ELA
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The Bicycle Club (Englewood Cliffs) -- excellent burgers, nice place, good food. It's been a "regular" spot to many locals for many years. Right next door, The Assembly (might be a bit "schmancy" -- but that can often be a relative term, LOL. Cassie's is a good choice as well (down the hill, E. Palisade, make a left on Dean, I think).
Also, on Sylvan Avenue (9W) is The Cliffs Steakhouse. Some might call it schmancy but I don't think so.
Eric
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A set almost always turns out to be a bad idea in the long run.
First of all, it's often the case that one or more of the pieces is on that you never end up using. For example, a lot of sets come with a 9-inch sauté pan. I have owned this pan, and find it almost entirely useless. I won't say that I never use it... but hardly ever. In general, I find that frypans and sauté pans are usually too small in sets.
Second, since a set consists of pans all using the same design philosophy (disk bottom, fully clad, whatever) it's inevitably the case that some of the pans are massive overkill for their intended use and some of the pans have a non-optimal design. For example, you'll end up with a 4 quart saucepan you use for boiling water and steaming vegetables that has a thick disk bottom, and you'll end up with a (usually too small) frypan with a disk bottom -- the former being overkill and the latter being non-optimal design.
Third, it's my experience that most home cooks do 75% of their cooking on only two pieces of cookware that require any real quality. Boiling water and things like that work just as well in a $10 saucepan from the hardware store as they do in a $150 saucepan from Williams Sonoma. And, there's really no point in getting someone a fancy sauté pan if they don't sauté. On the other hand, someone who cooks a lot of pasta may really benefit from having a nice large stockpot with a removable pasta insert. This is something you won't find in any set.
Finally, depending on what kind of cooking the person does, there are some things you can get that will actually cost less than any pan in the set. For example, if someone likes to do a lot of high heat/short time cooking such as stir-frying, searing meat and fish, sautéing, etc. -- an extra-heavy gauge carbon steel saute pan may be just the thing. And it'll only cost around 25 or 30 bucks for a 12" pan.
Great advice -- thanks. OK -- so let's change direction . . . what's the best brand, style, material, etc. to buy in the most often used size/range?
Thanks again.
Eric
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What individual pieces do you have so far, Eric? Also, in general, what kind of foods do you cook at home and how many are you cooking for? Chances are that what you have might be duplicated by what's in a set, and that a set may not fulfill what you need as well as carefully-selected separate pieces.
For example, I don't own a stock pot because I am able to make the quantity of stock that I need in my largest dutch oven. And many people know don't necessarily need their pieces to be of the same quality as other cookware pieces. I've never tried hard to own an All Clad stockpot because to me it isn't worth the money. But I did buy an All-clad saute pan because in that case, the qualities of the (relatively) expensive pan was worth it to me.
In case you haven't seen it, slkinsey wrote an excellent piece on stovetop cookware in case you go for the separate pieces route. http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=25717
Would love to know a little more info to be of better help- especially to such a considerate spouse!
Thank you. As far as individual pieces now, basically we have just an inventory of things purchased over time -- grill pans, skillets, large fry, medium, small, etc. Pots, I don't get involved with, LOL. There's just two of us now but we often cook for leftovers, dinner parties, etc. I am having trouble trying to find a set, so I thought going the individual route would be even harder, LOL.
I just figured that a high-quality, top notch set would not only get used over time, but would also be very appreciative. If it's missing something, no problem, I can get a piece to supplement. If it has something that doesn't get used, again, no problem.
Thank you again.
Eric
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Hope everyone is having a great weekend. So, I am looking to get a high-quality set of pots/pans/cookware for my beautiful and incredible bride. She loves cooking, trying new things/recipes, etc. and has bought a few individual pieces in the last few years.
I've asked her what she likes, dislikes, etc. and get nothing, LOL. I've asked her what's high-quality, the best, etc. and also nothing. She just doesn't really know and that's fine. So I wanted to ask here. Like I said, I'd like to buy something high quality, that will last, etc. and if it looks good too -- great.
What do you think? Thank you very much in advance.
Eric
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Different likes and dislikes. If you are in Lyndhurst and you are on a hot dog tour, you can't not go to Rutt's -- unless of course you've been there before and just hate it.
Of all the great hot dog joints in NJ, I've never went to one that I completely disliked. I've liked some better than others (Callahan's better than Hiram's just for example), but I've never totally disliked or hated one of them. You like beef and hate port, or the other way around, and so on and so on.
