Shmily

We are going to be spending a week at Ko Olina Beach Club in February. We wondered if, instead of needing to drive into Honolulu, there are places where we can eat which are great and are close to where we will be staying. They do not need to be fancy..just good. Thanks in advance.

Thank you..that is exactly what we did and the book arrived yesterday..However, I was just wondering if anyone knew why Amazon USA listed the book as coming, but never carried it...all very puzzling to me.

Does anyone know why this book (in English) is in such short supply?? It was just printed,I thought. Amazon (US) never seemed to carry the new translation..it just went to the Marketplace for huge amounts...Thanks...

Dear Seth, Would you please share when you have eaten at Per Se and why you feel there has not been a change? Another point of view would be interesting to me...thanks.

We have dined at Per Se every year since they opened...and until this year the meals have been ethereal. Yes, the prices have risen very often but the quality of the meal, in our estimation, has also. HOWEVER, this year has been the first time we are questioning whether or not we should return. That is very sad for us to consider. Would more people (who have eaten at Per Se previously and again this year) share their experience and their suggestions? It is almost as though Chef Keller has other projects and is not as hands on with every detail as before...and also as though they are lowering the ingredients of some of the dishes to save money (as they continue to raise prices)...do they think no one notices?? So sad...

please comment on Cafe Arugula in South Orange

Hi..I had heard that Primavera has bought back their original location on Pleasant Valley Way. I am not certain. I think we may go talk to them next week. Thank you for the suggestions. I know someone who had their rehearsal dinner there also. Thank for taking the time to write...

Hi..We want to have a restaurant's private room located maybe up to a 20 minute drive from West Orange, and our budget is $60 to $70 max with liquor, tax and tip included. Thanks.

My son is getting married at Highlawn Pavillion in April on a Sunday. They are looking for suggestions for a dinner on Saturday evening in a private room for 21 people with good food (liquor included if possible) close to West Orange since that is where out of town guests will be staying. They are on a budget. All suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Hi...Thanks...Problem solved..think it will either be Kingfish Hall (they have lunch and dinner or Sel de la Terre...thanks a lot...Sadly, Durgin Park has disappointed us ...we went to college in Boston many, many years ago and now come up every Feb for the Beanpot. We usually come up on Monday, have a late lunch and go to both hockey games... This year we decided to arrive on Sunday and make a mini vacation...thus, the quandry of where to eat. So thank you everyone who responded.. :smile:

Thank you to all who wrote...Kingfish Hall's food is so much better than Union Oyster House (despite their history) or Legal Seafood...but I will look into the other suggestions...yes, sadly, there are a few sandwich places..but they are closed on Sunday. Well, if anyone can think of someplace we are missing, we will be delighted to hear...and thanks again.... :smile:

Sorry..it is for Feb 13th and 14th...

Hi..We are coming to Boston from this Sunday midday until Tues morning and staying at Marriott's Custom House so we can go to the Beanpot on Mon night. We plan to eat a late lunch on Monday at Kingfish Hall but we wonder if anyone has suggestions within walking distance for a great, healthy sandwich place for Sunday...or any other healthy suggestions...Thanks in advance... :smile:

We plan to go to the State Theater on Sunday, December 26th...and Daryl's is closed. We would love other suggestions within walking distance...same sort of food. Thank you in advance.

Thanks a lot for this information...

Sadly, we had some major disappointments last September. We go every September and have been loving Thurstons for years...Now the owners leased out the restaurant several years ago but it was still excellent...until 2009 when the renters opened another place (Gilleys) where they spent much of their time...no one was in charge at THurstons..and we will not return...can you believe their lobsters were overcooked and disappointing.... We also find Red Sky has a disappointing menu and is a bit high priced...for what is offered... So what did we enjoy...the Claremont hotel restaurant- Xanthus...The wine bar next to Red Sky...what a pleasure and then we drove to Town Hill...had sub sandwiches at their Deli and at Town Hill Bistro in TOwn Hill...

sorry but for "really fine dining" I go to NYC. We have had so many disappointments at places like Nicholas (beef on a number of occasions full of fat and gristle...this is the best in NJ??)...how about a wine bar in New Brunswick with no white wine that was not super dry?? I have been sad about this for years...but too many dreadful experiences that are quite costly are just a turnoff....

thank you..will check them out..we love 'ino.

I would like to hear people's experiences doing rehearsal dinners to help us plan for next April. Good food is important to us as is reasonable price. I read that Lupa does private parties...since I have had some not great experiences (attitude, not food) with Mr. Batali's restaurants, I wondered if anyone has dealt with them. The wedding will be on Sunday afternoon and evening in New Jersey. Thank you in advance..all experiences appreciated. smile, smile

Good Morning...No, I didn't make myself clear...This salmon is currently $14.99 a pound and is fresh...and limited season...

Hi..Just bought wild salmon at our Costco..first time I have seen it this year (Sockeye, I believe)...YAY...Enjoy... :biggrin:

Dear Bobster..Thank you so much for sharing those interesting courses...and Happy Birthday...what an amazing treat... :biggrin:

Dear Bobster...SO please share details...thanks in advance...

Hi...I am still in my serene "after Per Se" mode. We consider this meal a weekend away...and go at least once a year to celebrate special occasions...Still amazing, still unbelievable. Old standards are still on the menu but if possible, I think the meal was even better. One of my favorites, the desserts are better...there is a new pastry chef..and the surprises are wonderful..We tasted 2 of their ice creams..chocolate made by Mast Brothers in Brooklyn that was excellent as was the coffee ice cream...both outstanding. I admit I was concerned about the change with the departure of Jonathan Benno and the addition of Eli Kaimeh to Chef de Cuisine. Not to worry..he was excellent...and those Parker House rolls are still there. We had asked for the lobster sous vide and it is amazing..I just wish they would keep it on the menu always...such a special way of cooking...and our wonderful waiter, Andrew,(surely there must be a better word for the so kind and knowledgeable people who instruct and make certain that your dinner is outstanding there) suggested an outstanding wine that was perfect for us. However, the most special course were the sweetbreads. They were just amazing. I cannot even describe how special they were. They brought out the dish before plating it and the aroma was excellent as was the puff pastry covering the dish. I have eaten them in restaurants for many years and these were the most superb I have ever had. SO thank you Mr. Kaimeh and Mr. Keller and continue to keep your quality. :biggrin:

yes, thank you, I know ...have you been back since the change?? TIA.