Rail Paul

2] Absolutely hilarious!

I think this is the Pilot House, adjacent to a boatyard, you walk up two flights of stairs. It isn't bad, we had one lunch and one dinner there this Spring. It's on the eastbound side of 88, where 88 and 70 split. I don't recall anything about the food, so I'd guess it wasn't ptomaine or escoffier. The main room is very dark, I think it functions primarily as a bar. The wrap around porches are comfortable and bright, but just a little tight if a family group has 2-3 tables.

Thanks. I don't recall how long the wait between the appy and entrees was. Maybe 15-20 minutes after we finished our appies. There's enough "theater" that it wasn't burdensome. We arrived about four and left about six, so that seems about right. I didn't mention desserts (we didn't order), but the plating looked equal to the entrees. Very vivid colors, interesting elements. I don't know if they are internal or outsourced.

Dee and I had dinner there on Sunday afternoon. Columbia Inn is a very open, airy restaurant with seating for about 150 people in the main room. There's an adjacent bar (more about that, later) and a banquet facility. We've dined there several times during the week, but never on a weekend. US 202, north of Boonton, just south of Lake Valhalla. You walk in through the bar to the greeter. As with many places, there's a long row of tables for two. Then, a row of tables for six and eight, finally a row of tables for four along the far window. Greeted, and immediately seated at a table for two. The place was about 1/3 full at 4 pm. Several families with gramps, mom, kids, etc. Attire ranged from shorts to ties. Menu and drink orders promptly handled. I was somewhat surprised with how overstaffed the room seemed to be, with seven waitstaff. While waiting for the drinks, I noticed smoke from the bar had begun to drift over the low divider. We asked to be reseated, and were moved to a table for four by the window. Big menu, lots of meat, fowl, fish. I ordered a puree of corn soup ($3 cup) and the red snapper stuffed with crab ($16) from the daily specials. Dee ordered stuffed eggplant, and the pork scallopini ($15). Other items included veal, steak, many different pastas, etc. Appy prices ran $7 - $12, entrees $12 - $25. They have great pizza, with many different toppings, typically $12 to $15. The server came back to let us know the snapper was history, would I like the black bass with fava, red beans, etc? The appies came out about about 30 minutes later, which was fine (we were enjoying the place and our conversation). I noticed that the kitchen was consistent with other tables as well. Soup was a deep yellow, slightly thickened corn broth, topped with a small nest of cilantro, finely shredded red pepper, and a small piece of grey sage. Impressive presentation, and tasted fine. Would be a wonderful harvest time idea. Stuffed eggplant was adequate. Far too much ricotta cheese stuffed into it. Pork scallopini was good. Very thin pieces of pork, cheese and a richly flavored tomato sauce. Shredded crystallized onions on top, and a signature plating item. A piping of mashed potatoes butted against a piping of sweet potatoes, with a deep fried tortilla triangle upright between them. A two inch carrot blossom rested on top of the sweet potato made it look like an orange flower. The bass was very intriguing. Very flavorful, with the beans offering a vivid crunch. The flecks of cilantro offered color contrast. I liked it. Potato signature item was offered. Positives: attentive, responsive service. Good food, well displayed. Negatives: unruly children underfoot, causing problems for the servers. A few crying children, not promptly dispatched. Since we don't usually dine in places with little kids (rarely eat out on Sunday afternoon), I don't know if this is common, but may be more an indication of poor parenting. I did notice a few servers had trouble dodging the tykes. I noticed the tables for two were mostly filled when we were leaving. They seemed awfully tight, and there was a mild commotion as people had to move tables to allow an 'inner" to exit. That's just not appropriate. Price with three beers and tip, no dessert or coffee: $75. Nice place, good food, but I'll confine my visiting to weekdays and evenings.

Best? a subjective question, by far! My short list would include High Lawn Pavilion in West Orange (food, view, service). Although the location features prominently in my recollections of the terrorist attacks, it also has some very happy associations as well. If you wanted to expand your distance, I'd include Tre Vigne in Basking Ridge. Although Ryland Inn has fabulous food and incredible service, it is off my value / price meter. Also looking forward to trying the reopened Rat's...

With a case of Ravenswood on the bike's shelf, he should keep his eyes alert for Tommy, who's confessed an interest in the stuff. Great day for a bike ride in NJ, low 70s with a light breeze, a few high clouds Thanks for posting the pictures!

In some respects, eGullet resembles a classic Seinfeld sketch, with enormous attention directed toward activities which play a very minor role in the lives of normal people. Not that there's anything wrong with that, of course. eGullet has produced, via give and take, many people who have demonstrated and defended competence in specific areas. As a beneficiary of their willingness to share some of that subject knowledge, I'm very grateful for that. Several folks have organized excursions (Luger's, China 46, Greenwich bar crawl, Potluck, etc) which gave members the opportunity to learn and experience new tastes. I would never have entered China 46 without a darn good reason, but I'm happy I did, and with people who were so knowledgeable. As an occasional poster, I don't feel excluded, if I miss a reference, I don't think it detracts much from the overall value. But, I could be wrong, that's only my opinion...

