agent orange

I find that everything on the menu there seems like a list of things all put on a plate. Like things that anyone that opened a French restaraunt would put together. Not that that is bad, it just is standard. I have to agree here with Mr.Pete Ganz, that if you want real traditional French food at a cheaper price American Fare has that. Yet, there are also those dishes that are straight from Tuscanny or England or pick a continent. There is just something about international cuisine that is considered comfort food in each of those countries blowing me away. Not to disagree with you Rosie, but American Fare is just as good and better in some ways. Have you ever been there? I already think that we will disagree because I feel that Carmalita's is possibly the worst Mexican food I've ever had. Everything seems to come out of a can. I mean, why would you buy canned jalapenos at a Mexican restaraunt? I guess that's why he's going out of business as well as a lot of other places in Maplewood.\ cheers

Hands down for me it's American Fare in Maplewood. Their french fries make me wish they were open at 2 a.m.

Johnny and hanges, the hot grill and hanks franks the holy trilogy of weiners. two away two,frenchy wet and an iced tea

Hello Rosie. Thanks for the warm welcome, excited to be here. As far as your questions go I have the following to say... Cafe Arugula is an old haunt of mine that I won't really go back to anymore. I believe the chef died last year and the people that took over (chef's son?) have attempted to keep the same menu and it just isn't working. I used to love their balsamic chicken as an affordable and filling dinner. Went back a couple of times after the unfortunate news and found everything I ordered to be all wrong. Even the service has seemed to suffered. As far as Haru, I have never have had a bad time there. Been there maybe ten times. I have to admit that a $ 20 all you can eat is a nice reason to go. The sushi is decent and the people there are friendly. I really enjoy the tea. If you are looking for really nice sushi in the area, even though it is more expensive than Haru, the sushi place that took over the spot across from rite aid on south orange ave is very nice. but. be warned, they do play celien dion a lot. Going back to American Fare though tonight...let you know about it later.

Had a great experience at American Fare over the weekend. Hadn't been there in quite awhile and really feel that we'll be going in more often (went with my wife ) It is a small place, I think we counted 11 tables, but it makes for a cozy atmosphere. The waitress took our coats and we sat down at a table for two. There was much to choose from on the menu and the waiter and waitress that work there answered the few questions that we had with accurate details about the dishes. I started with the charcuterie tasting plate and my wife had the beet and apple salad. The tasting plate was just wonderful and the marinated goat cheese on the beet and apple salad fit the dish perfectly (I stole a bite, I mean come on, goat cheese). Next time we go I'm going to have to get an appetizer and a salad. For dinner my wife had scallops with a lemon risotto and I had the venison. The roasted chesnuts and the pepper sausce made the dish one that I shan't forget soon. For dessert we had a tough time saying no to the fondue the waiter told us about, but I just can't turn down a red wine poached pear with a roquefort parfait to boot. my wife had the creme brulle and a blueberry tea that was just yummy. I find myself looking at their website( http://home.earthlink.net/~americanfare/ )every other day now to see what they're up to over there. We live in south orange and between here and maplewood there really isn't any other place like it. the prices are right, the food is amazing, and the service is attentive. I'm sure we'll be back for either the tasting menu or the brunch this weekend. cheers