lalaland

I agree...40 is a special one, so maybe I should reserve my NJ curiousities for a 'lesser' occasion. Hmmm... Of those mentioned below in NYC, we haven't been to Jean Georges or Per Se...I think it's probably too late to get ressies at either, but I could try by phone. Opentable is shutting me out Otherwise maybe I'll try for the chef's table at Nicholas. Didn't know there was one, so I appreciate the tip!

thanks...this is a tough one. would anyone say one is less 'stuffy' or pretentious than the other? we don't really need that...

If you had to choose between Nicholas, Serenade, or David Drake, which would you pick? I can't decide and it's my foodie husband's 40th birthday dinner. All of them are a bit of a drive for us, so I want to choose well! Your votes/comments are appreciated! Lala

probably meant the silver spoon (deli/catering) in ridgewood on ridgewood ave, although I prefer rocca's market in glen rock and (some soups) at frankie's in wyckoff on wyckoff ave.

We had a mediocre first experience here a few months ago with take-out. had asked for recommendations on 2 entrees and what they chose for us was a beef noodle dish that was greasy and flavorless, and something else that I can't even remember. HOWEVER, on a nasty night when China 46 was just too far a drive we decided to give it another try, dining in. I wouldn't say it was "amazing," but we really enjoyed a few of their apps and dim sum. The beef shumai with accompanying black vinegar (did we taste mustard in there?) were quite tasty, as were the crab money bags, pork buns and the mango pudding dessert. We'd definitely go back. For the amount of food we ordered it was also relatively inexpensive (5 dimsum, soup, and dessert with 2 fruity iced green teas and tip, about $50 for 2).

thanks hikeleader!

has any one been here yet? read about it online (googled and found it on http://www.beekmanwine.com/byop.htm#Flirt) and it's supposed to be sushi w/ latino flair... the website makes it seem...interesting. http://www.flirtsushi.com always looking for good sushi, lala

Finally made it here after a few weeks and liked it a LOT...only real disappointments were the panstickers, the giant egg roll, and their ice creams. Probably just need tweaking... We loved the XO rice, sashimi salad, rainbow beef and a noodle dish (good, but can't remember preparation). Great flavors and can't beat the prices either. Decor was a pleasant shock compared to its strip mall exterior...

I've been to two private parties recently (the past 6 months or so) that were worth comment: Bacari Grill (Washington Twp): nice service, bright-spacious-pretty room, decent basic food considering amount of people (baby shower for about 60 women). All were served a generous salad, mid-course of penne vodka, and had a choice of 3 entrees. I had a chicken picatta-like dish w/ standard well-prepared veggies and rice. Good flower decorated cake, but don't know if it was 'imported'. Rocca (Glen Rock): Christening for about 40-50ppl; great food, given a choice of 3-4 apps/3-4 entrees (had butternut squash soup and salmon with lentils). Also had beautifully decorated cake that was delicious and prob. came from there b/c they have a pastry chef. Service was nice here as well, we were comfortable in the dining room with the curved wall. Unfortunately, I wasn't involved in planning either of these, so I can't comment on the pricing. I do know that the hosts of both parties were very satisfied overall.

It's definitely the old Il Capo. Friends of mine from Wyckoff told me that new owners took over this past spring or summer and that they are just now getting around to changing the name. They haven't been there yet to try the new version, so I have no details. I don't think they've changed hands again. And that was definitely Il Capo's slogan, if I recall correctly...Interesting

My most memorable meals of 2004: Cafe Matisse, Rutherford Eleven Madison Park, Manhattan Rocca, Glen Rock China 46, Ridgefield Cafe Panache, Ramsey Although I had 2 of the best meals of my life at CM and EMP, I frequent the latter 3 more often and consistently had winning dining experiences that kept me coming back for more...

Ate there about 6-8 months ago on a weeknight. The only things that were memorable were the fact that we were one of only 2 tables while we were there and I sent back a clams (casino?) appetizer b/c it tasted a little funky...Would not recommend.

I'm totally with you! Thank you for saying what I couldn't get myself together to verbalize!

You all bring up very intersting points, and I'm not going to beat the dead horse and talk about my opinion on them...I will only say 2 things: 1. My hubby and I tend to 'close the place' at many area restaurants pretty often given his late commute home and we've done so at Rocca on at least 2 occasions, once on a weeknight that didn't seem particularly busy. Never have I been there and felt a lack of caring or disservice and the food was always great. 2. Also, I've definitely been to 2 or 3 places that people loved (even in Manhattan) and been thouroughly disappointed. Haven't we all? IMHO, a place should be given some benefit of the doubt, esp. if they're new, and let the masses decide--do they like it? or not? My $.02 too, Lala

"I won't be going back." (sorry, I don't know how to do the real quote apparently) Anyway, that's pretty harsh and I can hardly believe you had that kind of experience. Of the multiple times I was there my experiences were totally to the contradictory--food so hot you couldn't eat it right away and as adeguilio said, better than all or most area restaurants. To me Rocca is a true gem. We've all had our own negative restaurant experiences so I can (almost) respect your decision but, I love this place, and in the end that's more room for the rest of us .