when you're ready, Im busy." Belmont is a no nonsense tavern that serves great food. You should get there relatively early because they always fill up fast and it's a tough place to wait in if the bar is full. A definite must for any Italian-American food lover.

Any thought on this place? Never been there and a friend suggested it since it is close to our ultimate destination the Carnegie Club. Not looking to be swept off my feet but won't stand for an overpriced , crummy meal either. Is ok, or no?

It really depends on the establisment and how much I trust the server/sommelier. I ask a few questions to guage knowledge and then decide from there. If I feel they are up to par I let them go ahead and suggest a bottle in my price range. I have discovered many wines I would have never tried on my own like this. On the other hand, if I feel that I may not be dealing with someone who has an sufficient understanding of the dishes and wines currently served I will just go ahead and pick a couple of old standbys myself. Richard Laudadio, MD Nutley, NJ

Thanks for the heads up Tommy. I'll have to check them out oo.

Rosie where is the 10% coupon. Was it in a local paper?

Rutt's Hutt, Clifton- Rippers(Dogs) Lenny and John's, Bloomfield ave, Bloomfield- Sub sandwiches, you have to try them to realize how much better they are than everyone else Jenkinson's Pier, Point Pleasant, Onion rings(Oh my GOD!) Belmont Tavern, Bloomfield Ave, Newark- Chicken Savoy Two Mile Landing, Wildwood, Crabs, crabs, crabs, especially the garlic crabs

Well that's two thumbs down on the food. Sounds like it's not worth the trip or traffic. The prices seemed high too. Thanks for the input.

Cigar smoke doesn't bother me, that's the main reason I'm planning on going. Let's keep this thread about the food, not the smoke.

Love the very cigar friendly idea of this place. I do enjoy a cigar and will smoke at the table if allowed. I have heard some great things about thier food. Anyone have any experience with this Cuban place? Any menu suggestions for me?

Richie Cecere's in Montclair It WILL be memorable. They will have a 18 piece big band playing music that night for free. The food is very good but pricey so you'll drop some buck but not over the top. You're freinds will thank you. They have a very wide selection on the menu for your baloney eaters too.

Thanks for the tips! I'll take your advice on Woodman's and go with one or all of the others. Keep em coming if ya got any more suggestions.

Franklin Steakhouse in Nutley makes a great burger. They have an option for a 1/4 lb Angus burger. I usually go for the "Jersey Burger" which is made with Taylor Ham on top and cheese.

Going next month to Marblehead to a B&B. Would like to know the best local eateries. Seafood/Italian/Steak. I plan on hitting Essex for the Chowda and Onion Rings at Woodman's. Any other must eat suggestions while there? Lunch dinner whatever. Prices aren't an problem.

Thanks Rachel for the great post! tommy what type of cakes have you had from Back Street?

I think the Red Chimeny right on Route 3 west in Clifton makes awesome gyros. Way better than Nevada! Give it a shot and let me know how she liked it. It's 5 minutes from Nutley.

This "vast" confusion is due to the severely limited ability of the internet to convey human conversation appropriately. :) If we were talking face to face there would be no such confusion. Thanks for all your advice!

I do understand nizza but I was under the impression he stopped doing special orders for cakes. Last year when we called Papillon he said they didn't do the special order cakes anymore. I figured that was that.

Looks like I may give Patisserie St Michel a try. Thanks guys. If it is a kosher bakery what is the difference? Do they have to use different ingredients?

nizza, the chef at Papillon sold St Honore a long time ago. We use to buy nothing but his cakes when he owed the pastry shop. That's the kind of cake I am looking for again.

Thanks folks. Some great suggestions here!