glenn

all slogans submitted deemed too witty! settled for dull and boring, just like me. find it here!

Does anyone know of a small pastry shop or individual that can bake and deliver to Jersey City? Thx!

A store by me (Jersey City) sells coke from Ecuador and it's made with sugar cane. As far as fructose vs. sucrose, they both sound pretty dismal to me :)

Well, uh, hmmm. I totally forgot about TAD and his wonderful list. Wonderful 'xceptin' for the site's somewhat less than democratic policies. Mere mention of words like egullet or foodbytes or our esteemed leader's name or um, yours truly, were enough to get the post automatically deleted. The good 'ol days. But I digress....

I dedicated the last few days to finding a distributor of mexican coke, pepsi, fanta, etc. for my store. Things are not exactly as they appear to be, that is, it is not so easily available unless you're a bodega and/or of Spanish descent. My shopping was done in Passaic and Newark. I went to areas where distributors of Mexican products are located in clusters. Basically, the distrubutors all sell the same items. I learned my lesson the hard way after making a total fool of myself at the first place I went into by blurting out, I WANT MEXICAN COKE! Sorry senor, only American coke. Bullshit, I saw it as I walked through the warehouse. The next place I went to I was as little more discrete. The owner levelled with me. They've gotten huge fines for selling the stuff - one was from the town of Newburgh, NY and I forget the other town. It may be completely legal for them to do what they're doing, but that doesn't prevent the government from harrassing them. According to the owner, his lawyer told him he did nothing illegal, but to fight it would cost more than to pay the fine. Supposedly, the reason for the fine was that the bottles were a safety hazard - they've been known to explode. If that be the case, wouldn't they be illegal? I can't figure out why the harrassment, except that Coca Cola has "influenced" the right people. I went to about 5 places and it was basically the same thing. Either they won't sell it to me or will only sell it if I pick up, pay cash and no receipt. I wouldn't mind the latter so much but I don't have enough room in my car to be transporting cases of soda regularly. And you basically have to luck out that they have it in stock, so it would be hit or miss. The reason they won't sell to Americans is that they justifiably or not feel they'll run into trouble. I'd really love to know the real reasons for the harrassment that has turned the distribution, at least in the NJ area, into an underground operation.

I believe it's just Jersey City and Hoboken.

Thanks for the tips. I went to most of the places mentioned and picked up a few ideas. The highlight of the tour was Holsten's. Their operation as well as their ice cream really knocked my socks off. I also loved that 50s soda pop shop on Bloomfield Ave, though that's nothing like what I'll be doing. I can't imagine where they got a hold of all the paraphanelia. The low point was the Cheese Shop. No cheese!! I asked what the story was and they said they they changed ownership or direction, I forget. You'd think they'd change their name. Surprisingly, one of the most inviting cafes was one a few blocks from where I live in Jersey City. I had been there a couple of times in the past, but only for a coffee or something or other to go. If you're ever looking for a casual and friendly atmostphere for breakfast or lunch with good eats (paninis and lots of home made stuff), I highly recommend Baker Boys Cafe. It's on Newark Ave. just east of Palisade. Two blocks from Madame Claude, if that helps.

I'll be in Montclair with my chef tomorrow. While I'm there, I'd like to look for ideas for eclectic stuff to carry at Melt, primarily retail, but also wanna check out prices at coffee shops and the like. Can anyone suggest places to go in and around Montclair? I'm thinking of that nostalgic 50s shop, but I don't know the name or where it is. Is Holsten's open now? Also, I thought someone mentioned a cheese shop in Montclair. Details? Thanks.

It'll be our 5th year celebrating our anniversary (which is xmas eve) at Bernards Inn. There's nothing like getting loaded on great food and wine and stumbling up a flight of stairs to really celebrate.

Thanks, I'll give them a call. But now you have me thinking I should carry chocolate too. That would probably fit in well with the concept. If that be the case, I could probably qualify to buy Jacques Torres. Their hot chocolate is to die for. They won't sell a retailer hot chocolate unless you buy their chocolate. And I just have to say, Marie Belle's hot chocolate was incredible, but their service is the pits. Not only did it take over a month to return phone calls and send a sample, but they charged me for the sample! That's a first for me.

Okay, I'm back seeking advice. I've delegated the hot chocolate recipe to my cook and gave him all of your advices. I'm also looking to retail an upscale hot chocolate. The usuals that come to mind aren't available for various reasons - Jacques Torres, Maison du Chocolate, Marie Belle and a couple of others. Can you think of any others?

Hmmm, you got something against Ms. West? And I'm not saying anything yet about the slogan. I'll be the laughing stock of eglutton, OH NO! You gotta see it in context.

Well, it's mostly decided. You should probably all pluck my nose hair out cuz what I was lookiing for was not exactly a slogan but something to put on an outdoor sign. What we decided on is boring and mundane, but goes perfect with the sign. The sign is turning out to be dynamite and I think you'll agree on the wording once you see it. I'll post a picture of the sign when it's finished. As for the slogans, there's some really great stuff between here and craigslist. I appreciate it very much and let me say again, THANK YOU! We will be looking for a "real" slogan a little further down the road. Personally, my favorite is "The Come Back Cafe." However, I doubt we'll use it cuz you gotta think more than 4 seconds to get it.

For the past 5 years or thereabouts, we've spent our anniversary, 12/24, at Bernardsville Inn. They have a top notch restaurant with a great wine list. We also stay overnight. I have no idea if they're open New Years though.

