jon777

To be fair, I don't think FG (or anyone else) was suggesting that everyone should go out and buy a car to sample the best eats in NJ. Moreso, that those with access to cars have an opportunity to sample some places that they may not have thought about given the negative attitude a lot of people have to NJ. Additionally, areas like Ironbound (for Brazilian/Portugese) are easily accessable via Publc transportation and are no more difficult or time consuming to get to than the outer boroughs for those interested in a cuisine that may be a specialty to the area that may be as good as or better than what is available in Manhattan.

I'll stay out of the NY/NJ debates and just answer the question posed... I'll heartily second the recommendation of Cucharamama -- outstanding Latin/South American cuisine. The empanadas out of the wood burning oven are heavenly, and there are many wonderful choices on the menu. South American dominated wine list, and they make the best Pisco Sour I've had outside of South America. For anyone in a PATH friendly area, this is worth a commute that is no different than hopping on a subway to another area of NYC. In fact, my wife's work commnute downtown to WFC is 1/2 of what it used to be from the UES As for the rest of Hoboken (speaking as a long time resident), that is probably the one restaurant that warrants a special trip, although their are plenty of good options, but most fall into the ones where you can do just as well in NYC. Other notables if you find yourself in town: La Isla -- Excellent authentic, and very inexpensive Cuban. Generally better than I've found in NYC, but am not sure that basic Cuban diner-style warrants a trip for most. Zafra -- Sister restaurant to Cucharamama. Very good, but not as creative/interesting a menu. BYOB. Anthony David's -- Very good, Italian influenced rustic cooking. While you can find plenty of comparable restaurants in Manhattan, the fact that it is BYOB makes it particuarly nice to bring a nice bottle of Red and walk out of a very good dinner for 2 for under $100. FYI: NY Times writeup on Cucharamama: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html...75AC0A9629C8B63 Web site: http://www.cucharamama.com/

They've opened a Wild Ginger in Hoboken as well -- while not a high end restaurant by any means, a nice alternative to the overly sweetened, corn starched Chinese that is predominant in Hoboken. Have only gotten delivery once so far, dishes: - Duck Dumplings -- very nice dumplings with a tasty filling, although the sauce that came with it was dissapointing -- appeared to just be a straight Hoisin sauce. Fine, but I was hoping for something a little more - Grilled Lemongrass Shrimp. This was very good -- better than any other Asian dish I've had for delivery. Nice sized shrimp, not overcooked, good char grilled flavor, nice sauce (not too heavy) and good fresh vegetables. - Ginger glazed chicken. This had good flavor, but the chicken was very tough. White meat sliced very thin -- was overcooked to the point of leather. While not perfect, or haute-cusine, a nice alternative to the local Chinese...

Our two favorites in the area are definitely Cap'n Charlie's Reef Grille and Little Moir's Fish Shack (both on US 1). Both generally have significant waits at peak times, so if Thirsty Turtle is a worthwhile option, we'd check it out. Will be down visiting my FIL T'giving week, so new options are always good. Would be interested to hear others favorites in the area (FIL is in Palm Beach Gardens)...

No responses??? And what's really sad is someone from NJ is the first to respond... :-) I haven't been to either Saul or Grocery, although both look good and our "to go" list when we venture over bridges and through tunnels of see our Brooklyn friends. As we were over in Brooklyn on Saturday night, we almost went to Saul, but decided on Applewood instead. So I can't offer you a compare/contrast, but can offer that Applewood was a very enjoyable meal. Space is very nice -- coverted townhouse/brownstone feel, our waiter was very knowledgeable without being pretentious. Menu, I'd put in the haute-barnyard category (although, certainly less haute then a Blue Hill). They had a seasonal cocktail list, of which a Maple Manhattan was well balanced, and delicious (although, I'm sure the cocktail purists would not be pleased...) Wine list was varied -- could have used more bottles in the under $50 price point, especially given that the restaurant is very reasonablely priced, but did find a very nice Sangiovese in that category. Shared two apps, a Pork Belly (required by law these days it seems), which was one of the better preparations I've had in recent memory -- very crisp exterior, contrasting with the wonderful richness of the belly -- without tasting like your eating a pure piece of fat. A scallop and shrimp sausage special, which sounded intriguing, came off as somewhat odd and just didn't really work either on a textural or flavor level. Apparently we were all in a carniverous mood, as a table we had duck, veal, goat and lamb. All perfectly coooked to order, nicely flavored and with good sides. I think the duck and the lamb were the standouts -- the veal (loin sliced into medallions) was slightly tough. The goat (which I'm used to having in a Curry or some type of braise), was also sliced into medallions and good, although not as gamey as I would have expected (or preferred). Desserts were all good, but just missing from being great -- a nectarine bread pudding had great texture, but needed more fruit. A chocolate malt creme brulee was perfect consistency, but lack a bold flavor that you'd expect given the description and a chocolate souffle didn't seem to work with the 5-spice ice cream that came with it. All is all a very enjoyable meal, and dinner for 4 (with cocktails, wine, apps, dessert) was a very reaonable $75 pp, given the quality of the food.

