Kobi

I was JRichman's co-conspirator on this trip and it was great, particularly Patsy's as he described. Taking in to account total experience, my current personal list is Totonno's Coney Island (loved the pizza, loved the atmosphere) followed by Patsy's EH (amazing pizza, not much atmosphere) and then DiFara (transcendant pizza, just so hard to plan to go b/c of unpredictable waits). Taking just taste in to account, I would probably go DiFara - Patsy's - Totonno's CI - Una Pizza Nap.. Just one man's opinion. Next up on our tour are Arturo's, Giorgionne's, Denino's, Franny's and Luzzo's. - KOBI

I've had VERY good experiences at Cafe L'Amore in Oakland. Very busy on the weekends, but worth the wait/noise. Relaxed atmosphere, reasonably priced, great food. KOBI http://www.njdiningguide.com/cafelamore/

Time Out NY did it's ratings of top pizza places in the City. The usual suspects are mainly present, with a few somewhat notable exceptions (no Lombardi's, Grimaldi's). Di Fara #1. Entire list at the following link... - KOBITO NY

This has been great, Sandy. Thanks so much for sharing. Sometimes it is painful how hard it is to get a great cheesesteak outside of Philly. - KOBI

Per Philly.com, "Rittenhouse Square foodies have been champing at the bit to learn the name of the bistro under construction at 20th Street and Rittenhouse Square, in the space that was Salt and Out of the Blue. It'll be called Snackbar, with a menu that owner Jonathan Makar calls "progressive snacks." Opening is less than a month away, says Makar." - KOBI

While maybe a little pricier than "moderate," Pod on 37th (i think?) and Sansom is worth the extra cost. Pod Also, Restaurant Nan on 41st and Chestnut is very good. - KOBI

Didn't have anything at the park, but my friends had some standard ballpark fare (pretzels, water ice, etc). I've had both TL and Geno's (when it was still there) in the past, but this time decided it'd be more prudent to save some room for dinner. ------- Thanks for all the comments, KOBI

PD, I have very conflicted feelings about Rick's. A few years ago, on my first trip, I had what I would unquestionably term a "great" cheesesteak there. Ever since, however, I always seem to think that my next visit wasn't as good as my last. The steak is sliced, as I prefer, the rolls are great, and ofcourse the atmosphere is the best, but the onions are too sweet for my taste, they never seem to put enough whiz, and the hot peppers aren't my preferred variety. That said, they do make a pretty big sandwich and I did enjoy it, although certainly not as much as that first one - KOBI

Hi all, Spent a day and a half in Philadelphia and did a lot of eating. Started off Thursday morning with a trip to Reading Terminal Market, where we shared a few things: a pretzel, a cheesesteak from Ricks (whiz with, hot peppers), smothered chicken and mac and cheese from Delilah's and ribs from the Rib Stand in the corner: Thursday afternoon we went to the Phillies game then McFadden's postgame for a few. For dinner, we had an amazing time at Amada. The only drawback was that the lighting wasn't great for pictures, but the dishes I remember are (there were three of us): 1 - Mixed cheese plate, which was fantastic 2 - Serrano ham and mixto cured meats, which was basic but a nice interlude 3 - The garlic shrimp, which was the only dissapointing dish 4 - Patatas bravas, which were great and had a great kick 5 - Tortilla espanola with saffron aioli- Great, inventive, tasty dish. 6 - Beef tenderloin filet with foie gras and cabrales - AMAZING dish. I liked it more without the cabrales (which I found a little overwhelming), but all three of us loved it. 7 - Paella Valenciana - Phenomenal. The chicken was great, and while I didn't eat the chorizo both of my dinner companions loved it. I only wish I had more room for it. Friday morning started at La Colombe with a latte: Then Friday afternoon we sat outside at Rouge: for a late lunch of the Rouge Burger and fries, definitely the best burger I have had in months, perhaps longer than that: capped off by a trip to Capogiro Gelato for dessert: A short trip but we managed to fit in some great food stops. Sorry for the picture quality, it was a cell phone. - KOBI

Thanks, Rachel, I definitely will!! - KOBI

Hi all, From a few articles I've come across in the last few days, I read about some openings that I didn't know about prior: 1 - Whole Foods (on Route 4, near where Century 21 just opened, 77000 square foot store) 2 - Rosa Mexicana 3 - PF Chang's - Both located in Riverside Square 4 - Trader Joe's (which I know is not a recent revelation) 5 - Maggiano's Little Italy (someplace on Route 4) 6 - 3 new restaurants and a 16 screen theatre at GSPlaza Anyone have anything to add? The Whole Foods (77k! wow!) is particular exciting, and I've long been a fan of both PF and Rosa. - KOBI

oceano'sWent to Oceano's for a Father's Day Brunch. Had a great meal, with pictures and descriptions (off the website) below. Had two great appetizers. First, the medditeranean spread sampler, with taramosalata, hummus, feta cheese spread and roasted eggplant salad: Loved the roasted eggplant salad and taramosalata, and enjoyed the hummus and feta spread. Also had the coconut shrimp with thai dipping sauces, which was fantastic: They start off the meal with homemade bread and amazing olive oil, from a supply in Italy which the owner handpicks. The bread is cooked fresh every morning and was truly a stand-out portion of the meal, not just a necessary side. Unfortunately I forgot to photograph it. We also had greek and caesar salad, both of which were very good and large portions (esp. the greek). The greek is served with a mint vinaigrette which we asked for more of and were promptly given. For main courses, we had the tuna, lamp chops, and scallops. The tuna was grilled and served with fresh ginger, noodles, scallions and a soy vinaigrette. We were also offered, and accepted, a small side of wasabi mayo. Cooked medium, it was a great dish The scallops were served over sauteed spinach and were also very solid and cooked perfectly Lastly, the lamb chops were both beautiful and excellent. Served with a dijon demi glaze and great french fries, the presentation was matched only by the taste We also shared an apple truffle for dessert, which was good but not great We will certainly be back. The room was beautiful and the prices were right in line with what we expected (220 for 5 people). A great place for special occasions in Bergen County. - KOBI