Thank you thank you.... there are some great suggestions some of which might work. I have an admissioin though - I cheated. I posted an ad on craigs list about the same time I posted here. The response there was truly amazing (as it was here), many with great potential. I offered $100 if I used one of the slogans. Unless it's against eglutton law, that offer extends here. I'm listing the ones I think have potential - both from Craigs list and here - and if this is not too obnoxious or self-indulgent to ask, I'd love to get some feedback. Here's what I like either in part or whole.... Familiar food, modern twist Vintage foods, fresh perspective Classic comfort, fresh perspective The food you grew up with For the kid in you Tastes that Dreams are Made Of Meals that Warm your Soul Innovative Dining for Modern New Jersey Magical Meals Bring you Back Home” Modern Mom’s Home Cooking” ”Modern Meals, Comfort Cooking Mouthwatering something The come back place revisit goodtimes memory lane food memorable taste & satisfaction 21st century soul food food for the times come back food taste*satisfaction*comfort revisit taste & good times a cafe today’s cafe the taste connection more than grilled cheese sit-back*relax*enjoy Melt: The Grilled Cheese Experience Melt: Its Cheesegasmic!!! Melt: We Take Our Cheesegasms Seriously Melt: Ooey, Gooey, Oh Yeah. Melt: Say Cheese and Smile MELT Modern Eats. Legendary Tastes MELT Modern Eats. Lifelong Traditions (or Lasting Traditions) MELT Modern Eats. Lifelong Tastes. MELT Modern Eats. Lasting Trends. Melt=Mo melt Melt=We bring good cheese to life Vintage Food for a Modern World Timeless Taste Revisited Vintage Food with Modern Taste Vintage Food Prepared for a Modern World Modern Spirit with Vintage Soul A Favorite Food Revival New Vintage “Feel good food” Soooo Good. A classic in the making Timeless Food Revisited Timeless Food, Modern Taste Simple American Fare with a Flare Food for the kid in all of us Good and gooey real old food done modern oldies but goodies delicious decadence we make eating fun Grilled goodness It isn’t southern but it is comfort Comfort-able food Feel good fun food Good food, good feelings Food…It’s back Grown up food for kids fun food for grown ups Say Cheese and Smile

Jason, I also have an opening on Thursday nights for a standup comedian :)) .... though actually, your last suggestions might be workable!

Did you think this was over? :)) Eglutton's very own wfnugent came up with the name, "Melt," the name of my Jersey City cafe [coming soon!] And there were some super duper runners up [runner ups?] So, in addition to saying BIGTIME thanks once again, I was hoping I could tap into the talented resources here and come up with a slogan for the cafe. I'm approaching deadline - I need to finalize a slogan within the next few days so I can use it on my outdoor sign - and nothing others and myself have come up with really strikes me like Melt did. First, let me tell you what Melt is all about. Simplicity, quality food, unique, affordable, and fun. Those are the basic premises of Melt. For lack of better terms, the food will be modern retro, 21st century comfort food. There will be a limited number of menu items in keeping with the simplicity concept. The main product will be a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches (15) – the classics as well as upscale cheeses with a thick-sliced bread from one of the highest rated NY bakeries served with wonderful and different toppings, i.e., Indian chutneys. Also served will be milk shakes, french fries, soup, pastries, bagels, nostalgic/modern sodapop [think, Jones and the like], salads, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. A lot of research has gone into every single item (including the coffee and tea) that will be served in order to either differentiate Melt from everyone else and/or to offer the best quality possible at an affordable price. There will also be free wifi access. LOCATED in gentrified (think Williamsburg) downtown Jersey City, the target market is middle and upper middle class people 20 – 40 years old as well as families with children. [weekday lunch will be mainly delivery, and, while that's a whole other demographic, I don't know if it needs to be considered for these purposes.] The slogan should be fairly clear about what Melt is all about. Something along the lines of “Modern Retro Food,” or “Modern Comfort Food” – with different wording. Or, “Happy Food.” I really don’t like the term “comfort” and am not crazy about “retro.” I think both terms are overused. Here's what I've come up with, though nothing strikes me.... Nouveau Retro Nouveau Comfort Better than Mom's Like Mom's with More Memory Lane Cafe (time travelers welcome) The New Hudson Cafe Hudson Mordern cafe Simply Tantalizing Modern Cafe Many thanks!

For anyone who cares, I posted about the Minilux over here.

I'm continuing this discussion over here if that's okay. I'm intrigued by the Minilux chocolate machine. I spoke with the distributor (La Fenice) with the hopes of getting a demo somewhere. After all, it is $980. The person I spoke with wasn't sure if that was possible, but they're getting back to me. I'm just wondering if anyone has any familiarity with it. The person I talked to stated it worked best with musetti chocolate. Any opinions? And do you think this would be overkill for a small cafe where there will be days with low volume? It's unlikely I'll buy cuz of the price, but I'm still intrigued.

Andie, that machine looks great! But the price, YIKES, $980! Very intriguing though - I'm gonna go see if I can find one to try it. Thx.

That weid gizmo machine at City Bakery is a soup warmer :)). I spoke to the assistant manager and she hadn't heard of a new machine. She said the soup warmer was fine for their purposes - bear in mind they go through oodles of hot chocolate a day. I don't know if that system would be conducive for low turnover. Any thoughts?

Owen, thanks for the tip. I'll be in the vicinity of City Bakery tomorrow and check it out. I agree though about waste. rooftop and lia, I decided that I'm gonna make my own hot chocolate. After being spoiled by it at the Chocolate show in NY, I can never go back.

Can you tell us why you left Food Talk? I'll understand if you don't wanna discuss it, but many of us miss you. And what do you think of your replacement?

Is soda that sez "Ecuador" on the bottle the same as the Mexican? I came across pepsi, coke and another soda in the thick glass - virtually nothing on the label except "Ecuador."

tommy, i sort of remember a spread, though they hit us up with some freebies at the beginning and either it was never explained or I was off in my own world. Long story short, I'll leave it to the note taker to give a report. Coury also worked at Lupa.