thereuare
-
Posts
426 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Store
Help Articles
Posts posted by thereuare
-
-
Haven't eaten there myself but have heard it's just "ok" and not worth the prices they're charging.
-
Major renovations have been promised since May, however, it doesn't seem like anyone has lifted a hammer.
Maybe the lunch crowd is supposed to be working on the place
-
The Nerds are playing tonite at the Hoboken Italian Festival
(not to be confused with the St. Anne's Festival)
-
As a follow-up, we ended up going to La Casita Blanca which was exactly what i was looking for. Here's a review i wrote, along with some pics:
Got in a taxi van at the hotel and when the bellman asked where we were going, we replied “La Casita Blanca” and he smiled, looked at us with a look of disbelief, and asked “How’d you hear about that place?!?” I told him the internet and he commented that it truly is a world wide web. He said the food was great there and we would enjoy our meals… I knew at this point we were in for something great. The entire menu (11 items) was shown to us on a blackboard, and after my dad ordered a lasagna-type dish the waiter, while still standing there with the blackboard, began to erase it from the menu… he got the last one! The place was quite ‘eclectic’ and had a real home feeling, which includes a tree growing out of the floor and thru the porch. Before ordering we were brought fried conch, and although I dislike non-shellfish, these tasted just like potato chips and were great. This was followed by garlic bread, which was even better. I had the shrimp Creole and it was pretty good, the rice and beans on the side were great, and the monfongo was a little dry for my taste (but it’s an acquired taste I’m told). I tasted my dad’s lasagna-type dish which was (IMO) the best dish of the evening; my wife’s “steak with onions” was also tasted which was very good but the texture/color of the steak didn’t look as brown as it should be (maybe just my pre-conceived perception that one couldn’t get a good steak on the island of Puerto Rico).
When I returned from the bathroom a man at a nearby table stopped me and said, “Forgive me for being forward, but I know how I got here… but how do you know about this place?” I once again told him of my internet friends and egullet. He was from the Bronx but vacations twice a year in Puerto Rico and was there that nite with some locals. We had some rice pudding for dessert, which was also excellent (and I’m not a dessert person). A complimentary shot of a sambuca-like liquor is also served, but I think this put me over the top and I actually got a little sick from it (in conjunction with the over-eating). Price was extremely reasonable… 5 main dishes and 2 sides was $68, including a 15% tip included in the bill since we were a large party, but we left a bit more. This restaurant was exactly what I was looking for and gave us a great experience of eating ‘local, home cooking, fare’. Highly recommended, but be forewarned that it is an outdoor seating atmosphere and there is no air conditioning.
This is what the place looks like:
My meal:
Near hotel, man shucking oysters on the street:
-
Haven't heard anything more.
It's on my walk to the gym and they don't appear to be very crowded during the week, but on the weekend they've been somewhat busy (although that doesn't mean much in Hoboken)
-
I believe that NJ Supermarkets, if they sell beer/liquor, must do so as an entirely separate entity (which is why many supermarkets have "(supermarket name here) Liquors" set up either next store to the actual supermarket (often with a doorway connecting them) OR as an entirely separate area of the store. Often this liquor store next to the supermarket isn't actually owned by the supermarket and is rented out to a private individual.
On a separate note, i'm not sure of the specifics of the law, but esentially anyone in Hoboken that serves liquor (bartenders, servers, etc (but i don't think liquor store clerks)) must have a 'bar card'. I think the cost of the card is $50 or $100 and has a server's picture id on it. Not really sure why it came about, but i would think the bottom line is that it's another source of revenue for the city. This id must be worn by the server at all times or a hefty fine is involved.
-
I try to avoid restaurant hotels whenever possible, especially if there is local fare to be had (which isn't typically local to me).
Buffet Brunch is an exception to that rule, which i hear the Caribe Hilton has a great one on Sundays, but i don't see the need i stuffing myself before the cruise so we'll probably just stop off at a local bakery or something similar.
I'll bypass the triple miles for the $65 rate i got
-
Thank you to everyone that has replied so far and given their thoughts and opinions.
I have narrowed the list down to the following, listed in most likely to attend:
Ajilli Mojilli OR La Casita Blanca
Bebo's Cafe
La Tasca (near the hotel so we'll go as a back-up)
I'm open to comments regarding any of the restaurants listed above, but i guess more importantly the differences between Ajilli Mojillia vs. La Casita Blanca.
