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Nockerl

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    Bhel Puri

    in India: Cooking & Baking

    Posted

    The tamarind chutneys sold in bottles are decent enough (tamarind date is even better imo). We dilute them a little with water so it coats the bhel mix better. But I have never met a cilantro chutney in a bottle that I liked (addition of vinegar as preservative being the culprit). So we make our own (or forgo it altogether).

    Tamarind Date Chutney sold at the Indian stores is Superb!

    In fact it reminds me of the best Bhel Puri I have ever eaten in India. It used to be from a street side vendor in South Extension (Part I) market. The vendor would always make the chutney with dates. And his Tamarind chutney was very sweet.

    He would add Tamarind Date chutney, cilantro and mint chutney, a garlic chutney, a green chili water (basically a very runny chutney) and fresh chopped green mangoes when in season to the addition of onions and boiled potatoes and fresh chopped cilantro.

    The Deep "Bhel Mix" comes with Papri (wheat crisps) in it. It is excellent. And if you make Bhel using this mix with the Tamarind Date Chutney and Cilantro chutney, you do not need to even add any more salt.

    Thank you. I'll look for them at Kalustyan's or in Jackson Heights the next time I am out that way.

    Bhel Puri

    in India: Cooking & Baking

    Posted

    I am late to the party as usual.

    Nockerl, there are a variety of bhel mixes available (Haldiram being one brand). Some of them have packets of spices that come in the package (not unlike Ramen noodle packets). In a majority of the cases (all?) these packets of bhel spices should be discarded before they make their way into your bhel.

    The tamarind chutneys sold in bottles are decent enough (tamarind date is even better imo). We dilute them a little with water so it coats the bhel mix better. But I have never met a cilantro chutney in a bottle that I liked (addition of vinegar as preservative being the culprit). So we make our own (or forgo it altogether).

    Lightly browning the potato pieces before adding it gives it the extra crunch (but can make it heavier). Too much onion spoils the party. Fresh cilantro and green chilies are a must.

    I will find out the brand of bhel mix that includes papri to eat it with.

    Thank you and one is never too late. (unless all the appetizers are gone, the wine all drunk and the fat lady has sang.......) :laugh:

    Open on Monday in NJ

    in New Jersey: Dining

    Posted

    The Fulton Crabhouse on Anderson Avenue in Cliffside Park is open on Mondays

    as is Beyti Kebab in Union City

    and Kervan in Cliffside Park

    Kinara in Edgewater

    El Cid in Paramus

    South City Grill

    CK's Steakhouse in Rutherford

    Sea Shack in Hackensack

    La Tartuferia in Hoboken (closed sunday's open mondays)

    Maize in Newark

    River Palm Terrace in all 3 locations

    Family Friendly Restaurants

    in New Jersey: Dining

    Posted

    Are any of these places family friendly??:

    Houlihans

    Outback Steakhouse

    ....what the heck is that place that's next to the Cheesecake Factory??

    Both are Kid friendly and the place next to Cheesecake Factory is called Houstons. Sort of a slightly more upscale version of a Houlihans. It is kid friendly but it geared more towards the Gen X crowd.

    Family Friendly Restaurants

    in New Jersey: Dining

    Posted

    Baumgarts in Englewood and Ridgewood are both family friendly. And while it is not "haute" cuisine, you and your kids will love it. The food is good, and it doesn't try to be anything more than what it is. Some stuff is wonderful and some dishes are ok. BUt for families it is perfect. Kids can have burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, dumplings, etc. Parent's can choose from the "Baumgarts" version of Americanized Chinese cuisine. The there are those terrific desserts and ice cream. The kitchy atmosphere really makes it work.

    There is also Jackson Hole for burgers and chicken sandwiches. Very kid friendly, monster burgers and something for the whole family.

    Cafe Local in Englewood (on Grand Avenue) is also very kid friendly. They have crayons and a big roll of paper for the kids to draw pictures on. They'll even hang the drawings on the walls, which the kids just love. THe food is ok with a latino slant but there is something for everyone and the prices are decent.

    Ichiban in Hackensack is a Japanese Hibachi Steak house. WHile it is not your cheapest choice the hibachi chefs are sure to entertain your kids while you relax with a sake. The food is well prepared and staightforward but worth a try.

    Falafel Stands in NJ

    in New Jersey: Dining

    Posted

    Also, there used to be (as in, "i'm not sure if it's still there") a place at the top of Gorge Rd (now called OLD Gorge Road), right where it hits Anderson Ave, that had falafel and meat kabob sandwiches.  I don't recall the name, but it was right on the bend of the road where it hits Anderson Ave.

    It closed a few months back and just reopened as Luigi's Italian Restaurant.

    Caribbean Restaurants in New Jersey

    in New Jersey: Dining

    Posted

    Also serving Cuban food and having nice atmosphere (a bit less upscale but very nice) is a place a bit further north on River Rd in Edgewater. Can't recall the name but it's on a southwest corner of the street about 1/2 mile north of Rebecca's. It's a brown structure very close to the road and is owned by Celia Cruz (the Queen of Salsa).

    Azucar

    10 Dempsy Avenue

    201-886-0747

    Vermont!

    in New England: Dining

    Posted

    American Flatbread is pizza cooked in a wood burning clay-domed oven.  They put unsual things on the flatbread before they cook it and it's just divine.  I wish they sold them down here in Texas!

    American Flatbread sells a frozen version of their pizza. And as a matter of fact it is one of the best, if not the best, darn frozen pizzas out there. Although they aren't quite as wonderful as the ones right out of that beautiful oven, they are good.

    Go to this link and you'll be able to see if they are available in your area. American Flatbread Frozen Pizza

    You should also try e-mailing flatbread to see, if you are interested, about having them ship you a case if there are no stores in your area that have them. :biggrin:

    Chez Dominique

    in New Jersey: Dining

    Posted

    The restaurant is charming and warm with very good service and an attentive hostess, Mrs. Payraudeau. I've eaten there a number of times since it opened and have never had a bad experience. The food has always been well prepared with wonderful layers of flavor. IT's not overwrought and while it is French cuisine the chef has a light hand. His lentils are heavenly. I believe the Record gave it 4 stars in their last review of it.

    And the fact that it is a BYO is a nice added bonus.

    What do you think of skate?

    in Cooking

    Posted

    Skate is one of my all-time favorite fish. I love to saute is with a porcini crust the serve it with some browned butter. Very simple but the flavor of the fish marries so wonderfully with the earthy porcini. The butter just takes it to another level.

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