I used to go to LBI every summer but haven't been for the past few. That said, some of the better places when we did go: - Raimondo's, Ship Bottom - Very solid Italian, somewhat on the expensive side and also somewhat inconsistent, but had a few great meals there. - Blue, Surf City - Probably the best meal I've had at LBI I had here. Somewhat "Manhattan-esque" and too trendy for the Island. Very good food and I would strongly consider for one of the nicer meals. - Yellow Fin, Surf City - Another very solid, somewhat expensive restaurant in Surf City. A review from 2000: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html...agewanted=print A few local places include Panzone's Pizza (in Beach Haven and Surf City) and Mustache Bill's Diner (at the other end of the island, in Barnegat Light). Also, mrbigjas, the June 06 issue of Philly magazine is the "shore issue," with a few pages devoted to LBI. Among there highlights are: Best all-around restaurant: Tuckers, Beach Haven Best Raw Bar: Bistro 14, Beach Haven Best pizza: Greenhouse Cafe, Ship Bottom Best Butcher: Okie's, Surf City (a great, great butcher) Best Summer Soups: Sweet Vidalia, Beach Haven, www.sweetvidalia.info Have a great time, its an awesome place. - KOBI

A "Rita's Ices" opened in Mahwah this past month, right near the train station. Always a fan while in Philadelphia, it is a very welcome addition to the town. Judging by the lines when I have been there, they are doing very well, too. - KOBIPR

Hi all, With the World Cup fast approaching, I was hoping some EGulleters could share any places that they know where one can watch the games with true fans. Not really looking for the ESPN Zone types, but more local places where less English is spoken than some (Spanish, French, etc) other language. Any help, as always, much appreciated. - KOBI

Went to Hanges today, two dogs all the way, fries with gravy. GREAT. - KOBI

Mangia, The menu is on the link I provided. I can't vouch for anything besides the pizza, sorry. Hope your friends enjoy it, though. - KOBI

Had a great meal at Roxanne's in Mahwah tonight (to be technical about it we brought the pizza back home). Located at 150 Franklin Tpk, 201-529-0007, Roxanne's is a brick-oven pizza place with a large menu of pasta and salad dishes. We had a large pizza with half meatball, which was truly enjoyable. Total was 14 dollars and change, a little pricey, but certainly worth it. The menu can be found at the link below, although they don't seem to have their own website. The pizza was much more flavorful than some in the area, and I would put it on par with many places I have sampled in NYC. Be forewarned that there was a 20 or so minute wait when I picked up my pizza for those looking to dine-in (on a Sunday night at 630 or so). Roxanne's - KOBI

Great pictures, thanks for sharing!

So, how'd it go? Any pictures??

Walked passed Blue Spoon this morning and they are now serving homemade sandwiches, paninis and salads. Judging by the quality of their coffee and other fare I would guess it will be worth a visit. I will certainly report back if I make it over!!! - KOBI

Anonymouze, Posa posa is still there, in the same spot on Route 59. They also have atleast one more outpost, in Woodbury Commons, although it is currently being renovated. Posa is a great quick stop, both for their pizza and several of their "menu" items. - KOBI

Blue Spoon Coffee, on Chambers Street between Church and Broadway, is rapidly rising in my book of best coffee in the city, and certainly in lower Manhattan. Theyt have been slowly adding wrinkles as the place grows (H&H bagels, homemade oatmeal...) but the undeniable backbone is the strong, flavorful Intelligista coffee that they brew. A nice, small, often crowded place.

A couple more spots: - Citrus Grille (Saddle River Road, Monsey). I only went once some years ago, but gets very high praise from many. - Jade Village (pascack road, Chesntut Ridge, www.jadevillage.com). VERY good upscale Chinese food, they also have a Japanese side which I have never tried. Reserve early for the weekends, also a great place for take out. I particularly reccomend the Jade Village Steak and sizzling tofu (which may not be on the menu). - A Taste of Distincton (Route 202, Pomona, www.atasteofdistinction.com). More of a caterer than restaurant, they also have a large showcase and fantastic foodn to eat in at a few tables. Great sandwich selection, I particularly reccomend the #1- but ask for it on their home made foccacia, which is worth the visit alone. - El Bandito (Route 59, Spring Valley). Great, authentic, fast Mexican. A little expensive but worth it... loud and rushed, though. - Sutter's Mill (Route 59, Suffern). A basic pub, but with some very good food. I love the wings and cheese fries when I am looking to cheat, but they also have a great spinach salad (ask for the warm balsamic dressing on the side!) Liz, which of the above have you been to? Any opinions?? Hope this helps, KOBI

Another big fan of Waterwheel. The pancakes are fantastic- and I don't really love pancakes. A very loud, family friendly place. I also enjoy the chicken parm, but the best in the county (much better for take out than dine in) is right up Route 59 towards Nanuet- Three Boys from Italy. About two minutes up the road, not much for ambiance but fantastic food. - KOBI