Is Minneapolis farther north than Seattle? I'd bet the latitude of Seattle is about 48 degrees, and Minneapolis about 45. The US Canada border in the west is on the 49th parallel, I believe. If the US had won the "54/40 or fight" battle, all of Canada would legally be part of the US.

Steve - Happy birthday! What a wonderful story, with such a happy ending Paul

SR in West Caldwell, usually. West Orange is newer, cleaner, and has a much better selection of produce. Maverick is often, but not always carried in WC. D'Artagnan and Bell/Evans are now the featured specialty meats. If a Wegman's came to West Caldwell, both Kings and SR would be down the drain hole within days. The site Wegman's was considering has been optioned by Home Depot for a new store, so that out of the pix for now.

Maverick is a very well respected name in beef. Organic, no hormones, etc. Our local SR carries the brand as well Maverick's Page You're also near Well Sweep farm. A wonderful place for herbs, etc.

Made it over to the Willowbrook Costco tonight (Friday). Costco is located on West Belt Blvd in Wayne NJ. Huge wine department, prob 500 different wines offered. Many people were buying cases. Some sample items and prices: Ravenswood Vintners blend 00 Zin 8.49 Ruffino Riserva Ducal Chi Class 98 14.99 Brgich Hills Fume 99 16.99 Rosemount Shiraz Estate 99 9.49 Ch S Michelle Col Vall Joh Ries 01 6.99 Benziger Fume Sonoma 00 8.99 Dry Creek Reserve Fume 99 13.49 Coppola Diamond Gold Chard 00 11.99 Coppola Diamond Green Syrah 00 11.99 Stag's Leap SLV 98 77.99 Penfold's Barossa Vall Shiraz 98 49.99 Ch S Jean Cinq Cepages 98 53.99 Coppola Black Label Claret 00 13.49 Cabreo Il Burgo 97 29.99 Modus Toscano 97 37.99 Benziger Sonoma Merlot 14.99 Fat Bastard Chard 01 7.49 Tattinger Artist (Matta) 92 118.99 Mumm Cordon Rouge 49.99 Raymond Eloquence (375ml) 27.99 Castello Del Terricolo Tassainia 98 48.99 Amarone Bertani 94 59.99 Dewars 1.75 30.49 Johnny Walker Black 1.75 49.99 Frangelico 16.99 Hennessey VS 22.48 Moet White Star 24.99 There was a huge section of after dinner stuff (B&B, Gran Marnier, etc) but i didn't go over there. Tommy - the Ravenswood was the only product. Didn't have the stuff I bought at Shop Rite. Rosie - no Turley, no Screaming Eagle

pavlova - is Brazilia the place on the second floor of Seabra's bakery, down Ferry street near Jackson? I think the owners formerly ran Brazilian Portuguese pavilion in Harrison...

OK, liztowns, that resolves that issue. I didn't know if the readers in Rockland get their own edition, so the occasional Rockland review makes sense...

re: Fink's Your way of cooking and presenting chicken is consistent with what I've seen in the South. I'm sure your reputation wouldn't be as good as it is if you cut corners. But, I'd suggest a sign or notice that a customer may find a different than usual coloring in the food might be in order. Dodge and I may differ on some things, but he makes a good point on raw and chicken. In that situation, I think the house should be explicit.

There's a review of the Sea Shack (Polifly Road in Hackensack) in Friday's Bergen Record. Awarded 2.5 stars, and a generally positive narrative. They describe it as a throw back to the 1950s in many respects. I've had good to OK food there, never anything fabulous, never anything terrible.

Rebecca's in Edgewater often has pulled pork on the menu. I prefer the way they do it, which is a roasted marinated pork shoulder, with crisp edges, and a moist inside. If sauce is used, I prefer it on the side. When it's done the French Quarter way, stewed in the sauce, you run the risk the sauce will hijack the meal. Just a personal preference for me. "The reigning deity on bbq" is markstevens. He has a thread somewhere in here about how the various bbq techniques work. The other "reigning deity on bbq" Holly Moore, has an exceptional site with world class examples of high priestly bbq artists. Holly Eats

I'd go back. I'd be interested to see how it performs with a full house, since we had the whole joint to ourselves. I think I recall WM mentioned they have a jazz group in on the weekends. I was surprised there were no specials offered, but the menu was full and complete. Lots of choices. Which brings up a minor negative. The menu was stained. Both of them. With easy and cheap laser printing, there's no execuse for making up a new menu every day and assuring only clean menus are used.

OK. BTW, SR's price was $15.99. My error. I noticed I had recorded the price on the same page I wrote my notes on the french quarter place, which is why I was late for Costco...