I've heard/read excellent things about both of them and need to make a final decision for the group. Ajilli Mojilli appears to be more well known, but what concerns me is that i've heard prices of $25/pp up to $75-$125/couple (hate going to a place having no idea what it will cost me when i walk out). La Casita Blanca almost seems like a 'hole in the wall' type of place with good food, and i like that type of atmosphere and place (laid back, solid food, great price... leavings stuffed and feeling like you got a great deal).
Those are my current thoughts. I'm hoping the board can help me a little further in making a final decision.
Thanks again to all.
-
AJILI MOJILI (address above) serves Mofongo w/your choice of “stuffings” and is in your $ range easy.
I had bee reading many reviews where dinner at Ajili Mojili will run about $75-$125/couple... is that high in your opinion? (but i keep hearing such good things about it that we may end up there anyway!!)
I'm also seriously considering La Casita Blanca or Bebo's Cafe if you have any thoughts on either. They both seem like ultra-casual neighborhood places with good local food and cheap. I read a lot of politicians often meet at one of them for lunch (i forget which one), and although lunch is always busy and a wait should be expected, dinner is a bit slower paced and not as crowded. Any idea how far each of them is from the Caribe Hilton?
mongafolo (description please)Here's a picture of Mofongo along with a recipe. This looks like the basic/plain version, but many restaurants are now mixing in chicken, shrimp, or other seafood. Pic and Recipe
I haven't written off La Tasca, but will likely use it as the 'fallback' if we get into town late or are just too tired to venture away from the hotel. I've done many searches and can't seem to find any add'l info on La Tasca, but the others listed keep appearing again and again with favorable reviews.
-
Sweet Willie,
Thanks for the reply and the suggestions.
I have since decided that i definately want rice and black beans with dinner (got a craving and it just won't quit!). Also may want to try the local dish mongafolo (or however it's spelled/pronounced)
Will any of the above satisfy that requirement? Also, are any of the above closer to the $25/pp price tag rather than the $50/pp price i keep reading about (i realize not much in the area is 'cheap').
Right now i'm leaning towards Ajili Mojili (which i understand may very well be close to $50/pp) OR Dragonfly (not sure of price), OR Metropol (not sure on price, but i heard 'affordable'). We are a party of 8 (5 adults, 3 children) so i also think Dragonfly may be to small to accomodate us w/o too long of a wait. Also just added La Casita Blanca and Tropical Restaurant to the list as 'cheap' alternatives (but if these 2 cheapies are simply mediocre, please let me know and i won't bother).
Thanks for any add'l info (food comments, prices, etc) you can offer on the above and the added info. Do you also know anything about La Tasca, as that may be a back-up if we get into town too late due to flight delays or anything of the like.
I would prefer to eat with 'locals' than tourists, and food quality/value is more important than atmosphere.
-
Read about La Tasca in THIS THREAD from Rachel... is this the same place you're refering to as 'down the road'?
If so, are you equally as enthusiastic (and could you comment on price/atmosphere)? I've heard that there's not too much in the area that is walkable, and i don't think we're ready for very long cab rides after the flights.
Definately having a Pina Colada that nite!
-
Just won the Caribe Hilton on Priceline for $65/nite... now i need to find a restaurant for dinner!
We'll be arriving at the hotel about 7pm the nite before our cruise so i'd like to have a comfortable, relaxing, restaurant with good food that we can relax after our flight and start our vaction on the right note. Nothing terribly expensive as we'll have a long week ahead of us, but more important than price is good food and a relaxing atmosphere. We will be 5 adults and 3 children (ages 10-14)
I just started looking and La Tasca has some good mentions on this board (with their Shrimp Asopao being highly regarded), so any comments (reviews, cost, atmosphere, etc) about this place in particular OR other recommendations would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
-
$100/couple 'out the door'
-
That's a list of one, which is perfectly acceptable.
If it's good enuff for you, i'd venture that it's good enuff for me!
Thanks!
-
So that i have a list to consult in the future, what would you recommend in NYC (any area within Manhattan) but not Asian-esque (no Chinese, Korean, Thai, Indian, etc) that would cost under $100/couple including drink, appetizer, and entree? I'm talking for the average items on the menu, please don't recommend a restaurant that is prefaced by "it can be done if you stick with the lower priced items."
I made this request awhile back and was basically told it was too difficult of a proposition, but juding by the comments above it sounds like it's an easy task... please advise so i won't have to scramble next time.
-
I'm trainable... thanks for pointing out the error of my ways.