Anyway, great thread.
Eric
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I spend about a week and a half in Orlando in late January. I've been going there for a couple of years now (for a conference) and once or twice at other times on business. I try to avoid Disney (at least the park(s) per se). Not that it's reflective of the restaurants, but more so of what I like, dislike, etc.
I went to the Emeril's (inside the park) last year. The food was good (nice flavor). Not great, but good as in just good. However, there were other issues for me. First, it was an incredibly long walk to the restaurant (from the parking lot). That may not bother you, so go for it. The place seemed a little "assembly line" to me, impersonal, etc. The tables, at least the ones around me, were a bit close togther which opened up a few other issues as well.
After eating in Emeril's in NO, I didn't walk away from this one as a fan -- and I was a big fan after my visits in NO.
Anyway, on the top of my "must go to" places is Christini's. Like I said in my previous post -- top notch in every respect.
This year I was introduced to RenGetsu. Excellent -- every fish in the sushi, sashimi, and other dishes as well, was very fresh, high quality and full of flavor.
I also had an excellent meal at The Capital Grille. I am not a "chain" kind of guy, but I have always enjoyed the various locations I have visted. Another excellent time, and meal, was at Bice. There are several others as well. I guess it just depends on what you are looking for, your likes, dislikes, etc.
Eric
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A bit north of SoBe is one of my favorites -- The Forge. I also like A Fish Called Avalon (haven't been there in about a year plus). I spend a couple of weeks a year there and have always had enjoyable meals. Although I am not a "chain" guy, the Smith & Wollensky is in my rotation. There's another place that a friend took me too -- Italian flair, small, husband and wife operation -- very nice. I'll have to get the name.
Good luck and enjoy.
Eric
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Half of the party is near Montclair & half in Hoboken. We can go either way! So far I'm checking out Lua, 340 Grill, Cucharamama, & Frankie & Johnny's. In Montclair, Table 8, Blu, or Corso 98. Anyone know if they have any private or semi-private areas?
Got it. Frankie & Johnnie's is "very" good, with "very" being a relative term. I do not know if the Hoboken location has a private room. Many people rave about the place. I am a big-time steak-guy, and personally, I think it's good. Above average, but not rave-worthy IMO. But that's the thing about tastes, LOL. I've also heard good things about Blue from much more than one person, but I haven't personally been there yet.
Why not look at at something that is centrally located, between the two, etc.?
Eric
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Planning a 40th birthday party for 20-25 people in North Jersey. I'm looking for suggestions in either the Hoboken or Montclair areas for a restaurant with a private room. Want good food & a fun atmosphere if possible. I'm open to any type of cuisine and any price range.
I've also heard of one company that will come to your home and cook for a party of up to 20, this would also be an option if anyone has any information.
Thanks!
Hoboken or Montclair? That's a interesting geographical shift there, LOL. How married to those two areas are you? Unfortunately, I can't be of much help there. I've been to many restaurants in Hoboken, however, I have no idea if they have private room facilities.
Eric
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I am sorry to say that I do not know Wondee's. So, I can't speak to that aspect. What's the deal on Wondee's?
Also, are we talking about Wild Ginger in Englewood?
Eric
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Thank you all very much. I've got a couple of reservations set already -- Christini's (I really like this place), Capital Grille, and a friend of mine picked another place (he hasn't told me yet). I've got some great suggestions here -- and thank you again!
Eric
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Interesting comments and appreciated -- thank you. This place is around the corner from my office. A group of went there once and I am sorry to say it wasn't memorable. That's not meant as an insult however.
Anyway, when it re-opened as Cross Roads it started to attrach a nice lunch crowd from the office buildings nearby. It was a scaled down diner type place, more than a luncheonette, just a nice basic restaurant (a lunch place that also tried getting a dinner crowd). It was doing well and had some followers. We used to wonder what happened to the tea house that was there.
After a while, the place changed though. The hot open turkey I used to get was not as good, some of the other sandwiches as well. The quality of the food slipped and then the place closed. I was glad to see something new there and will have to make sure I get there for lunch soon. Thanks again.
Eric
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Did anyone happen to see the top 11 aol restaurants? Restaurant nicholas was on there. i guess the list coinsided with the zagat rating of 29's. But its still preety cool.
