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Helena Robinson

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Everything posted by Helena Robinson

  1. Oh dear... The Grease Trucks! I don't recall buying too many meals from those things - Ken might have had more experience with them. However, back in our student days, the trucks were lined up on College Avenue itself, across the street from the lot where they're now gathered. I believe there may have been another truck or two parked further up College Ave., near the dorms. Even driving through the area nowadays, it still seems strange to see the all the trucks in one place, rather than parked on the street.
  2. Yes, 7 Hills is Turkish. It might be BYO (Rosie can verify), which is why I didn't suggest it, since you seemed to be looking for a place with a bar. As for Sophie's... If you're at all familiar with New Brunswick, take George St. away from Livingston Ave. to the intersection with Hamilton Street - The Art Museum is on the left and J&J is on the right at this light. Hang a left and keep on going. The restaurant will be on your left, a yellow building with blue shutters and connected to a club called The Den. Please let me know if I've confused you further. (Sorry, I don't have the exact address on hand right now.)
  3. Toscana might fill your bill, though we weren't all that thrilled with it when we tried it about a year ago. There's also a new Chinese restaurant on Livingston Ave. that replaced Szechwan Gourmet, but we haven't tried it yet. If you're not going to the theater, Sophie's Bistro is about 10 or 15 minutes away from downtown New Brunswick (depending on traffic, lights, and what we call "student slalom"). We just had dinner there on Thursday evening and enjoyed it, despite having to rush to make our curtain - our bad timing, certainly not the fault of the serving staff (who graciously accommodated us). This place is a casual French bistro with good food, a bar/wine list, and lovely desserts if you have time/room (we didn't this time, sigh). It's a place best savored; therefore ether allow sufficient time if you have show tickets or reserve accordingly. That said, a reservation for a Friday evening wouldn't be a bad idea. We arrived shortly after 6:30 on Thursday (without a reservation) and there weren't many empty tables.
  4. I can't resist.... Why do I keep envisioning that scene with Jack Nicholson in the diner in the movie "Five Easy Pieces" where he tries to order a sandwich? In any event, maybe someday we'll have one of our Bergen County Adventures and try this restaurant!
  5. Oh, these are too cute... :) But my favorite is still Pho-natic.
  6. We're going to try something new this Valentine's Day: The Red Oak Grille in Basking Ridge.
  7. Since I know Rosie's anxious for this report... This was our first experience at China 46. As such, we wanted to try things we'd never (or rarely) had before at a Chinese restaurant, having read all the rave reviews in the past (not to mention more than a few glances at the menu). With that, here's what we had last night: 1. Puffed Tofu and Cellophane Noodle Soup: This featured LONG noodles - so long that the server had a most difficult time serving it, using chopsticks in addition to the ladle. (Eating them was only slightly less challenging.) I loved the texture of the tofu; and the soup was served at just the right temperature, which made Ken very happy (he has a campaign of sorts against soup being served too hot). All in all, a very tasty start to the meal. 2. Spicy Capsicum Cellophane Noodles: The reason we didn't sit with the eGullet folks last night was because we do not eat pork or shellfish. This dish started out as the downer of the evening. When we ordered our meal, we sought to clarify whether the noodles came with any meat. We were told that there was shredded pork, so we asked that it be left off. Well... The dish arrived with chicken and shrimp; which Ken sent back. To the kitchen's credit, they made up a fresh order that contained chicken; which Ken picked out (as much as he could) for me. (I'm not fond of chicken; eating it only when required, if you know what I mean.) Nevertheless, this "fire-breathing spicy (Ken's words)" dish was fun to eat - and made us wonder about the spicy entrees we ordered. We also regretted not bringing any wine - this dish desperately needed a Riesling. 3. Steamed Red Bean Paste Buns: I remember the first time we ever had dim sum (many years ago, somewhere in Massachusetts, invited by a friend in New Hampshire) that this was one of the few things we could eat. Since I hadn't had it since, I suggested we try this dish. Although I liked the dish better than Ken did, it proved to be the right thing to have after the noodles, from which Ken said his mouth was trying to recover. 4. Flounder Filet Sauteed in Spicy Hot Sauce: This was Ken's entree, which he pronounced "very flavorful." Alas, since he was still feeling the effects of the noodles, it took awhile for him to notice the spice in this dish. Also, since the noodles set the "spiciness" bar so high, the dish now didn't seem spicy enough. However, since this was such a large portion, we took it home for this evening's dinner; when Ken said he could really appreciate the spice (pleasant without being overwhelming) and I could enjoy it as well. 5. Beef with Hot Green Pepper and Firmed Bean Curd: This was an interesting-looking dish, with the shredded tofu adding textural and visual appeal. Although it was tasty, this dish was nothing more special than you'd find in any other shredded beef dish most anywhere else. 6. Dessert - Sweet Rice Ball Dipped with Peanuts: This arrives as 8 small balls; perfect for two or more diners. As it was, we only ate half of them. Although they weren't as cloyingly sweet as I had anticipated, they made a satisfying ending to a different kind of dinner. We're already looking forward to our next visit!
