ELA

July 4th is here and now. I want to buy a few different kinds of sausage for a July 4th BB. So, where is everyone's favorite place to buy sausage? I tried many different kinds, from many places, but nothing really great. Thank you and have a great July 4th. Eric

Bizarre Too -- one of my favorite places in Jupiter. Very ecclectic, unique place. Not traditional in any sense -- food, ambiance, artwork (all for sale), seating, tables, chairs, couches, etc. Check their website. Eric

Christini's -- top notch in every respect. From the before dinner martini's, to the wine, the food, after dinner drinks and dessert, and the service -- all around they were great experiences. I would certainly go back without any hesitation. Check their website. Eric

Drink? Smoke? If you tell me you are allowed to smoke cigars, count me in -- I'm there! Eric

Consult with an attorney, a specialist. Good luck. Eric

That's a great list above. I can only add to some of the North Jersey locations. Rebecca's is a favorite of mine. Just a handful of tables -- very nice. I sit out there because I can smoke a cigar. I haven't been to Le Jardin in quite some time but they had a full blown outside going. Doesn't the Houlihan's down by the ferry have outdoor seating? I haven't been there in a while either, but they used to have an outdoor bar and seating. What about the Crab House? Do they do an outdoor deal? Enjoy and hope you have great weather. Eric

I actually had dinner at Tomo. A friend of mine who travels through the area likes the place so I met him there. It was good. I had a few of their special rolls, nothing revolutionary, but they were good. I also had some individual pieces of sushi and they were very good as well -- all seemed very fresh and very good quality. I'll have to try Koto -- live scallop huh? Eric

Nice post. Eric

Obviously, the discussion of someone who is sick -- differentiating between someone who has a cold, flu, etc. and someone who has a medical condition, and other situations, being that they bring about different coversations -- meaning they have a medical condition, there may not be a definitive right or wrong. Different people will have different feelings, reactions, etc. I tend to be on the side of compassion and understanding. That's the way I am wired. I remember years ago, I was in a nice restaurant in NYC. A group came in, about 12 people -- 3 adults and 9 children. The children all had various developmental, muscular, etc. conditions (MS, other conditions -- forgive me as I am not well versed in that arena). It was a monster effort just to get all the children to the table, seated securly, and settled in. I could tell from the look on people's faces -- people who were sitting around this group -- that they considered the entire process somewhat disruptive. A few people had to move their chairs, slightly, just to make the effort somewhat easier. While I did not think this was disruptive at all, I was one of the people who moved their chair. Anyway, the adults started having some problems, kind of like spinning plates, running from one child to another. I watched. As the problem progressed, I got up from my table and went over to see if I could help. The adults quickly accpeted my help and now 4 of us started to make some progress. Another patron came over. And another. And another. After what seemed like just a few minutes, all the children were settled into their chairs. What I realized, when the children were all seated, was nothing short of amazing. I realized that part of what made it somewhat difficult to seat the children was their utter excitement and enthusiasm -- just in being given the chance to go out to a restaurant to eat. It was really incredible. I learned a lot from from this. To this day, I was glad to be part of it. I didn't consider it disrutpive. But if in some demented way I did -- well, it was worth it. For me, it's about compassion. Even though it hasn't happened to me, if by some chance something or someone, or some situation takes something away from my experience -- I am OK with that. I'll have another experience the next night, or the night after, or next week, month, etc. Maybe the other person won't. That's just me. Eric

This surprises me. I haven't found this to be the case, however, I am sure it exists, and yet, it still surprises me. I think those people, who really "don't want to hear", they perhaps have their own mindset and "way of being" going on that is superceding the client. The interesting point is that it's not about "them" -- it's about the "client" or "customer". Owners who turn deaf ears to clients have, or will have, much larger issues to deal with. As an owner, I would want to know about all of the criticism -- valid or not. I may decide after hearing, if there is nothing really specific, and it was more intangible, generic, etc. items, then and perhaps only then I could label it as valid or not valid. Even then, I run the risk of not embarcing the critisicm and dismissing it, thus turning deaf ears to the client. Sure, maybe the client had a bad day. Maybe they were a bit "off" or something. But as an owner, I want to know. I have found that information is a very valuable commodity. Eric

Here's to your son . . . and his parents. Eric

Excellent point(s). I took the liberty of bolding of how this situation landed with me. Thank you for your commentary. Eric

Interesting commentary, depending on which side of the aisle you are sitting on. In this case, either "side" can make the other party look and sound like a jerk or whatever you want them to sound like. Personally, stating that a business owner can run his business any way he/she see's fit -- thank you for the obvious -- does not justify nor defend rude, obnoxious, etc. behavior. Nor does the restuarant being "great" justify it. How small the restuarant is, how many tables, seatings, etc. -- also not the issue in my mind. That is merely an effort in vacillation. Let's not confuse cause and effect here. At the very same time, bringing a child to a restaurant is not the issue. The deflection here is not at issue. The "no obligation to call" mentality certainly exists. It does. Period. I call, you don't, next. Some do, some won't, next. A contract? Please, that bridge could not be built anywhere. However, while the "not calling" or "calling late" may insult a few, some, many, etc. of us, again, that exists. It is an ingredient in the dish. If a small restaurant can't handle a cancellation or a no-show -- sure, they have every right to run their business their way, and they have every right to complain, but the fact is this is "part of the business" and if you can't "handle it" so to speak, then get out of the business. You want to use your economics, and your problems -- albeit created by someone else -- as your excuse to be a jerk, so be it. Sure you have every right. We cannot expect everyone to live to the same standard of courtesy nor expectations as we do. It's that simple. At the same time, it is not the cusomters concern to "worry" about the business owner's issues and business model -- however, that shouldn't be to the point of rudeness and a complete lack of courtesy, however, everyone's standard is going to be different. In this setting, there is a cultural and sociological aspect to this -- there is still a customer and there is still a business owner of a service business. I think people "read" a lot into a dead medium of communication, and as such, there were some passionate defenses and positions. To me, very simply, the guy called at reservation time and cancelled -- I am not saying he knew an hour before, or a minute before -- he called to cancel. I am not saying he didn't have to, was polite to do so, was obligated, etc. -- none of that. He called to cancel. The business owner reacted the way he did -- and in my mind, he was wrong. Telling me he can act any way he sees fit -- well, yes, that is certainly his right. However, his "right" doesn't make it "right". Eric

