rozrapp

Trying out a couple of new recipes. Last night, it was Hungarian Goulash from Arthur Schwartz's website. Delicious!! And perfect for a snowy winter's evening. Tonight, it will be Lahori Chicken Curry With Whole Spices and Potatoes from Suvir's wonderful cookbook, Indian Home Cooking. I'm pretty much a novice when it comes to cooking Indian cuisine, so it was fun putting together a little pantry of Indian ingredients. Suvir's cookbook has lots of easy-to-follow recipes, plus very interesting text and beautiful photos.

Luckylies, Absolutely do not berate yourself for having dissenting opinions. It's what makes for much more lively discussions. Maybe you should have called yourself "Luckytruths"? I've only had a Magnolia's cupcake once, and I didn't think it was all that bad. But I'd never stand in a block-long line for one. Toto2, here are my suggestions: Yonah Schimmel's, 137 E. Houston St., is the place to go for a very tasty hot potato knish. Then, for the quintessential NY drink -- the chocolate egg cream -- go a short distance away to Avenue A, b/t 7th St. & St. Mark's Pl., and look for a tiny hole-in-the-wall "candy" store with no name. Their egg creams are the best! P.S. Since you're from Montreal, should we presume that the last time you were here, you did the pastrami vs smoked meat comparison?

Frico Bar closed several years ago and was replaced by the Batali/Bastianich seafood-oriented restaurant Esca.

← The entire review is here.

The article's title is The Special? A Bit of Everything, and it does not purport to be a 10 best list but rather a summary of those restaurants rated excellent, very good and good by the critics. So, it's the title of this thread that is misleading. For a top 10 list, here are the choices from nj.com's Artful Diner: http://www.nj.com/dining/reviews_artfuldin...2004?topten2004 I like this list because it includes more central/southern NJ restaurants, providing balance to the Times' decidedly northern NJ tilt.

I see that Raspberry Cafe, in Ocean Grove, is on your closings list. Although I've never eaten there, my understanding is that Chef Toni Froio had been cooking there. I wonder if her recent installation as executive chef at I Cavillini had anything to do with RC's closure. I Cavillini has been on my "go to" list even before I heard about her being there. Not sure if I'll get there before the turn of the year. If not, it will be near the top of my list for '05.

The NJ Zagat has a listing of places that have dancing. Looking it over, Stony Hill Inn, in Hackensack, might be a good option. I've never been there. For some reason, Zagat does not include The Manor, in West Orange, on that list although the restaurant is in the book. They have dining and dancing to live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Again, never been. Acc. to the ad in my phone book, Old Orchard Manor, at the Old Orchard Country Club, in Eatontown, offers dinner and dancing. Not much info about it on their web site. Years and years ago, we used to go there occasionally for dinner, and the food was quite good. No idea what it's like now.

Definitely "a." I stopped going to the Park Av. S. location because I couldn't take the eardrum-splitting decibel level. Another turn-off for me is the truly uncomfortable sardine-like seating along the banquettes. I did like the hanger steak and frites. But good versions can be had elsewhere (see below) without the (literal) headaches. c) Just to clarify, its formal name is "Brasserie Les Halles," so it's a brasserie, not a bistro. d) We've been going to Park Bistro with some regularity for more than 10 years. Despite the changes in chefs over the years, the cooking has mananged to remain pretty consistently solid. I've had some truly sublime meals, as well as an occasional disappointment with a particular dishes. The hanger steak and frites are fabulous! I've always liked the interior's very Paris bistro ambiance, and the recent refurbishment has the place looking stylish and refreshed. While seating is fairly close, as it usually is in bistros, it's way more roomy than at Les Halles (no great feat!). The noise level is conversation-friendly. The staff knows us, and service is always very pleasant and efficient. But I have observed that they are that way with all patrons -- as it should be!

That would be L'Annam. We ate there only once not long after it opened, and that was once too often because I thought the food was mediocre. Also nearby is Anh, on 3rd Ave., b/t 26th & 27th Sts. But a couple of meals showed it to be rather inconsistent. Our fav in that neighborhood is the never disappointing -- at least, for us -- Bao Noodles, on 2nd Ave., b/t 23rd & 24th Sts. My favorites there are vegetable spring rolls, green papaya salad with shrimp, stir-fried chicken with lemongrass, and spicy beef stew with carrots & daikon.

