ELA

I wasn't intimately familiar with the ownership/management. When was the place sold? Were there are major, noticable changes? I wasn't immersed in the B&B aspect so I wasn't sure of the impact, changes, etc. Thanks for the info. Eric ← The Inn was sold about three years ago. The owners are nice enough, but don't live on the premises so far as I understand. I particularly meshed with the style of the Taylors such that they became and still are good friends. Chefs have continued to come and go. I'm sure that it is still good, but it lost that element that made it personal and special for me. My tastes have also changed a little bit over time. Back in the heydey of FLI in the 90's I was more into wine (their particular forte) than food. My interests have reversed since then. Of course, both are important, just their relative importance has changed for me. Then I would get food to go with my wine. Now I get wine to go with my food. ← Got it. Thank you for the background info. Eric

I wasn't intimately familiar with the ownership/management. When was the place sold? Were there are major, noticable changes? I wasn't immersed in the B&B aspect so I wasn't sure of the impact, changes, etc. Thanks for the info. Eric

Eric, thank you for the post. As I said in my previous post, this matter had to do completely with your business, and, as a fellow business owner I can certainly understand your hesitancy and delay in posting, commenting, etc. Be that as it may, as I also said -- personally, I felt you had absolutely no obligation to comment/post, nor did you "owe" anyone anything with regard to that. With that being said, the "consumer" occasionally feels they are "owed" an explanation or just simply feel a comment is appropriate. You certainly stepped up to the plate, and I commend you for that. I would like to personally wish you the best of luck and all great success in your future endeavors. And, if you are looking to open a hotdog "joint" -- let me know! LOL. Eric

I haven't been to the Trillium in years, since pre-closure/renovation. However, each and every time I've been there -- TOP NOTCH in every single respect. The new concept is interesting although I am not familiar with it at all. Regardless, I will make reservations there for sometime during the meet. Another one to consider -- Friends Lake Inn. Eric

Twice? Hmmm. Too bad about Paradiso. I am looking forward to Max London's. I like Hattie's as well -- I also stop by once and a while to see what's going on out back. Occasionally, during the meet, there's a lively crowd of "racetrackers". I wasn't a huge fan of Limoncello. The food was so so, nothing special in my mind. There were 4 of us and everyone tried each others, and not one of us were thrilled. Aside from that -- the sound and accoustics were not very good, and several times, people almost slipped on the "tile" type floor. I got similar comments from other people as well. Thanks. Eric

So, we have a bad experience, a sincere apology, an acceptance -- and now it's time to move on. How about a "group hug" -- LOL. I am very much looking forward to going to the Bound Brook location. Eric

OK, Part 2 -- I will tell you that Lanci's is excellent. I've eaten there many times and each and every time it's been great. Very small place, maybe 8 to 10 table depending on how they are arranged, family owned and operated -- excellent service, excellent food, excellent flavor. Go. Try it! I am looking forward to trying Prime. I don't know about the one in Albany, but postive comments are a very good place to start. I was kind of hoping that Shula's would be opened, but that won't be until the end of 2008. Questions -- will Paradiso be opened this year, or will it be Villa Balsamo? Has a new restaurant opened in any of the hotels? There was talk of the Courtyard Marriott getting a place, and/or the hotel at the end of Excelsior. Did Mare get sold? They were either going to sell or look for a "strategic partner" who would be the "management partner". I read this story in one of the local papers. Siro's of course is a zoo during racing season -- every day. However, I think they might be opened now. I remember reading that this year they were going to open during the non-racing season. Check it out. I think my usual staple "dont' feel like really going out places" will be the same -- OBI, Winslow's, Stadium, and a few others. Thanks. Eric

Good to hear on Max London's. It wasn't open last year for the racing season, right? I kind of remember looking forward to it. Sounds very nice. Beekman Street Bistro is very good IMO. I enjoyed it each time I went last year -- and the Scotish Egg, which I haven't seen on another menu since then. Springwater Bistro is absolutely excellent. I would rank it as my # 1 restaurant. If I wasn't looking for fine dining per se, One Caroline is one of my favorites. I am interested to see Chianti in the new location, which is practically in my backyard (it's in the new building behind me). I think part of the appeal was that they could turn it into something new -- like Chianti on steroids, LOL. Maybe, since Mare was sold, a place that is also a nightspot was desired. I don't know. The place has always had it's followers, but parking was a problem and a small bar area as well. I would think the new spot solves both of those issues. I've heard mixed reviews on Mouzon House. I actually didn't get there last summer, but a friend of mine did. I was scheduled to go and was looking forward to it, but after the report I got (and it was on a weekend), I passed and went elsewhere. More to come, but I've got to run. Happy Father's Day to all. Eric

