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Earler today I passed the Shubox - Rt 23 in Cedar Grove - which triggered a memory! I was last there in February - wonderful homemade pies, icecreams, unusual combinations of fruit and alcohol that all worked...

Van Dykes is still there, though it changed owners a few years back, even became a Welsh Farms, there is a sign outside stating "homemade Ice Again!" and the local paper did a piece about a "new" owner last year - but it's been about 2 years since I have been there.

There's a little place in Ridgewood called Cafe Mille Luci - it is on Maple Ave just north of the Ridgewood Ave intersection - they serve italian sodas, coffee, tea and an assortment of cookies, torte and italian cakes (limited pastry) - there are a few tables in side and several on the sidewalk . parking is an issue but across the street, pardon the pun, but, on down time, parking is available, across the street at the funneral home...

Just one more voice for Park and Orchard --of course you can't take the wine with you, but you can sit at the bar while the take out is being prepared!!! You're doing a good thing!

Today's food agenda included a quick stop (after taking a friend to Ikea) - with the intention of going to the Rain Forest Cafe (with an explanation far too long to print -and not really an interesting story) at Kahunaville -- surprising and wonderful- from attentive and professional youthful staff to outstanding orders of: Thai Dancing Shrimp - a fresh coconut tempura shrimp served with basmati rice, a wonderful fresh vegetable stiry fry with a ginger dipping sauce - we also had, outstanding crab cakes served with spicy fries, again fresh vegetables and a macadamian butter --I'm in no hurry to go back to Ikea or Jersey Gardens (home of Kahunaville) but would love a new locaiton for this chef!

We stayed local- took friends to Joel's in Ridgewood !

Here are 2 more options: low key, inexpensive and like walking into Mama's kitchen best describes the experience: In Ridgewood: pasta y pollo (Godwin Ave./the other side of the Rail Road Tracks!) and in North Haledon (and i sure hope it is still there --I've not been back since before the holidays) Tip of the Boot!

Great topic! May I add one more point - I've been to Xavier's, it's not that far from Bergen, and the food along with service is fine, but damn, with all the restaurants we have in Bergen (and Passaic, Essex, Hudson etc...) how many times do we have to read a review of the same place! The Record has already been here, done this...next!

Service is wonderful, professional and genuine, they have a regular following with a professional older group (age 70's) and they will rave about the food. I have enjoyed the appetizers, a fine assortment of italian specialties, wonderful fresh peppers, cheeses - here is my hesitation - I became so ill one night after ordering a shrip dish, the same night my sister became ill and she had an eggplant/pasta dish - we were a group of 6 and the only 2 to become ill. They have a wonderful selection of pasta dishes and will do half orders -- and if by chance you are not pleased, you can always go across the street to Johnny and Hanges for the best Chili dogs!!!

Jason, I've been to The Restaurant (Hackensack) few times -- it's OK, nice bar & piano music, however, they do have a nice brunch -- on the order of South City Grill (rt 17 s. Rochelle Park - before Essext St) not outragious choices, limited but quality. Also in Hackensack is Capri Mia - you really have to look for it even though it is on Hackensack Ave (River St) - professional/friendly service, pretty traditional though every now and then the chef breaks out something original - fresh seafood -- In Little Ferry, Cafe Amifi (Main Street - just off Rt 46) is like a secret hideaway, large coffee bar, amazing homemade desserts & icecream concotions, and despite the name, this "irish" restaurant makes outstanding traditional dishes such as potpies...it's like a scene from the TV show Friends, a cozy fireplace, a sofa, big fluffy chairs --