I have heard that his most recent position was as a chef (not sure of rank) at Keens. Since Compass ads in the NY Times a few weeks ago indicated that they are morphing into a steakhouse, this would be the reason for choosing him to run their kitchen.

Creme brulee is not a tarte but a custard baked in a shallow ramekin, after which a burnt sugar topping is added.

sorry to hear you had an "average" meal. do you believe it was the norm, or an exception? ← We had dinner at Gavroche during the summer and, considering that we were familiar with Chef Roussel's cooking from his stint at Park Bistro, I, too, found the meal disappointing. In particular, my main course duck (magret) was tough, and the sides -- mashed potatoes and a very few mixed vegetables -- were mediocre. However, I had a taste of my husband's rack of lamb, and it was quite good, as was the potato gratin accompaniment. So, it appears that there is inconsistency in the quality of the cuisine. When we left the restaurant, I commented to my husband that I wouldn't be rushing back since there are good French bistros more conveniently located for us. Plus, if I want a French bistro with a charming back garden and consistently excellent food, Gascogne would be my first choice.

We eat at La Petite Auberge with some regularity, and coq au vin is not on the regular menu. They do offer "le poulet du chef" (chicken of the day), but the last few times we were there, it was not coq au vin.

Menton, Not according to the ads they've been running in the News Transcript and the postcard I received in the mail last week, which all list dinner on Sundays from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. To be certain, I just called, and they are definitely open on Sundays. They're at 32 West Main St. Tel: 732-294-0202.

Daniel, Is it the simply-named "Noodle Curry," which can be ordered with either chicken or shrimp? In addition to crispy egg noodles, the ingredients listed on the take-out menu I have are coconut milk, bean curd, shallots & peanuts, but no mention of massaman curry. I'm glad you found the food to your liking. So, even though they were willing to make the laab for you, you didn't have it? We were back for another lunch earlier this week. Started with chicken satay -- juicy, juicy, juicy -- with the ubiquitous peanut sauce, and "Shrimp in a Blanket," which are spring rolls stuffed with fried shrimp, ground pork, and coriander, served with spicy plum sauce. Yum! We then had an excellent Pad Thai with shrimp, and Thai Chili Curry which was composed of grilled rack of lamb with chili peppers, coconut milk, and panang curry sauce. I presume that this would not be an authentic Thai dish? There were 6 mini chops which would have been better if they had been cooked medium rare instead of well done. However, the sauce was delicious, and there were green beans as well as lots and lots of sliced red and green peppers. Considering current pepper prices, that alone would warrant the $14.95 cost. We asked for the coconut/chocolate ice cream and were told that they only had it in the fried ice cream, so we tried it. Our first major disappointment. While the ice cream was fine, the coating was awful.

Although in my report in this thread I said that, despite my quibbles and the glitches we encountered, I'd be willing to go back to Spargo's, we've never gotten around to doing so. However, since the same chef/owner is still there, I don't think you would be taking a huge risk if you tried it. You can check out what I presume is the current menu on their website. They're offering a coupon for a free coffee, cappuccino, tea or dessert -- good only weekdays. (Click on "Specials.") Btw, in case you're interested, Citrus is a new restaurant in Freehold Boro. Two eGulleteers posted about it with opposing views: http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=53590 I have it on my "go to" list because I want to make up my own mind. They're serving fusion cuisine and are offering a 3-course prix-fixe dinner mid-week for $29. BYO and smoke free. Closed Mondays.

Our one dinner at Cafe des Artistes a couple of years ago was a total disappointment. Although it was pre-opera, we made sure to leave plenty of time. But I found the wait staff totally aloof, with a let's-see-if-we-can-just-get-you-folks-out-of-here attitude. Yes, the famous murals are lush. But the seating -- at least in the room we were in -- was very cramped. As for the food, the salmon five ways was fine, but an osso bucco was bland. No recollection of dessert. When we were leaving, the door was held open for us by 60 Minutes producer Don Hewitt, who was just coming in. Re: Bill Peet. After he left Lutece, he came out to NJ and opened a restaurant called La Petite Rose, in Westfield. It was in the space that had been occupied for about 20 years by the very popular upscale French restaurant Chez Catherine and then, for about a year, by another French restaurant with superb food called Chez Ma'mere which, sadly, didn't make it because of financial difficulties. Knowing about Peet's association with Lutece, we had high hopes when he took over the space. The food at the first dinner we had was excellent; however, a second dinner was mediocre. With such inconsistency, we saw no reason to return. La Petite Rose lasted 3 years.

