Helena Robinson

Most of the restaurants in Somerville that immediately come to mind are all pretty noisy: Verve, Ciao Bello, Fillippo's, Origin. If you can get a spot upstairs at La Scala, that might be suitable for you. Aside from Somerville, you can try Pheasant's Landing in Hillsborough. We finally tried it a week or two ago, and found the indoor room very pleasant. There's also a Japanese restaurant in Bridgewater near the Commons (sorry, the name escapes me right now) that would fill your needs if you don't sit at a hibachi table or the sushi bar. It's a very pleasant place. Hope this at least gives you a start!

Let's try this again... I got booted off this thing as I was completing my first attempt to respond. Here's what I can tell you about these places, for what it's worth: Growth Caterers: Related to Willie's Taverne, The Store, The Famished Frog, and The Thirsty Turtle. Never tried anything they've catered, but the restaurants are short of "high-end." Probably worth a call, though. Kings: We once had a Thanksgiving Dinner at one of Ken's cousins that was catered by Kings and it was pretty tasty. Again, worth a call. Monterey Gourmet: Never been to any of their events, but soeone in my needlepoint giuld often brings something from them to the annual holiday potluck. Can't beat convenient location! Ocean Place: This used to be a Hilton, I think. I attended a conference there several years ago and food/setups were good. Might be good for you? Stage Left: One of our favorite restaurants. From what we've seen of them at tasting events (Soup Kitchen fundraiser, restaurant tasting event in New Brunswick last summer), presentation looks like it might fit your fill. Tim Schafer's: Another place we like. Hey, anyplace that says, "Come on over" in the midst of a blizzard... Again, from what we've seen of them at tasting events, definitely worth an inquiry. Hope this helps a little. Be sure to tell us what you decide!

Well... I believe Douglass College (aka alma mater) still offers a degree in Home Economics. The subgroups were Foods & Nutrition, Clothing & Textiles, and Education. There used to be a food preparation class that attracted many males. OK, so I roomed with a home ec major - the sort of gal you loved to hate because she could do ANYTHING. I've since commented that "before there was Martha, there was Colleen." You could also consider the Food Science department at Cook College; which also used to have an area that sold homemade ice cream (though I never tried it). Actually, it's the high schools that have cut out home ec these days. I visited my old high school a few months ago and was told that the bulk of the space once used for home ec is now used for computer labs. Another possible resource might be the County Agricultural Extension Service. Maybe this helps a little...

That pretty much summed up Ken's sentiments about this place; which we finally tried with a friend about two or three years ago. Actually, Ken described the ambiance (!) as "1950s diner." We showed up when the placed opened, so there was no wait. Service varied between rushed (couldn't wait to get you to the next course) and "disappearing server." Although we don't mind varied options, this menu didn't seem to be very focused - it was all over the place, to the point of being overwhelming. (Decisions, decisions...) And the wine list was fun to pore over... Portions were huge, and we took lots of leftovers home. The one thing I remember most about the entrees, though, was how HOT they were - temperature-wise. It was difficult to enjoy them in the restaurant; but they were much better the next day when we could control the temps ourselves. After reading about this place for years, the actual product proved to be disappointing. All we can say about it now is, "Been there, done that." Oh well... Too bad.

Ah... The one night I fail to take notes on the meal. (Sorry) Yes, the proper name of the fish was indeed escolar. It was something new to us, and wouldn't have considered ordering it had the server not described it. However, he described is as a firm white fish that was a cross between tuna and sea bass; Ken found it to be more like Chilean sea bass. And while he found it tasty, he said he wouldn't rush to order it again. The preparation you described was pretty much what he had. Although the server advertised the accompiament as a "corn pudding," Ken later told me it had much more of a "soup" consistency. Sorry we can't be of more help this time.

Kim, the lunch prix fixe has varied between vegetarian and non. The dinner tasting menu that we were offered last week, designed to feature homegrown produce, had a lot of shellfish on it. While we're talking about the Frog & the Peach... We took advantage of a gift certificate and dined at the F&P last Thursday for my birthday. Even though we arrived early for a 7:30 reservation, we seemed to have had the misfortune of showing up at the same time a large private dinner was beginning. As you'll soon see, the staff and kitchen tried mightily to keep up with things this crowded evening. We started with appetizers of Spring Onion Tart with Sheep's Milk Cheese alas, couldn't find much evidence of the cheese) and House Smoked Salmon (which was very good). One thing that struck us a bit was that the portion size was a little smaller than we anticipated; perhaps due to the times/economy. Although we didn't order a salad course, the kitchen provided us with the Local Hothouse Tomato with Homemade Mozzarella and Eggplant Roulade as to keep us occupied. Since I had debated having this as my appetizer, it was a welcome suprise. I actually enjoyed this more than the appetizer I did order. Ken noticed similar "surprise courses" and comped desserts at other tables; a nice touch by the restaurant. Entrees were the Tuna Loin with Almond Rissotto and Lemon Burre Blanc; and Escobar with Corn Pudding (a special). Both were delicious; and Ken especially raved about the corn. We enjoyed a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that paired well with most everything we had. We were also treated to a glass of a lovely, light Moscato before dessert. Desserts were a Molten Chocolate Cake, and Chilled Apricot Soup. Both were great. All in all, despite the problems resulting from the crowd, this was one of our better outings at this place. (Although we've always enjoyed the food, service has been hit and miss for us. ) We hope to return when we have the funds to accommodate it!

