ELA
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Went last night. Final Answer? Very good!!!
OK -- small place, very small, BYO. Luckily, we got a table for 4, in the corner, although we were 2 -- this is my new favorite table, LOL. The place has 10 tables, maybe 12 (didn't count). If we were a party of 4, it would have been a bit tight.
We started out and got the Tuna Taco and the Firecracker Shrimp -- both very good, and very spicy. The Firecracker Shrimp has a light/tangy, hot sauce. Not a candy type sauce or a buffalo wing -- but a distant relative. It was not BBQ flavor though, but it was spicy. The Tuna Taco is better than very good. A real creative dish -- chopped tuna (high quality), along with some scallion or some garnish (maybe), with a touch of lime juice (I think) and maybe cilantro. It's prepared inside of a thick (fried) "shell," but not a tortilla taco shell. It was like tuna/seafood salad or ceviche inside a nice, thich crispy shell. Whatever it was -- it was excellent. This dish was also spicy. I also had a calamari salad w/ thai spicy dressing/sauce -- again, spicy, again very good.
Then came the sushi -- a few rolls off the "special roll" list. One was called the Black Dragon Roll, which had shrimp tempura, cucumber, with eel and avocado on top. This was a good roll. At first, it didn't raise any eyebrows, but the more I had, the more I liked it. Another was the Ahi Tuna roll -- shrimp tempura, some spicy sauce with tuna and avocado. This was very good. We had the Final 4 and the Montauk roll as well -- both were very good. The fish seemed very fresh, and high quality (wasn't fatty, had very good texture, consistancy, etc.). Dinner for two (with leftovers, LOL) was just about $95, not including tip.
The service was good. Overall, I liked it very much. Definetly a place for me to go. It's a bit more upscale than Sono, not quite as much as Nagoya. Bottm line -- I will certainly go back. Very nice place.
Eric
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The cost-cutting is explained in The Record's review, but I'd characterize it as justified.
Short version: The building's ownership abruptly changed a year ago, ultimately resulting in a big spike in the rent. Tremble chose to chose to adjust and cut the payroll rather than move out.
So Jack Mistretta, the executive chef, was replaced by Adam Weiss, the pastry chef. (Jack now goes by Giacomo and is executive chef at Napa Valley Grille in Paramus.)
Dining manager Larry Dunlap was replaced by Tremble himself. (I think Dunlap is now at the River Palm Terrace in Fair Lawn.)
Sounds good. I didn't catch the story in the Record (I come here for that info, LOL). Yes, sounds justified -- very justified vis a vis the alternatives. Rent is often a major problem for restaurants, and they can be a victim to it. I've always told my restaurant owner clients -- buy the building!!! Sure, it appears that it's "easier said than done" -- but in reality it's not; not with proper planning.
I've been to the Fair Lawn location of the River Palm many times, actually many times in the last few weeks, LOL. An excellent spot for lunch.
Eric
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I didn't get the impression that Lanci's is closing because it is not doing well. My impression was that John Lanci simply wants to do other things at this point in his life.
Glad to hear -- and good for him. That's a great thing.
Eric
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Pepper's Deli has reopened. I believe a cousin of the previous owner now runs it.
According to the article in the Saratogian about Lanci's Ristorante closing, the Lanci's themselves will launch a new venture in leading food and wine tours to Italy, most specifically to the region of Le Marche, little known to most tourists in terms of place and food. It promises to be an "insider" tour introducing the participants to places that otherwise would not be known, discerned or available to the usual tourist. I'm waiting to hear more details, but seems a little intriguing, as I'm not usually a "tour" person. I recently read Franco Romagnoli's "Italy, the Romagnoli Way" and it certainly presents an off the beaten path, less travelled, more interesting, more local approach to travel in Italy.
Interesting. Like I said, Lanci's always did well during the racing season. I don't how the place did economically, but they were always busy. Personally, I think this is a loss for Saratoga dining.
I didn't know Pepper's was closed. Are they closed throughout the year? Seasonally? Anyway, don't get me wrong -- I really like the place. Their breakfast sandwiches are super, and some of their wraps are great. The service wasn't the greatest, and sometimes you feel uncomfortable asking questions, requesting a substitute, etc., but it's a very good local deli to go to. The other thing is that sometimes, I've gone in there and even though there is nobody else in there, or someone else has already ordered -- I've had to wait to just put in my order. I understand waiting before they start it or something of the like, but to wait to have to just put in my order? Seemed a bit odd. Don't get me wrong -- I'll always go back if the menu hasn't changed, LOL.
Thanks.
Eric
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Esty Street -- yes. I haven't been in years but if nothing has changed, top notch. Excellent choice.
