eksahlman

We have been to Minado in Morris Plains pretty regularly and I do like it very much- I think the sushi is good and fresh but not of the absolute highest quality- but you do get more bang for your buck there. Actually my favorite dishes are the beef tataki and a salmon in cilantro sauce, which I could eat by the plateful. I have never seen lobster, though plenty of shrimp and crab claws. I love to go there with a big group because they can accomodate you so easily. In most other places in Morris county, a party of 10-12 will pretty much take over the restaurant.

I think that BYOs are a staple of the NJ restaurant scene because of the difficulty of obtaining a liquor license. I don't think there are many other areas that have so many as a rule. Therefore it is not hard to find them. Some of my favorites are Origin French Thai in morristown. Also, Tratorria Toscana in Whippany, Cinque Figlie in Whippany, La Pasteria in Summit, Panang in East Hanover, Trattoria Fresco in West Caldwell. There are quite a few places in Montclair. These are not new places- just my personal favorites.

Was at Origin last friday night for dinner and it was fabulous. We walked in without a resevrvation around 7:15 and managed to get a table, but the palce filled up quickly and there was a line at the door when we left. The food was beautifully prepared and bursting with flavor. The service was attentive and we will return soon, but this time I will make sure I reserve.

I am a hugh fan of making cheesecake in a water bath- I think they come out creamy and uncracked. My favorite classic recipe is from Berenbaum's Cake Bible. Like velvet everytime. If you are a chocolate fan, then try Maida Heatter's triple threat cheesecake from her Great American Desserts book.

This place must have aproblem with keeping it's resevations straight. I was there in August on a Saturday night and called during the week and when I got there they couldn't find my reservation. The hostess wasn't rude but not particularly nice about it. They did find us a table in less than 15 minutes and we thoroughly enjoyed our dinner, but reading through other peolples comments this seems to be a trend. I will go back but I will call more than once about a reservation.

Trattoria Fresco in Caldwell has a patio- got a nice write in the ledger in May- Have a reservation on Saturday.

Having grown up in Buffalo and spent my college years there- I can attest to Duff's great wings. Breading or flour are a crime- Wings are best when prepared simply- Deep fried real hot and fresh and sauced with Franks Hot Sauce and butter. I just hate when they try to improve or make it diferent and FAIL. CLUCK-U does an admirable job. I try chicken wings all over but am never happy- The other thing is they must be served with celery and GOOD blue cheese dressing- not ranch or some other glue. Glad I got that out. Still searching- do occasionally get back to Buffalo for a fix.

I went to lunch one day last week at City Streets Cafe in Morris Plains and had a very nice meal so I made a reservation for Saturday night for a party of six- Then I read this thread and almost changed the reservation. But I have to report that we had a great meal. The service was great, the table was ready when we got there(something I really hate is when you have to wait a long time for a reservation) and we all were very happy with our food. I thought the food was well prepared and very well seasoned. I didn't like the lobster bisque-tasted too much like the cream- but we all agreed that everything else was wonderful and we'll go back again.

There is a fish store in the square where they have the farmers market in the summer. On Morris Ave as you approach the shopping centere with the Burger king(also CluckU) you turn left into the little road by the diner. The fish market is on the left. A previous comment was made about Sagebrush- i believe it is closed.

I have also done cheesecakes for years in the water bath with a double layer of heavy duty foil and rarely have a problem. I usually bake Rose Levy Berenbaum's Cordon Rose Cheesecake- although I have done many different cheesecakes this way and it creates the rich custardy consistency. Try it again.

Try Legal Seafood in The Short Hills Mall. They opened not that long ago and I was terrified to try it after I had enjoyed it so much in Boston - but much to my relief and surprise the seafood was excellent and the service was wonderful.

Drove past the restaurant tonight( a Saturday) and the place was dark- definitely not opened although the sign was still lit so there is hope. I used to dream about their osso bucco but was quite disappointed the last time I was there last summer with the quality of the food so I haven't been back.

They now carry their own brand and it is a tahitian vanilla- I did not like it at all.

With all these knives- what does everyone do about sharpening? Do you suggest professional sharpening or home sharpening-such as a Chef's choice sharpener? How often?

Was at the Madison market on July 3rd and saw Bobolink cheese for the first time. I bought a piece of Frolic home and served it to a few friends before our fireworks party. It was gone in ten seconds- Everyone loved it. This is not cheese for the weak- it is strong and delicious and the rosemary bread was wonderful with it. Love at first taste...

I drove through Vonnas this summer- It is now the town of Georges Blanc- He is everywhere and his restaurant is enormous. We did not have the opportunity to eat there but my cousin who lives in Macon has been there several times and says it is fabulous.