rozrapp
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Posts posted by rozrapp
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I wonder what the $500 refers to, exactly. Is that a minimum, a maximum, or an average? Is there also a $50 lunch, or can you really just not go to the restaurant unless you have $500 to spend? This is the sort of comment -- "where he will be pleased to serve a $500 dinner" -- that seems calculated to drive both the liberal-guilt audience and the New York Post audience through the roof, but it's sufficiently vague to leave me wondering what it really means.
I came across a post from someone on Chowhound who just had dinner at Asiate -- a 3-course prix-fixe for $65. (Bloviatrix included this amount in her price listing of the mall's restaurants.) The meal included 2 amuses and a "freebie" between the first and main courses. According to this diner, there is also a 7-course tasting menu for $85.
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We ate once at the Luchow's at its original location. It was in the 1970's, and our daughter, who was maybe 5 or 6 at the time, was with us. We ordered goose which, I think, was one of their specialties. Even now, I remember it as being delicious. The atmosphere was very gemutlich, and it was a happy family experience all around.
We also went once to the second incarnation. It was on Broadway, around 49th St., and I think you had to walk down a flight of steps to get to it. It wasn't that the food was bad, but something important was missing. They couldn't recreate that certain, intangible feeling that the original location had.
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Roz, it's 732-933-9848.
Thanks, Glenn.
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I booked for Sat. night. The guy who answered the phone was very friendly and described many of the dishes, sounded great.
Glenn, Please post the phone number. TIA.
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I realize from the glowing posts that the food a Fascino is first rate. But why would anyone want to pay to be a "culinary focus group to field test recipes"? Shouldn't that be the other way around?
The restaurant Toque, in Montreal, offers a tasting menu all the time with no printed menu. Instead, if you decide to go for it, you receive whatever it is that the chef has decided to prepare that particular evening. In that respect, while the diner is surprised as to what arrives at the table, it's definitely not a field test! 
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rozrapp--Please tell us some other restaurants in that area that you would recommend.
=Mark has beat me to a couple. Of course, Nicholas would top the list. And I really like Gaetano's, which is a casual BYO with excellent Italian food. Ray's in Little Silver is very good. (I used to go often to the Ray's in Colts Neck, which was much closer to our house. But it has closed.
) We have had a couple of very good meals at Raven & the Peach, in Fair Haven. But that was a few years ago, and there's been a change in chefs since then. I've also had one excellent lunch at Brix, on Shrewsbury Ave. I haven't had the opportunity to try dinner there. Interestingly, the chef is Urs Moser, who was the chef at Raven & the Peach when we dined there. I must part company with =Mark (and Rosie) when it comes to Sogno. I had high hopes for it when we had our first meal there shortly after it opened. The food was splendid all around. However, we finally got back there a few months ago only to have one of the worst meals ever. And the fact that it's rather noisy and very expensive are two more reasons that it's off our list.
A restaurant that is very high on my list, and which I have previously reported about here, is the Lincroft Inn, in Lincroft. (The town is next door to Red Bank and Middletown.) If you don't remember my write-ups of two dinners, or you've never read them, here's the link:
http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?act=ST...hl=lincroft+inn
I was there again for dinner in October, and the food continues to be stellar!
I had not been to Fromagerie, in Rumson, since I don't remember when until yesterday. We went for a dinner event. Most of the time, when one goes to these sorts of events where one is served a set menu, the food is just passable, if that. However, the food we were served last evening was excellent in every respect. I intend to write it up on a new thread.
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The last time we were there was 2 years ago, and I thought the food was o.k. We actually tried it twice, but were not so bowled over as to rush back since then. I just heard that the chef recently left. How that would impact on the food I have no idea. Bottom line -- I think there are much better possibilities in that general vicinity.
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Is Frog only open for lunch during the week?
Yes.
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Frog still gets great WOM even after all these years. I have not been in years, had a meal or two that was way too full of itself, fussy and overcomposed. But, repected palatees regularly give it a thumbs up, and I really should visit again.
I, too, have not had dinner at The Frog & the Peach since way back in the last millennium. However, I've been there several times during the past couple of months for what I consider one of the best lunch special offers around: $18.95 for 3 courses. The menu changes completely each week, and every lunch we have had has been totally delicious. An added plus is their very attractively decorated Garden Room, open year-round.
