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Thanks for the reply, i was getting tired of hitting the refresh button... one last thing while we finish up work here before eating, what were the recommended dishes? (chicken po was one of them i believe)

Tonight i want to go to the chinese restaurant that everyone talks about so highly (with the FRESH chicken) but i don't remember the name or location, it's something like: Grand Sechuan and i think it's around 8th or 9th ave in the 50s. Please help so i can eat good tonite! Thanks!

Can i ask about how much dinner for 2 would cost in the front room of GT?

My sister lives down the road from Wildflowers and i've enjoyed it the few times we've eaten there. I wasn't too impressed with Conte's (although we got the pie "to go", so i'll have to give it another try when we can "eat in"). Next pizza venture when i'm down her way is DeLorenzo's in Trenton. Last nite i ate at Denino's in Staten Island which is one of the best pies i've ever had (you can read short review on the NY Board). Can you tell i LOVE pizza? We've also eaten at an Itlalian restaurant a few times lately which is in a stip mall (near a Stewart's Root Beer place) which is pretty good and fairly inexpensive (however, if you're easy going enough, sit in the back of the pizzeria side (as opposed to the other side with table cloths) as many of the entrees are a few dollars cheaper). They do serve pizza in the back of the pizzeria side, but not on the other side (and the pizza was decent). These are all nice alternatives to the "chain" restaurants on Route 1.

Glad you remembered the thread and made it there while you waited for the train. I think it's the norm here that the place is alway somewhat crowded and hectic, but counter seats are consistently available. This is the type of place where you bring somebody and they walk out asking, "How'd you find THIS place?"

jhlurie, I too stick with the "originals." (except for me it's the Bul Go Gi... or however it's spelled) A few times ago i was there with my fiance and she ordered the "cook yourself chicken" at the table. Our table had the grill in the table, but it wasn't hooked up so they brought out a portable which sat on the table. It cooked very unevenly and the waiter is sort of "cooking it for you/not cooking it for you." He also wasn't very good at it as she bit into one piece that he served her and she had to put it back on the grill because it wasn't done being cooked. I figure if i'm eating Korean food, i want somebody Korean to cook it... they'll likely to much more experience with it than myself.

Tommy, To maybe sway them into the 'boken area... how about Leo's Grandezvous? Food isn't anything to write home about, but more Frank than they'll know what to do with! If i'm around, i'll even meet them at the PATH and escort them over so they don't get lost! Another idea i just thought of which i think is GREAT, is Patsy's/Grimaldi's under the Brooklyn Bridge... there's almost always some Frank playing on that jukebox, and supposedly it was his favorite pizza in the city. Have your friends read the article outside while they're waiting, they have a strict "no delivery" policy, but they always delivered for Frank.

I've said it many times before, but i'll repeat myself.... In telling people i live in Hoboken their first reaction is, "Oh, you have a lot of great restaurants there." To which i reply, "No, we simply have a lot of restaurants." Our staples and things we think are good (we're not into "fine" dining, just enjoy good food, anything from pasta to steak to chicken): La Isla (newcomer to the list) Margheritas Oddfellows (only thing consistent about the service is the inconsistency) Baja (food inconsistent, but when it's good it's great... only order "The Special") Augustino's (small "unknown" on Washington... reservations a MUST anyday of the week (9 tables?)) Really "slumming" it but good to eat: Mission Burritos Ali Baba I know most people think Amanda's is one of the best in town, but whenever i'm there i have trouble finding anything to eat (as i said above, i'm not into pheasant, rabbit, fois gras, etc.)... maybe one of these days my pallet will grow up!

Another good place for good (and CHEAP) cuban, where parking is a little easier (and, once again, CHEAPER if you have to pay for it) is on Begenline Ave in Union City. It's called Manolo y Linda "La Conchita" and is around 58th Street or so (it's across the street from a "shmata" store called "Amazing Rays").

After hearing many good things about this place, and even recommending it to others, i finally tried it myself! La Isla's location used to be an old-style lunchonette, and although they've cleaned the place up a bit, the floor layout remains the same... it's a VERY narrow restaurant with counter service (~15 stools?) on the left and about 6 tables for 4 against the wall on the right (i don't know how they would be able to seat a table of 5 or more together). We started off with an appetizer who's name i forget. It appeared to be a "pastry puff" filled with chicken. However, the outside is more doughy than i imagined (this is a good thing) and the inside contained fresh pieces of minced chicken. These are premade throughout the day and sit under a heat lamp so it was served right away. I would certainly have these again, and would even pick one up as a quick snack if i was walking by. For entrees we each had a sirlion steak, pounded thin, covered with carmelized onions, and served with rice and beans. The steak was very good, but the onions made this dish EXCELLENT! Given that the place "doesn't look like much," I was very surprised (although i had heard) of the quality of food that comes out of this kitchen. I normally wouldn't order steak at a place like this, but they (i believe) are owned by the same owners of the Brass Rail (a higher end restaurant across the street) so i figured that they are probably using the same supplier for both restaurants and therefore getting a decent cut of meat. My only complaint would be that the bowl of black beans didn't have enough beans, it was mostly that black "soup" that the beans sit in (i'm sure this is a hit or miss thing, depending upon how deep the ladel goes into the serving container, along with how much is left in the serving container itself). My fiance REALLY liked the rice, too. I'm certain we will be back again (soon!!). I would HIGHLY recommend this restaurant for anyone that enjoys great food, but doesn't care too much about atmosphere. As i said in the title, it's BYOB, and there is a liquor store about 1/2 block north of the restaurant (which happens to be owned by the same family as the restaurant). Reasonable prices too, our steaks were $11, but i did see some entrees as high as $18.