Going into "Iron Chef" mode here... Can't resist! If my memory serves me correctly, I believe this place used to be called Panda Forrest. When I first ate there about four or five years ago (with a friend who lived in the area), it was all Chinese and very good. Took Ken there some time after that and he enjoyed it as well. Then, about years ago, we met this same friend for dinner there, and it was in the process of transitioning to Kuma. At that time they seemed to be focusing more on Japanese/Sushi and had fewer options on the Chinese side of the menu than we recalled. Since we weren't into any type of sushi at the time, we were pretty disappointed, and haven't been back since.

If an appropriate Sunday can be found, we'd certainly be interested; especially if affordable. (We're both still unemployed. However, we're hoping that might finally change for one of us soon; though certainly not soon enough for me.) Besides, there'd be a better chance of our getting things we can eat at one of these places. (For those who don't know us, we don't eat pork or shellfish.) Here's hoping we can finally get to another eGullet gathering soon.

Since no one else has mentioned it, I guess I will, for what it's worth. A few months ago, The Today Show ran its own (brief) version of Iron Chef out on Rockefeller Center Plaza. The "combatants" were Morimoto and Al Roker (as Iron Chef Barbeque). Al's assistant was a woman who does the food styling for the show's cooking segments. The ingredient was sausage. Katie Couric, Matt Lauer (I think he was on that day), and Ann Curry were judges. And Katie played the ingenue, giggles and all. ("If you watch the show at all, you know why I'm giggling.") It was amusing, if nothing else.

Fromagerie -- It's been in Rumson for about 30 years. Restaurant Nicholas is not in Rumson. Its address is Middletown; however, it's not in a "town" because Middletown is not a town. It's just a zip code. Glad someone else thought about Fromagerie, or I would've asked about that. (Haven't been there in quite a few years, though.) Actually, Middletown is REALLY a town - its official name is Middletown Township, though it is served by several different zip codes, one of which is actually labeled "Middletown." This is unlike Hillsborough, which until two years ago was served by five or six different zip codes, none of which was named "Hillsborough." Neither municipality has a real "town center," though both are trying (very trying, perhaps) to establish one. From a former resident of Leonardo, a section of Middletown that bordered Atlantic Highlands. We lived right on the border of most everything: had an Atlantic Highlands phone exchange, which made most of Monmouth County a toll call (as opposed to having a Middletown exchange). Then we were on the border between getting a young newspaper carrier (are there any "paper boys" left?) and an adult carrier for the local paper. (The adult carrier kept jacking up the rate almost every month as gas prices kept going up at the time. We eventually got the paper kid.) And then we landed in a voting district that had us traveling to what it considered the nearest polling place, instead of casting ballots at a site across the street from the house. New Jersey... What a fun place.

Hmm... And where in Metuchen is Mr. Pi's, Rosie? Our latest find of this sort is a new place in Skillman/Montgomery on Route 206 South called Yori, in the shopping center across the highway from Montgomery Center (which is where the theater is). Ken thinks the place used to be a breakfast/lunch joint, now it's beautifully renovated complete with piano and advertising live music (though not on the early Sunday we stopped in). Cuisine is billed as Japanese/Korean/Chinese, but we didn't notice much Chinese. The Korean menu was particularly extensive, in two sections: one was a BBQ section, the other was written mostly in Korean. On this first visit, a spur of the moment stop after an afternoon concert in Yardley, we opted for the sushi; which turned out to be cheaper than our local Sakura Sushi in Hilsborough. Ken had the spicy tuna (very spicy), salmon skin, and tuna and scallion (which was more tuna than scallion) - all rolls, all very good. I opted for the veggie side, with black mushroom (very tasty) and the standard asparagus and cucumber rolls. We'll definitely be back to try other sections of the menu!

