bpsklar

Went to Gazelle last night with Rosie and Lowell. All dishes were very good. This place should make it.

Try Manhattan Deli on Chestnut Ridge Road in Montvale.

If you are looking for a good vegetarian meal in Ridgewood, go to Joel's on Oak Street. He will prepare a fantastic vegetarian meal. He also serves meat, fish and poultry. His soups are outstanding.

We have been going to Joel's since it opened. It is a funky place, but very cozy. If you like fruits, vegetables and grains in your dishes, this is the place. Every thing is always fresh and interesting. His soups are first rate. We have taken soups out to have for a dinner course at home. Fish, shellfish and chicken dishes are not the usual run-of-the-mill offerings. When Joel has time on his hands, he has piped my name on the rim of the dish using mashed potatoes. A charming host. BYOB

After reading Rosie's review, I called and made a reservation for 4 days ahead. Called Fri. for a Tues. reservation. The food was great and the owner was very gracious. We had ratatouille in basil aoli served in a puff pastry as an amuse-bouche. For appetizers terrine of squab and seared foie gras, goat cheese gnocchi, fried calamari risotto. Entrees---red tail venison loin, trout, pork loin. Everything was as good as Rosie said. Worth a revisit.

Where is Restaurant Nicholas?

What happened to Johnnie and Hanges, Callahans, The Hot Grill in Clifton and Hirams?

I think the sides are included. They probably want you to eat a lot of fries and corn, not the lobster. This a byob place. Bring plenty of beer or a nice light white wine. When I was a student I went to an all you can eat lobster place and ate 7 one pounders. So did two of my buddies--7 each. They didn't want to see us again

I don't know where they will put another restaurant in Ridgewood. They already have about 60 sit-down places. As for a liquor license in Ridgewood, I don't think so. Most places there can't afford them and even Zarole's, 28 Oak, Village Green, Radicchio's, etc. don't have them. I last heard that they cost in the neighborhood of $500,000 to one million. No new licenses are being issued, so you have to buy one from someone who has one and no one is selling.

On Wednesdays, Hagler's used to serve Baked Virginia Ham, as a sandwich or an entree platter. It was the only thing I ever went there for. Very reasonable as my dear departed friend always picked up the tab.

I am not a buffet goer, but if you want something unusual, try the following two places. Nagoya 1007 MacArthur Blvd. Mahwah 201-818-9933 All you can eat Sushi with free sake $19.95 per person. Pastels 119 Franklin Tpke. Mahwah 201-529-1700 Every Thursday during the summer, by reservation only. All the lobster you can eat $39.99. Extended during the 4th of July Fri., Sat & Sun.

Just returned from Sicily on May 24, 2003. Recent enough? If you have big bucks and can find some of the small private restaurants you will be able to have the best food you have ever tasted. In Taormina go to Casa Grugno. www.casagrugno.it or the restaurant at the Grand Hotel Timeo (Il Dito e la Luna) In Palermo Cin Cin www.ristorantecincin.com In Agrigento Baglio de la Luna You will bless me for these suggestions. Bernie

Has anyone tried Sylvester's in Hasbrouck Heights?

We were there once. Not worth a revisit. Fair to middleing food.