graphicguru

Looking for a list of the best NJ caterers (independent or affiliated with a venue/restaurant) for weddings. Taste, creativity, and presentation are key. Outside of the now defunct Ryland Inn, I have never attended a wedding in NJ that fit the bill, and I would hate to have to look at NYC or Newport, etc to find the right vendor. Please, anyone?

Bar Tabac looked perfect - except that it's on Sunday. Can anyone explain why, if Bastille Day falls on a Saturday, would all the city's events be taking place on Sunday?

I understand that Provence is not going to do their street boules festivities this year, and as a restaurant, they're lacking right now. I'm looking for a place in Manhattan or Brooklyn to take some friends for a delicious, comfortable, genuine French dinner to celebrate le quatorze juillet. Any recommendations, please?

How much do we even need anyone to point-blank say? Just take a look at their website and figure it out for yourself: Ryland "New American and Steak House Cuisine"? What on earth is that? That's not the restaurant that won 4 stars from the New York Times! That's not the chef who was on the cover of Gourmet. Small plates and steakhouse specialties? And what's with that wine list? What a crime. I don't think it takes a rocket scientist to see that things have apparently been getting increasingly screwy. I could get really dark here, but it sounds like the water main break was almost lucky. Don't get me wrong: my wife and I used to love this place. It was charming and romantic, with a level of style and service that NJ had never seen. But then I had several bad experiences (with 1 last bright visit 2 autumns ago when I thought things were changing for the better). I really have huge respect for Craig's accomplishments and am saddened by what is happening. But it looks like something went terribly wrong in recent years.

My wife and I will be going to JG for dinner 2 Saturdays from now - first time there. Any tips on getting the best experience possible? Any must-orders, stay-away-froms, best tables, etc?

Fabulous, folks, thanks! This is just the sort of info I'm looking for!

Hello all, NYer traveling shortly to London. Am looking for the best selection/priced liquor stores to visit to pick up unusual items. Where do I definitely want to go, please? (Also, any suggested things to purchase? I know I'm looking for not-#1-Pimm's and creme de violette for starters...) Thank you in advance!

I posted ~a year ago about our dinner at that time. Sadly, I have since learned that all the great improvements/changes in staff that I experienced last year have all been reversed, and the place is a disaster right now. What a shame.

That's just mean. Naturally, I'd rather the friend suffer than my wife and myself...

Good grief... Just when I decided to give Fat Duck a shot, one of my so-called friends/colleagues who will also be in town has decided to leech onto our evening and join us. Aside from demoting this from a date with my lovely wife, this new change adds another layer of complexity: this guy refuses to eat anything fun! NOTHING from the sea, no lamb, no foie or the like (you get the picture). He's basically a meat, poultry, fruit & veggie, and bread guy. While most restaurants would probably graciously make a substitution here or there for his quirkiness (if given advance notice) while my wife and I enjoy the good stuff, I can't see how Fat Duck could possibly work for him. (Why I'm going to such effort for him to be happy after this turn of events, I don't know. I must be a really good friend, huh?) So, kind souls, how do I salvage this for us? Where do you suggest we go, please?

It might be possible to arrange transportation to get to Fat Duck, but I had been under the impression that the food - while quite interesting - was a disappointment from the taste standpoint. I'm sorry to hear there isn't much excitement about places right now - I was really looking forward to a great dining experience for my wife and myself. Are there any other thoughts, please?

My wife and I will be in London for a short stay, and as we're both into great food and wine, I would like to treat her to a top restaurant on the Saturday night we're there in September. I understand that Gordon Ramsay at RHR is not open on Saturdays, otherwise, that would have been my first choice. Should I go with Gordon Ramsay Claridges (how good is that location in comparison?) or is there some place else with fabulous food that I should consider, instead?

only 2 months ahead? I would have thought 3...

If I am looking to get a reservation on July 1, what day and time do I need to start speed-dialing?

There are so many overrated restaurants in NJ, which would simply be curious if it weren't infuriating. When a small group of our friends gets together, we alternate meeting points, and now 2 sets of friends have retired and moved close enough Montclair to make this a logical place to gather. It seems to be the most restaurant-newsworthy location in the state, but are there really any places deserving of the hype? We would additionally be interested in small neighborhood places with great food.