Nockerl

The Ridge Paso Robles Zin is also outstanding. I'm not sure of the year but I think it might be the '98.

Dined at Fink's a couple of times last week on those brutally hot days. SOmething about the heat completed the experience by making it seem like I was at some roadside smoke pit in Texas. Granted Fink's has nicer decor and I would have loved a/c but the heat added a certain atmosperic grit. And it didn't hurt that the pulled pork was so dang tasty. The brisket was also quite good. Love that cherry wood smoke. The seasoned fries were a bit heavy on the paprika, though. The screamin' chicken sauce was nice on the pulled chicken. I'm looking forward to many return visits. Too bad the kitchen is so darned big that they can't add any tables.

Zinfandel is a very underrated grape. I sorry you are embarrassed by it Adam: "On behalf of my entire race I opollogize for the Zinfindel/Primitivo grape. Gaccccck! Except for that delightful Ravenwood wine, but maybe that is only the cool label talking" Adam Balic. Yes, white zinfandel helped to give the grape a bad name but there are some very wonderful zin's out there. A small boutique producer in the Russian River Valley called A. Rafanelli is outstanding at $22 a bottle. IT's thick and lush with lot's of pepper and big black fruit upfront and a smooth long finish. IT's hard to come by as most of the 12,000 bottles produced go to the mailing list folks who line up for hours at the vineyard on release day to get their 2 cases. The rest goes to select restaurants that the winemaker has eaten at and appreciates the food. Esty Street in Park Ridge, NJ carries it and while Rafanelli hasn't eaten there the owners have a very reliable source. Other Zins worth trying include Seghesio Old Vines, St. Francis, Ridge, most labels but especially the Pegani Ranch (the late harvest a few years back was the Wine Spectator's wine of the year), and Dry Creek to name a few. I do agree with you that Ravenswood makes a very drinkable Zin in the Vinter's Blend. You might, however, want to venture out and plop down the $24 bucks for a bottle of the Ravenswood Mendocino Zinfandel. A far superior wine with a lot of depth and layers of flavor. A complex wine that goes well with red meat, lamb as well as pork. It is also great to drink on its own.

Suzanne and Nina, I am very impressed!

Thanks, I'll bet you know what it is.

Thanks, you guys are great, and prompt!

jhlurie, thanks for those suggestions. Alas, I've dined at all except for the new Koreana. The old one on rte 4 was divine. The only one of these that I wasn't crazy about was Wondee's. I found the food overly oily and in some cases too sweet. I am dying to go to Saigon Republic and only hope I can get in. In Hoboken I've been to La Isla, Zafras, Tartuferia (though a bit more pricey, a cheap meal can be had). and a few others that escape me at the moment. for Tapas I love Tapas de Espana in North Bergen.

Hi, You may have all discussed this already but I'm new to the site and was wondering if anyone has a Dim Sum restaurant in Chinatown that they would highly recommend? thanks

I've driven by Uki Uki quite a bit lately but haven't had the urge to go. For my money the cooked food at Matsushima in Edgewater is a tough order to beat. The dishes there are very interesting and wonderfully prepared. I also love wild ginger but it's not cheap. For straightforward sushi I head to Kaname. How would you all say Uki Uki compares to these?

Oy, so many questions. But i get your point. My inquiry was rather vague. I'm looking for the whole sit down experience. A bar is not necessary. I love ethnic, spicy, bbq (been to finks, ,,pearson's), down home. And by $25 I am talking entrees that top out at 12-14 and apps around 6-7. Does that help? Funny thing is I eat out fairly often and either gravitate to the same old favorites or hit a place and wind up never heading back there.

Hi, I am looking for inexpensive, I guess you'd call them "under $25's", with interesting food in the Bergen County, Hudson County area. I was advised that e-gullet was the place to find it. I'd even venture out to queens or Brooklyn if it's worth it. I know of some places but I'm tired of the same old, same old. Thanks