Well... If we still lived in Middletown - and had the jobs/$ - we probably would. Actually, we used to do something like that with The Pear Tree in Rumson. These days (before becomning unemployed) we've often done so with Stage Left and (less often) Brothers Moon. Granted, most of the time, we've also asked for earlier slots, like before 7. And these are places within a half-hour drive for us.

Let's see... Once upon a time, some restaurants even loaned gentleman a jacket to wear into the dining room, only to be immediately removed and draped over the back of the chair. Last time that happened to us was several yerars ago at Susanna Foo's in Philly - at lunch. In NJ, the only places that seem to at least request jackets these days are Ryland Inn, The Dining Room at the Hilton in Short Hills and Bernards Inn. You could probably add Fromagerie, among others, to this list (specifics escape me right now). Ken usually wears a tie, but not always a jacket. OK, so he has a collection of "interesting" ties that are food and wine oriented. The latest addition is one by his favorite designer, Vicky Davis, which features something that appears to be a bowl of soup that has its own decoration - a tie tack (that really isn't) of a fly. Then again, we like to dress up for going out to dinner at a "fine dining" establishment.

Maybe we just haven't had the negative experiences others have had, but to us the food has improved with each new chef. And we've been going there at least once or twice a year since the restaurant first opened. The dining experience itself - service, et al - has improved markedly in the past few years. The staff has become much more knowledgeable about the food and wine. And the renovation has enhanced it, at least for us. Oh yes, we told the server "no bacon" at the outset. And neither of us ordered anything that came with potatoes.

To respond to these quotes: 1. Ken said that he thought Francis had mentioned the last time we were there that they were going to be getting some art for the dining room. Guess it has yet to arrive. 2. Francis and Mark are the managers; Lou is the owner, if I recall correctly. 3. The "Old Vines" shop turned into a dining room while the restaurant was being renovated and has remained that way for dinner. The downside, for us, is that we no longer have the shop to browse around before George St. performances. (We often bought something then, too.) Yes, we made it to Stage Left for our Sunday evening dinner. There was about an inch of snow on the ground when we left the house, and it only took about 10 or 15 minutes longer than usual to drive. (The folks driving too slowly for the conditions were more of a problem than the weather!) One other couple was dining, but only the regular menu was being offered (the web site indicated that both the regular and ala carte menus were to be available on Sunday). However, the mushroom bisque from the Valentine's menu was offered as a special - and it was wonderful! Enjoyed its silky texture. It and the lobster were the only two specials being offered that evening, and the server included the prices. Had the 2001 Joel Gott Zinfandel; which proved to match well with most of the courses. The amuse was a foie gras terrine with a port reduction sauce. Although he's not a fan of foie gras, Ken liked this - and it paired well with the zin. This was the first time that we noticed a choice of bread; a nice touch. Ken had the leek-wrapped tuna, which was perfectly done (at medium to medium rare, as requested). I had the mushroom tart; which came as two tartlets - one of which came home for what turned out to be today's lunch. The tart was presented on strips of woven carrot and asparagus slices and garnished with baby carrots and green asparagus. We enjoyed the cheese selection - actually Ken did, as I was too full. (And it turned out to be comped, by way of appreciation for making the trek in that weather.) The nut bread was sliced up to accompany the serving. And Ken finished with a trio or sorbets: orange-cranberry, green apple, and raspberry - and that's the order in which Ken liked them (orange-cranberry first). Even though the snow had intensified by the time we left, there were far fewer cars on the road; so we made great time getting home. :) All in all, a nice dinner, despite the weather!

We dined at Pierre's for New Year's Eve 1999-2000 and they automatically added the 18 percent. If you want to give something more to a particular server, you could consider giving the "extra" in cash (as we may have done on one holiday some years ago). Alas, our service was barely worth the standard 15 (and we'll also tip 20 percent for good service). We had a later reservation (by the time we got around to deciding where to go, this was the best we could get, so we couldn't complain) and service just lagged and lagged; which was unusual for this place. Upon talking with Maryann at the end of the meal, we learned that some "extra help" had been brought in for the night. This was no doubt wise, but not good for us. To make matters worse, we didn't get out until just after 11 p.m. and it took longer than usual due to the fog on 287. Wouldn't you know it, there was a cop at the last traffic light a mile from our house - and we got stuck waiting for the red light to change. (Had he hadn't been sitting there, we would've gone thru the lite on the deserted road.) We missed seeing the ball drop on TV by about 5 minutes - and they didn't replay it! Glad you had a nice dinner! We're hoping not to be snowed out from ours at Stage Left tomorrow! (Kim, we'll be comparing notes...)

Aww... FYI, you need a reservation for even a 5:30 weeknight dinner at Origin; unless you get very lucky. Our one experience at Thai Chef in Somerville didn't make us eager to try again, especially with better places nearby. You probably would've been happier at either of these two establishments: Chao Phaya on Davenport St. in Somerville Thai Kitchen (which may have another name, but it escapes me) at the strip mall near Bridgewater Commons.