As was Xaviar's (at Piermont). Yes, I saw the list. I didn't think that much of it, although the Gary Danko inclusion makes all the sense to me. Top notch restaurant IMO, and widely respected and accepted as one of the best.
Tastes, likes, dislikes, etc. are like ice cream and Baskin Robbins has what? 33 flavors and counting, LOL.
I enjoy reading "lists" but put very little credibility in them. First, I take it with a grain of salt, depending on where and who it's coming from. Second, if I can surmise some opinions coming from the person who wrote the review, and there is something I can really get my arms around, then it might help me. However, who knows the reviewer's tastes, likes, dislikes, etc. compared to mine.
This list, coming from AOL, I'll pass, LOL.
Eric
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Pampero Anniversario rum from Venezuela with one or two cubes in it. Very yummy.
If you haven't already, try Ron Zacapa Centenario.
Eric
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I'd like to get some opinions on the best steakhouse, best sushi, and perhaps a couple of Italian restaurants -- besides Christini's. I would probably go for steak more than once, and the same with sushi.
What about Norman's (Ritz Carlton)?
Thank you.
Eric
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Anything else? Thanks for the heads up.
What else is worth going to in Orlando? There has to be some great local places -- thank you again.
Eric
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All great info -- thank you very much.
Eric
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I'm obsessed with amari lately. Complex and interesting but not too sweet. Perfect digestif in my opinion.
You're the third person who recommended Amari to me lately. What exactly is it -- is that the brand name? Thanks.
Eric
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Benedictine or cocktails containing it (eg de la Louisiane). Also love to wrap up an evening of epicurean hedonism with a Sazerac.
Tell me about Sazerac -- thanks!
Eric
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yawner
There are home shows (at least in Seattle) but they aren't as cool as trade shows. More along the manufactured home, vinyl window and siding, basic appliance sales and typical products.
The big, flashy shows take some doing (credentials) to get into. But not as difficult as you might think. The big ones tend to be in places like Las Vegas, Chicago, and NY.
Thanks. I don't know about others, but I find these shows fascinating. Even not being in the market for re-doing my kitchen, seeing what's new and exciting can be a catlyst for wanting to re-do it.
Eric
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I hadn't had this rum in quite some time and just had some again today. I am sorry to say I forgot how much I enjoyed this rum.
Any other fans here? Is it easily accessible? US? Northeast?
As I have been for years, I am still drinking my favorite (next to the real deal Matusalem, LOL) -- Ron Zacapa Centenario. I also like HC7 -- not a super premium, but I've always liked it.
Your favorites? Thanks.
Eric
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I've always enjoyed a nice cognac or port with my cigar. Depends on what I've had to eat, mood, environment, and many other factors. Aside from the single malt, cognac, armagnac, port, and the traditional drinks -- specifically, what's your favorite?
I have been a long time fan of "43" (Quarenta y Tres). Lately, I've been looking for something else, and have wanted to "broaden my horizons" so to speak. I tried "Tia Maria" -- it was good, I could see myself ordering it again. I also had something, which I think is discontinued -- it was "Sambuca Caffe" -- very good.
What's your favorite after dinner, liqures, etc.??? Thank you.
Eric
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I've seen this show before, and others like it -- and I've always enjoyed it. Anyway, I am watching right now -- really neat stuff! So, while I am sure this is an "industry only" function and you have to be "in the biz" to get in, are there any of these that are open to the public?
Something like the "Auto Show" or an equivalent? The "Auto Show" is open to the public and gets a monster turnout -- is there anything like that for Kitchens/Baths, Home Renovations, etc.???
Thank you.
Eric
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or like my family did at a recent meal in Palm Springs where two wahoos were dropping every name they had in their little black book to impress each other - we started talking opening about their conversation in a volume that they could hear. It quieted them a bit without elevating hostilities.
This is a great strategy and reminds me of an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm from last season where Larry David was seated next to a very loud person gabbing into his bluetooth headset (I hate those people with all that is in my soul)....... Larry started having a very loud conversation into his imaginary bluetooth to annoy the guy and the comedy ensued.
I've seen several people do that -- and it's getting more and more mainstream in today's society.
BTW, are you a member at CF? The handle looks familiar.
Eric
More Jersey Dogs
in New Jersey: Dining
Posted
If you are going to Irving's -- the hot dog is an appetizer or a side dish to the hand-cut pastrami sandwich (yes, ala Katz's), LOL.
Eric