-
Perhaps you are taking your dining recommendations from Page Six?
No, just from my wife
My 'nuveau' reference was brought about from a recent memory at Dos Caminos, which i describe as nuveau Mexican. Perhaps some people like it, but i didn't (and yes, i did leave hungry).
-
Not being a big fan of dining in the city (i'm tired of the 'we're doing you a favor by letting you eat here' attitude, along with the overcrowding and the trend of turning everything 'nuveau') i was very pleasantly surprised by the meal i had here on Friday nite.
We had a reservation for a group of 6 but when we arrived informed them that we'd only be a party of 5... "no problem". Two people in our party were running late... no pressure or attitude from the staff, they were just happy that we chose to eat at their restaurant that evening! Our friends called to give an update on their arrival and the owner brought the phone over to our table so they could speak to us.
Once they arrived we ordered a couple of bottles of wine and placed our orders. The cuisine is italian, with the menu consisting mainly of pasta dishes along with a few chicken and veal selections, and a fish of the day... however, the staff is very accomodating and appear to be willing to make whatever you'd like if the ingredients are on hand. My request for a veal dish on the menu to be made with chicken instead of veal was met with an "of course."
Everyone at the table seemed to enjoy their meal. Prices were reasonable (appetizers ~$9, ~$16 pasta dishes, ~$18 meat dishes) and it was refreshing to eat at a place where you actually felt appreciated. A real neighborhood place that i will be returning to. CASH only.
-
FYI, the metrolink (train from EWR to NYC) is actually about $12/each way, not $13/RT.
yes. that could be the difference btwn super-sizing and not super-sizing.
How's this...
the RT fare is actually $24/RT, not $13/RT.
That's not just super-sizing, that's about 2 complete combo meals!
-
FYI, the metrolink (train from EWR to NYC) is actually about $12/each way, not $13/RT.
I'd also make sure that you're luggage will not have to be retrieved and re-checked at EWR, as i have heard that new rules prevent them from checking your luggage in too many hours before a flight.
If you decide the NYC jaunt, i would also have a back-up plan for dining in Newark... if your plane gets delayed and arrives late, NYC may be a bit too rushed so i'd suggest bringing along the info for dining in Newark as well.
-
Bella Napoli in Clifton on Bloomfield Ave (ok, closer for the Wayne guests). I have heard this original location has re-opened and is still good, while their larger new restaurant is not as good as this original. It's Italian-American with good food, cash only (not sure if this has change).
-
I really enjoy The Lighthouse on Rte 1-9 in the Palisades Park area (not sure of specific town), just north of the korean supermarket (ra ha rheum?)
Of course, i learned about it from this board.
-
I've never had the panini sandwich there, but i saw a sign last time i was there that Vito's deli in Hoboken now has panini sandwiches. I can't imagine how anything from there with fresh mozzarella wouldn't be good :)
-
I dined there recently (a repeat visit) and although my experience was 'pretty good', i can easily see the above scenario occurring.
The place is family run and indeed has a 'regular' following, all getting greeted with kisses on the cheek upon entering and exit.
While the food produced is quite good, it's a fairly small operation, maybe only 5 or 6 employees i would guess (all family, and includes the bar, kitchen, and serving staff). I wouldn't be surprised, if given the holiday, the regular server was away for the weekend and they simply asked a family friend if she wanted to work the shift. ("it's easy, you asked them what they want, place the order, then deliver it to their table")
BTW, i would venture a guess that 75% of Hoboken's waitstaff couldn't tell you why a bottle of wine should be uncorked tableside (not defending her actions, just don't think it's common knowlege amoung the Hoboken dining/serving crowd, although it probaby should be (i didn't know, but am glad i learned from reading your post))
Bouley
in New York: Dining
Posted
Went here for a birthday dinner last nite, both wife and I had the tasting menu...
Food was good (not outstanding) and portions very small, but service for the first two-thirds of the nite was BAD!
When we were seated, we were asked if we wanted a cocktail and we asked to see the wine list... it never came; we had to ask for it again after our dinner order was taken.
I asked for another roll and was told "sure"... never saw it. When our next course was served i asked again and was told "sure"... never saw it. Finally got it on the third try.
My wife's wine glass remained empty for long periods of time.
None of the above are major ordeals, but also not what i expect from a high-end restaurant. Around dessert service greatly improved, but overall i'd say i was somewhat unimpressed based upon the high expectations i had and it was not worth the money.