ELA
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Friends Lake Inn is probably still pretty good, though I have only been back once since the Taylors sold it. It just hasn't been the same for me.
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
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Folks, I do so appreciate the energy and compassion behind some of your posts and PMs about AHD. It is only since yesterday that I feel that I can post freely about what is going on. I hope the simplicity of my post is sufficient. The Verona location HAS indeed closed. I have chosen to remove myself from the company to pursue other opportunities. Matt still owns and operates the Bound Brook location so rest assured the quality of the food remains in the hands of an original owner. I encourage ALL of you to support AHD by going to Bound Brook and eating there—I know I will.
On a side note, I was shocked to hear that Callahan’s has closed its doors and read some posts by John Fox and others about the dying breed of Mom and Pop shops. Despite the appearance and image of AHD, it does fall into the category of Mom and Pop operations rather than a big chain. Please don't read into this the wrong way; AHD in Bound Brook is doing fine. I'm just saying that in general, it is totally up to US, those of us who are passionate about food, to ensure the survival of our favorite restaurants. Times are tough all over, so only the strong will survive. One of my vendors told me yesterday that he lost 4 accounts this month—2 of which closed their doors and walked away. It is a harsh reality of our current economic landscape.
I wish Matt all due success and prosperity and know that Bound Brook will continue to honor what we created in the original AHD concept.
Eric Eisenbud
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
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I must say, without question, that if Im back up that way this summer (and i hope to be), im headed straight to trillium at The Sag...The renovations have come full circle and this year they are trying a newer small plate concept I guess (in lieu of an actual tasting menu format)...That kid, Joe Greco, is really good, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it...its too far under the radar...
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
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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.
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
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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
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Eric, if being a winter hot-spot is any indication, Max London's Restaurant on Broadway will continue to be the place to dine and deservedly so. The food is well done Mediterranean featuring tapas style small plates from Spain, pastas and wonderful wood-fired pizze from Italy and a number of French inspired dishes as well. The wine list is interesting and reasonable. In addition, they probably have the most serious and possibly the best cocktail program currently in Saratoga. The space is lovely. The normally very good service will likely be stretched thin like everywhere else in Saratoga in the summer.
Beekman Street Bistro, Chez Sophie and Springwater Bistro continue as tried and true. Chianti is in a new location (ho-hum), though the restaurant never really appealed to me. I always saw t as more glitz thn substance. I'm suspicious when they take expensive wine bottles from the wine racks within the warm dining room.
Mouzon House has a wonderful space. It is a restaurant that I really, really want to love, but I have been disappointed the last few times that I have been.
Perhaps this will be the summer that I finally make it to Ciro's, however, living in the area, their season coincides with the time I try to avoid dining in Saratoga.
I have heard good things about Lanci's though I haven't been. Saratoga National Golf Course has a new restaurant, Prime, that surprise, features steaks. It replaces Sargo's and is related to Angelo's 677 Prime in Albany that I have heard positive comments about.
Speaking of golf courses, my favorite summer restaurant in the region is Farmhouse at Top of the World, overlooking beautiful Lake George. It is worth the trip for well prepared seasonal and local ingredients, much of which is grown on site. No restaurant in the area does more or better with local food.
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
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Eric, if being a winter hot-spot is any indication, Max London's Restaurant on Broadway will continue to be the place to dine and deservedly so. The food is well done Mediterranean featuring tapas style small plates from Spain, pastas and wonderful wood-fired pizze from Italy and a number of French inspired dishes as well. The wine list is interesting and reasonable. In addition, they probably have the most serious and possibly the best cocktail program currently in Saratoga. The space is lovely. The normally very good service will likely be stretched thin like everywhere else in Saratoga in the summer.
Beekman Street Bistro, Chez Sophie and Springwater Bistro continue as tried and true. Chianti is in a new location (ho-hum), though the restaurant never really appealed to me. I always saw t as more glitz thn substance. I'm suspicious when they take expensive wine bottles from the wine racks within the warm dining room.
Mouzon House has a wonderful space. It is a restaurant that I really, really want to love, but I have been disappointed the last few times that I have been.
Perhaps this will be the summer that I finally make it to Ciro's, however, living in the area, their season coincides with the time I try to avoid dining in Saratoga.
I have heard good things about Lanci's though I haven't been. Saratoga National Golf Course has a new restaurant, Prime, that surprise, features steaks. It replaces Sargo's and is related to Angelo's 677 Prime in Albany that I have heard positive comments about.
Speaking of golf courses, my favorite summer restaurant in the region is Farmhouse at Top of the World, overlooking beautiful Lake George. It is worth the trip for well prepared seasonal and local ingredients, much of which is grown on site. No restaurant in the area does more or better with local food.
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
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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
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Mango's looks good too -- thanks again.
Eric
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You know about Wondee's for Thai, of course, right?
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.
Didn't really know about this place -- thank you. Looks like a place to try.
Maybe a trial run, LOL.
Eric
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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La Tour by the train station is very good.
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
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We went in, sat at the sushi bar on the second night they opened. The decor is pleasant but nothing extravagant like the place 2 doors down.
Prices are way up, and I didn't think they were on par as before. One of waitresses didn't know what "MP" meant next to the toro listing. She came back and explained market price but wasn't sure what the amount was somewhere arount $13 or $14 dollars.
They gained about 14 more seats and added just one more sushi chef, not sure that will make good sense.
They also do a big take out business there, but they made it even more difficult for both the staff and the customers, not very functiona
food was so, so...chalk it up to it only being the second day
Denise
So, what's the place 2 doors down? Name, likes, dislikes, etc.? Thank you in advance.
Eric
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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
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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
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I've been back there several times -- top notch deli.
Eric
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Silly question.. where is this place located?
Stevens Avenue in Cedar Grove.
Eric
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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
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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
Saratoga Springs - '08, '09 Racing Seasons
in New York: Dining
Posted
Got it. Thank you for the background info.
Eric