Dee and I went to the French Quarter in Wayne. It's been mentioned here by Walter Maier and others. Located on the Hamburg Turnpike (US 202). NJ 23 north, right on Jackson Avenue to end. Left on 202 to left on Hamburg 202, place is on your right about 1/2 mile. Very nice place, an updated version of an old roadhouse in rural Louisiana. I think it was Chez Louis in another life. They were doing some remodeling, so entry was thru the bar, which looked like a movie set for a 1930s movie. Dark wood, mirror behind the bar, a guy sitting with a huge plate of oysters and a mug of beer. Woman nursing a drink. Smoking section is in a pleasant room adjacent to the bar. We went thru that area to the non-smoking, which is three rooms, and about 75 seats. Two other tables were occupied at 730 on a Wednesday. Not a good sign. There was a faint stale smell in the air. Nice room, tiled fire place, decorative beer mugs and abstract art on the wall by us. Waiter put on the a/c, smell disappeared. Fresh spiced tortilla chips and faintly bbq flavored cole slaw appeared. Tasty and different. Menu has a five course dinner for $29.95 (chips, appy, entree, salad, dessert/coffee) with supplements of $5 for buffalo and beef filet. Entrees included chicken jambalaya, andouille sausage, a house pate, beef bourguinon, duck cepes, and several pasta items. A la carte also available. Dee ordered the catfish filet with an escargot appetizer, I ordered the crab cake and pulled pork. Escargot was served in puff pastry, arranged in a pinwheel of five on the plate. A very rich mushroom sauce dressed the plate, with a sprinkle of ground red pepper and dried celery. Escargot was delightful. I ordered the crab cakes. Three silver dollar sized pieces, very tangy, with a respectable amount of crab (expected for $11). I enjoyed them. My entree was the pulled pork, which was fine. Not great, not Memphis pig-out fine, but OK. I found it to be interesting but not exciting, and lacking the complexity of flavors I want in a good pulled pork. Beans, a stewed beet (not bad, and very unexpected) and rice rounded out the healthy serving. Dee's catfish was spectacular. Blackened, but moist to almost wet in the center. Thick piece, spice was very evident. Very attractive presentation, with the spice dusting and a remoulade on the side. I had two pints of the Widmer's dark beer, which was fine. Dee had a pinot grigio (morsautti 2001) by the glass, which they handled on the honor system. Opened the bottle, and left it. Dee drank two healthy glasses, he looked at it and send "Two?" for the bill. No ice bucket provided, bottle sat on the table. Dessert was a chocolate mousse cake. All in, with tip, bill came to $90. Nice place, fine service, good food. It's a shame it was so empty. The other tables were empty by 815, and they turned the lights out as we left at 9 pm.

I had mentioned about two weeks ago that friends and I planned to go to An American Grill. It's been highly recommended by several people whose opinions I value. That will happen in the next few days, and I'll put something up on the board. Based on all the good things I've heard about this place for so long, I found the first report to be quite a surprise and very unexpected. Anybody who's read my stuff knows I don't pull my punches and can be pretty demanding. (And, no, I'm not gonna let the owner know who I am...)

I didn't get to Costco last night, they closed at 830. Will try again tonight... Ravenswood Zin was $16.99 in Caldwell's SR Liquors last night, I'll see what Costco wants for it...

The record has an article today about the best sub shop in Bergen County: 1) Subbies in Saddle Brook, 505 Midland Avenue 2) Sub-Base in Fair Lawn, 18-50 River Road They make the claim that the bread is the most important aspect of the sandwich. I disagree. Fillings and oils used are equally important. Lots of garlic helps, too... Bergen Record

$28.69 per the article, the NJ wholesale price is $28. I'm going over there tonight. Would you like me to check any prices for you? some firms sponsor "corporate memberships. when Dee was employed by a firm down on 23rd street, she got a membership for $5. Perhaps your employer participates in a similar arrangement

There's an article in the NY Times (Wednesday May 29) about Costco's aggressive moves in wine distribution. Once known as a jug and box distributor, the firm has become a feared competitor in fine wines. No wine is marked up more than 14%, some are a penny over wholesale. Some wine retailers will mark up wines 50%, the article says. (based on other threads, a lot more than 50%!!) Amanda Hesser's article mentioned Alois Lageder travelled 200 miles for a 20 minute presentation to the Costco team. Costco sold a half billion dollars of wine in 2001, about 2.5% of all US retail and restaurant wine sales. It is described as one of the biggest sellers of Dom Perignon and Veuve Cliquot in the US. The Wayne NJ store is compared to Angelbeck's in Upper Montclair, a high end, premium wine place, PJ in Manhattan, Astor Wines in Manhattan, and Zachy's in Scarsdale. Prices are net of NJ's 6% sales tax. 2000 Silverado Chard ($15.99, no carry, $19.99, 18.99, 19.99) Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label is 69 cents over wholesale, and sells for $11 less, 1.30 less, $1.30 less, and $7 less 1999 Chat Palmer $2.50 less, 22.50 less, no carry, 12 less The wine merchants correctly point out that Costco does not have cool cellars and secured custody of the wine as it passes from wine maker down the chain. Still, Angelbeck sent its own truck to Costco for 5 cases of Dom Perignon, and saved its customer a grand. Based on my experience in the Wayne store, the choices aren't broad, but the prices are rock bottom. If I get over there tonight, I'll record and post prices.