Sorry, i didn't notice if they had wine on the menu, but as this place is becoming a staple for me (for when i actually am willing to get into a car), i'll make a note to look for wine on the next trip.

Just wanted to give an update after eating lunch here yesterday.... They have indeed expanded the menu, now offering: 1) The original 10 items (8 soups, 1 rib dish, 1 beef dish) 2) A plethora of Korean dishes as well as raw meets cooked at the table (although some tables still aren't hooked up for the table grill, to these tables a portable propane grill is brought to the table) 3) A lunch menu The menu is now quite extensive, although some items on it are still not available (ie- the one's without prices by them). The food once again was excellent (i've had 1 bad meal here in about 8 visits... not a bad track record). This visit was with my sister's family (including her 3 children). The service was great as they were very accomodating, suggestion menu items for the children (although we hit the slight language barrier asking for rubber bands for the kid's chopsticks... a customer at another table heard what we were asking and jumped in and explained in Korean what we wanted). We all had a great time and had a very relaxing and UNrushed lunch. The kids also were fascinated by the Korean gum given with the check. By the way (sorry Tommy), with the expanded menu has come a liquor license, so no more BYO.

Just some random thoughts this post inspired: Growing up in NJ I thought the term "liquor store" was ubiquitous, however, during my college days in Michigan i learned that in Michigan these stores are more appropriately called "Party Stores." (it's true) Michigan also has "beer vaults" which are essentially drive thru beer stores. You drive in, roll down your window, pop the trunk, have a case of beer thrown in, and off you go! Kind of hard to use a fake id here though, claiming you don't drive. Also in Michigan you can drive on the highway for miles, seeing nothing in site, until finally passing a gas station for those low on fuel. However, inevitably there is a liquor store (uhhm, i mean party store) next to the gas station! We would joke about how there are no homes within a 25 mile radius of this gas station, and there is a party store right next door, simply for those who feel they can't take a long car ride without imbibing some liquor to pass the time. TOTALLY rediculous.

There are a LOT of things i don't like to eat, how does it work. I'm afraid of going and them not having anything i like to eat. How much does it cost, and how far in advance did you need to make reservations? Best for a larger group?

Rosie, I've heard some good things about 15 Fox, please report back after the weekend. I think tonite i'm heading to Nick and Stef's in NYC. Rest of the weekend is up in the air, but i'll be in the Princeton area on Sunday, so maybe i'll finally get to try Delorenzo's Pizza (in Trenton). -Go Blue!

Fat Guy, Since you don't mind venturing to the other boroughs, have you ever tried Knish Nosh on Queens Blvd in Forest Hills? They get my vote for the best knishes i've EVER had.

Or as i saw a sign in an Alaskan bar: "If our food and service aren't up to your standards.... LOWER your standards!"

Since we're beginning to go a little south, i will mention that i recently tried Conte's in Princeton. I was fairly disappointed in their pie, although i will admit that it was take-out and we had a 20 minute drive to get home before we ate it. Next time i will surely venture to Delorenzo's as it's the other "known" pizza place in that area. Also, although it belongs on the NY Board, i also recently tried Nick's in Forest Hills. Although "good", it certainly is NOT worth all the hype it receives.

I'd guess that they've been in Ridgewood about 1 year (+/- 3 months), although i've never been to that location. It is "standard" chinese, but with an eclectic touch (or "neveau chinese" perhaps). For example, the Englewood location took the place of a former ice cream parlour, and they kept much of the interior the same... when was the last time you've seen a chinese restaurant with homemade ice cream, including counter service and stools? (then again, when was the last time you were INSIDE a chinese restaurant besides Marco Polo and China 46). This is how they describe themselves: "Baumgart's Cafe features a fine selection of Asian and American food for lunch and dinner. We specialize in infused food with Asian, Spanish, and Italian combinations." Their website: Baumgart's Website

Just want to reference this old thread re: PIZZA in NJ. PIZZA in NJ

Baumgart's now has a second location (right in your backyard, Tommy): 158 Franklin Avenue Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-612-5688 I'm not a big fan of the place, used to be much better... i feel they built a good reputation and raised the prices, only to see the quality decline (how often does THIS happen)? The following my discredit my above comment (as well as all future comments), but they DO have a good chicken salad sandwich. I know, i know, it's a chinese restaurant, but the chicken salad sandwich IS good! To answer the original post, i would recommend Cafe Matisse in Rutherford. Expensive, but one of the best NJ meals i've had. Another nice meal (steak) can be had at any of the River Palm locations, but the ones in Edgewater and Mahwah are best.

