AlisonA

Oh Eric, I am so sorry to hear about this. I was just telling my nephew that I had a new hot dog place to go with him when he is in town next too! We will make it there once you re-open, be sure to let us all know when that is. AlisonA

Well I went again today, despite my post that it'd be a bit because it is out of the way (it is!). But I just had to try the Amazing dog - My Schmeiro. Excellent! Of course had the fries too, with the mayo. I had a step dad who was Dutch so I know how good the combo is. I stopped in right at noon, they weren't too busy, but it looked like some newspaper types might have come in after me, at least someone with a big honking camera. I'm sure Eric will tell us when it is appropiate. All in all good stuff. I admit to being a bit worried about the assembly line if things get packed but I'm sure they'll work the logisitics out. AlisonA

Went today. Introduced myself to Eric, who was very courteous despite being pretty busy. My verdict: YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY But then I love hot dogs and these are really good ones. Took advantage of the special and got two dogs with a small fries and drink for 9.50 including tax. It was a good amount for me and my daughter. Loved those fries! My daughter, who is four, said they were 'stupendous'. She promptly decided that the hot dog was going to be the dessert and the fries the main course. She didn't finish her hot dog, she enjoyed the fries so much. And she had a lot of help from me. The chipotle mayo was great with them, although she stuck with catsup. Next time I’d be more inclined to order for her off the kids menu, not that her hot dog went to waste! I had my hot dog with cheese whiz, I meant to have bacon with that too, but mis-ordered. I was trying to recreate an old time Chicago classic called the francheesee (grilled with cheese and bacon). Got to say, the dog was so good, didn't miss the bacon. I also meant to order slaw too, oh well next time! It was interesting to listen to others around talking about their experiences. Two gentlemen at the end of the counter agreed that, while the toppings were great, the simpler you made it, the easier it was to eat (too many toppings falling off). Then there was one guy who sat near us who had two dogs with chili and a lot of other fixings. He must be a pro at this as he didn’t make a mess eating them. Most people seemed pleased and, honestly didn’t talk much as they were too busy eating. I definitely will be back, but it may be a while, as it is a bit of a hike (20+ mins). Hope things continue to go well for Eric and Matt.

Ditto. I'm actually hungry again although I just ate dinner! Wednesday is my current goal. I'll report back if I go, but not sure I"ll be able to match the images Jason got. AlisonA

Thanks for the update! Hope to stop by sometime in the opening week AlisonA

Stopped by today to pick up lunch to go. Clearly they are still working out some kinks but it was a pleasant experience. The Grilled Chicken Pannini with brocoli rabe was a bit bitter for me, I should have thought it through before getting it as I often find brocolli rabe bitter. The proscuitto one was good. We also had a rice ball - a bit heavy on the spices for me, but then I can be a wimp - and the proscuitto and provolone stuffed peppers. The last were interesting, probably better sliced in a salad than straight up maybe? The thing that struck me was that when you dine in they charge you by the lb. for your plate (9.99). You can pick any thing from the case and have it heated and put on your plate. Then take it to the cashier and have it weighed before sitting. A bit novel. But most things in the case cost less than that take out so I'm not sure it is a good value. As for the mailing list - you need to fill out a card at the counter to get the coupon. Don't think there is a URL. AlisonA

Ran across this place on line: Butterflake Bakery They are in Teaneck. Also the bakery in the Millburn Mall (by Syd's) most likely will have them. AlisonA

Thanks for the nudge - I REALLY want to get to this place. The photos might help me talk my husband into it soon! AlisonA

Drove by today and they had a big sign saying "NOW OPEN". However, when I pulled up a smaller sign was in the door saying they were delaying the opening until noon due to mechanical adjustments (or something similar). Unfortunately I don't plan to be on Rte. 10 again until next week if I can help it. If anyone manages to stop by, let us know how it is! AlisonA

Looks great! Thanks for keeping us posted. I look forward to hearing a definite opening date! (maybe after the new year?) AlisonA

We're just having a quiet dinner with us and the kids. They aren't into turkey so the current plan is to have cornish game hens with a thai green curry sauce, stuffing (made from fresh potato bread), green salad with lots of yummy stuff added in and green beans with garlic/lemon/olive oil. Most likely leftover birthday cake for dessert (I'm in the middlel of baking it right now!). AlisonA changed to correct thai chili to thai curry ← Changed this (again, but you didn't see the earlier renditions) . Now we'll be having the game hens tonight and a "honey & mole" glazed ham tomorrow as well as cauliflower with blue cheese. AlisonA

Was at the Summit Cheese shop today. All I can say is YUMMY! and very busy by mid morning. They even managed to squeeze a third person behind the counter. Apparently NYTimes Dining Section on Sunday 11/20 had a nice review of the shop, along with several other cheese shops. It is prominently displayed by the front. I wanted to link it here, but couldn't get a link, there seems to be lag time of about a week for Sunday articles. So maybe next week. AlisonA edited to correct typo.

