pete ganz

Now that I think about it, the fireplace probaby is not functional, but I've been to places where they have a fire going, and it's definitely a nice touch (I guess that's obvious). I don't remember seeing the foie gras duo on the menu, sounds delicious. Sounds like I also should have had the venison! I would like to go back and try this place again in the future.

We finally got to Jocelyne's this Friday. The place has a nice cozy feel, especially since there are only roughly 10 tables or so. It would have been nice if they had a fire going in the fireplace. It seemed a bit on the formal side, with most men wearing jackets (I wore slacks and a button down). Also, we were the only people there who were under 50 (we're in our late 20's) and I felt like I was getting plenty of stares, which I've never really experienced before, even in NYC. We started off with the tuna tartare Nicoise and the frisee roquefort salad. The tuna was of excellent quality, and my wife thoroughly the salad. For mains, we ordered the pheasant w/ foie gras and the scallops. I only ordered the pheasant because I've never eaten it before. It really wasn't much different than chicken, I doubt I would get it again (the tiny piece of foie gras was terrific though). The scallops were very good, however they could have been warmer. We split a chocolate torte with vanilla ice cream for dessert. The food was good to very good, but I just don't know about it being worth all the accolades it gets. After one visit, I'm not convinced this place is really any better than American Fare across the street, when it's firing on all cylinders. Perhaps it was the stuffy vibe and poor choice of entree, but I suppose it's worth another visit down the road. Just my opinion...

I thought loose meat sandwhiches were popular all over the Midwest, not just Iowa. Isn't that what they served in the restaurant they opened on the "Roseanne" show?

We've been to American Fare 4 or 5 times and the food seems to be slowly going downhill, although their duck is usually very good. I wasn't aware there was a change in ownership. With all the talk of it on this board, I think it's time to try Jocelyne's.

I was there about 4 months ago. We had the sauerbraten, hassenpfeffer, red cabbage, and spatzle, which were all excellent, along with some nice hefeweizen beers. I think we had the shrimp cocktail and smoked salmon for an appetizer, which were both forgettable (probably not the thing to order in a German restaurant). The only other German place I have been to in NJ was the Triangle Hofbrau on Rt. 23. Black Forest Inn was clearly better. I would love to go back and try the goose.

I went there once about a year ago and didn't think much of the food (nice surroundings however). The osso buco was extremely fatty, even for that cut of meat, and the sauce tasted like it came out of a jar. Seems like it's worth going back for the pasta though. Don't they bill themselves as a Tuscan steak house? Maybe it's worth trying the steak as well.

Is this the place across from Sam Ash, where Jose Tejas used to be?

I honestly wasn't looking for anything else in particular, but I'll be sure to check into the Italian section next time.

I just went to this place for the first time yesterday. It was the only store in Northern NJ who carried Saucelito Canyon Zinfandel (which we were turned on to by Cafe Matisse). Definitely worth a half hour drive for the selection and prices.

I just happened across Celebration Ale yesterday, which I don't remember seeing in this area (NJ) before. It's a big, flavorful, hoppy ale. I'll definitely get more if I see it. I'd like to try their Bigfoot, but I doubt I'll be seeing that one in NJ.

My wife and I went to Babbo last night (6:15 res). It was our first time there, and I was a little leery after reading this thread. We ordered all the classics, mainly going on what was recommended on this board, such as the lamb's tongue salad and beef cheek ravioli, short ribs, and lamb chops. Everything was excellent, especially the lamb chops. Easily the best I've ever eaten. The service from the waiter and sommelier was quite friendly and knowledgeable, although the maitre d' was a bit gruff, but I expected that from previous threads. We were there for 3 hours and never felt rushed. So in my experience, it seems they are not resting on their laurels. Maybe you just went on an off night. Just my 2 cents.

Cool to see this thread revived. I have been trying to nail down Cluck-U's sauce at home. There's something in there I can't quite nail, like a molasses type flavor. Anyone make this type at home or have any ideas on what's in the sauce? Thanks. AKA Pete Guy

Thanks Rosie. I'm interested to see how the review turns out. It would be nice to have an above average local steakhouse. I also have the second the review for Tero's. The food is very good, but the place is SMALL. I would avoid going primetime on a Friday or Saturday, you'll end up just standing aroung, not knowing what to do with yourself.

I have to second (third?) Cafe Matisse. We've been there twice and had a great experience both times. They have a wine shop connected to the restaurant, and they have some great selections. You can also check out their website.

I think this place is where La Dolce Vita used to be. They had the old stand-by dishes down, but didn't really get into anything contemporary or interesting like Vivo apparently does. Sounds like it's worth a shot in you live nearby.

Noisy and smokey are fine by me, especially for a steakhouse. Les Halles has both these qualities, but it seems to work there (if only the tables were a little farther apart!). While I was researching steakhouses on the web, I came across CK's Steakhouse in the Rutherford Renaissance Meadowlands Hotel. It's gotten good reviews, but for $31 for the Kansas City strip, it better be damn good. Anyone checked this place out yet?

Yeah, I've been to Ruth's Chris once, and wasn't too impressed. There's alot of hype associated with it, it's a very upscale environment, and the steak turned out to be pretty bland. And not to mention the bill...

Thanks Rosie. I'm also pondering Frankie and Johnny's.

Has anyone been here recently? I found a couple of posts mentioning it here, but not one review. I seem to remember them having a website a while back, now I can't find one (bad sign?). The Ducasse thread has got me in the mood for a good steak, and this one is pretty close by. Can anyone recommend any other good steakhouses in Hudson/Bergen County? Thanks.

Damn him! Now where will I get my lunchtime sea scallops and Osetra caviar??

I seem to remember Alton Brown doing oatmeal in a crock pot on an episode of Good Eats. Just prepare it at night and the oatmeal's all set in the morning. I think he threw in dried berries and nuts, or somesuch thing...looked pretty good.

I still say the Cluck-U on West Side Ave. in Jersey City has the best wings. They are certainly different than most wings at other restaurants. It has more of of a sweet, molasses based sauce, rather than just Frank's hot sauce. I believe their nuclear fusion sauce to be the hottest on the planet, as it eventually melted a hole in the thin plastic container we received it in!

For whatever it's worth, I e-mailed fromages.com in regards to the age of their Camembert that they ship to the U.S. (I dug up an old Fat Guy article I remember reading). The woman replied that they are usually aged 1 week when they get them, then they are shipped out as soon as possible. I'm hoping this is true, but I have my doubts.