RockADS21

any more detail on Aozora?

he was as of the last time I had heard which was probably less than 2 weeks ago...are the John Magliaro/Terrazza/Franklin Steak House crew still the owners of Bice? I heard that Franklin Steak house bought Bice and was changing the name. I know that the first part of that was/is true which leads me to believe the second part is as well...

he was as of the last time I had heard which was probably less than 2 weeks ago...are the John Magliaro/Terrazza/Franklin Steak House crew still the owners of Bice?

ditto

Rosie - give Adega Grill on Ferry St. a try...we enjoyed the food and atmosphere...I would suggest a weeknight as the weekend crowd gets more bar/lounge -ish and much louder...

I believe we are postponing for a few weeks...

Tom...Henry Sanchez was the chef here about 5 years ago before moving on to Terrazza, Taste, Luce, Bella Giardino and now Bice...when he was there many people I know said that the food was very good which would make sense since he is a pretty talented chef(despite all the movement)...since his departure however I have not heard a thing...

I also enjoyed Adega Grill in Newark...good food...nice atmosphere...

I think I've seen this on some TV "reality" show before...

i was just about to so something similar. sounds like we're at 3 so far...

I'd rather stick a straw into the urinal...

I could do next Thursday...Winberies is close by for a drink afterwards as is the Mall at Short Hills(Legal Seafood/Paparazzi)...unless those aren't the type bars you mean

Lou...just say when

Visited Corso 98 in Montclair for dinner last week, mainly on the strong recommendations of Rosie. I was very pleased overall with the meal. Certainly a cut above your run of the mill Italian which is so commonplace, particulairly in Essex County. The place is a quaint little BYO on a Montclair sidestreet. The waitstaff while a bit complacent, is also knowledgeable of the menu and full of suggestions. Example - we had to ask for bottled rather than tap water but the server suggested a stuffed zucchini flower as an appetizer as he stated that the dish would not be on the menu much longer. The menu and specials alike are filled with interesting choices. I was in the mood for pasta which is rare for me so I decided on a special bolognese. The dish was perfect - the thick homemade pasta reminded me of the days that my grandparents would make their own by hand on Sunday mornings. The sauce was so flavorfull with fresh tomatoes and mixed meats of veal, pork and beef. Our server was right-on with the appetizer suggestion as well - zucchini flowers stuffed with proscuitto and mozzarella - outstanding. We also had a scallop appetizer which was prepared over a fruit salsa and was also very good. In an area conjested with choices, I would definitely say that this is one that I would look forward to returning.

Wanted to bring this topic back up as I have dinner reservations at Rat's for tomorrow evening and just happened to catch on their website that jackets are "preferred" for dinner...I actually wasn't planning on wearing one until I saw this, but now I most likely will...I just think that if they specifically state that on the site that I would probably feel underdressed and would be looking around to see if I were the only one who didn't wear one...anyone else feel the same?

Tommy, a must is Spikes in Point Pleasant...a dive seafood joint that all the locals know about and flock too...gets mobbed on the weekends...it is a fish market as well as a BYO restaurant(you can get package goods just across the street at Tesauros)...killer lobster sandwich served on a hot dog roll for lunch and all their fish is very fresh and well prepared...I like Rockafellas at the inlet in Point as well...casual above average Italian/Seafood.

nah...just a little bit nicer of a dive...

what were you 15 tending bar 20 years ago??? Aztec is very much still there, still decent for happy hour...my usual trip includes starting with a drink or two at the Sawmill(South end), and after a few dozen clams at Berkely clam bar, a cheesesteak or a white-cap, and a huge slice of pizza, I am ready for another drink at the Aztec(North end)...

come on...the closer to the ocean you get, the worse the wine gets...stop at Park and Orchard on the way down for your wine fix...

Head to the Seaside boardwalk at the far South end(actually Seaside Park at that point) to the Sawmill...renovated this year...cool place to hang out - usually a good crowd...bands upstairs at night...Klee's in Seaside is pretty decent as well...mostly a local crowd off-season and they also have above average food(pub-style)...and there is always Centerfolds on Rte. 35 in Neptune

I love it when Rachel scolds me...

As I mentioned in a conversation with Lou, Sparks is the best steak I can recall ever having...I would like to check out the Luger's hype however, so pick a date and I am there...we talking lunch here or late afternoon?

May be a bit out of the area in question but Hunan Taste in Denville does an excellent version as well.

Don't kill me for backing a chain but the white chocolate truffle raspberry cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory is orgasmic!!!

for what it is, it's fine. but they're serving choice beef in a pub atmosphere with no wines to speak of. in my mind, they just can't compete with actual steakhouses that are serving prime aged beef with professional service and a wine list to match. and BYO is nice too. their strong suit is the burger, which is a much better burger than their steak is steak. in fact, it's one of the best burgers in northern jersey i think. I agree with you on their burgers, but also think they serve up a quality steak...always seems to be cooked and seasoned just right, I concur that while it may not be at the level of some of the higher end/fancier places mentioned here or certainly some of the top NYC steakhouses, for a local tavern/pub this is one of the best steaks I have had...not to mention the bartenders