Thai Chili, which opened a little over a month ago, is in a small shopping strip in Spotswood. Even though we live about 10 minutes away, I had no idea that it existed. Spotswood is not exactly a dining mecca, and I'd seen no advertising. I found out about it when someone posted about it on the nj.com restaurant forum. When you pull up, you might think that it’s only a take-out joint since it’s sandwiched between a pizzeria and a nail salon. But step inside and you will find a small space that has pleasant décor with bamboo and other light wood accents, and oil portraits of Thai royalty decorating the walls. (In the spirit of the season, there were Halloween decorations throughout.) Tables have beige cloths with either sparking blue or pink overlays and topped with glass. A vase with a single fresh rose graces each table. We’ve had lunch twice. Our first visit was at 3 p.m., so we were not surprised to be the only diners. The next time, when we got there at about 2:45, there was one couple having lunch. There was only one server each time – a woman the first time and a young man the next. Both wore colorful Thai clothing and provided pleasant, prompt service. Items on the menu that are spicy are indicated with a little red chili pepper on the left, and there is a notation that they will increase or decrease the level of spiciness at the diner’s request. We have sampled three different appetizers. Four medium-sized Thai Egg Rolls, aka spring rolls, with thin skins wrapped around sauteed cabbage and glass noodles arrived at the table piping hot, almost too hot to handle, having been expertly deep-fried a golden brown. They were nice and crunchy with not a hint of grease, and we happily dipped them into the accompanying plum sauce. Steamed Thai Dumplings are filled with ground chicken and peanuts, and accompanied by a little dish of marinated, diced cucumbers. Delectable! The menu states that Summer Rolls are rice skins containing chicken and shrimp, vegetables and noodles. I could not discern any shrimp or noodles but did find chicken, lettuce, carrots, and a fresh basil leaf. I have never had summer rolls before, so I didn’t realize they are served cold. The lettuce and carrots provided crunch, the basil's flavor was strong, and the chicken sort of got lost in the shuffle. A slightly spicy plum dipping sauce added a nice tang. We have sampled four main courses. My husband likes spicy, so each time, he went for items with the little chili pepper symbol. Spicy Noodles with Beef (also available with Seafood or Chicken) are flat noodles stir-fried with chili pepper, basil leaves, onions, and thin pieces of beef. I tasted some and found it too spicy, but I have a fairly sensitive palate. My husband was happy with the dish overall, as well as with the level of heat. Siam Beef contained two medium-sized relatively thin slices of beef, looking much like steaks, that had been marinated with herbs and sesame oil and were served with a large mound of spicy fried rice and spicy plum sauce in a little dish on the side. I tasted the meat and we both agreed that it was just o.k. I didn’t taste it with the sauce, but my husband said it perked things up. He liked the rice. My choices did not have pepper symbols and were from the list of Chef’s Specials. Peanut Chicken was a plump chicken breast, grilled, then cut into thick slices, and surrounded by a thin peanut sauce. From my first bite, it was obvious that the chef was a master at the grill because the chicken was unbelievably juicy. Since I love anything with a peanut sauce, I was in seventh heaven. This is actually a very simple preparation raised to great heights by the chef’s skill. The delicious mixed vegetables accompaniment – carrots, zucchini, baby corn, and broccoli – actually were spicy, but not too overpowering. White rice was served on the side. Jumbo Shrimp Massaman contained shrimp that were more medium-sized than jumbo along with sliced onions and red and green peppers, small chunks of potatoes, pieces of avocado, and peanuts in a coconut milk and massaman curry sauce. A sensational dish with a wonderful mix of textures and flavors. This also came with a side of white rice. (Note: Our server asked me if I might prefer the Shrimp Massaman to be made spicy. I declined.) For dessert, the coconut ice cream with large chunks of chocolate mixed in that we had the first time was delicious, so we were disappointed that they were out of it on Tuesday and settled for a decent plain old vanilla. The costs, including 2 soft drinks each time for my husband, tax and tip: first meal = $38; second meal = $50. Admittedly, we have not dined at very many Thai restaurants, so I’m not exactly an expert on this cuisine. However, I feel confident in saying that Thai Chili is a “hidden gem” and hope that it won't be hidden for long. Thai Chili Romeo’s Plaza 210 Summerhill Road Spotswood (For the geographically challenged, it is bordered by East Brunswick and Old Bridge.) Tel: 732-723-0600 BYO No Smoking

