jtphjl

...just adding one more Thai Restaurant to the list - Kalish in Ridgewood - actuallly the menu is Indian / Thai... jan

Very recent! The third week in June, my sister and her sister-in-law were still not sure of a location (NYC or NJ) so, the menu and room were agreed upon, the week of the 15th. The dinner was the 27th.

I was at Capitale, last night. My family rented the back room for a small gathering (22 people) arrival time was 8:00 PM - the main room of this former bank was slow to fill, by 10:30 or so, lively and by 12:30 still active. A 90 minute cocktail "hour" offered coconut chicken with a light garlic - asian dipping sauce, a toast topped with sliced beef and bleu cheese was delicate, balanced and delicious, the staff needs polishing, roaming a very large room, it was not hard to find a cluster of martini drinkers, yet it was difficult to sample the offerings. Bread offerings were outstanding : a chewy sourdough, a salty olive, and a crusty earthy whole wheat - As a first course, I had the prosciutto wrapped around lump crab, served over a pure of asparagus, with crisp, paper thin slices of wtermellon - colors and flavors worked. My husband had the salmon, with baby asparagus and I regeret I did not sample his before devouring mine! My main course was hake, broiled with baby thin string beans, the husband had steak - nothing different or unusual, fine cut, cooked to personal taste. Dessert was a triangle plate of vanilla homemade icecream, chocolate truffle and chocolate mousse - outstanding. Water options were flat or sparking, and I regeret not paying attention to the wine, but after 2 watermellon martini's and a very long day, I am almost sorry I began this absent minded recount... Bottom line, after cocktails, the service picked up. The food was not unique but presentation was noted, and texture and taste divine. The building is beautiful, the rooms large making accustics somewhat annoying. I can't comment on price, as our menus did not provide "numbers" for a small private party, it was a lovely event.

Tiny little place in Ridgewood, Pasta Y Pollo, wonderful calamari, chicken marsala, chicken francise - very very casual, warm staff - located on the "other side of the rail road tracks" Godwin Ave -

Passover for 20 at my Sister's, Easter (with a Passover friendly menu) at my place for 25.

The Swiss Pork Store in the Radburn section of Fair Lawn has a wonderful selection and so does, and karl Ehmer's in Hillsdale! On line, germandeli.com for great selection and service!

We tried to get to the Clam Box - lhowever, they were closed for the season...

Newburyport was beautiful and found several restaurants worth dreaming about but one in particular to share for anyone interested. Glenn's Restaurant and Cool Bar - 44 Merrimack St. Newburyport. Dinner began with a basket of warm dark pumpernickle and a sourdough bread with sweet butter presented soon after the wine book and cocktail order request - there is a full bar, and impressive wine list. First course - a New England clam chowder ($5.00)with buttery grilled corn and baccon, tender potato and a dash of black pepper made this creamy bowl a hit. My husband's choice, from the night's special, a ceasar salad ($6.50) with just enough pucker and zest. Main courses : Grilled Long Island Duck, crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, root vegetables ($22) sorry for the lack of details I was feasting ... Filet of Soul with pencil asparagus (grilled) a garlic potato mountain and pan fried spinach (22.00) - I wish I could tell you about dessert but there just was not room! Dinner for 2, with one drink each $70

Rosie, were you at our table? We were there last weekend, and with the exception of the sangria (we did only one pitcherof white ...uhh and one bottle of wine with dinner...) our meal was identical. This continues to be our favorite in Newark.

I am renting a house in Newburport (MA) for a week (last week in January) can anyone recommend outstanding restaurants, and a bakery! Thanks, Jan

I'm half way through the celebration - Christmas Eve mid day - I prepare a Chirstmas brunch for my husband's family - this year that was a pork roast in garlic, and herbs, onions and white wine served on a platter with cashew nut -herb stuffing, maple glazed carrots, potato pancakes with sour cream and homemade apple sauce ...dessert cookies & stollen. The evening emal (my family) all seafood - though this year, breaking Italian tradition I prepared a saffrom risotto and the seafood : Lobster, clams, mussels, crab, shrimp -my side dishes were a con sarde (served with italian garlic toast) a russian develed egg (sour cream instead of mayo) with anchovies, and thin slices of salmon... dessert Pecan pie (for dad) cannoli, and left over cookes from the brunch... this afternoon's open house (weather permitting) spiral ham, turkey breast cooked with black berries, orange juice, and a little margarita - platter of humus and seasoned grilled pita, platter of fresh mozerella, roasted peppers, roasted corn and assorted olives It sounds like alot the trick as "you all know" is organizing! This Sunday one more Christmas Celebration for family traveling in and I will do a schnitzel, spaetzel with wild mushrooms, and for dessert a persimmon pudding (bought the fruits for Christmas Eve meal but never made the time to make the pudding!)