The people have changed -- the chef and maitre d' of a year ago were let go in a [justified] cost-cutting move -- but the quality remains. Adam Weiss, formerly the pastry chef, has a good command of the kitchen, and owner Scott Tremble, pulling double duty as a host, makes you feel welcome.
Good to know. I remember Scott I think. A mutual friend introduced us several years ago.
I never understood the "cost cutting" move as it relates to a chef. That's like your key guy/gal -- your quarterback. You build a team around your chef.
Don't get me wrong, I don't know their business, economics, etc. -- but we've all seen places die when a chef leaves. Of course, that's no reflection on the replacement, but in this case it sounds like they are doing well.
Another place I really want to get back to, LOL.
Eric
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Let me know what you think of HoHoKus Sushi Cafe.
I think the sushi restaurant in Ridgewood that you are referring to is Sakura Bana. It has been in Ridgewood for many years and recently closed for renovations. They are now back open and I haven't tried it since. I have heard mixed reviews about it.
PS At HoHoKus Sushi Cafe, try the tuna taco and the firecracker shrimp.
Will do, and thanks for the recommendations.
Yes, that's the place, Sakura Bana. I haven't heard great things about it since the re-opening, especially in relation to what I used to hear.
Thanks again.
Eric
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I'll have to try Sono. Thanks for the rec. Regarding Ridgewood, I have recently been to Kumo, Gen, and Wild Ginger. Gen was by far the better of the three places. Though I still like HoHoKus Sushi Cafe much better. I didn't like Kumo at all - the fish didn't taste fresh and the rolls were made using minced fish instead of chunks, which I do not care for.
Allot of my sushi-loving friends like Nagoya - I've been there - They have lots of alternatives for the non-sushi lover too.
Great -- please post and let us know what you think of Sono. I am surprised more people haven't tried this place. It's a bit hidden and you'll see what I mean when you get there. You park and enter the restaurant from the back, so the front that faces Franklin Tpk. really doesn't get exposure. It's one of those "odd" smaller strip malls. None of the stores in there (I think they are down to two or three) are getting high foot traffic.
Anyway, I am going to Sushi Cafe this weekend -- thanks for the recommendation. There was one in Rdigewood which people said used to be very good, and either the place closed, renovated, or there was a fire -- something -- and now they aren't as good. I forgot which one.
Thanks again.
Eric
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If you're looking for something a little more refined up that way, let me add these two to the list:
|| Pourquoi Pas?, an oft-overlooked French bistro in Westwood -- pretty much the only one of its kind in that immediate area.
|| Esty Street in Park Ridge, whose food I'd put in the same league as the Saddle River Inn and Cafe Panache. (The Record's recent review is here.)
Also, the Cornerstone in Hillsdale is a decent place to grab a beer, order a greasy sandwich with fries, and watch a ballgame. They used to keep a sushi chef in-house (from Flirt in Allendale) but no longer.
Esty Street -- yes. I haven't been in years but if nothing has changed, top notch. Excellent choice.
Eric
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Flirt is all about the scene. In my opinion, the food is secondary. They were allot better when they first opened. It is allot of fun, great music and atmosphere and byo at Allendale. Another location in Suffern went in where Wicky Lounge was and serves alcohol.
We have been going to HoHoKus Sushi Cafe for the last year or so. Small place, traditional decor. They have this amazing tuna taco on their special menu that is something like a ceviche. Their fish is extremely fresh.
Sounds good (Sushi Cafe) -- I'll certainly try it. I would definetly recommend Sono. Try it. Remember, BYO. Family owned and run -- dad is the sushi chef, mom is plays the role of the manager, and the daughter is the waitress. I've seen the son around as well. The fish is fresh, and he has some interesting things on the menu. For example, they have a small section on the sushi menu with rolls made without rice. They also have some special rolls, appetizers, etc. There are some nice tuna appetizers (tuna tatake and peppered tuna) as well as a few nice salads (Sono salad and a spicy kani salad).
I thought I saw booze on the menu at Flirt. Guess I was wrong about that.
What about some of the places in Ridgewood -- are you familiar with any of those? Have you been to Nagoya?
Thanks again.
Eric
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Today a new Japanese Restaurant opened at 371 Franklin Avenue, Wyckoff. I received the menu as a mailer. Standard fare with some interesting special rolls. The owners of the restaurant also own Sakura in Millburn.
How's the one in Millburn? Any reputation? There is not a lot in this immediate area vis a vis sushi. Sono (Franklin Tpk., in Mahwah) is very good. A small, quiet, unknown place -- but very good. Someone said that Tomo has closed, and even though they were inside of a HoJo, it was also good. I haven't been to any of the places in Ridgewood recently, but I will be trying a few in the coming weeks.