So, I hope I am not the only one interested in the Saratoga Springs happenings. I got up there a few times over the fall/winter/spring -- and was very busy so I didn't have to to "check things out" as much as I do during the racing season. So what's new? Is Brindisi's back open, up and running? What about Chianti's new location? I've heard there are a few new spots worth going to? Any new night spots? Did Saratoga lose any places? Anyone else getting ready? Thanks. Eric

Mango's looks good too -- thanks again. Eric

Agreed. I haven't been there in a while, but I'd go to Wondees. It's nothing fancy to look at, but the food is fantastic. http://www.wondeenj.com/ ← Didn't really know about this place -- thank you. Looks like a place to try. Maybe a trial run, LOL. Eric

Timely thread. My office is in Paramus and I always have trouble in Hackensack. Other than Miyoshi, all the places up and down, off of, etc. Main St. are just that -- places. Any of them really good? I have a lunch meeting next week in Hackensack and I am looking for something good -- not too loud, not messy, etc. Thanks. Eric

Off the top of my head -- Rebecca's in Edgewater. Check out some of the other posts/threads on the place. Eric PS -- sorry, didn't see your geographic restrictions.

So, has anyone been? http://www.grandcruenglewood.com/ Thanks. Eric

I didn't know anything about the fire, nor the Verona location closing. As I said, I was very sorry to hear this. I followed this thread to some extent, and have been to the Verona location many times. However, that being said, I think there is a big gap between posting about a fire (and re-opening) and "owing" an explanation to customers about a location closing. Regardless, I would think that in opening a new location, closing another location, running a business, in addition to a variety of other things -- a business owner has very many important, perhaps innumerable, things on his/her mind. Whether it's this week, next month, whatever, I would think the owner(s) will post. They may offer an explanation, they may not. They might answer questions, they might not. And, that's that. I don't have the attitude that an owner "owes" me anything. If someone asks questions, let's not forget, we are talking to someone about "their business" -- their livelihood. There are numerous reasons not to discuss business issues. Perhaps I am more understanding than most, and owning several business interests, that might be the reason in part. Whatever the case might be, I wish them all the best. Eric

I am very sorry to hear this. I am not local to the place, however, whenever I was in the area, I stopped in. I have no idea why it closed and again, I'm very sorry to hear about it. Eric

Joel's Malibu Kitchen? Eric

Yes, it's very good. I was going to mention Latour in my post. I haven't been there in a while, however, a few times I "fought" the menu a bit. Good recommendation -- thanks. Eric

So, what's the place 2 doors down? Name, likes, dislikes, etc.? Thank you in advance. Eric

Hello all. I am looking for a nice place in Ridgewood for lunch -- sushi, Italian, continental, almost anything. Doesn't have to be "fine dining" per se, but I am looking for an alternative to "The Office" or the pub-type place. Thanks in advance. Eric

I like it. I've been to various locations -- NY, NJ, FL, and I enjoy it. First, I think it's a "fun" experience and place to eat. More upscale, ambiance, energy, etc. than a typical Chinese restaurant. Also, I like the change of pace aspect. I can sit at the bar, enjoy a nice drink, people, have an appetizer if I want. It is certainly not a stereotypical "menu" -- some may like that some may not. However, if the menu or the quality of food is not your thing, OK, then don't go. What I mean is that I think the menu and the food is better than most Chinese restaurants, and the experience, environment, etc. just add to that. If someone wanted "incredible" Chinese food, the best food -- I am sure the resident experts would point them in another direction. However, I don't think that's what PF Chang is going after or offering. Anyway, I think it's the kind of place that people should try and can be a great alernative to "let's just go for Chinese food". Eric

I've been back there several times -- top notch deli. Eric

Stevens Avenue in Cedar Grove. http://www.lunello.com/ Eric

I ate there a couple of times and I never thought it was that good. I always thought it was a middle-aged, mature, etc. "hang out" so to speak. Way back when it was Boodles, it was better. There were different owners, a different chef, etc. and IMO the food was much better. Eric

I had lunch at Lu Nello the other day -- as always, as usual and as expected . . . Excellent!!! In every way. Service was top notch -- very attentive, prompt and courteous. Appetizers -- one of my favorites . . . spedini . . . had very nice, slight hints of lemon flavor, a little butter, which just complimented the wonderful anchovy sauce. Not overly thick or pasty, not thin and watery -- just perfect. The entree(s) were just as wonderful -- a fish special my friend had, and he raved about it (no, I didn't have a piece, LOL). I had a steak special -- excellent. The only downside -- if I really had to find something -- the bread. I got the long, thin breadsticks which I like. However, the bread was a small loaf, in that it wasn't one of the larger, hearty types of loafs -- and, it didn't seem to be very fresh. I was a bit surprised. They served a few olives, and some pieces of parmesean cheese. Everything here is super. Between this place and Casa Dante (Jersey City), which I haven't been to in far too long, these are two of my favorites and I'd have no problem driving a distance to either one. Enjoy. Eric