PLangfordJr

I was one of the lucky few to be able to be considered a 'friend' to be invited to the 'friends and family' night at Picnic. The Restaurant. for their soft opening. Everything that would you would expect from Chef Christine was there. Donning her typical colorful chef pants, with her partners in crime John and Javi by her side, I was more than pleased. She has surrounded her self with talent both in the boh and foh. The menu, which changes daily, with an inviting selection of small and large plates, all of which were appropriate for a very hot summer day. I would tell you what I had tonight, but it will change for tomorrow. Google the restaurant and you'll see what they have. I just saw it on line myself. Annibel, who runs the front of the house, and her husband Doron were very gracious and inviting to us, and have brought together a talented staff to enhance the experience. Chef Nunn...thank you for opening up a new version of 'Picnic'...a restaurant of this caliber was needed in the area and we will be very happy to make many, many return visits

"We'll be back" is usually good enough for me......

I'd go for Peter's in Midland Park....havent walked in there in years, but got everything i needed when I was there

Planning on moving forward with getting Open Table set up at my restaurant. Seems like a win/win. Cost is minimal and will help broaden my exposure. Am I missing something? What pitfalls have you heard about the system and how it works? Logistically, does it move your program forward or has it been a hinderance?

Not sure what some others are going through right now, but if you are or have been experiencing issues with cash flow lately, I'd love to hear some fresh ideas. Thankfully, our business has actually seen a slight increase in revenue when compared to last year, so the revenue not being there is not the issue (although I am sure all of us would like some more of it). However, I am finishing up some nights with 70, 80, and even 90% of the net sales coming from credit cards, not cash. I'm always asked if I can 'give a better deal' on a catering event if they pay in cash, and thankfully the owner will not go that route. Any other ideas? Am I the only one experincing this? What are you doing to help this situation at your establishment?

Everyone might find www.dinegreen.com interesting. It lays out the standards necessary to receive this certification. PL

Not sure if they have it...and just a short trip outside of NJ..... Call Temptations Cafe, in Nyack. They seem to have everything there....

Came across this tonight and wanted to include it in the thread...just an example how one owner decided to respond... pl http://njmg.typepad.com/foodblog/2009/05/r...r-responds.html

They're back..... http://njmg.typepad.com/foodblog/2009/05/b...z.html#comments

House rules at my place is that if the tip is manually doubled on an auto grat, it is not inputted, unless specifically clarified with the customer prior to them leaving that they meant to do so. I've had more than enough people call me the morning after panicing that they mistakenly doubled the tip, and when I tell them that we never charged their card the 2nd time, it is appreciated.

In today's Record....chalk another one up to the economy... http://www.northjersey.com/food/backwoodsbbq022309.html

Thank you to everyone for your posts. You've all answered my question and then some. Thought i'd throw this in. Found it in the NY Times regarding am't being tipped now being blamed on the recession..... http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/200...ssion/#more-955

Came across this article in the NY Post . . . . . Thought that it was interesting considering the post we are discussing... PL http://www.nypost.com/seven/02082009/news/...tips_154090.htm

Thank you Tri2Cook. I put the same 'warning' to my servers and I got some strange looks....at least I am not the only one out there...

I've been going back and forth with my staff over past few months on an issue, and I wanted get some opinions to check my way of thinking. If a table leaves a less than average/normal tip (say 10%) on an experience that was what they expected, or possibly even better than what they expected, is it better to question the guest if everything was alright with the meal, or do not say anything at all? If they say everything was alright, do you then call them out on why they left such a small tip? My opinion is that for the small tips left behind, you will always get those who leave generous tips....it all evens out in the end. I am not one for calling out a guest on this, as I do not want to offend someone to the point that they will not come back. Unfortunately, there are people out there who might tip below what others will (usually those who've never worked in the restaurant industry) and from the house's point of view, it's better to have return to have another meal and leave another small tip, than never to return again. Does anyone share my opinion? Disagree? I'd love to hear some horror stories or other points of view. thx

Here is a blog about some of the restaurants in NNJ and what they are doing to combat the economy.... http://njmg.typepad.com/foodblog/2008/11/b...good-deals.html Also, below is the article from North Jersey.com mentioned in the blog.... http://www.northjersey.com/food/Restaurant...nomy_slows.html pl

I have yet to go there, but have only heard good things about the place from my customers. I'd be very interested in hearing any comments/thoughts On The Brick House. Attached link is to the Bergen Record's review PL http://www.northjersey.com/food/Whats_for_..._new_scene.html

Hi all! I'm in the process of researching a wine preservation system (ie. Cruvinet) for my restaurant, and want to make sure that I get the biggest bang for my buck. Other than price, I am concerned with durability, ease of use (ie. changing bottles/tanks) and ease of cleaning/maintenance. Does anyone currently use a system that they could recommend, or do you currently use a system that you can tell me to stay the hell away from? Any input would be appreciated. Patrick

Used to use BEVINCO at my old place for inventory management. Call Chris Rhode @ 973/875.9305 (assuming that he is still there). I'm sure that he can help steer you in the right direction. PL

Try the ParkWood Deli on Glen.

Jose O'Reilly's, in Norwood, breaks ground on Monday for the new outdoor patio. It will be in the same style, but twice the size, of the patio at The Porter House. Expected completion is by middle to end of May.

Thank you to everyone. I found your responses very interesting.

I agree that editorial reviews and advertising should remain separate issues. From a customer/'foodie' point of view, I couldn't agree with you more. From a business perspective, wouldnt you be regretting ever getting into an advertising relationship with a paper if they blast you afterwards?

Just curious on everyone's thoughts on this.... Is it right for a local/regional newspaper to give a bad review to a restaurant who has probably bought hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars of advertising over the years? In the same way we, as restaurant professionals, might overlook a customers' actions at times, or comp something to say thanks, shouldn't there be some kind of loyalty?

Review in today's Bergen Record. Gave them 1 1/2 Stars.