I am also looking forward to trying Flirt.
Thanks again for the heads up.
Eric
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Brunch is my favorite meal. When else is it socially acceptable to drink before noon and have a chocolatey dessert after your eggs and bacon? It *should* be acceptable every day, but alas, we live in a cruel, Puritanical world.
I had a great idea for a brunch dish the other day. For staff meal at the restaurant where I work, they made us grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches on challah bread with some kind of butter/brown sugar mixture slathered on the bread before it went into the press-grill thingy. Yeah, they spoil us sometimes. Anyway, I think a fancier version of that sandwich served with thick-cut bacon and maybe really cold, thinly sliced pineapple would be a fantastic brunch dish.
Whoa -- cool dish!!! Yes, my favorite meal as well. I often wondered why we can't get a Saturday brunch thing going. I've tried -- I was the trendsetter who started this movement!!! LOL.
That sounds like a killer dish there. Thick cut bacon? Oh, my mouth is watering.
Eric
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Also, on Kinderkamack (in Park Ridge) -- The Park Steakhouse. While, I don't rank it up there with The Assembly or The River Palm, it's a nice steakhouse.
You move from Englewood and you lose some excellent steakhouses, LOL.
Eric
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I just moved a few weeks ago from Englewood Cliffs to River Vale.
Looking for recommendations in River Vale, Westwood & other neighboring areas.
Here are a few I have been to:
Jacks Cafe - love it
Backwoods - love it
Iron Horse - good staple
Daniel - love it
Any other recs?
Thanks
You are in a great area. Yes, the Iron Horse is a good staple, very good. If you are looking for great burgers, another spot, just down the road -- try Davey's Locker (Kinderkamack, in Montvale). Go there, you won't be disappointed. They have a new website. A bit futher up the road, virtually on the border of Montvale and NY (Pearl River) is The Porter House. Yes, I know, they are both Irish pub/themes. Davey's is an Irish pub that has recently undergone a major renovation. The Porter House is a nice restaurant, with an Irish Pub bar area -- please note, you can smoke at the bar and people do! Go there on a night when I am there and I can assure you of at least one cigar smoker, LOL.
There's a place in Westwood that I have enjoyed very much, every single time -- Baci (Jefferson). It's been super. Excellent food, service, incredible flavors, nice bar area, and the bartender who has been there when I've been there makes a killer martini.
There is also Granita Grille (BYOB), right there in downtown Westwood (almost next door to It's Greek To Me). I like this place very much as well. More toward to the basic, quality, etc. Italian restaurant. I've enjoyed the food every time I've gone. Many people complain that there is nothing but "red sauce" joints around Northern NJ. I think like anything, it's in the eye, or mouth, of the beholder. Baci is excellent, and Granita Grille is very good.
Enjoy!!!
Eric
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We offer a weekly Sunday Brunch and Theater show at my restaurant.
The buffet has 120 items and changes every 10 weeks when the show changes.
Cold items include; fruits, veggies, potato salad, a coleslaw, a pasta salad or two, cold peel and eat shrimp, oysters, seafood salad, sushi, sashimi, caviar, cottage cheese, etc.
Hot items include: At least 2 kinds of potatoes, bacon, sausages, scrambled eggs, eggs benny, salmon, french toast, dim sum, etc. with a hip of roast beef carved at a carving station.
Then there is a huge assortment of desserts; cheese, crackers, fruits, tarts, cheesecakes, chocolate cakes, florentine cookies, etc.
So... basically it's a hodgepodge of food that tries to cater to everyone with no real coherent theme. It's set up to feed 450 people at once, so there are no fun omelette stations or anything made to order like that.
What? No omelette stations??? Well, forget the whole thing then. LOL. Just kidding. Sounds like a nice brunch. Wouldn't the overall theme be "brunch" so to speak? I mean you have a nice variety there, some interesting items that you don't always find on a traditional brunch -- sushi, sashimi, dim sum.
Eric
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One of my apprentices, way back 18 years ago, now an exceutive chef, called me and we got to talking about among other things, buffet brunches served at her hotel. Does any of you still serve buffet brunch at your establishment? What is the current trend, if there is such a thing? Are the classical wellingtons and coulibiacs still being served? Any suggestions on how to make an exciting, cost effective buffet brunch that's uptodate with the younger crowd?
I've always thought brunch could be a very fun, special, and exciting meal. The combination of foods, families, styles, etc -- breakfast, lunch, desserts, you name it! LOL. I've also found that sometimes it's a "lost art" so to speak.