  8. It was so nice to see you all last evening! For those who didn't know, Ken and I were the ones in not-quite-matching red sweaters who sat in the booth at the entrance to the room. I was wearing a turban; Ken later "wore" his camera, which he used to take lots of pictures (and four small videos) of the Lion Dance. Honestly, Ken actually tried to post the pictures early this morning (like around six), only to discover he no longer had posting privileges on eGullet. So, for those of you who've been waiting to see these... You can find them here. I'll post my report about our meal later today or this evening. I spent the morning tweaking my resume in preparation for applying for yet another job. Looking forward to seeing you again somewhere!
  9. Haven't ventured much in that area in awhile, but... If you take the Parkway and go right onto Rt. 9 South, you might find some stuff either in Sayreville or Old Bridge, which is just south of there. Having said that, there is a Japanese restaurant on Rt 9 South that looks very attractive from the outside, but I'm not sure whether it offers anything (ike sushi) beyond Hibachi tables. Ken thinks there might be a sushi place on Rt. 9 North in Sayreville. I believe there's an Asian (Indo-Pak) grocery on the northbound side of Rt. 9, in the Ernston Road area. Then again, I'm only going by what I've noticed from looking out the window while either driving or simply being a passenger. If you can get to Rt. 35, you might luck out with something. I seem to recall once upon a time a variety of places. Good luck - and let us know what you come up with!
  10. If you'd like to travel a little westward in Central Jersey, Verve in Somerville advertises live jazz on Fridays and Saturdays beginning at 8 p.m. The web site is www.vervestyle.com
  11. Oh the memories... We recall Culinary Renaissance at both locations. The first one was really nice, albeit tiny. And it was still pleasant when it first moved - at that time, it was one of the few restaurants in the area that required men to wear jackets and ties on the weekends. (It was also completely non-smoking on weekends, but at least had a N/S section during the week.) Alas, as mentioned already, it went downhill - and slid even further when it turned into yet another Italian place. It's been several years since we tried its Thai replacement by the commuter lot, but I remember enhoying it. As for the other places in the area... (while I'm here) We tried Dan's On Main a few years ago, and it turned out to be one of our bummers of that year. Tried Metuchen Inn about a month or so after that, and while the experience was somewhat better (we'd consider returning there over Dan's), there were enough quibbles with both food and service that we haven't been in any rush to return. At that time, we felt the place had potential, but apparently isn't has been fulfiled - too bad. Oh yes - Cafe Abracci. Went there once not too long after it opened, and while we had a decent experience, it never made ouo so-called list of Places To Try Again. So much or Metuchen, at least for now...
  12. Now that Ken has received a job offer (yay!!! ), we can begin to think about catching up on restaurants. We'll be celebrating at Stage Left this evening; especially since I'm about to begin taking a drug that may keep me from enjoying wine. (Awaiting word from my doctor about this.) For now, I'll divide this Wish List into two parts: Restaurants To Try For the First Time: Restaurant 89 Fascino An American Grill Lawrenceville Inn And hopefully (at least) one of the newer places that have opened in Wesfield and Cranford. Restaurants To Return To: Restaurant Nicholas Frog and the Peach Soho Ixora There will no doubt be others, but we'll be happy if we can even make a dent into these lists.
  13. Haven't been to Aliperti's in a few years, so I can't provide any recent comments on food/service. However, I seem to recall the food was OK. Not red-checked tablecoth Italian, but you can pretty much get the standards, as I recall. Also, one of the occasions when I ate at Aliperti's was a shower (probably bridal, but could've been baby), and it was held in a private room. That might make this a suitable place for your gathering. Good luck!
  14. I'm not a tea drinker, but... We've had lunch at Canterbury Corner in Flemington a few times, and it's quite nice. There's also a place on Nassau Street in Princeton that specializes in tea and lunch/brunch. I've had lunch there once and enjoyed it. Alas, the name escapes me, sorry to say.
  15. I was born at Margaret Hauge. Family lived in Union City until we moved to Jackson when I was 4 1/2. Don't recall much about those days... But, does being born in Jersey City make me a "REAL Jersey Girl???" After all, I often tell people, " I was born and raised in New Jersey - and willing to admit it."
  16. Lincroft is actually a section of Middletown Township; which is served by a bunch of post offices - even one named "Middletown." (I have to say that because we moved from Leonardo, a section of Middletown, to Hillsborough in Somerset County - a town that until 2000 was served by about a half dozen post offices, none of which was named "Hillsborough." Having said that, we'd love to be able to try the "new" Lincroft Inn someday - when we have jobs, $ - and don't have to look forward to another hospital visit of some sort (which may be forthcoming, sigh.)