Randi, Great photos! Just looking at the foie gras again has my mouth watering. And, yes, seared foie gras is served "rare." Searing foie gras is really a tricky process. The idea is to get a little crust on the exterior while cooking the interior just enough so that it is warm. If seared too long, it will disintegrate into a puddle of fat. Of course, the accompaniment is always an important element, and foie gras goes well with so many different things. Just about every foie gras dish I've had -- and there have been many -- has been prepared with a different accompaniment though I think apples have shown up more than once. As I noted, the beets in our amuse were marinated, and I didn't find them too vinager-y. But then, it was a teensy portion, so maybe that flavor didn't stand out as much as it might have in a full appetizer. It seems that you and I found our main courses the most disappointing part of the meal. I don't like pork, so I've never had the suckling pig, but my husband had it the first time we ate there and thought it was excellent. Looking at the photo you took, I see that the exceedingly smooth texture of the parsnip puree is exactly like that of the celery root puree that came with the pheasant. Obviously, they're puree wizards in that kitchen. So, it was yogurt foam and not whipped cream with the grape shooter. Thanks for the correction. When we were there, judging by the number of desserts that came into the dining room with candles, quite a few people were celebrating occasions. Although it was my birthday, we prefer not to tell restaurants when we are celebrating an occasion, so I didn't get any extra bonbons. But it's certainly a very lovely gesture when someone does tell them.

Randi, I was away all day, so did not see your post until now. Although you will, at this point, know the answer to the cheese course question, for others who might want the information, the cost for each cheese selected is $3. You can have as many as you want, each person can have his or her own, or you can share them, which is what we did. Interesting that you joked about selfishly wanting us to have ordered two different main courses because, actually, it isn't a usual occurrence for us. My husband likes many things that I don't, and I will eat fish as a main course, which he does not prefer to do. So, more often than not, we order different mains. I did give serious consideration to the magret and the lamb and, in retrospect, I'm sorry I didn't choose one of them. I hope you had a wonderful dinner, and that it lived up to your expectations.

