ELA
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Posts posted by ELA
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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
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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
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Blend in Ridgewood. And, they make a mean drink, and its heated if necessary, and you can smoke!
Drink? Smoke? If you tell me you are allowed to smoke cigars, count me in -- I'm there!
Eric
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Consult with an attorney, a specialist. Good luck.
Eric
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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
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My current favorite is Koto in Suffern, just a hop over the border, up Franklin Tpk. from Mahwah. Fresh fish, nice atmosphere. friendly staff, good selection. Start with a bowl of edamame and order the live scallop.
I also had a nice lunch at Tomo on Route 17 in Ramsey, but have only been there once and just ordered standard stuff.
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
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"The quality of mercy is not strained.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest:
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes."
- William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice
“Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.”
- Jack Handey
Nice post.
Eric
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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
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Unless one was able to offer solid constructive criticism, my experience is that they don't really want to hear and even then I'm not so sure that most places really want to hear, though they should. One problem is that so much more goes into the perception and reception of a meal than the food itself. A lot depends on the frame of mind and physical state of a diner at any given meal, that it is hard pinpoint anything based upon what you presented. If dishes were demonstrably over or undercooked or presented sloppily that might be something they would want to know, but probably not an individual gestalt.
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
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Two short stories, both involving my son. When he was about 6 years old we were dining in a very nice restaurant in Virginia Beach. A party of 6 men came in, obviously just off the 19th hole, and were very loud and occasionally profane. My son, in his best manners, asked the matre'd if we could be moved because "those men have forgotten how to use their inside voices and it is spoiling our dinner ." The gentlemen, who overheard, quieted down and as they left one came over and appologized to my son for behaving badly in a restaurant.
Now, 13 years later, we are at a restaruant where a man at the table next to us is verbally flaying the woman he is with. She is hunching down in her chair, trying to sink thru the floor. When he gets up to go to the bathroom she starts to cry. My wife feeling sorry for her offers her a kleenex and invites her to sit with us. The man comes back and starts to reach for the woman, my son plants his 260+ pounds between them and in a firm voice, suggests that he learn what is appropriate behavior in a restaurant. The man, after realizing that he can't move the kid, says he is leaving and tells the woman to get up. My son informs her that it is her choice. She stays and we send her home in a cab. (They were not married, and I do not understand why she sat there and took the abuse, but that is not my business.)
So I guess sometimes the kids can teach the adults how to behave.
Here's to your son . . . and his parents.
Eric
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I have stayed out of this thread based upon the fact the I am not employed in the restaurant trade. However...
The point of the original post was based upon how the customer felt he was treated when canceling a reservation. Whether or not he should have planned better is outside of what I see as the central issue (no offence intended - just letting you know where the following comment comes from).
I spent 17 months sweeping trash at a world famous amusement park in Anaheim that has flourished for over half a decade. When I hired in one point was emphasized during the guest relations part of my training. Never, never, ever make the customer feel anything less than valued. It's not always easy, and sometimes you bite a hole in your tongue, but you remember that they are your guest and you want them to enjoy themselves and come back again because they had a positive experience. Those employees who crossed that line resulting in a complaint were dealt with appropriately. I felt it was a good atmosphere to work in.
This attitude toward one's guests is something I was well aware of decades before working there. It is one of my personal benchmarks for whether I will return to any given establishment be it a restaurant, retail store or place of entertainment.
I, for my part, try to not forget that it is fellow human beings who are serving or aiding me. I read name tags and address people by name when I can so that they know I recognize them as more than mere biological necessitates within the organization they represent. I hope they recognize that I am more than a biological necessity for getting greenbacks into the register drawer.
Excellent point(s). I took the liberty of bolding of how this situation landed with me. Thank you for your commentary.
Eric
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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i did a search before i posted this but....we hit the jersey city location in that last snow, ice, sluch storm or whatever you want to call it. i was actually surprised they were open but upon arrival there was a pretty lively crowd there.
we sat and had a pitcher of sangria, incorporating champagne instead of wine....very good
i had a skirt steak...again, enjoyed it thoroughly
when dinner was over, most of the crowd was gone but the owner was more than happy to allow a cigar smoke upstairs (away from bothering any patrons) while they cleaned the restaurant and bar.
im not a review writer nor do i profess to have the gastro-professionalism that many of you do but i thoroughly enjoyed the experience....and it was my first cigar ever!
ill go back and if youre looking for a fun night out or to watch some hot latin women dance...check it out
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
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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
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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
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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
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you should try the Porter House in Montvale for your steak and cigar fix.
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
Best place to buy sausage
in New Jersey: Cooking & Baking
Posted
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