menton1

Of course, there are going to be a lot of replies here about the Ironbound and its ubiquitous Portuguese/Spanish restos. I personally am not a big fan of these, they feature HUGE portions of mediocre food. Not really appropriate for a business lunch, either. And it's a bit of a drive through the back streets to get there. I would stay downtown, they have done an amazing gentrification there, especially around the NJPAC area. It is quite safe, and there are lots of new attractive office buildings, lots of glass and steel. Here are the two best in that area: Theater Square Grill 1 Center Street 973-642-1226 http://www.theatersquaregrill.com/ Pronto Cena 1 Riverfront Plaza 973-824-8999

Is Mason Jar a mixed bag, or totally forgettable?

Did I miss whom "Alan" is?

No, it seems like it's too new. Perhaps you can get the info from Cafe Cafe, at 201-541-9349

The owners of Cafe Cafe , that tiny 10-seat bistro in Tenafly with great food, have opened up a new venture in much larger quarters in the old habitat of La Petite Auberge. This spot has a liquor license. The building still conjures up fond memories of the beautiful Auberge. This place has seen a lot of incarnations since the demise of the Auberge, let's hope this time this is a winner and will stand the test of time. Anyone been yet? Griffin's 44 East Madison Avenue Cresskill Just across from King's.

Isn't this supposed to be a thread about food to take out?

Well, you whetted my appetite, how about some details? Good burgers?

Putting aside this regional competition, has anyone recently been to Mason Jar and can offer a review of the place? The menu actually sounds interesting, and they do state that they use an actual pit and slow-smoke. How bad could that be? http://www.masonjar.com

There is a place just off Rte 17 in Mahwah called Mason Jar. I have heard that they use an actual BBQ pit here, they slow-smoke everything, and that the quality is excellent. They have been there for about 30 years. If anyone has hands-on info, please post. Here is the website: http://www.masonjar.com/

The 2 restaurants I mentioned above are Michelin 1-star. As a mater of fact, ironically, the Conde Nast Traveller (British Edition) has an article about Bordeaux in this month's edition. Don't know if the British version is online, though. And they mentioned both restaurants. St-Emilion is about 40 km from Bordeaux. Edited to add: We have a review and photos right here on Egullet of the Hostellerie de Plaisance: http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=82594

That's the problem with computer mapping; from Teaneck Rd to River St, on a good day, with little traffic and not stopping for too many traffic lights, it would take about 12 minutes. That's 24 minutes travel time, on a 45 min lunch. And if traffic is heavy, it can take 18 mins. I think the original poster would go to Lotus Cafe, in the same direction, if there wasn't a time problem. Are there any restos now on Ft Lee Road in Bogota? I haven't been down there in a while...

Wow, some of those that had been talking gloom and doom about the smoking ban ought to take note of this thread... seems that business might INCREASE rather than decrease after the ban takes effect!!

Be advised that if you have a car, parking in the city of Bordeaux is very difficult. Lots of traffic, too. St Emilion has its share of very good restuarants, though. Hostellerie de Plaisance is probably the best, with an awesome view of the rooftops of the town. There is also Hauterive St James in Bouliac, just across the river from Bordeaux, but enough out of town to avoid parking issues. http://www.relaischateaux.com/en/search-bo...rant/plaisance/ http://www.saintjames-bouliac.com/uk/navigation.htm

One of my favorites in the area is Spargo's in Manalapan. Nice environment, really terrific, creative New American cuisine. I believe that it's a BYO, though. http://www.spargosgrille.com/

OK, now that we cleared up the "j"issue (sort of) what about the Giandujotto? Just how great is it? How does it compare to the best of the Brussels ilk of chocolates?

New York Times Wed Feb 15 had a very nice little article about the giandujotto, the heavenly Torinese chocolate only available in Torino and environs. Can anybody report on this terrific item and just how good it really is? Also, I was under the impression that there is no "J" in the Italian alphabet. So how can an Italian name have a "j" in it?

Perhaps, but the poster has been mysterious about the length of his stay in Paris. I suppose if it were 2 weeks or more, I might have more of an understanding about cooking in. It also seems daunting to find a well-equipped kitchen in Paris for a short-term rental. Sure, in the "Campagne" larger equipped kitchens might be easier to find. And then there is the issue of kitchen accessories, pots, pans, utensils, and small appliances. If I were doing 10 days in Paris, my thoughts are... that's 20 terrific restaurant experiences, and 10 great " coffee & tartines". But of course, "chacun a son gout!"

I, for myself, cannot picture going to Paris as a visitor for a short time and "cooking in" . Actually, there are never enough restaurant meal opportunities for me on a vacation in France. Something like going to the Caribbean in the winter and staying in the room watching TV. Paris is restaurant heaven!! How long are you going for?

Funny, a Croque and a large Cafe Crème are the first things we get upon arrival in France. (It's usually morning and the hotel won't let you check-in yet) It's a fairly simple sandwich, so, as you said, there are 1000 places making it well. I have found that the little unassuming, tiny mom and pop bar/cafes usually make the best Croques. I don't think it's something you need to travel far out of your way for. Bon voyage!

I think that Lotus Cafe in Hackensack is just across the Hack river to you, amidst all the controversy that the place has stirred up this week. P.S. Maybe you could have a "labor action" to squeeze out an hour from the place?

Dish is NOT open for lunch. Bistro at Red Bank sounds good, but eerily similar to a place up North that I don't much care for, Baumgart's. Sushi and Pizza are an odd combination.

Hmmm... Looks interesting. Reminds me a lot of River Club in Nyack, NY. Right on the water. Thanks.

Looking for a nice place to have lunch in Red Bank or vicinity. No Italian, please. Prefer New American or French. All suggestions welcomed. Thanks in advance.

In the newspaper business, it's just about the ONLY thing that's relevant!

It would seem that the audience for a weekday afternoon cafe would be non-working people, retired folks, full-time parents with or without the kids. That seems to me to be a tough crowd for an afternoon "tea". And you would be competing head-on with Starbucks. There is a Cafe Angelique in Tenafly (In the restored RR station), but they are busy all day from breakfast right through after-dinner coffee. They are a terrific alternative to Starbucks for me, with light fare, gorgeous desserts, and good coffee. (I don't care much for tea, myself). Perhaps a drive-by and a peer-in would be in order for you...