You can get on their e-mail list, and they will send you a message letting you know what is on each week's menu. Here's the latest:
Prix Fixe Lunch
Week of November 10, 2003
Mixed Green Salad
with Apple Vinaigrette, Roasted Apples, Spiced Hazelnuts and Manchego Cheese
Pumpkin Agnoletti
with Portobello Mushrooms, Toasted Pumpkin Seeds and Truffle Brown Butter Sauce
Ginger Pineapple Tart
with Coconut Sorbet
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If you can get a reservation Nicholas in Red Bank is the best restaurant in NJ but plan on spending $200.
love4god was looking for something for tonight (Mon.). Nicholas is closed on Mondays.
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My husband and I share dishes whenever we eat out. We usually eat half and then trade plates, which suits us just fine but sometimes seems to mortify our dining companions. Are we being tacky? Does anyone have any etiquette tips for us?
Yes. Yes. I would try to avoid that practice, especially in places where all the food tastes the same anyway. It really seems to offend people who eat in those places.
If our etiquette is of any help, I'll share it with you. There's no trading if my wife says "no." That's because she really likes what she ordered. If she really, really likes what she ordered, I will generally get a forkful passed over just so I'll know she ordered better than I did. If my wife isn't hungry or her portion is too big, she gets a third of my food and I get three quarters of hers. All kidding aside, we're more apt to trade plates if we're dining alone, or with very close friends and we try to do it as surreptitiously as possible. On the other hand, it's also something we may do in the very best restaurants precisely because we want to taste as much as possible. I have very subjective attitudes towards restaurant behavior. You can do anything you want in a really fine restaurant as long as you know the staff understands it's because you're a connoisseur.
This brings to mind the first time my husband and I dined at Daniel, the 4-star temple of haute cuisine in NYC. We decided to have the 8-course tasting menu. We had expected that we would both be getting the same items (as is the case with most tasting menu situations). When the first course came, the plates placed in front of each of us contained different items. We, of course, decided to share, each eating half, then passing the plates across the table. The same thing happened thoughout the meal so that we ended up having 16 different tastings, plus an additional dessert on top of the two regular desserts. Our server became aware early on that we were exchanging plates. He and other staff members kept a close eye on our table and each time they saw that we were ready to make the move, one of them was right there and made the exchange for us.
Btw, Bux, I'm a little like your wife. Sometimes I'll order something that I particularly like, but since I've already agreed to share with my husband, I exchange plates at the midway point. However, if it turns out that I don't care as much for what he has ordered, he knows that, after he has taken a little taste of my choice, he has to give me my plate back.
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... having the wrong bottle of wine brought to the table already opened....
I have never heard of a restaurant of Bouley's caliber opening wine before it is brought to the table? What happened to the practice of the sommelier bringing the wine unopened to the table, having the diner check the label to be sure it's what he or she ordered, then having the sommelier open the bottle at the table and making sure that it in good condition?
We have never been to Bouley. Our main reason for not going is the many reports, dating back to the days of Bouley's first restaurant, of the kind of wait for a table, despite having a reservation, that you have described. For us, that is totally unacceptable. And if this is the way they do their wine service, well, that's an additional reason for us to spend our dining dollars elsewhere.
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[as an aside, I called Bouley yesterday to get a copy of my check. I didn't have time to even glance at it since we were in a rush to catch a show -- I can't understand how 2 prix fixes @ $35/each plus 1 glass of wine and 1 espresso added up to about $100 with tax. Doing the arithmetic, that would be about $22 for the wine and espresso.]
Glenn, $100 is definitely possible. My husband has run into the situation at upscale restaurants where a glass of wine can cost $15!
(I don't drink wine, so sometimes he orders by the glass if he can't find a decent half bottle.) If I recall correctly, this happened to him at both Ilo and 11 Madison. That could certainly be the case with your wine at Bouley. The espresso could easily have cost $5 or more. Right there, then, you've got $20. However, I think your are correct to have requested a copy of your check just to be sure that there was no hanky-panky. -
9 chefs are on the list:
http://nymetro.com//nymetro/food/industry/...462//index.html
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The following are about an hour's drive from NYC (without traffic, of course!):
Battleview Orchards, 91 Wemrock Rd., Freehold
(732) 462-0756 / (800) 662-3075
Eastmont Orchards, Rt. 537, Colts Neck
(732) 542-5404
Crest Fruit Farm, 82 Thompsons Grove Rd., Manalapan
(732) 462-5669
Since it is rather late in the season, I think it would be a good idea to call them to see if there is anything to pick before driving out.
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Roz, in my experience, Indians' take on how to cook okra is very different from Cajun style. Cajun style emphasizes the mucilagenity (?) of the vegetable (e.g., by using it in gumbo), and Indian okra dishes tend to minimize that property.