We've eaten at Thailand Restaurant several times. Ken thinks it's located on Central Avenue, near the Westfield border. (If you're coming from the Parkway and go over the railroad tracks, you've gone too far.) t's a converted small diner, so seating is limited - only about 4 or 5 tables (one can seat 8, but the others can't accommodate more than four) and about 8 or 9 booths. It can feel pretty cramped, though we've managed to go before it gets stuffed. Wide selection of dishes - beef, chicken, seafood, veggie, rice, curries, etc. The staff looks at you funny if you ask for even "medium spicy," so Mark should have fun if he asks for "real" spicy. But we think medium is potent enough, especially for the folks with whom we usually dine. Definitely worth the trip! (Although we have yet to try Mie Thai, so someone who's been there will have to tell us.)

I don't know whether it recently closed, but I heard on the news about a week or so ago that the restaurant was being closed because of the situation with its lease. (Probably the landlord wants to do something that'll bring him/her more $). The report I heard didn't indicate a specific closing date, just that "the landmark was doomed."

More catching up around here... The event that really "sobered" us up on this subject was one of our Xmas Eve celebration dinners (We had our first date on Xmas Even, now 25 yrs ago) at a fine Morris County restaurant about a 45-minute drive from home. (Those who know us probably know which one.) We decided to have either a cocktail or glass of champagne to start, a "potent" red zin with dinner, and an after-dinner drink with dessert. Food and drink were absolutely wonderful. Ken drove us home, and I didn't notice anything unusual about the drive - no obvious wavering or anything like that. After we came home, though, he confessed that he didn't remember the drive along Rt. 78. That worried me... After that, we decided that if we were going to do anything like that again, we'd either keep it local or take a room someplace nearby. Which we did, except this year, when we couldn't afford the price of a room. Then again, since my medication precluded much of any drinking for me (a taste but little else), it wasn't too hard for Ken to keep it at just the wine. Even so, we did take a room at the Hyatt when we did Xmas Eve at the Frog & Peach a few years ago. We also did the same when we experienced Restaurant Nicholas for the first time two wedding anniversaries ago. And that's the way we've tried to keep it...

Now that I've finally caught up with this thread... Our additions: The Pear Tree in Rumson Cervinos in Middletown (originally known as Cobblestones) J. August's in New Brunswick (brimming with assorted artifacts from local establishments of the past) The Ground Round (still around, perhaps?) And... Are there any "real" Howard Johnson's (HoJos) restaurants left???

That would be Farrell's... known for their menu item: "the kitchen sink." Not to mention such desserts as The Pig's Trough (which we coerced my most strait-laced friend to eat by herself while in college) and The Zoo (an assortment of ice creams and accompiaments for 10, which inspired "Minyans To Farrells") Ah, college memories...

Another delayed reply... (OK, so I still have a lot of catching up to do. ) Yes, Pad Thai is on the main drag in Highland Park - Raritan Avenue aka Rt. 27. Although we haven't been there in a few years, their "medium" was plenty potent! Alas, I have seen disparaging comments about the food/service at this place over the past year, so beware... Can't compare it to Mie Thai, though. We were on vacation at the time of the eGullet invasion. and haven't been able to get out there yet. But one of these days... (Not saying which one, though. )

First of all, THANKS to all of you who sent/posted good wishes! I have been lurking, albeit infrequently, as my time online has been limited of late (though it's increased over the past month). As for Valentine's Day... Not sure what we'll be doing yet, though we hope to go out. However, one of our cars and STS have been "eating" the portion of the AMEX that would ordinarily be allocated to dining out. (On top of that, Im still unemployed - so I'm spending most of my online time jobhunting - and Ken's job may disappear at month's end. ) Having said that... Last year's V-Day dinner was at Lahiere's in Princeton. First time we'd been there in years, but the advertised menu looked appealing. Had a lovely time despite the fact that the kitchen was overwhelmed and couldn't keep up. (The server, who was aggravated by the kitchen's delays, comped us an after-dinner drink.) It was enough to convince us to return some other time... As for Mother's Day... We had a wonderful dinner at Nicholas last year. My mom was skeptical about the place ("We don't eat at places like this..."), but wound up loving ever bit of it. Looking forward to Rosie's list...

Alas and alack... 1. We were out of town when this article appeared (and we gave up having the Times delivered years ago). Anyone have a link to the original? 2. Just as I was about to proofread a long response to the list, using Rosie's and Kim's posts as the basis, I got punted out of AOL and lost everything. Too tired to try again. Some other time, I guess...