I was there...easily 4 - 5 years ago- I stumbled on it while looking for an antique store (also came across Archie's!!!) and we have made plans to go back, it's just a hike from Bergen County and unfortunately just never made the time. So from memory -- this was not your average tex-mex burrito kind of place- I remember a pretty detailed menu - with a few tex options like fajitas - I remember great spices, assertive, reasonable prices ($8 - 18.00 entrees) - eager for your report!

Chef Central was matching other store's prices - does any one have knowledge that that is no longer their policy? You have to go in with proof - They do have higher prices - They have met Fortunoff's price (I had the catalog with me) and also another mail order catalog (drawing a blank on the name...)

The Kosher Nosh - Prospect Ave - Glen Rock - one breath from the Fair Lawn border (Saddle River Road turns into Prospect in Glen Rock - opposite Harolds Farm) has take out and seating - bagels, breads, spreads, full meals, half sandwhiches, and pickle bar - this is a small strip Mall with Bottle King at one end and the Nosh at the other! Great deli!

I can't help with a location but I know a great (travel) Minister (Unitarian) and a great Rabbi (traveling) both female who have done really impressive services! Best Wishes!

Me again - forgot to mention the bill - dinner for 5, one bottle of wine $158.12 including at 20% tip!!! (not bad eh?)

OK - here goes....we love Casa Vasca and although we had a fine experience, it is not a replacement - Bread (no charge and not as tasty as Casa's) arrived with water soon after being seated, along with a plate of multi black and very dark green olives (salty, oily and very wonderful)- an impressive wine list (book) was already on the table and offered a variety of affordable and worthy choices - no takers for Sangria at our table and I was on antibiotics...damn!) Appetizers: we ordered fried calamara (tender, hot, extra crunchy) delicious!) the platter was more then enough for the 5 of us - also...an order of sausage - again, a plate of bite size thick, tangy and very good - and alot of food, but not a complaint! The dinner : not so many options - in seafood (I head here first) one shrimp option, Casa Vasa always had the standard, anything in green sauce - not even an option here - nothing in green sauce... I ordered from the day's special and let me tell you, I dream of this dish... stuffed salmon - that's all the menu printed...what arrived was a platter, no a forest of broccoli framing 2 filet's of salmon stuffed with fresh crab (little filler) slightly spicy (I like spice but this was satisfying- more like a flirt with the tongue) a nice blend of saffrons - scattered between the broccoli were black salted olives and tossted to a corner were baby white potatos ( not even an interest when the table's platter of fried potato chips arrived - though these could have benefited from more frying for crispy-sake!) The husband shared (and we had the left overs for 2 nights!) the paella (one offering only) the clay "pot" arrived with 2 full lobsters, and an orgy of shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams - full, a tossing of rice (the rice, a marrge of saffrom and butter was served along side, making it available to those of us who should have been eating our potatos... Another part of this dining group ordered the Veal Chops, thick, tender, perfectly seasoned, saddled with its own offering of potatos - nice use of garlic and onions - and a good reason to order more bread for its natural brown sauce - The Other member of this group ordered the roasted pig.....Ok, I dream about two dishes.... this was a platter of crisp coated pork, just enough fat left on to be indulgent with out guilt - tender, and VERY salty (the american in me wanted to return to Syracuse where this dish would have been served with spple sauce, homemade of course!) We went though alot of water - alot!!!! and one bottle of wine (this was not a wine group!--how was I born into this family???) Desserts (the review had cautioned, not the strong point) I was ready, the offerings were nothing exciting - and with lots of food left over, again, we had no takers! The restaurant is "charming" when you enter to the left is the bar and a very informal family atmosphere, TV - lots of happy family type noise...the dining room, a little upsclae, soft lights, low music, display of wine and fruit, tables situated so you are not part of each other's conversation,. beautiful bar in the lower portion of the restaurant, clean restrooms downstairs (not wheel cheer access.) parking is a nightmare - we parked at the bank lot across the street (this was a Sunday!) Would I go back - knowing the menu, I would, would I leave Casa Vasa , never! The service is more genuine at Casa, more on top of the diner's needs- and I missed the soup though it was available ala carte --