We're just having a quiet dinner with us and the kids. They aren't into turkey so the current plan is to have cornish game hens with a thai green curry sauce, stuffing (made from fresh potato bread), green salad with lots of yummy stuff added in and green beans with garlic/lemon/olive oil. Most likely leftover birthday cake for dessert (I'm in the middlel of baking it right now!). AlisonA changed to correct thai chili to thai curry

Not sure I have any good suggestions for areas but I know you want to avoid Teaneck and the surrounds as there is a great bakery there already. Patisserie St Michel Best of Luck! AlisonA

I order them from a local Chinese Take Out place -- East Garden, here in West Orange. I've seen two different types through the years... a steamed version...which I've had at those buffet places and purchased in packages of 12 from the Chinese supermarket in Edison or Green Brook area. East Garden's are like the kind sold in the bakery section of Captain Fresh Supermarket.. a dough almost like a sweet roll... larger than the steamed buns. Almost shaped like a potato roll, with a golden brown color. The East Garden take out menu lists them for 1.35 each. I'd check local Chinese take out places near you. The buns are usually listed under appetizers. ← Where in West Orange is East Garden? Not all that familiar, but may hunt it down for those buns. KamMan also sells the steamed doughy version, lots of dough a little filling, in thier bakery section. They have a number of different kinds too, my daughter likes the hot dog bun. AlisonA

Congratulations! Look forward to hearing about the grand opening! AlisonA

Sending "good hot dog thoughts" your way. Love to see this go your way. AlisonA

I realize that 'butcher' does not mean 'whole pig' but if you search this forum using 'butcher' you will find a lot of great recommendations including: Greenwood Farm 135 Port Colden Rd. Washington, NJ 07882 908-689-2227 They run a stand at several western Essex farmers markets, selling both produce and meat. However, I don't recall their having pork, but it couldn't hurt to give them a call. Good luck and let us know how it turns out! AlisonA

I'll add my 'YES!" to this. Small store front packed with cheese. They prefer cash, but will take credit cards for larger orders. It is on Union (across from the train station) almost at the 'far' end of the block that the Starbucks is on. Summit Cheese Shop 75 Union Place Summit, N.J. 07901 908-273-7700 AlisonA

Isn't there a Jimmy Buffs right next to that space? I'm pretty sure there is. It's the same strip where the Best Buys is, isn't it? ← Ooops, I had no idea what Jimmy Buff's was (except one of three restaurants in a short space). Not such a good space then! AlisonA

It's not a "family" location but on Rte 10 in the strip mall that Michael's is in there is a small restaurant/store front space. On the Western edge (kinda around the corner). It's between an italian and (chinese?) place. AlisonA

Anyone know if either of the places at the Sands are good? I'll be there mid-October. If not we'll definitely head over to the quarter at Tropicana. Thanks, AlisonA

This may be too small, but TICO'S, 221 Main Street in Chatham has a sign up saying they will be closing. I didn't get to read the details when I drove by today. AlisonA

The old Kenny Rodgers Roasters/Slavanski Bazaar site is HUGE!! I think the area of northfield is Death Valley for any REAL good food places; although the Joy Luck has been there for a while. I think the only think that would do well there is a dual fast food concept like KFC/Pizza Hut express like they have in Florham Park. I personally would love to see a White Castle(ducks!!) there so I don't have to schlepp to Orange. Eric ← Does anyone what is going in across from the JCC on Northfield? It is not built yet, so it does not quite meet your criteria, but that would be a much more viable spot. AlisonA ← They are building million dollar townhomes across from the JCC. ← Guess they might be interested in a hot dog joint then Too bad, would have been a good commerical spot. AlisonA

Have you seen what is going on there? Huge downtown rebuild with VERY high end stores. HUGE RENTS!! Thanks for the suggestion tho. ← I'd think more around Cafe Serene would have lower rents, but not sure anything is available there (except the wireless phone place with limited parking). AlisonA