Having grown up in southern CT, have always been a Stew Leonards fan, and often find myself there, either on the way back from visiting my family, or the occasional special trip. It is truly enjoyable shopping, and while always busy, it is never as chaotic as Fairway. Amazingly, not matter how busy the parking lot, or crowded the aisles are, the check out lines are always short and move quickly. I find their meat counter to be very good (when they have their Porterhouse on sale for 6.99 a lb (usually once a month or so), it's an unbelievablely good bargain. At that price, it's choice, but a very good quality choice. Produce is generally very fresh and better than what I can get at most groceries, and significantly cheaper than Garden of Eden. The fish counter is also very good and reasonably priced. I'm not sure if they still have it, but they had a homemade potato chip station going last time I was there, which was decadent. Also of note is a pretty decent wine store and garden center on premises. FYI, here's a link to their weekly specials: http://www.stewleonards.com/html/specials.cfm

Yes, Painted Lady -- brain cramp... Corrected the original post...

I agree 100%. While it is somewhat inconsistent, the inconstency is between a transcendant piece of steak, and a steak that is merely as good as the rest of the NY steakhouses (which then is a dissapointment, as I expect Luger's steak to be head and shoulders above the rest). To me, that was the point of the review and the downgrade. Is that, when not at it's best, there is little gap between Luger's and the "others"; and in fact when the steak isn't transcendant on a given night, the slightly better beef may be offset by better sides, ambiance, service, wine list, etc., depending on your priorities. Personally, I have no problems with the service at Lugers, which may be gruff, but is effiecient and if you go in knowing what you want (which we always do) you can have fun with it. In fact on 2 recent occasions we've had very good service (possibly as Oxymoron at PL), once when taking my parents for their first visit in 20 years, not rushing us at all, and pacing things more slowly than they normally do. And just last week, when the steak for 3 (medium rare), came out blood red (rarer then the rare steak for 3), taking it back w/o being asked (he pulled it out to serve, and said it wasn't right), and came back 3 minutes later with it perfect. We also mentioned at the beginning of the meal that we wanted Streudel and asked him to hold a piece for us (they ran out on our previous visit). Later in the meal, he said they were indeed running low, so he brough us out a foot long piece (covered in parchment), and sat it in the window for us to save for dessert. No doubt Luger's has it flaws, and is not perfect, and that there are other steakhouses that have very good beef and better other features (that may or may not be important to various diners). But even on an off night, the Porterhouse is still outstanding, and when it's an "on" night, there is nothing better...

Had some early problems with wrong items, and one time a box of my order went missing. And the periodica piece of produce that wasn't up to snuff. However, as you say, customer service is always quick to credit for any mistakes or any complaints about quality of product. The one complaint I do have somewhat regularly, is that fish portions are not always consistent. For example, ordering 2 6-8 oz filets, I have often got a total of about a pound, but consisting of one large thick piece and one small thin piece -- thus not have two equal servings. They seem to be more concerned with the overall weight than the individual piece weight.

