ColNJ

The Mason Jar in Mahwah is popular with people with conservative food tastes. However, if they're vegetarians, they might not like seeing the whole pig that is usually part of the feast. The buffet is $21.95 which includes one mimosa or glass of champagne, or you may order off the menu. Watch out for prices on other drinks like Bloody Marys. http://masonjar.com/brunch_buffet_menu.html

Thanks, y'all. I'll be in Nashville for a weekend in October, and will use your recommendations to influence where my old friends and I go eat. We have a few meals already planned for us at a local college campus (somewhere between Rotier's and Pancake Pantry ... both of which we would have all eaten in some 25 years ago when we lived in Nashville), but will have some 'free' mealtimes too.

Per their advertising and web site, Silver Oak Bistro has a new chef, David Ilmojahid. He's also Pit Master at Bourbon Co. BBQ. Has anyone been since this change?

Bourbon Co. BBQ ads now lists Dave Ilmajahid (corrected to Ilmojahid on the web site) as Executive Chef. Their web site lists him as Pit Master, from South Carolina. The Silver Oak Bistro ad and web site also list Dave I as the new chef. Has anyone been to Bourbon Co. BBQ since Chris & Dave arrived?

Curlz, thanks for the recommendation! I was in Montclair today, and went to Stamna for a late lunch. I've never had such tender octopus! Not only was the grilled seafood platter good, and enough food for another meal (or 2), but the service was just right. I got the side of cooked dandelion greens, too, and the grilled cheese appetizer, which was served on sliced tomatoes. Not only did the food taste good, but it looked good (too bad my camera is in for repairs or I would post a pic of the octopus, squid, & whole shrimp), and it smelled fabulous.

I was in the neighborhood today, and 2 women were handing out menus to drivers & pedestrians & I snagged one. The menu is mostly sushi, rolls, teriyaki and other things you would expect on a Japanese restaurant menu, but they have several unexpected items, such as Jalapeno appetizer, Tropical Lobster with pineapple, mango, kiwi, cucumber with green curry sauce. They have vegetarian options, and ones for people who prefer their seafood cooked. For those who prefer food other than seafood, they have steak, chicken, duck, veal, and lamb dishes. Had I not had my heart set on Stamna, I would have circled back to eat. Next time. Fawa, French Asian Fusion & Sushi Bar 605 Valley Rd. Upper Montclair, NJ 07043 973.233.1688 fax 973.233.1788 Reservation Suggested Hours: Lunch: Mon-Sat 11:30am - 3:00pm Dinner: Mon-Thurs 4:30pm - 10:00 pm, Fri & Sat 4:30pm - 10:30pm, Sun 12:30pm-9:30pm

I haven't been either, but here's a blurb from Amy Acer, Marketing & Operations (and wife of brewmaster/owner Neill Acer), Defiant Brewing, Pearl River (Rockland Co) NY: 3rd Annual New York Brewfest New York State Brewers Association is sponsoring the third annual "NY Brewfest," taking place Friday, September 12, 2008 at South Street Seaport piers 16 & 17, from 5-10 PM. NY Brewfest is New York City 's premier beer festival, drawing 5,000 people from around the country. Tickets cost $50 and can be purchased at www.nybrewfest.com or at any of Heartland Brewery's five New York City locations. To ensure entry, prospective attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets early (the event has sold out its first two years). As part of the festivities, attendees will get to sample more than 300 craft beers (including Defiant Muddy Creek and Golden Nugget ) from 100 New York State, East Coast, U.S., and international breweries; nosh on authentic BBQ from Spanky's; and hear live music from the Bagpipe Dudes (4:30-5 PM), Los Blancos (5-6:30 PM), Bernie Clarke & The Rhythm Sharks (6:45-8:15 PM), and Donna Jean & The Tricksters (8:30-10 PM). If you attend, be sure to stop by The Defiant Brewing Company area and say “Hi” to Neill and Jeff! I love the Defiant beers, but my office is just one town over from Pearl River in NJ, so I don't really need to go to South Street Seaport just for Defiant. In case you're out this way ... The Defiant Brewing Company 6 East Dexter Plaza Pearl River, NY 10965 (845) 920-8602 P. S. I love Green Flash ... they have a nice hoppy beer.

EmilyMarie, I haven't been there lately, but I like Beyti Kebab in Union City. You pass by the meat on the way in, so if you and your friend are vegetarians, this might be a problem. The atmosphere isn't much in the first dining room, but they sometimes have a belly dancer and music in the other dining room, and the food is good and the prices are reasonable. Note, per the website, they're now BYOB. http://www.beytikebab.com/ 4105 Park Ave (corner of 41st), Union City, 201 865 6281