menton1

Thanks for all those photos, Michelle. The "gelateria" or Glacier as the French call it, looks quite good. Devoted Francophile as I am, I still reluctantly realize that the Italians have the French completely beaten when it comes to ice cream. Those gelaterie in Italy are unbelievably wonderful, and stay open most days until the wee hours. They are the place to go after dinner, you find them by where the crowds are gathered close to midnight. (The French make much better salads, though! )

Interesting, thanks for the report, John. This area of Brittany got a lot of attention last year at this time because of the Tour de France's start in this area, and the media swirl that precedes the Tour. There were lots of oysters, and lots of salt! (Hand harvested sea salt). This year, it's starting in the Northeast corner, in Strasbourg. Weather looks unusually sunny and warm!

The answer to it being underappreciated is quite simple. Their prices are very high as is the noise level (check out their site) and their food is not worth it. The NYT gave it a "good" rating some time ago and it has not improved a bit since. The bar scene is really something else. Packed. ← This reminds me of a Yogi Berra-ism: "Nobody goes to that place anymore, it's too crowded!!"

Underappreciated by Eg-ers (mysteriously) is Harvest Bistro in Closter. A beautiful environment, and excellent creative food to go along with it. Good wine list. Very popular, be sure to make a res. Harvest Bistro Web Site

Glad you like it, zhelder. Yes, it seems to be among the best markets in this area. The produce guy from Orange County only sells stuff that he grows, so that is a good thing. Lots of these produce vendors resell supermarket-type stuff, really shouldn't be allowed. It's also early, not too much local produce available yet. I think the organic produce vendor has basil from time to time...

Nah, I'd definitely prefer Rome or Florence. Can you give me a lift to the airport?

It sounds like you are confusing Spring Valley with Warwick or Pine Island areas. These are off Rte 94. And there is a NJ Transit bus to Warwick. (196) Spring Valley is a hamlet off Rte 59 and Rte 45 in Rockland County...

Maybe a long weekend in Florence??

They opened the 3rd week of May. See you next Thursday! Nyack Market Web Site N.B. You combined 2 responses of mine, the 1st one is referring to River Vale, not Nyack...

Don't knowabout this one, but I go often to a Penang in Greenwich, CT that makes a killer awesome sambal sauce that they use in several dishes. My mouth is watering now... (Less than 1 hour from Bergen County)

It's in the big parking lot behind the Helen Hayes Theater on Main St.

Went to Xing a few weeks ago pre-theater, and am happy to report that it was a very good experience. Place is modern, hip, and a nice use of a small-ish space. Banquettes in the front by the bar. Food is creative, this is a chef that cares about food. Presentation is taken very seriously here, but this is not style over substance, the food is wonderful! Seafood wraps, Galangal Cod, Oolong Pork Chops, Szechuan Scallops are among the highlights. Service is attentive and appropriate. The only flaw are the overpriced drinks, faux-exotic, but a bit of fun anyway. Go for the food and the look-- a wonderful restaurant!!

Yeah, the authentic Carbonara I've had was pasta tossed with bacon (probably pancetta) and a raw egg tossed over it that cooks from the heat of the warm pasta. Is that even available anywhere in these parts? (Cream sauce??? )

Do you have this mixed up with another place? There is a huge parking lot for the ball field, parking has always been plentiful. It is a small market, with only a few vendors. (??) My favorite market is the Nyack Farmer's Market, about 16 vendors, lots of home grown stuff, an organic farmer, a bread baker, cheese maker, pickles, flowers, and really good things mostly. Thursdays, 9AM-2PM.

Thanks, but Cape May might as well be in Australia, it's over 3 hours, never get there. I was hoping for a place in Bergen County or environs...

When they first closed off that area of OD about 2 years ago, the sales staff said that a Vitamin Shop was coming there.

Is there just NOWHERE in NJ to get simple, plain soft shells, broiled or fried, in a simple butter sauce? If they are good, they don't need all these heavy saucy accompaniments, IMHO. I want to taste the crab.

It's unlikely the sales staff at OD are privy to any more info than the general public... just the same rumors. The key would be to find a key person at ALDI and see if in fact a lease has been executed and the deal is closed. But based on the inactivity at the site and the general MO of TJs to stay away from main shopping highways bodes poorly for this rumor adtually bearing out, IMHO. But only time will tell.

Looks like this is a no go, all the excitement here was for naught. Westwood isn't that far away, anyway. Frankly, most of the TJs that I've seen are not on major highways like 17, they are downtown or on secondary roads, so maybe this is not going to fit their MO.

Actually, the chain restos are probably the only places where you will get a salad bar offering these days, or some brunch buffet. "Good salad bars" might actually be an oxymoron now, the 21st century era of creative restaurants has brought about the chef that wants to create his own salad design on a plate, with some exotic and unusual ingredients. Salad bars have really become an anachronism. If you want to sample a prepared salad, my favorites are: The Frisée salad at Latour, Ridgewood. The Roasted Beet & Apple Salad at Relish, Sparkill. Any other ideas for beautifully prepared and designed salad plates?

Got to this place over the weekend; all in all it was disappointing. HUGE, huge portions of mediocre food, is the verdict. BBQ Chicken and ribs were very dry. Pork sandwich bread was not bad, but the pork was also dry. Shrimp are small and tasteless. Fries are the garden variety frozen type. Actually, the plain boiled veggies were the most refreshing things-- fresh and plain. Carrots, boiled potatoes, and cabbage. If you favor quantity over quality, this place is OK. Otherwise, a disappointment.

Ditto. And frankly, there are NO fishmongers in NJ with a large selection of fish. Unless Citarella opens a branch up soon.

Respectfully disagree about this one-- it's not even a French dish, more North African; I might guess for a Croque Monsieur as a "favorite" in France, although the criteria for that title would be hard to measure...

They would have to a miraculously rapid job to open in July.. No sign of any construction yet...

Mangia, do you know smoramora? Are you affiliated in any way with Rocca? 6 of your 9 posts are about Rocca over an 18 month period...