We had dinner at Nicholas this past Sunday. We've been there several times, though the last was quite some time ago. As many of you know, earlier this year, there were some major changes in the kitchen: Chef Corey Heyer decamped for the Bernards Inn, and “Chop” moved to Bouley. So, we were, of course, interested to see if there would be any affect on the quality of the cuisine. The maitre d’, Anthony, told us that while Nicholas had been spending time in the kitchen, he has brought in a chef who worked at Le Bernardin to take over. When we arrived for our 6 p.m. reservation, I immediately noticed that there was a large, rather noisy group completely occupying the dining room on the right. (Why they were there became clear when they later launched into a rousing rendition of “Happy Anniversary,” which could be heard throughout the restaurant.) The main dining room was about 75% full and, fortunately, our table was in a corner farthest from the noise. As the evening progressed, empty tables filled so that by the time we left, only two tables were unoccupied. Although my husband expressed an interest in the tasting menu, there weren’t enough choices that appealed to me. Plus, I had my heart set on a seared foie gras appetizer, and none was offered there. So, we went with the $55 3-course prix-fixe, to which we added a cheese course. My husband did a wine pairing with each course. (I don’t drink.) The first thing served to us was very generous-sized slices of bread from Eli’s, in NYC, that had a fabulous crust and a delicious soft interior. The butter offered with it was excellent, so it was difficult to resist not having more than one slice. Somehow, I managed to control myself because I didn’t want to fill up and not be able to finish my dinner. My husband – he of the larger appetite – didn’t resist at all and had three (!) slices. The amuse was a trio of marinated beets consisting of 3 tiny beet pieces, two red and one golden. A very pleasant beginning. I started with the Seared Foie Gras with Black Mission Figs and Candied Pistachios. A generous portion of foie gras was perfectly seared, and the figs were prepared as a jam. Someone who does not prefer sweet would probably not like this dish. But I loved the combination of the unctuous foie gras with the very sweet jam, while the candied nuts added just the right note of crunchiness. I was in total ecstasy with every bite! My husband chose to begin with the Seared Day Boat Scallops with Orange Confit and Sesame Vinaigrette. The plate consisted of three plump scallops that, again, showed the kitchen’s prowess with searing and, from the taste I had, were luscious. For the main course, my husband and I both selected the Roasted Pheasant with Celery Root Puree and Marjoram Jus because we both like pheasant and because it’s a seasonal item. The de-boned breast was sliced and fanned out on the plate. The puree was piped alongside, and there was an additional accompaniment of baby Brussels sprouts mixed with chopped pieces of dark meat. The jus was spooned over the breast meat by our server at the table. The presentation really didn’t offer much eye appeal. But the white meat was very tender and juicy, and the jus, with its very subtle marjoram flavoring, was just right. However, the accompaniments were a problem. The celery flavor in the puree was too tart, at least to my palate. More importantly, I do not like Brussels sprouts and, since the chopped meat pieces were surprisingly dry, these sides were, for me, a major disappointment. It had never occurred to me to ask about any additional accompaniments. Despite the fact that I loved the pheasant, I would not have ordered it if I had known about the Brussels sprouts. Our cheese course was a total delight. We selected three: a Reblochon, a Petit Basque, and a Spanish chevre. All were superb. They were served with raisin bread and dried fruits. There was a pre-dessert – a very small glass of a thickened grape drink with what I think was some whipped cream on top. I was in the mood for something chocolate-y to end the meal, and the only item on the dessert menu fitting that description is the Warm Valrhona Chocolate Cake. Yes, it has become rather old hat; however, since I hadn’t had one in a very long time, I went with it although I did ask that vanilla ice cream be substituted for the pistachio listed on the menu. Well, they certainly have this dessert down pat, and the warm chocolate center oozed deliciously. My husband chose the Black Plum Tart with Almond Ice Cream. I tasted some and agreed with him that the plums together with the almond crust and ice cream were a lovely combination. Instead of the ubiquitous plate of assorted mignardises, we were served a single cappuccino chocolate each. My husband finished with a pot of blood orange tea. Service was, as usual, totally professional, yet friendly. The cost of the meal, including tax and tip, was around $200. Despite the problems with the main course accompaniments, which were purely a case of personal preference since my husband was perfectly satisfied with them, I think that Restaurant Nicholas has nicely weathered the kitchen staff turnover and is not in any danger of losing its status as one of New Jersey’s best restaurants.

That exact thought occurred to me when I saw that listing. G&G has been gone for at least a year.

Might it have been Chez Es Saada? It's on First St., b/t 1st & 2nd Aves. I've never been there. Our favorite Moroccan restaurant was Lotfi's. I believe it first opened someplace downtown, then moved to W. 46th St., in the Theater District, where it remained for many years before closing a couple of years ago when the chef/owner retired. Since it was owned by a Moroccan couple -- while he manned the stove, she took care of the front of the house, and their son, after whom the restaurant was named, often did waiter duty -- I presumed that the food was fairly authentic. It was certainly very well-prepared and delicious. We miss it.

I don't quite agree with Jason about this. We had lunch at Garlic Rose, in Madison, this past May. We were there as part of a group of 12, celebrating a friend's receiving her PhD. At this point, I don't remember exactly what we had, but several apps were ordered "for the table," and we each ordered our own main course. All the food was well-prepared and very tasty. As for the garlic, though I am a fan and have no problem with strong garlic flavor, I found that, at least with the dishes I tasted, it was used quite subtly to enhance the flavor without being particularly overpowering.

Eric's has been around for quite a while, and we had one dinner there several years ago. I recall that the interior was quite nice, but I have absolutely no recollection of what we ate. Since I generally remember really good meals, plus the fact that we have never gone back (we're only 10 minutes from Freehold) indicates that neither my husband nor I was impressed. I, too, have Citrus on my "go to" list, so if you get there before I do, I'll be interested to hear your opinion.