Interesting question. I've seen some with better design and effectiveness, however, for me, it's the "dripping" that often becomes a problem (if applicable). Even the glass size becomes a problem. A glass filled with ice, and thus very little water, leaves me wanting more water very quickly. Eric

I've heard some pretty good things about this place. For those of you who know Cliffside Park, this is the place that is right behind where the old Post Office used to be. Glad to hear, and thanks for the heads up. Eric

Thanks for the heads up. I've never been a fan of these types of places. The "lunch club" from my office used to go to Bon Bon regularly, so I went. Don't get me wrong, it was OK. The food was edible, but there wasn't anything there that I would call overly delicious. Eating shrimp, or oysters for that matter, in a place like this always concerned me. I have some friends that rave about Minado, and I've heard nothing but good things. I mentioned it to a few of the people at work and we are hoping to try it soon. But when they heard Bon Bon was reopening they started making plans, LOL. Knowing them, Bon Bon might get a visit before Minado (it's closer too and time is a factor). Eric

It doesn't look like this has been done in awhile -- what are some of your favorites? A few of my favorites have closed in the past couple of years -- Yamaguchi (Fort Lee) and Noshiro (Fort Lee). I've recently gone to Nagoya (Mahwah) several times. It has been very good each and every time. Very interesting and very good specials -- both sushi, appetizers, and entree/dishes. This is a BYO place, and there is a liquor store in the same shopping center/complex). I used to enjoy Hanami (Englewood) and haven't been to the new place. Anyone been there? I was once a Wild Ginger fan, but that was a long time ago. They had undergone a great deal of changes -- chef(s), owner/partner(s), manager, etc. I haven't gone in a couple of years, but the last times I went, it became a "pass" for me. Any recent experiences? I used to go to Kaname (Cliffside Park) all the time, but I haven't been going there anywhere near as much. I also like "Miyoshi" in Hackensack, and for some that might be a bit "controversial" -- if that would be an appropriate word, LOL. Anyway, I like the place, always have, and have been going there for years. Anyone else? So what are some of your favorites? Thanks! Eric

Nothing on Andrew Nathan? If any of the local finger on the pulse people have their eyes and ears open, and you hear of anything, please top this and thank you in advance. I greatly appreciate it. Eric

Great, and thanks. So, you can sit, hang out, etc. upstairs -- can you order a drink there as well? I've been to Edgewater numerous times. Some of my early visits there were a bit rough. The upstairs was a so called cigar lounge, but it was nothing more than a small room, a few nice chairs and that's all. No service, had to go downstairs twice to ask for some Coke (I brought my own Havana Club) and when they brought it up it was warm and no ice. Food was great, had fun and would go back. That's why I've been meaning to hit the JC local. Is Edgewater back/still open? Thanks. Eric

I spend the meet up at the Spa and Chez Sophie has been one of my favorite restaurants for quite some time. I never get there as much as I'd like and always wish I went more often. I enjoyed it last year at their new location. As far as Siro's, yeah, I'm a regular, LOL. When the races are over at the track, you just have to go over to Siro's -- at least to wait out the traffic, LOL. Then you can watch the races from Del Mar, LOL. Eric

I've been meaning to hit this place for quite some time now. Glad to hear you liked hit. So, what's the deal with the upstairs? Is it a cigar lounge? I am always looking for a place to have a nice meal and a cigar. Thanks. Eric

Nathan's -- I would think it's somewhat different than the traditional fast-food restaurant, I mean, it's a hotdog! LOL. I like Nathan's. There is one in a mall right near my office. The thick cut, almost wedge-like fries are good too, and I normally don't like that style. I think the fast-food dilemna is always an issue of quality. The nutritional elements are what they are. I like Wendy's and while they don't offer breakfast, I've been there for lunch, and latenight coming home from a game or something of the like. Eric

Thank you very much for the info. So, do any of the locals know where Andrew Nathan might have gone, what he's doing, etc. -- ??? Thanks again. Eric

Anyone ever been to this place? I was going to recommend it to a friend of mine, primarily because the chef was Andrew Nathan (formerly owner/chef at Frontierre, in NYC). I knew Andrew and liked him and his cooking. Anyway, it sounds/looks like a new executive chef is there. Does anyone know if Andrew Nathan is still there? Has anyone been to the restaurant lately? Thank you. Eric

I go to the Porter House quite a bit -- whenever I am in the area, business lunches (unfortunately I usually don't get to enjoy a cigar), etc. I like the place. I wouldn't put their steak in the same class as some of the better known, better liked steakhouses, but it's good. I've certainly never had a "bad one" there. The only other alternative is Smoke. I used to go there very often. It hesitate to say that it might have been my favorite. The it "jumped the shark" for me at least. The chef I knew and liked left. Managers came and went, bartenders came and went, and so did a few customers. It just changed for me. I also used to go to Nintey Grand and take advantage of 90 Below (the cigar bar). I loved that place! I was so much hoping that when the Ocean Palm opened, they would keep the downstairs lounge open as well -- another hope and dream crushed! LOL. I agree with the other points as well. Thanks again. Eric