lano

c'mon tommy....that ain't fair. have tix to upcoming games and would love to find something other than stan's....

"I've been exceptionally happy with Vila Meats in Caldwell, used them for several years. Pleased to provide custom cuts. " Rail--where is Vila meats?

although I'll get flamed for saying this, yes it is a very grim area for food. like i said, try appenino's--it's probably one of the best in the area--

Back to tipping-- While I believe the receipt should state that X% was added (or similarly having the waiter tell you) it is ultimately up to you to know what the heck you are paying for. While this may not be easy to do with bills for many people, it is fairly easy to see a discrepancy for a small group-- I am always amazed when people get bills and basically just sign off on it. What would happen if the wrong bill was deposited on your table? Secondly, in no way whatsoever does it benefit a restaurant to conceal this tip. If anything, it behooves the restaurant to make this info known prominently.

I would second blue sky for brunch. it's a jazz brunch that serves fare that is a bit more upscale than your typical brunch place.

Tommy-- went to school here and there's not much to pick from. About 15 mins away is an italian place called appenino's (sp?) which is surprisingly good for the area. It is located by the mall in white hall. There are a couple places in north bethlehem which are cute, but food is so-so. I'll have to jog my "fuzzy" memories from college. I remember Sun Inn as being ok american fare. On the south side, it's mainly bars (which I could give more than a few ) Overall, there ain't a lot in the area--I'll think of some more.

Curious about food, location, dress, etc... There have been a few mentions of it, but looking for a little more. thanks

Tried Delorenzo's for the first time 2 weeks ago. Was pretty good, although the wait for a pie was long. Place is tiny. I feel like I was in 1967 while there.

I like conte's and wildflowers as well--wildflowers is a good local place-- I like the tomato bread. Just went to Porfirio's in Trenton recently. Big fan.

Mom and dad are intown: Deja vu tonight Corso 98 tomorrow and parents permitting, Little Saigon on Sunday

OK, so I find myself in Hoboken last night with 45 mins to eat as I was waiting for a train. I’m hungry and don’t have time to wait somewhere, so I think of this thread and head to La Isla. Place was packed, but there were 2 counter seats available for me and my better half. Although seating was relatively tight and restaurant was hectic, we decided to forgo the wait for a table and sit at the counter. We ordered some apps: papa rellena--which is a ball of mashed potatoes with a seasoned meat filled center breaded and deep fried; this was good, very filling. coconut shrimp—4 large shrimp coconut w/ a citrus (I think mango) sauce on the side. Shrimp were good, however, I wasn’t a huge fan of the dipping sauce. Didn’t really matter as they provide a couple hot sauces, which I always reach for. Main courses: Cuban Sandwich—I don’t know if this is authentic, however it was delicious. Ham, pork, some type of white cheese, garlic mojo and pickles on a flattish bread that is pressed on a grill. I was dipping this in a green habanero sauce that was provided. Cuban fried chicken chunks w/ white rice and beans—this was just ok. Chicken was good and flavorful, but I’m not a big fan of white rice and beans. We also had a couple sodas. Shockingly, the total bill came to $20 (I swear—I had them tally the bill again) before tip. Place is a BYO and if I had more time I would have brought some beer. Keep in mind that this is definitely a "joint"-- place looks like a luncheonette more than a restaurant.

good-- that's what I was looking for...

this is off topic, but I have a question for tommy. would you recommend a reservation for Little Saigon on a friday? Also, what't the attire like? Is it relatively casual? think i may be going...

same here-- lived in 'boken for 5 years and had it w/ the never ending construction on 3 sides of my building. I've had mixed dinners at La scala. I feel that they are too inconsistent to merit any noteworthiness. The few good meals I've had there were undercut by poor service.

Sadly, hoboken ain't what it should be, in terms of food. While the area has been "revitalized" (or "yuppified" depending on how you look at it) it's food a bit behind the curve. Sure, there's a King's, but if you've been there, it's not that impressive. Although I hate to generalize, I'm going to generalize--hoboken is a sea of bars and pubs that serve food by default-- However, there are a few notable exceptions: Amanda's Lady Jane's is ok Frankie and Johnnies Piccolo Romano assorted deli's Cajun popcorn at Oddfellow's after many beers Besides that, It's burgers and mozzarella sticks in the mile square.

wish i could have made it-- sandra's review sounds great. Had a good meal at nobu on Friday. Saturday was unremarkable-- after a long day of making wedding plans with the soon-to-be inlaws, had a quick dinner at shubox cafe in cedar grove. Had flank steak on ciabatta w/ caramelized onios-- ok although a bit dry. Shared some dumplings and a few other apps that were unremarkable. Place is good for a quick dinner, but the menu needs to be expanded. Some interesting selections, but didn't feel like it was a full menu. I was pushing to go to Little Saigon, but I was outnumbered in the vote twice this weekend. Darnit-- I was pretty excited to go, but after 2 long days of wedding plans, a pizza was about the only thing our group could muster. Still on my short list of places to try. Looks like this weekend will be filled with more wedding planning-- my parents, as well as hers will be in town. Thinking of doing Corso 98 one night, blue sky for brunch, the place by pal's for a dim sum brunch w/ dad. Need another dinner or two--what would you suggest?