Pan, Well, then, since mucilaginous (That's the correct word. I looked it up to be sure.
) okra would probably not appeal to me, I'm all for Indian-style minimization! -
Matthew, What a coincidence! My husband and I were also at Amma on Friday evening, having arrived a bit before you at 6:30. And we had the same tasting menu (there is also a vegetarian tasting available), and our reactions were much like yours as we savored each course.
Rozrapp (I'm sorry; I don't know your real name!):
That is indeed a coincidence! We (there were three of us) were seated in the front corner to the right of the window. Perhaps you saw us.
Thank you for your take on the meal - you described it much more aptly than I could. I am so glad that you and your husband enjoyed your meal as well. Perhaps the next time I'm in New York we'll actually meet at Amma!
I find myself still basking in the memory of such an eventful meal. "Babette's Feast" has nothing on this (and I'm Danish)!
Matthew in Minnesota
Matthew, As you can see by Pan's post, it's Roz.
I'm a people watcher in restaurants and do recall 3 people arriving and being seated where you said you were sitting.
Frankly, I thought you did a superb job with your descriptions. So good, in fact, that I was almost tempted not to go into much detail. Fortunately, there were a few items and areas that you didn't discuss, so at least that left me some room to maneuver.
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Matthew, What a coincidence! My husband and I were also at Amma on Friday evening, having arrived a bit before you at 6:30. And we had the same tasting menu (there is also a vegetarian tasting available), and our reactions were much like yours as we savored each course.
The mix of textures and flavors in the Bhei Puri was quite extraordinary. There was some spice to it, but not in the least overpowering as can happen when spice is handled by a less sure hand. The same can be said of the Crispy Fried Spinach.
Another course, the small samosa stuffed with ginger-cilantro peas was state-of-the-art, and the cheese-chile stuffed mushroom (I think it was deep-fried) was a little ball packed full of lip-smacking flavors.
I have never before eaten okra and have heard bad things about it, so when I saw it listed, I thought to myself, "Uh-oh! What am I in for?" Well, I needn’t have worried as it was, in a word, heavenly! This preparation reminded me of the deep-fried leeks that sometimes accompany French dishes. But the okra flavor was refreshingly different.
My husband and I shared the salmon and the halibut. While salmon is one of my favorites, and the tomato chutney and potato accompaniments were tasty, I actually preferred the halibut, which was brilliantly paired with delicious coconut chutney and lemon rice.
The lamb chops were oh, so succulent! -- a tribute to Hemant's prowess as a master of the tandoor. As for the mango cheesecake, this creamy, smooth, light as a feather dessert is not to be missed.
My only “complaint,” if it could be called that, is that I found some of the courses a tad large for a tasting menu. But my guess is that others with larger appetites would not find this a problem.
The presentation at Amma is akin to plating at the finest upscale restaurants, very appealing to the eye.
I do not drink wine, but my husband was pleased with the wine pairings.
The small dining room is quite attractive with lovely peach-colored walls and a very soothing ambiance. Lighting is low enough for atmosphere, but high enough so that one need not reach for a flashlight in order to read the menu. There is a banquette along two walls, and we were seated at a comfortable table there. Service was perfection personified – friendly and discreet. Wines were poured in a timely manner, and water glasses were kept filled.
The restaurant is at the 2nd Ave. end of 51st St. Some people who arrived were a bit confused as to the location of the entry. It’s up the stairs, into the building, and the door (covered on the inside with a pretty, full-length white curtain) is on the left.
I had very much been looking forward to meeting Suvir. He is a thoroughly charming and thoughtful man -- the perfect host, circulating around the dining room, making certain that all his "guests" were well taken care of. He stopped at our table many times, and our conversations with him added immeasurable pleasure to our evening. We also had the opportunity to meet Hemant, a lovely, very self-effacing gentleman.
When I asked Suvir about Amma's web site, he told me that it wasn't quite ready yet, so I'm pleased to see that it is now up and running.
We are planning to dine again at Amma in a few weeks. Suvir has assured us that there will then be new treats in store since he and Hemant will be making changes to the menu on a regular basis.
I strongly urge all eGulleteers to go and experience the finest Indian cuisine unlike any you have ever tasted.