Thanks to all who provided advice in various Oregon threads -- very helpful in planning the food and wine portion of our trip. Just back and had a wonderful time. Great place to visit, as there's so much to do in and around Portland. Using Portland as a central destination, waterfall hikes around the Columbia River Gorge, Hiking (or skiing -- we we're hiking) @ Mt. Hood, beautiful coastline and wine country, all within 30-90 minutes of the city. Throw in some beautiful golf courses, and food and wine and it's got all the makings of a great vacation! In Portland, staying at the Heathman was a treat (hotel itself wasn't that great, but there service is first rate (they'll do anything to please), and the restaurant in the hotel is top notch. As for Portland eats we did: Our first night Did apps/drinks at Andina followed by dinner at Blue Hour. Andina's cocktails and apps were wonderful -- would have loved to have gone back for a full meal. Blue Hour was very good, although did not blow my away. The scene was fun, the Gnocci were good as advertised (although better as a side dish shared by the table than an entree IMHO). A pork tenderloin was very good (mine) and a Cruster Tuna (wife's) was the star of the evening. Mother's for breakfast (TWICE! - not to be missed) -- everything was wonderful, but the Wild Salmon hash was out of this world. Lunch at Wildwood, limited menu but outstanding burger, good pizzas, very fresh flavors. Would have loved to eat dinner there or across the street at Paley's, but the schedule didn't work out. dinners at Jakes Crawfish was a wonderful surprise. A lot of times these "institution" type places just live off their past reputation, but was blown away by the quality of the fish, and how perfectly it was prepared. No "Haute NW cuisine" here, just fresh fish, simple flavors, perfectly cooked. Very happy. Drinks at City Grill (spectacular views -- get there as they open at 4 PM to get the primo seats by the window). Happy hour sported unbelievably inexpensive apps -- all very good. Best bargain of the trip. Very nice dinner in Hood River at Billy's Poorhouse -- not based on any recommendation, just had the menu that looked the most appealing after a day of hiking. Nothing mind blowing, but everything was very good. Flank steak with a Blue Cheese mashed potatoes was the star. At Mt. Hood (staying at Timberline) we did opted not for dinner at the hotel (seemed awfully pricey), but had decent fare at the Brewpub in Government Camp. Buffet breakfast at Timberline was excellent and a good way to load up before a day a hiking. Cannon Beach was a little dissapointing from a food perspective. We weren't blown away by the Stephanie Inn menu, so opted not to eat there. Dinner at the Bistro was mixed -- good Fish Stew, mediocre lamb dish. Fish at Ecola fishmarket was just 'eh', and they were unfortunately out of crab. However, driving down to 3 Capes in into Lincoln City had a wonderful meal at Blackfish Cafe, in North part of Lincoln City on 101. Highly recommended. Wine Country we hit the following: Carlton Wine Makers Studio -- Nice place to taste several smaller local places that they represent. Weren't blown away by any of the offerings Carlton Tasting Room -- Some very interesting wines here by smaller producers. Of particular note were some wines by EIEIO http://www.onhisfarm.com/ Thought they would likely be all marketing and no substance, but were very good. Visited Anne Amie for lunch (nice view), but didn't taste (giving our palletes a break!) Went down to Bethel Heights, Witness Tree and Christom -- unfortunately on Christom was open, and we weren't blown away. It was a Friday, and we didn't call ahead, as everything else seemed to be open... Oops. Finished the day at Sokol Blosser, which was a very pleasant surprise. Strong Pinot offerings and some interesting Blends (I've like the Evolution in the past as a summer outdoor wine and the Medtarina I think would make a good Pizza wine -- have not seen that one out on the East coast yet). Also a very nice Rose of Pinot Noir and a very well balanced, and not overly sweet Reisling Ice Wine. Dinner at the Painted Lady was a stunning bargain. The 7 course "Grand Tasting" was $65 and $35 for the wine pairings. A delicious 05 Lange Reserve Pinot Noir steered us there to start the following day. Lange had some of my favorite wines of the trip. Torii Mor was in general a disspointment (I think part of this was because of the small overfilled tasting room, and the pretentious host). They did have a wonderful Port, however. At $50, however, was no bargain, and the overall feel of this place did not leave me wanting to spend my money there. Adelsheim on the other hand was a great experience. They did two tasting -- a mixed red/white tasting (6 iwnes I believe, and they poured a 7th single vinyard Pinot for us) and a wine/chocolate pairing -- surprisingly with both Red's and White's. Chocolates were from a high end place in Portland, and with some interesting components (e.g Rose Water, Landender, Sea Salt and Caramel). Very fun, and really enjoyed their wines. Lots of other places would have like to go, but didn't have the time (or the $$ or the Palette). Stayed at the Wine Country Farm -- a small working Winery, which was a real treat, and not overly expensive. Definitely recommended. Spent about an hour talking with the winemaker there (who's from France and has an opinion about everything) which was a lot of fun. Interesting guy but will talk your ear off! Overall a great trip -- if anyone wants more info on anything, let me know...

My wife through my 40th b-day party at Hill Country last week, as it's been on my "must-do" list since it was announced. I thought it works well for a big gathering, and (according to my wife), they were very easy to work with. For big parties you pre-order everything and it's a per-person price. You chose from cornbread, 3 meats, 3 sides and 2 desserts -- all presented family style. What was particularly accomodating was that in ordering the meats (we chose brisket, pork ribs and sausage), they had no problem giving us 1/2 moist 1/2 lean brisket, and splitting the sausage between the 2. I essence allowing us to try 5 meats... Overall, everything I thought was very good. The post-oak does not lend a heavy handed smoke (like mesquite would) and lets the meat come through. Lean brisket had just enough fat to stay moist, although being lean and not aggressively seasoned was a little bland. The moist brisket was decadent, with plenty of fat (some would argue too much -- I don't believe in such a thing). It truly melted in your mouth. Far and away the best brisket I've had in NY. Blue smoke on their best day is close, no one else in the game. I'm a little more luke warm on the ribs, but I think it's a personal BBQ presence. These were well smoked and very meaty, but I would have preferred a more seasoned spice rub, than the basic salt/pepper used here. Nothing wrong with these -- good BBQ, just by personal preference is too more flavor (either through a more seasoned rub, last minute saucing, or stronger flavored wood) with regards to ribs. The sausage was excellent --- both varieties. Both backed a fair amount of heat (too much for some people), and had wonderfully crisp casings with moist and flavorful interiors. Sides were universally decadent: Corn pudding, Bourbon Sweet Potatoes (yum), Baked Beans that had nice chunks of pork -- a close 2nd to Daisy Mae's, Mac & Cheese with a very rich, sharp cheddar cheese sauce (and I believe Penne instead Macaroni). I didn't really have much in the way of dessert as (a) I was already stuffed, and (b) my wife had brought in a Little Pie Company Sour Cream Walnut Apple Pie (a personal favorite). Bar has a very nice selection of Bourbons. All in all, a great night and they handled everything very well. I will be back to try and beef rib as well as another hit of brisket and sides. Just as soon as my cholesterol gets back to normal.