I am looking forward to some of the comments on this thread -- thanks.
Eric
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This story defines DZ's places to me. I'm not surprised if it continued that way since being sold.
I don't know him at all. I met him once in the place at the end of Broadway. A few years ago I saw him working the room at Chianti (the old location of course), and I saw him a Mare a few times. Apparently he's become very well known though. What's the new Chianti like? My wife always liked the old one, so now that it's in our building, I'm afraid she'll want to eat there every night, LOL.
Anyway, sometimes, you get those places that struggle between a club/lounge and a restaurant. They have an "identity crisis" so to speak. Or, it's on purpose. Hey, I am not an industry expert so I am not throwing stones. I think very often when you see places that truly lead with the club/lounge thing, or they get to that point, the food, restaurant, chef, etc. never really get to grow, mature, progress, strut their stuff, and so on. Sometimes, the restaurant becomes, almost, an afterthought.
So, did the people sell it or find a management partner (like they were looking for)? I think the asking price was $550k -- and that was in the article. No other details. I don't know enough about downtown Saratoga, year-round, to speak to anything about the economics.
Peppers Deli was for sale at one time as well.
Eric
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I really like this place. This is the obvious one -- that if they moved to a larger space (slightly larger, still keeping everything "under control") they'd do great! I know, I know -- easier said than done, and not always true.
I don't know how they do year-round, but during the summer they are packed every night.
Eric
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I believe Mare has been sold twice; not sure of its present incarnation. Unlikely Paradiso will open but Villa Balsamo probably will. Definitely Max London's. Today's Saratogian has an article stating that a "popular restaurant" will be opening in the condominium portion of the new Hampton Inn hotel on lower Lake Ave. Who knows? Probably a chain. Don't forget Hattie's. They are working furiously on a rebirth of Limoncello in the old KFC/Indian restaurant location on Route 50. Never went to the old Broadway location, so I can't comment on it.
Hmmm, sold twice? So, DZ sells the restaurant, I remember hearing about it, reading about the people who bought it, etc. Actually, last summer, someone I knew had a party there and I met one of the owners. I don't remember the guys name. Recently, I heard (and read) that the place was up for sale, but at the same time they were looking for a "strategic partner" who would take over management (I think). The article was in one of the local papers, maybe the Saratogian.
The place is certainly nice -- very chic, unique, kind of that "South Beach" think going on a bit. Outside, the couches, tables, bed/cabana-type set up is cool, as long as the weather cooperates. The upstairs veranda is nice too. The club in the back, the one time I went in -- I couldn't breathe. I am telling you the place was like a sauna. Unbearable, and it wasn't because it was crowded. The upstairs "apartment" 3rd floor -- very nice.
However, the food -- was more show than go. Four of us went there to eat. We were rushed by the waiter right from the get-go. He was standing there waiting for us to sit down and tried to take drink orders before we even sat down. We order drinks, and he's right back (without drinks) asking us if we've looked at the menu and wanting to tell us about the specials. Note -- First, I didn't expect the drinks as it was far too quick, and that tells you how quickly he came back, and secondand, all 4 of us still had the menu's closed on the table. After telling him twice we weren't ready to order, it just started getting uncomfortable.
Anyway -- nice presentation, small portions, food (overall) somewhat bland, and service I already addressed.
I don't know the overhead, economics, costs, etc. -- but a place like this should be able to do super! A split personality -- a very nice restaurant, and then a very nice club.
So, for those of you who know the area . . . why not? What's going on here?
Thanks.
Eric
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Heard some rumors . . . anyone else here anything? Nice location, environment, and an exceptional downstairs. I know the economy is not in good shape, people are concerned, etc. -- however, Englewood is a very good location, above average on many levels (including rent, LOL).
I was thinking about talking to a friend of mine who was on again/off again contemplating a Northern NJ location (he's a NY restaurant owner). We had looked at it several years ago and did a great deal of due diligence -- in the end, he decided to go with another place in NY.
So, anything going on? Thanks.
Eric
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Fans of Lanci's should make a point of getting there as much as possible this summer s they will be closing after the season.
Why? What's the story? Thanks.
Eric
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For those who go to the Saratoga Saturday morning Farmers market (and I suggest that you do), keep an eye out for Rocco Verrigni, who is making food for sale on the patio of the Mouzon House restaurant. Rocco, the Vice President of our Slow Food convivium, happens to be a friend of mine, is a chef instructor in culinary services at Schenectady Community College and a very talented cook. This past Saturday he was selling amazing porchetta sandwiches. I bought one. At $8 with cole slaw it was a bargain. He used pork shoulder from Lewis-Waite Farm. This was the best sandwich that I have had in some time. He will also be running a food service at the racetrack this summer. I will post more details as I know them.