Been to La isla several times and have enjoyed it. While the decor and atmosphere stinks, overall, I love this place. It's a great joint, with great food--not pretentious, not expensive and great apps. Not sure of what I've had, but I remember a few things. Their Cuban sandwich, grilled chicken w/ roasted garlic and deep fried mashed potato balls that are filled w/ some meat concoction are good. Also, try their cuban coffee, if you like it strong. This place is even better after a few beers at a local bar (hence, my vague memories of the food) ;) Overall, a great place in a town that offers very few interesting culinary experiences.

nobu-- not so lucky. the great food is completely offset by a torturous client. Oh well, nothing several drinks won't fix. :) I'll be sure to make a reservation and report back on L Saigon

I've eaten at eprnay a couple times, although not recently, and enjoyed it immensely. Haven't tried 28 yet, although I have had brunch/lunch at Raymonds (which I believe is owned and operated by the same person). Enjoyed it, however it is small and the wait stinks. If the dinner at 28 is any reflection of Raymonds, I'm sure it is quite good.

Tonight-- Nobu Tomorrow- cooking italian. not sure exactly what yet-- definitely homeade pasta, not sure of the sauce nor accompaniments Sunday--Little Saigon

A friend and I recently were talking recently about our favorite all time restaurants. While these are more than "just a dinner", more of an experience, sometimes they are too much of a production. For example, although I've had several wonderful experiences at Ryland Inn, I don't think I could eat there frequently (disregarding cost). Sometimes, I prefer going to a local place because of ease, cost and relative good food. Although the food may not be on par or even nearly as good as the best, they are still noteworthy. One that I love is Formia in Bloomfield. It is a tiny store front restaurant that is able to produce much better than average, inventive italian for a reasonable price. Dinner for 2 the other night was $60 including tip for salad, apps, entrees and 2 glasses of wine. While this is probably far from the best italian experience, it is a favorite. It is reasonably priced, unpretensious and offers some interesting dishes compared to the local "overcooked-pasta-slopping-pizzeria-around-the-corner." This place ain't Il Mulino or Il giglio in NYC, but it is very good in it's own respect. What are your local favorites?

Thanks all for the help-- I've got a few good places to try. I haven't been to China Gourmet by Pal's Cabin in about 10 yrs-- copletely forgot about it. I've only been to the dim sum brunch, but remember it as being very good. Little Saigon will be the first place I try--maybe tonight, barring my meeting w/ my accountant running way too long.

tommy, as a 20 something (barely) on an expense account (btw, if I knew how to use one of these smiley faces, I would put one right here), I can assure you that Le colonial just ain't that good. Not a bad bar scene, but that's a different topic altogether. I am a big fan of tao, however, I go way too often-- I work 2 blocks away and often entertain clients there. While I agree that the food is very good, sometimes it's way too much of a scene. Great apps...however when I'm there, I feel like I'm in a Raiders of the Lost Ark movie... Generally, when I go for myself, I tend to stick to places that are good, regardless of trendiness. A "hole in the wall" is right up my alley. Sometimes, I don't mind cr@ppy service if the food is phenomenal. Little Saigon will be my next try in NJ--

Where's Little Saigon? This sounds like it could be a candidate for a new standby asian rest. I'll have to make a trip to China 46-- it sounds great. Also, just recently ate at Deja Vu-- had a couple good dishes, but overall, it was a bit lacking. Also, service was very amateur. I'm not sure I like the new French-Thai fusion restaurants that are popping up. No one seems to be able to do it well. I work on 57th near Le Colonial-- clients rave, but I'm not a big fan. It sounds interesting, but have never had a spectacular meal at one of these places.

Been to Bill and Harry's many times not bad but sometimes cramped. I'll probably try the new one. Have never been to the one in Fairfield-- where is it? I grew up there. Unfortunately, I'm unable to make it to the dinner-- will be out of town on business. I may have to limit my asian eating to nyc unfortunately-- BTW-- just found this board recently and it is great