At Luger's we have them bag up the bone (or bones) for us. So we can enjoy them at home without having to worry about the stigma (or mess) of getting every last morsel off that bone.

As a Mets fan (and Saturday plan ticket holder), I saw this and was VERY excited. Just one more reason to go to the park. However, given the general attitude and aptitude of most stadium workers, I don't hold out high hopes that they will be able to keep the quality of SS standards. And I can only imagine what the lines will be like...

If the quality of the Porterhouse is your #1 concern, than it has to be Peter Luger's. However, I'm 99% certain that you won't find Mashed Potatos there -- you'll have to be satisfied with Lyonaisse (very good, BTW). I have not been to the LI version, but the majority view is that it's not as good as Brooklyn. I don't know if they keep the best beef in the Brooklyn location or what. But this is 3rd hand info -- maybe someone here has been and can comment. As for deserts, you won't find anything remarkable at Lugers -- a pretty good Apple Streudel (with a bowl of Schlag) is my personal favorite. You'll find better and more compelling desserts elsewhere, but you will not find a better porterhouse.

There was a Wolfgang Puck Express in Hoboken, but it closed within a year. ← A lithmus test of your "average non-foodie North American" celebritydom? ← Actually overpriced fast food in a cursed location.

Tyler does have a restaurant in NY.... APPLEBEES!

There was a Wolfgang Puck Express in Hoboken, but it closed within a year.

FYI, here is the original Cucharamama thread: http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=41842&hl=

Agree with EmilyG -- probably the best food in Hoboken. 1) Drinks are excellent -- Ti Punch and Caiparinha (sp) are top notch. Very South American focused wine list. 2) While the apps are small, and not bargain priced, the flavors and textures are outstanding, and a good way to sample a lot of different things that the kitchen puts out. When I go with my wife, we usually split 3 apps and 1 entree and that's dinner for 2. The entrees are substantial, but we like doing a more tapas style dinner there, as there are always too many things we want to eat. 3) Service can be very uneven there. It vaires, but we've had times where you won't get a waiter for awhile, and then you order and everything comes out bang, bang, bang, even though we'll ask them to space it out. We've now taken to eating at the bar and just ordering things one at the time (the kitchen is generally very responsive that way), and the bartenders are very accomodating. Regardless -- great food, fun atmosphere -- order lots of things and ENJOY!

Just read yesterday in (link from) Grub Street that Hideaway has Maryland Blue Crab Mondays. Haven't been yet, but intend to go, as I love a good MD Crab Fest! http://gastrochic.blogspot.com/2007/06/blu...t-hideaway.html

I like Le Gigot (Cornelia Street) as a traditional French Bistro -- don't know if they do anything special to celebrate. Balthazar is fun on any day of the year...

That's exactly what happened in Hoboken. We had 2 local stores -- one that was good (although not great) but that had been around forever, and another new one that was outstanding. Ben & Jerry's and Coldstone drove them both out of business. With rents what they are on Washington St, the local places can't handle it. A shame as Jordan's (one of the places now out of business), had the best ice cream of any of them. Now we have B&J, Coldstone and Rita's Water Ice within a 5 block radius. Next comes the Gap and Banana Republic.

I'm also a customer at the Hoboken branch -- although always for takeout vs. eating in. They do a respectable Gyro and a good Greek salad. Haven't ventured too deep into the menu, but it's solid for a quick bite. Nothing that's going to change your life, but for the Greek basics that we are mostly familiar with, it's pretty good.

Another vote for Nha Trang. Personally, having spent no time in that part of the world, or really researching the cuisine, I can't vouch for it's authenticity. Although my friend who introduced us to it and is Vietnamese swears by it. I can vouch for the fact that it is very tasty and extremely inexpensive for the quality of food. Been about 2 years since I've been -- well overdue for a return visit.

For Pasta/Osso Bucco and the like, I'm a big fan of Piccolo Angolo in the West Village.