Ela, yes it is.

There is a bakery in Nanuet/New City that supplies MUCH of the pies and cakes that are served in NYC restaurants. It's called Carousel(??) and their desserts are FANTASTIC! They do sell to the public, but they come frozen and take about a day or two to thaw (so plan accordingly). I've never had their blueberry pie (but they probably make one), but i've had their apple crumb and it's quite good, and i've also had their cheesecake with a blueberry top, which was also excellent. My favorite from them is the apple pie, so please try the blueberry and let us know what you think.

OK, as a Pizza Afficionado i will add by biased 2 cents (and speaking of cents, the slices at Benny's cost $1.75): Benny's makes a FANTASTIC slice, under the right circumstances! Their sauce is VERY good, but the slice needs to come right out of the oven. Simply seeing them freshly cut the pie before your eyes doesn't cut it, as they often let pies sit under the counter of the existing slice pie, then simply reach for it when they're done with the current 8 slices. To know you are getting something truely special, you need to see it come out of the oven! Unfortunately, patrons at this place come in spurts, with no rhyme or reason or pattern, so they often have a few back-up pies (which don't get thrown back into the oven for reheating, and therefore are often "warm" instead of piping hot) in case they get a rush. The slices don't hold up too well either as time passes on, the dough gets soggy and the slice gets limp. As i'm sure they were very friendly to you (<--sarcasm), you can only imagine the look you get if you ask them to reheat a slice, as the slice often falls apart in the oven when reheated, and creates a big mess for them to clean up. Tommy makes a good point which i've yet to have an explanation for, that being that if ordering a pie, it doesn't taste as good as a slice (besides being smaller). HOWEVER, if you order a "House Pie" you will get a perfect, freshly made and piping hot out of the oven, pie that is the same exact pizza as their "Slice Pie." Contrary to most pizza places, a "House Pie" here refers to the "slice pie" and NOT a pizza with loads of toppings on it. Incidentally, there is no discount for ordering a house pie, it's simply $14 (1.75/slice X 8). Toppings on a slice are 75 cents, and an extra $6 if you'd like it on top of a house pie, although i don't recommend toppings on pizza here, or in general). Another pizza place mentioned above is Seven Star, which is indeed larger, but AWEFUL as far as pizza is concerned. I don't think they use real cheese and the pizza is only good for when you need a meal and can't get your ATM card to work. The best way to describe the taste is that it's what i remember Ellio's pizza tasting like when i was a kid. A new (for me, although it's been around for years) Hoboken pizza place which is GREAT is Delfino's. It's a bit of a hike from the main street in Hoboken (5th and Jefferson (i think)) but they have the greatest crust i've ever had! I'd really like to be able to make a pizza using the crust from Delfino's, use sauce from Benny's, and the cheese from Grimaldi's... now THAT would be an experience!! Lastly, i agree (once again, with Tommy) that both Benny's and Delfino's are better than MOST pizza places in NYC. This would not have been true 10 years ago, but the quality of NYC pizza has gone WAY downhill, although it STILL is better than just about any other place in the country.

At the advice of an earlier post on this thread, i recently stopped at Ted's Restaurant in Meriden, CT (i know this is a NJ board, but putting here for continuity). This place is a real "joint" where they speak to you in one-word sentences. Upon walking in we were asked: "Cheesburger"? --> Yes please, thank you "Onion"? --> Yes, please "Drink"? In no time at all our food was placed in front of us (on paper plates). Now what makes this place special is that they steam their burgers, and i don't mean they put a dome over it while they cook it. They take a small tin, mabye 3 inches X 2 inches and load it up with meat, then place it on a shelf in a patented metal box which sits on top of the stove (and is above, i imagine, a pot of boiling water). Cheese for the burger is also melted in the same box. The burger drips when you bite into it (all that steam makes the burger extra juicy), and it tasted VERY good. I spent quite some time to try to determine what was different and i finally hit upon it: The meat browns all the way through, but there is a stronger "beef" taste than with a traditional burger. At $2.60/cheeseburger ($1.90 for no cheese) this may be the best burger value in the country! We each had one cheeseburger (along with an order of cheese fries, which i recommend you pass on) and that was enough food for us. Two guys at the counter each had 2 and were truely stuffed. This place isn't worth a special trip from the NYC area, but DEFINATELY worth the trip if you are ever within a 30 minute radius of the place. It's also VERY convenient to stop at if you ever make the drive from NYC to Boston, as it is right off the highway.