RockADS21

I need some help. I love champagne but most of the bottles that I order tend to be more on the dry side which my wife isn't particulairly fond of. Can anyone suggest a few decent champagnes/sparkling wines that are a bit more fruity and less dry? Thanks...

Get back on the horse as quickly as possible as well...kepping your tolerance at a high level is essential.

I respectfully ask that the doubters please try before they comment. I have been using this method for years and it is unblemished...I have also had feedback from many others who have said the same. As for the quesy stomache, I cannot comment inteligently on your choice of liquor and/or food which would most likely be the cause of having an upset stomache the following day. And to Wilfred regarding my experiance...I will say just this...I am very well tested as many NJ bartenders would attest. Plese try this precaution the next time you drink whether you think you will have a hangover or not and I'm sure cudos will come my way shortly thereafter.

I do not have a remedy but rather a way to avoid hangovers 100% of the time. Regarless of what or how much you drink...before going to bed take 2 or 3 Excedrin with at least 24 oz. of ice cold water. The 2 or 3 should vary on...a) your size and b) how much you drank...Do not vary the pill - it must be Excedrin and the water is key - very very cold! This will avoid the headache - to avoid the dehydration the next day...when you wake up drink Fruit Punch flavored Gatorade(the red one). This is absolutely fool-proof.

Ralph's Pizzeria in Nutley is amazing! Friday nights there is close to an hour wait for a pie - take out!!! By far the tops in a town loaded with very good pizza joints. Another good one is The Reservoir Tavern in Parsippany.

Hunan Taste has liquor. They happen to make an outstanding Maitai...

Rutts has to take top billing for sure...just something amazing about two of those dogs and a gravy covered french fries. However, if you want truly great dogs off the truck, there can be no comparison to the legendary Tony's on the corner of Park and Lake street in Newark.

An excellant Chinese restuarant that I haven't seen mentioned is Hunan Taste in Denville. Top quality for lunch and dinner. They have a very good variety and some house specials that are outstanding. Probably the best Peking Duck that I have ever had as well. Atmosphere is also very nice...rows of fish tanks with some very interesting exotic fish throughout the restaurant plus a fish tank bar. I very strongly recommend giving this place a try.

City Bistro on 14th is very good. Their menu has a good variety whether you are just in the mood for a quick bite/burger or a full meal. It gets to be a bit crowded later on the weekends(what Hoboken spot dosen't?) but the rooftop is also a nice feature.

I grew up in Nutley and actually only moved out of town a year ago. I have never been to Scuttlebutts myself (I have a hard time passing up an oppurtunity to go to the Franklin Steakhouse) but I can tell you that my parents as well as many friends who still live in town absolutely rave about the food. Their thoughts are great food and little or no atmosphere. (Edited by RockADS21 at 2:11 pm on Oct. 15, 2001)

There is always the Highlawn Pavillion...

As a veteran of the 3 A.M. NJ Diner scene I must stay loyal to the Tick-Tock on Route 3 in Clifton...very consistant and very good. Some other top tin spots in my opinion are Willies Diner in Bloomfield(excellant breakfast), the Versailles on Route 46 in Fairfield, the Reo in Woodbridge and heading home from the shore a stop at the Toms River Diner on Route 37 is a must...I also believe that it should be a crime to refer to Taylor Ham as pork roll and we need to make a strong effort to convey this message to our good friends south of the Driscol bridge...

I now see that the topic of Ixtapa has become mute as they have closed. Is Mexicali Rose in Montclair worth giving a try?

Being a French/Thai restaurant I am wondering if Origin would appeal to someone who isn't particulairly fond of Thai. I really want to try the restaurant but need to be sure on who I should have dinner with when and if I do. What are you thoughts?

The info. that I can give you that I know is accurate is that one of the former owners Ken Daneyko (of the NJ Devils) is no longer involved with the restaurant. Also, they are once again BYO. I do believe that they have completely changed both in ownership and in the kitchen. (Edited by RockADS21 at 10:02 am on Sep. 28, 2001)

I visit Nikko in Whippany as much as I can. Their sushi is absolutely superb. I was recently informed that one of the former owners of Nikko opened Midori in Morris Plains which I have not yet been to and would love some feedback on. Also someone recommended a place called Kyoto, a BYO in Florham Park. I realize that this discussion is in the New Jersey forum but I must mention that the only sushi that I have ever had that tops Nikko is at a small place called Taka in the Village in NYC.

I just picked up a 1998 Pepperwood Grove Pinot Noir. It was rated considerably well by Wine Spectator. I would love some comments on it before I pop the cork. Thanks.

The Franklin Steakhouse in Nutley serves several cuts of beef and all are top quality and also very reasonably priced. Their steaks are on the same level with the top notch/ more expensive places but I feel the most impressive items on the menu are their steak sandwiches. Both the choices on the menu (especially the Italian Steak) and the sanwich of the day off their specials list are can't miss each and every time. Also, do not leave without having their French onion soup - it is the best I have ever had.

I think I am in the majority when I say that I have often sought after an authentic New Jersey Mexican restaurant to practically no avail. It seems that Mexican food in this area for the most part means Jose Tejas, On The Border or Chevy's. While those places serve their pupose I often tend to just stick with a margurita and chips and salsa at the bar (they actually all generally have good tequilla). I am however still wondering if there are some good legit Mexican restarants out there that I am unaware of. I was told that Ixtapa in Morristown was very good but shortly after read a review in New Jersey Monthly that made it sound just average. Thoughts on Ixtapa and any other suggestions are much appreciated.

Marino's is located at 34 North Avenue - right in the center of town in Cranford (1 block from the train station). The soups and chowders are a can't miss there. It is BYO and I believe that the restaurant portion is open from Wednesday through Sunday.

Two seafood restaurants immediately come to mind. Spikes in Point Pleasant and Marino's in Cranford. Both are very similair in style being market/restaurant types with much more emphasis on the quality of the food that they are serving than the setting in which they serve it. I have never walked away from either without having an above average meal.