Sheri-FB

I have to admit that I very much enjoyed dinner at Caterina de Medici (obviously the Italian one), about 2 years back. Yes, the service is not up to professional standards, but these are not professional waitstaff, just students doing a shift to get a front of the house perspective (and they are fun to talk to about where they are in their coursework, the preparation of the food courses they are serving and where they are thinking of going next). Food was fresh and preparations interesting, particularly for the price. Last year I returned and tried Escoffier, and it was fine but not as enjoyable to me (its more formal in atmosphere, but no more professional in service. The mix was wrong for my taste - if I want formal French service I want it all the way professional and might as well stay in the city for that). No compliants about the food, however.

Sorry to report from my trip last weekend that JB BBQ has closed - no signs to indicate that it relocated. We did try Carminuccios on our way up to the Pats AFC championship game last January - it was close to the level of what I ate during my 3 years in New Haven, but not quite. Still, a worthwhile stop when I am taking the Route 84 path north.

For our 10th, we went to Cafe Matisse in Rutherford. Its BYO, romantic (at least by my standards) and has an interesting menu (although limited). We really enjoyed our evening - take a look to see if it fits your style (www.cafematisse.com). And - congratulations!!

I tend to go with themes around the site of the superbowl and/or the teams playing. As a Patriots season ticket holder (I had SO much fun at the game last Sunday - and Trish I keep your Route 84 food recommendations in the glove compartment, this time it was Carminuccios on the way up saturday. Thanks again for that), I tend to celebrate more when my guys are involved. At our last party in 2002, we served jambalaya, bread pudding, hurricaines and sam adams beer (new orleans and new england). This time we are looking at TexMex (taco bar, nachos, guac), perhaps some BBQ from Fink and the old sam adams again. Go Pats!!!!!

Adding a vote, and soft spot, for Herrells - that's where we got engaged one lovely February afternoon. And yes, there were people there at that time of year but not a large crowd (they closed off the bank vault for us)

Stopped by Zona Rosa for a very quick lunch and, based on that, I think a more in depth (ie, more than one quick course) would be worthwhile. We had a chile rellenos wrap sandwich and a chicken and beans tlocoyo (not sure about that spelling, but its a flat corn dumpling with a slightly spicy black bean spread, avacodo, marinated grilled chicken, queso fresco and lettuce). Both were very good. The most expensive item on the lunch menu was $15 and most things were $8-12. The 3 course prix fixe is $18. The dinner menu appears to have interesting options (such as duck confit mole) but in any event it made a nice change from the usual as there is not much Mexican accessible from my midtown office. Also, the lounge looked like it would be good to hang for a few drinks - perhaps a happy hour visit to check out at least one of the dozens of tequillas lining the wall!

Well, this is my commentary on Liberte from last February [which you may well have already seen if you searched the NJ forum]. I have not been back - entirely because we have not been out in that area as much over the past few months: [2/03] After an exhausting day of shopping for new couches, my husband and I made an impromptu stop in Montclair for dinner and ended up at Liberte - mainly because we have not tried it yet and have heard good things on this board. We were not disappointed. First, they were very accomodating to us despite our lack of reservations and lack of nice attire. The rolls, served warm, were average but the tarragon (I believe) butter had nice flavor. My husband started with snails in garlic butter and after one bite said "we are going to be OK tonight". I had a very enjoyable salad of arugula, pears, stilton and walnuts- a nice peppery and refreshing start. For main courses, we both opted for specials: I had roast leg of lamb with flageolet beans and a tomato concasse. My husband had quail stuffed with a boar sausage and oyster mushroom risotto in a perigoux (sp?) sauce with baby brussel sprouts. Both very flavorful meats, cooked as we requested and the accompaniements matched well. Desserts were a bit of a step down - the "amazing chocolate raspberry" dessert was fine but did not have the fresh raspberries we expected and did not quite live up to the description. The tarte tatin with creme fraiche was more of an open topped warm apple pie - thick filling of apples with no glaze/caramelization. I ate every bite, but again it was not what we expected. The bill was around $90 for us as well. Overall, a very nice meal in a comfortable atmosphere and we would return.

Just wanted to thank TrishCT - you have enhanced the NY to MA parent-visiting [and occasional Patriots game] drive with your suggestions. Last weekend we enjoyed a respectible pulled pork sandwich and an order of quite good corn fritters from JB BBQ, and we are planning Carminuccio's for next month's foray!

CPalms: Funny you should mention Il Gattopardo, because I have never heard anyone mention it before and I actually gave it a try for lunch last week. Bottom line quick review is that the food was quite good - you are correct on the distinct southern Italian flavor and it has some menu items I do not see regularly in NY (I am thinking of the artichoke parmigania app). The service, on the other hand, was excruciatingly slow and, despite the fact that its a small place, after 15-20 minutes of sitting at an completely cleared table and trying to get someone's attention, we had to give up on even seeing a dessert menu (forget about ordering a dessert) so we could get back to work during business hours. Must confess that without dessert, it felt incomplete.

