Soda

Supped there once, a year ago (loved it), and we're having Sunday Brunch there this weekend. Can't wait!

Yesterday was Mother's Day Lunch at "Wish", for my wife and daughter, my brother & sister-in-law and their daughter, and me. And Brett Winter's family. And nobody else. It was very odd, but very nice. Fully expecting the place to be jumping on one of the busiest days on any eatery's yearly calendar (despite the fact that it hasn't even officially opened yet!), I made our reservations (for 6 at 2:30) two weeks ago through Open Table, and felt happy not to be shut out. When we arrived, though, the little private lot in front was empty. Huh? Well, we entered, and found just one group of about eighteen diners around a table in the rear of the dining room. They were happily celebrating, and represented four generations of what turned out to be Chef Brett Winters' own family. There were no other tables filled. We were led to our own table by Chef winter, who had perhaps been waiting for us. I asked him if we'd be intruding on what looked like a private party. He just shrugged and said, "This is who's here. Enjoy your meal!" There were only three wait staff working, but between Brett's family table and ours, they were kept busy. I won't belabor the menu choices we made or how lovely the meals and service were, or how nice it was to be able to carry on quiet conversations amongst ourselves. Let me just say that we all enjoyed ourselves immensely, and became acquainted with a lovely bunch of fellow diners. I have no idea whether yesterday's nearly empty "Wish" was just a lunchtime fluke (Brett's no longer serving a different lunchtime menu, BTW), or whether it's indicative of surprisingly weak local support for a great little bistro that deserves better, or just a slow day in an otherwise bustling eatery, or what... I'll just say this. Try "Wish" soon.

In South Orange is a very small gem: Heart and Soul. Chef Jesse's ribs are Southern-based, but his menu goes beyond that. Check out the site. http://www.heartandsoulrestaurant.com/ He's our little secret here in S.O., but we'll share... -s. BTW: Word on the street is that Church's Kitchen on Springfield Avenue in Maplewood has pretty great ribs as well.

Dined there last night. Brought along a nice Pinot, which was immediately opened for me while I awaited the arrival of my date, who was late... "Wish" is a nice-looking place, with a comfortable, polished interior you wouldn't particularly expect in a little strip mall bistro. Tables aren't too close together, and though the crowd was pretty decent for a Tuesday, it wasn't noisy. While I waited, the Chef/Owner came out and introduced himself. Brett Winter is clearly a personable young guy, and a good host, chatting with the patrons at every table. I learned the following from him: *The place opened about four months ago, and if he hadn't opened it up in West Orange, "Wish" would have been in NYC (Lucky us!). *He thinks that "Jocelyne's" is the best restaurant in the state of New Jersey, and laments the fact that his place is closed on the same days as that little Maplewood gem; otherwise he'd get to eat there more often. *Two of the cooks in his kitchen used to prepare Sloppy Joes at the venerable Town Hall Deli in South Orange (one of them for fourteen years!), and Brett's thinking about adding a "Joe" to his lunch menu someday. *Some of his regular patrons have known him all his life, leading one to the conclusion that he's a local guy, living his dream not far from his roots. Nice. From all this, you could get the idea that the food at "Wish" might be nothing much more than pedestrian. You would be wrong. It's creative, stylish, solidly wrought, and beautifully presented. My lady started with a hefty crab cake appetizer (fresh and moist; no fillers; fabulous tangy mustard-spiked sauce) topped juauntilly with crispy, twisty pretzel sticks, themselves garnished with shredded romano. Her perfectly-done lamb entree was nestled on a bed of creamy polenta, circled by bright cubes of fresh veggies and peppers. Tender and terrific (I tried it.)... I pondered whether to start with Prince Edward Island Mussles or Wild Mushroom Risotto. I went with the risotto (I'm not sure I really want to know whether ANYBODY can beat the Bantry Bay Mussels at St. James' Gate...), and although it arrived a bit too quickly to have been completely whipped up on my order, it was luscious, laced with thinly-sliced criminis and chanterelles, fortified by a lovely fontina, and lubricated with truffle oil and just a smidge of pesto. Yumm. My entree was Slow-Roasted Short Ribs with Mashed Taters and Whole Baby Carrots, with a red wine reduction. Oboy. So, yeah, I like this place. We'll be back. With friends. You should go, too. Brett's a local boy who should make good, and it'll be delicious fun helping him do so. "Wish" is located at 500 Pleasant Valley way, West Orange, NJ // 973-669-9911 // Open M-Sat

Tonight at Antonella's was pretty typical; I ended up choosing between the grilled talapia and pappardelle specials. I went with the fish. Sometimes I let the Chef decide. It's a very casual litle place, and he may occasionally run out of a special, yet come up with a surprisingly nice substitute. I've learned to be flexible when arriving after 8PM. -s. BTW: I love LuLu's Bistro in Livingston, as well, but for different reasons...

Yes, Rosie. It's a small Mom&Pop (Antonella&Carlo) BYO on Village Plaza here in South Orange. The place holds only about 10 tables, but they're a charming couple with a desire to please, and the food's reliably good, with a bit more panache than Reservoir Restaurant's, but less than Cafe Arugula's. Despite a relative lack of ambiance, they're filled most nights, so a reservation's a good idea. 973-763-0391. -s. BTW: Have you been to Papillon 25, the restaurant/martini bar, or Lot 15 Steak House (being operated by ex-staff from Maplewood's Centanni in the old Stuffed Shirt Location) here in S.O?

Rosie: Thanks for your welcome on the "EKKO" thread. I just submitted my ballot, but since you asked where I love to eat, I'd like to happily note that some of my very favorite eateries are right here in my local South Orange/Maplewood area: Jocelyne's, Verjus, St. James' Gate, Cafe Arugula, Antonella's, Reservoir Restaurant, A Taste of Asia, Bill & Harry's (take-out), and, of course, the Town Hall Deli. Lest you condemn me as hopelessly local, though, let me add that we dined at Cafe Matisse last night, that we'll be at the Stage House on the 12th (sorry we'll miss the big Chinese banquet on Rte 46) for a pre-Valentine's Day Romance-A-Thon, and that we're hoping against hope to snag a last-minute table at Per Se (through Open Table) sometime this century. My best restaurant experience -- ever -- was at TRIO in Evanston, IL, three years ago, and we plan to visit Alinea in Chicago once it opens, to see if Chef Grant can top himself... Gotta go check my chili now. Root for the Eagles, but bet on the Pats... -s. BTW: I'm one of your readers, as well. You do a great job!

AlisonA: You'll find that a Syd's dog is a bit longer than the one in your avatar. Ask for grilled rather than boiled, and try the baked beans alongside! Oh, and if you haven't yet, check out Tabatchnik's and Sonny Amster's, two other places you should know about in the Millburn Mall.

This location has had a pretty spotty history. There might have been an eatery there prior to "BICE", but I can't recall. I always got a chuckle out of the menus and match packets sporting their impressive listings of international cities where a "BICE" operated, followed by "West Orange, NJ". The most recently-closed operation (Northfield Grille?) seemed like a hangout for "wiseguys", and I felt rather nervous during my one visit. Hopefully, EKKO can increase my comfort level.