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So, I was chatting with the chefs and I asked them if they every ahd people order more than one dessert and they told me that one guy had come from the upper west side and siad something like " i didnt come down here for only one dessert" I found that funny and well, inspiring, so I decided to order what I had originally come for, the cheesecake "island"
When my husband and I went a couple of weeks ago, it was early in the evening and, though, the place was virtually empty, I said we should sit at the counter so that we could watch Chika and Donna prepare the desserts and chat with them and Don. I told them that I was an eGulleteer, and they were thrilled that their place is being discussed here and is bringing in customers.
When it came time to decide about the "main course," I ran into a problem. My husband chose a Seared Plum With Vanilla Sorbet. But I was totally hung up between the Fromage Blanc and the Poached Figs on Creamy Polenta With Port Wine Ice Cream. (I adore figs.
) I was sort of trying to talk my husband out of getting the plum in favor of the Fromage Blanc so I could taste it, , but was not having much luck, when Chika suggested that we order the Fromage Blanc as a third dessert to share. The perfect solution! It was s-o-o-o-o delicious, as was my fig dessert. I had a taste of my husband's pear dessert, and that was wonderful as well. We were all set to go back again last week when I realized that, it being a Monday, ChikaLicious was closed.
Trish, We asked them when it gets busy, and they said that they usually start getting jammed around 9 p.m. We didn't ask if they take reservations.
Pan, The Fromage Blanc is considered Chika's "signature dish," so I'm sure you will find it on the menu the next time you go.
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I am also considering I Trulli, especially because of the Enoteca next door. Any thoughts?
We have had several meals at I Trulli (lunch and dinner), and the food has been delicious each time.
While I am also a big fan of Trattoria Trecolori, these two restaurants couldn't be more different. Trecolori's food is of the home-style variety, with lots of the usual suspects, all nicely prepared. I Trulli's cuisine is of the Apulian region, more sophisticated and elegantly presented. Trecolori is a rather small restaurant, while I Trulli has two large rooms (one with a fireplace) + their lovely back garden space. Not surprisingly, I Trulli is much more expensive.
You can't go wrong with either one. They are very different dininig experiences, so it depends on what you are looking for.
Btw, because La Locanda has gotten so many positive comments, we finally had dinner there a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, my meal was quite disappointing.
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Cody Kendall give Tassert's 3 stars in the Oct. 19 Star Ledger.
Here's the link:
http://www.nj.com/search/index.ssf?/base/l...rledger?livfdre
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Knublewurst (aka garlic salami) sandwiches were the main event. I adore knublewurst,
but it's very difficult to find these days. Katz's is one of the few delis that carries it, so we took home a whole ring yesterday. I cut slices and steamed them to get them hot, then piled them on freshly sliced rye bread liberally slathered with Ba-Tampte Deli Mustard. Sandwiches were accompanied by a Yonah Schimmel potato knish and, of course, sour pickles. Diet Vanilla Pepsi for my husband; Dr. Brown's Cream Soda for me. Altogether a scrumiumptious meal! -
Although we will set the TV on timer, I always have a small, nagging fear that by doing this we're somehow going to jinx them.
Because we were out two evenings last week when the Yanks played the Twins, my husband taped both games. During the ride home, we kept the radio off to make sure he didn't accidentally hear the final scores before he was able to watch the tapes.
The Yankees lost one game, and won one game. So, bloviatix, I think you can stop worrying that taping the game = a jinx. -
Nobody has yet said anything about ILO, so here goes. I had dinner there once during the summer of 2002. Considering all the raves it had garnered, I went in with what I suppose were extremely high expectations. The space at the rear of a large lounge area is very contemporary in decor, not particularly large, and quite comfortable. We were greeted warmly by the hostess, and service was exemplary. As for the food, I have to say that I left feeling let down. It was expensive, but I have no problem with paying a lot for excellent food. Though the food at ILO was certainly very good, I felt that, for that kind of money, I had had meals at other restaurants that were far more stellar.
I have never been one to refrain from going to a restaurant just because someone else didn't like it. After all, when it comes to food, chacun a son gout.
So, perhaps, you should try ILO and decide for yourself.Now that that's taken care of, my recommendations for Theater District dining are dbBistro Moderne and Town. In case you don't know, db is Daniel Boulud's take on bistro cuisine. The food is terrific and, though much more expensive than your average French bistro, not nearly as costly as his eponymous temple of haute cuisine. Town has superb New American cuisine, and the unusual subterranean dining room is jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Expensive, but worth it!
Soup's On! at NJ Restaurants
in New Jersey: Dining
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David Corcoran and Karla Cook pick what they consider to be 10 of the best soups at restaurants in NJ, along with recipes for preparing them. They're also asking for your nominations.
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/16/nyregion/16NJ.html