  17. Ken and I just had a nice dinner at Attilio's last night before attending the prodction at George St. Playhouse. We've been wanting to try the restaurant after enjoying its Penne with Vodka Sauce at Taste of New Brunswick in September. Since Ken left a business card at the booth, we got a nice coupon for free appetizers. Since it's Monsoon Season in New Brunswick, and we often seem to try out new restaurants in the rain... Last night was indeed the time to try this place, nestled in one of the smaller side streets not too far from the Ferren Deck. As it turned out, we've passed by this place many times without noticing. Attilio's is a 2-story place. You place (and pay for) your order downstairs, then walk upstairs to a nice dining area (brick walls, old pictures, and pretty, lacy cutains) and the staff brings up the food. The downstairs also has a small counter against the front window for those who might want a quick bite, or may be dining alone. Portions are generous; so needless to say, I've got tonight's dinner waiting for me when Ken finally gets home from his interview in Hartford. We were also told that all sauces are made from scratch with no preservatives. Appetizers were Mozzarella with Peppers (fresh cheese, very tasty - we dinished this one) and Portobello Mushroom with cheese (would've been much better without being drenched in balsamic - the remains did not come home with us). Entrees were Rigatoni with the aforementioned pink vodka sauce, and Penne with Fra Diavlo Sauce, which had a very nice kick to it. We also ordered garlic bread without knowing that plain stuff came with the meal. Both breads were ok, but I don't think we'd get the garlic again. Attilio's is BYO, but this time we opted to just have soda. All in all, a great place to eat in New Brunswick that costs much less than several others in town.
  18. If Origin is already booked up, getting a reservation at Girasole may be impossible. Depending on whether there's a performance at Raritan Valley College that evening, you might also want to consider Cafe Cucina in (I believe) Branchburg. Verve would be a good bet for someone on Atkins - several selections of steaks and other meats. Good luck!
  19. We've been there (about a year or two ago), and have enjoyed it. When we finally have jobs/$ again it'll surely make our list of places to try again. It's definitely worth an advance reservation; especially if the Paper Mill Playhouse has a production going on that evening. It can get cramped and noisy, but not so much to detract from the experience, IMHO.
  20. Hmm... I went to Kosher Nosh a year ago, and thought it was pretty good for what it was. Tommy, if you're ever in our neck of the woods (but not on a Saturday) and have a craving for Kosher pastrami, check out the East Side Deli in downtown Somerville. That's where we went after seeing Rosie on the radio last Thursday. (Since we were both sniffling, we figured some checken soup with matzo ball wouldn't hurt. ) We hear they're busy with courthouse crowds during weekday lunch. They're also open on Thursday and Sunday evenings. The latter can be crowded, as we found out one night - fortunately, we had called in advance, as we were a group of 5.
  21. OK, if you didn't listen or tape the show... We attended the taping. Since we're both still looking for work, figured it was something different to do. There were at least 40 people crammed on all sorts of sofas and chairs, as well as on a nearby stairway. One of the first things Arthur and Joan brought up were memories of the old Horn & Hardart, inspired (!) by a batch of macaroni & cheese, along with rice pudding, sent by (I'm guessing) the folks running the recently-opened member of the chain a block or so down from Lloyd's in Somerville. Rosie's recommendations are all familiar names to most regular eGullet members: Martino's Origin Fascino Zoe's By the Lake Aladdin Verve Ryland Inn Bistro Xora No. 9 Hamilton's Grill Room Sergeantsville Inn Harvest Moon Inn Village Green Yes, I wrote them down. Nice to see you again, Rosie!
  22. First three recommendations within a walk from the Nassau Inn are Ferry House (BYO), Mediterra, and Lahiere. Although it's been at least a year, our experiences at the Ferry House have been variable. Although the food's been good for the most part, service has ranged from fine to lacking. Might still be worth a recommendation. Perhaps someone else with more recent experience can coment. Went to Lahiere for Valentine's Day last year, and the staff was great in spite of the kitchen's horrid failure to keep up with the demand of the day. Still, the food was great, and we wouldn't hesitate to return in/when we could finally get jobs again. Mediterra has been a good "all around" place for us. If you're looking for a quiet dinner, though, it might be tough on some nights, as it can get pretty noisy. In any event, be sure to make a reservation. As for The Frog and the Peach, I would allow at least a half hour for driving to New Brunswick from Princeton. Route 1 craffic can be sometimes be a bear.
  23. Summit? Where, oh where??? Certainly a place for us to try at some time - possibly with another couple. (She loves sushi, he's not fond of fish at all.)
  24. On the other hand... Perhaps this might be the appropriate place to mention that in a recent review of Lahiere in Princeton, it was noted that the restaurant no longer requires jackets.
  25. Actually, there are three Thai restaurants in Somerville: Thai Chef, Chao Phaya, and Origins bills itself as "Thai-French" and Thai Chef also has some French items on its menu (as well as sushi). Wasn't impressed by our one visit to Thai Chef, about a year ago; haven't been in either of the other two in some time. Thai Kitchen is probably the best of the bunch in the area. Just be forewarned: it's become popular. That means either get there early - like before six - or make a reservation. We dropped in one Saturday shortly before six and were asked whether we had a reservation, which we did not. Many of the tables were full, or marked with "Reserved" cards - I think we may have gotten the last unreserved table they had at the time. We also went early one weeknight to find many (but not all )of the tables filled. But the food and service are definitely worth it! If it helps any, Prince Rodgers Avenue is between Commons Way (where the mall is) and Bridge Street (where the Somerset County Library is located).
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