Very interesting. A friend of mine had a bad experience at Mouzon House. I was surprised as were several mutual friends.
I've never gone to the Farmers Market. DO they have the market every Saturday, and during the entire racing season?
So, will your friend will have a concession stand at the track this year? Does he know how this will play out? I've heard about this. NYRA has a press conference every year to announce some of the new and exciting things that will take place during the upcoming meet. One of the announcements this year was that some of the local top restaurants would have signature dishes available at the track. I have a list somewhere and I'll try to find it. Thanks again.
Eric
He is independent of Mouzon House, but located there. His food at the farmers Market is his own. He will, however, be cooking at the Track for one of the restaurants mentioned above, running their show at the track. I think its One Caroline, but am not positive.
The FM is every Saturday from 9AM to about 1PM. Of course the best selection is early, but you can find good quality food well into it. That market along with the Troy FM is the best in the region with some truly excellent produce, dairy and meat. It extends into the fall and also takes place on Wednesday afternoons at 3PM. Many of the vendors are the same though not all.
Sounds great. I don't have a lot of experience with Farmers Markets, but I'll definetly go.
The new racetrack deal sounds great too -- I posted the info I found and I am looking forward to trying some of the food. With the exception of Mouzon House, I've been (many times) to all of the other places and I like them all. One Caroline is one of my favorites -- top notch all the time. Brindisi's seems to get mixed reviews, but I've always liked it. Hattie's is a classic Saratoga place, and I like the bar outside in the back. Panza's is good too, although I don't get there a lot -- Lanci's has been my go-to Italian place in the last few years. Grey Gelding is good too, although one time I ordered a peppercorn (crusted maybe) steak and it was almost inedible -- the peppercorn was so overwhelming. It was an one time, isolated incident. Every other time, everything else -- always good, and I go back often.
Yeah, I am so looking forward to this year at "The Spa"
Eric
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Unfortunately, I never made it to Crave while LoPinto was there. I had heard so many good things about him but just never got a chance to go. Then, I started hearing the reviews which seemed to be hit, miss, so-so, etc. and perhaps human nature kicked in and I lost a bit of the motivation.
Not having been there, I could only go on people who I spoke with, and respect, and who are in the business. Sometimes "you just don't know what you don't know" -- so perhaps the real motivation, direction, of the place and management will never be known. However, if a place is going for a "club" or "lounge" type environment, a talented chef (which I've heard this guy really is -- another chef told me he's a "real deal" guy) might not get the chance to shine, flex his creative muscle, talent, whatever you want to call it.
Also, the last couple of places here -- trouble with the liquor license? I don't know if that's coincidence, but if you stumble out of the gate, sometimes restaurants don't recover from that. A talented chef with a track record will never have a problem with "quality" investors.
I will certainly get to Chef LoPinto's next place -- and I'll get there early on.
Eric
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An excerpt from The Blood Horse
http://www.bloodhorse.com/article/45848/ne...-things-spa.htm
"... among the new perks awaiting fans is the participation of six local restaurants--Hattie’s, Brindisi’s, Grey Gelding, Panza’s, 1 Caroline Street Bistro, and Mouzon House—each of which will serve specialty house items at the track throughout the meet."
Sound great.
Eric
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For those who go to the Saratoga Saturday morning Farmers market (and I suggest that you do), keep an eye out for Rocco Verrigni, who is making food for sale on the patio of the Mouzon House restaurant. Rocco, the Vice President of our Slow Food convivium, happens to be a friend of mine, is a chef instructor in culinary services at Schenectady Community College and a very talented cook. This past Saturday he was selling amazing porchetta sandwiches. I bought one. At $8 with cole slaw it was a bargain. He used pork shoulder from Lewis-Waite Farm. This was the best sandwich that I have had in some time. He will also be running a food service at the racetrack this summer. I will post more details as I know them.
Very interesting. A friend of mine had a bad experience at Mouzon House. I was surprised as were several mutual friends.
I've never gone to the Farmers Market. DO they have the market every Saturday, and during the entire racing season?
So, will your friend will have a concession stand at the track this year? Does he know how this will play out? I've heard about this. NYRA has a press conference every year to announce some of the new and exciting things that will take place during the upcoming meet. One of the announcements this year was that some of the local top restaurants would have signature dishes available at the track. I have a list somewhere and I'll try to find it. Thanks again.
Eric
Sakura Japanese Restaurant
in New Jersey: Dining
Posted
Started a new thread/topc -- thank you for the recommendation. Very good.
Eric