Tommy: I also will be solo in Portland for a business trip in a few weeks (4/10 and 11) so (i) thank you for starting the thread (and everyone else for responding) and (ii) if that is the same time as mrs tommy, ask her if she want to seek some "mushy" hot dogs with me (see Rutts Hut thread)!

Ah - I seem to be hearing echos from my original posts last summer at the start of the thread re: Rutts that inspired the trip - hot dogs not crisp nor bursting with garlicky flavor but the relish is great....I am not alone in my dementia (Glad you all had a good time!)

We have managed to stop by Cascade MT twice for wine tasting and lunch. Both the food and the wine are, IMO, good but not great (although I do have an affinity for their spiced wine heated or poured over ice cream), but the atmostphere makes up for it. I really enjoy sitting out on the porch, being served and eating a nice meal and drinking wine while overlooking the vineyards. The staff is quite nice and I leave feeling happy (what more could you want). If you have a chance, its worth a detour.

For what it is worth, during my visit to Arizona a few years ago (I think 1999), I did not find Sedona to be the culinary highlight (actually, for me it was Tucson) but did enjoy a visit to the Heartline Cafe - especially since I like to eat vegetarian about half the time and they had creative options in that category. Enjoy your trip - it is a beautiful place!

Details on the "Godzilla stir fry" (as in, what is it ) would be appreciated! Thanks.

I second that reply. Molyvos is well worth a visit or two - high quality food, especially the meze and anything with phyllo, and very pleasant service, nice, relaxed atmosphere and decor. However, after a few visits, you do grow tired of the menu.

Just a word on Susur's flexibility and ability that I think members should be aware of, if not already. We visited Susur's in early August (in fact the second to last dinner seating before he closed for a month's vacation, at a time when you would think fresh supplies would be low and limit flexibility). I am a difficult person in terms of what I will eat (no seafood (allergy) or fish), so I never can order a tasting menu. Having read much in advance about Susur and his tasting menu, I was really torn but was going to order a la carte. Upon arrival, I was informed that there are always 2 separate tasting menus each evening and the chef is willing to tailor them to suit dietary needs. So, with no advance warning he put together a fish-less, seafood-less menu for me, with a completely different menu for my husband (who eats just about everything). We were aware in advance of the reverse tasting menu thing - but our waiter described it to us when we ordered as well. Actually, given the portion sizes of each course (and the fact that I did not have any fish or seafood course), I really did not notice it much. I do agree on the difficulty of wine - and confess we stopped drinking for the last 2 or 3 courses because I do not like going from full bodied red to more subtle wines. Its been a while and I have lost my notes, but my strong recollection is that the man is a genius with fois gras and the overall experience was fantastic. I really want to convey how much I appreciate Susur Lee's flexibility and ability to put together a high quality tasting menu allowing me to experience the full range of his skills despite my dining peculiarities.

John - Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I had a feeling from the start that a large part of my problem was an issue of unrealistic expectations (I swear it was that article in the Times that referred to them as "crisp" that got me). I do agree on the relish - its among the best I have had (see my initial entry). Looking forward to trying some of the other places on your list!

I guess I am just a grill dog kinda gal. I will end with a final note that the reviews are misleading - see following excerpt from the NY Times July 3, 2002: "Even better is Rutt's Hut, a time-warped tavern in Clifton, N.J. There's a takeout counter on one side of the building, but I advise hunkering down in Rutt's dimly lighted tap room, where the bartender barks out orders to the kitchen in a clipped Greek accent via a counter-mounted microphone. Order two franks and he shouts "twodogstwo!" Ask for fries, and it's "A frrrenchie!" Such irresistible ambience aside, the dogs are spectacular --crisp, juicy and bursting with garlicky flavor -- especially when topped with Rutt's homemade cabbage-and-carrot relish. Have a beer, admire the hand-painted menu on the wall (featuring old-school favorites like Taylor ham sandwiches), and hear yourself reflexively saying, "I'll have another dog, please." Based on my one experience, they are neither crisp nor bursting with garlickly flavor. Back to Syds.

OK - so perhaps mushy is an exaggeration - I was just afraid of the responses I would get if I used the more accurate description of light pink and soft. Whatever, it just had no discernable texture.

Took my hot dog afficionado in-laws to Rutts Hutt this weekend and have to say it was one of the most average hot dog experiences we have had (in contrast to our last hot dog trip to Syds, which was a big hit). I am sure it was in large part an issue of too high expectations, but the flavor of the dogs did not stand out (they were fine, nothing special) and, most disappointingly, the texture and color were weak (light pink and slightly mushy - whereas we expected crisp crinkled dogs from the oil frying). Our second batch (which we asked for well done) was better, but still not worth the cholesterol. I will say that the house relish lived up to its reputation and salvaged the meal/experience. Given all of the good press here and in the NY Times, the question is, what am I missing?

Recently - Hummos and baby carrots. My old time standbys are ice cream (any kind; any where) and cheese, fruit and bagette.