We have early reservations for tomorrow (Sunday) evening. Has any one been? We usually go to Casa Vasca but came across a review and was intrigued. have I made a mistake?... :

My husband and I were there a year ago - we arrived w/out reservations on a Friday for lunch (Nov.) on route to Cape Ann - and had a short wait that was well worth it. Not a large place, minimum furniture, little art, and a full wall length kitchen to watch and be watched! I had a fish of the day (drawing a blank on more details) but remember a beautiful presentation, and sensational flavors! (firery!) My husband reminds me, he had a pork dish with an array of fresh veggies and fruits. Service was professional and cost appropriate for good food and service -

We're regular's at Joel's -- In part because it is close to home and Joel will whip up any desire, and in part because he has regular menu options that we just crave. Joel is clossed on Mondays and m-f has a lunch menu that always differs from his dinners. Lunch soups are always large offerings, as stated all of his orders arrive on oversize plates - My favorite lunch salad is his Psychdellic Chicken Salad - his version of a chineese/ asian salad served with a crisp fruity dressing - the colors give the dish its name. His stir fry (also lunch) are fresh, his seasonings linger, his tea options always differs. The customers who linger at lunch often get samples of coming attractions - Joel is not shy about saying "taste this". Dinner draws a crowd, and just a reminder this is a B&B - a list of specials greets each table along with a basket of veggies, and bread and a sweet poppyseed dipping sauce. I am drawn to his fish - any of his fish - he plays with nuts, seasonings, his pasta options are fresh and his first course offering of mussles are worthy of a main course listing. Desserts are brought in from a local woman who bakes them in her home, and are always different. on a slow night, or late in the night- Joel has been known to take to his guitar (not a hi-lite of the dining experience). Joel tells the story of returning to NJ after his dad's death - he had a restaurant in Malibu and the entrace is full of photos from the old place and the many celebs who frequented the Malibu place... prices average $14-29 p/ entree - Worth a car ride despite the hassle of parking in town .

B & W Bakery is where dreams are made! This is an old time, German bakery - Blackforest case stands proudly in the ice box section made with fresh whipped cream and european chocolate cake. Known for their cheese twist, a yeasty, well textured dough serving as ribbons for a soft slightly sweetened butter encrusted cream cheese loaf -and their butter crumb, cinnamon scented crumb cake --- amazing assortment of cookes, and cakes, all baked in the European style, sugar used as an accent or flavor, not a primary ingredient. B&B is across the Target parking lot (opposite Pasta Pot) on Main Street opposite Gilda's Club. hmmm they are closed on Mondays!

La Posada is closed for vacation so we took refuge from the lightening storm at Pasta Pot--not the best of choices - we were seated promptly and delivered a basket of warm bread with a delicious crust however, wonderbread texture -- Entrees were ordered from the night's special(s) - a cappellini (overcooked) with plump, fresh, cooked to perfection shrimp - in a week , non descript red sauce - I had the grilled swordfish - served to perfection, tender, tasty and looking rather lonely on an oversized plate (a potato, rice or an offer to order a side dish would have been appreciated!) - salad arrived slightly before the main course -- a thin, bland, warm, wilted w/bleu cheese cluster of greens - our mistake for not ordering an appetizer -- We enjoyed the "old" Capri Mia - the service was friendly as usual, though not professional - we waited out the storm, not on purpose but because our server lost track of us -- or was involved in a very loud argument in the kitchen , clearly heard thoughout one side of a well maintained restaurant... by then we were tired and had coffee, tea or dessert been offered , probably would have said no... Stopped at the B&W bakery just as they were closing and that made night!

Also in Ridgewood: Secrets of Suzanne (not much offerings ), Pasta Y Pollo opposite Fresh Fields, Mac Murphy's, The Office, Smith Brothers, then there is CafeAmici (actually an Irish place) in Little Ferry and of course, Johnny & Hanges (Fair Lawn) and...the Mexican place in Oradel...any one???

Hmm, I posted Namaskaar was open on Mondays...but Nick you did give better directions then I would!!! I forgot to mention Marcello's in Ridgewood (one of the few places in town open on a Monday Eve!) Jan

Namaskaar (paramus)