menton1

Ok, my bad-- a "gotcha" for you... I've read about 35 of his reviews, mainly for informational purposes, and he just glows and glows on and on... a lot like the Bergen Record reviewers. But he certainly did not like Epernay. (Most other folks LOVE Epernay)

Just for the record, "The Artful Diner" NEVER has anything bad to say about a restaurant, he loves them all! I don't know if this a type of advertising barter, but it sure casts a credibility doubt on all of his reviews...

' You know, Curlz, that's a good point-- by re-reading Weissman's post, it does have that type of "self-promotion" feel to it, but we might be wrong...

Yes, this restaurant has very quietly existed for quite some time. It is basically "off the radar" as far as any attention from media or reviewers. I suppose it does have some steady patrons, that's how it has survived. I've never been, but I had heard in the past that it is quite pricey; reports were that the costs range from $70-$90 pp for dinner. That's PRICEY for New Jersey...

What shocking results!!!

Is the Tabatchnick's in the Millburn Mall on Vauxhall Road gone? I don't go by there very often, so forgive me if it is ancient history. I remember , though, that Tabatchnicks had some terrific pastrami!!

Then you should probably seriously consider Jack's Firehouse as well. No traditional breakfast-y items on Saturday Lunch; The pulled pork, smoked brisket, and the rack of lamb are great choices here-- Jack's Lunch Menu Not very hectic here, and I just love that scull boat suspended from the ceiling!!

Jack's Firehouse does a Saturday LUNCH. Not quite their Sunday Brunch, with the omelettes, but a nice menu anyway. Alot of restos just do Saturday dinner, but Jack's has his regular weekday lunch menu on Saturdays. I think it's a great choice for lunch or brunch.

I just had an amusing thought that we can basically have this entire discussion because we are talking about Philadelphia, hip, accepting Northeast city; I wonder how folks living in Middle America would handle such a situation!!

Yes, I believe that's it. Thanks!!

I visit Philly often, and on our way back we almost always stop to get coffee for the car in a cute little Coffee Bar on 12th Street, that is EXTREMELY gay-friendly. Great coffee and a terrific environment, I actually think the coffee is better there than the much-revered La Colombe. It's certainly more fun. Anybody help with the name of this "gay friendly" coffee house?

I think a field trip to Katz's is NYC is in order... it's not that far, and would save us all the agonizing about pastrami. I mean, Katz's has to be the ultimate pastrami, and it's just the other side of the Holland Tunnel!! We could organize a bus out of Jersey City!!

I believe there are a ton of catering services that operate out their home, though...They probably need to have some specialized eauipment, and also pass some specific health department standards, but they do it out of their residence. So I'm still not sure what the poster meant by "Kosher".

After patronizing both Balthazar Bakery in Englewood and St Michjel for a while, I must reluctantly admit that Balthazar has him beat. In every way, quality, appearance, taste, and price! I am reluctant because I do like to support small local merchants. But Balthazar is just fabulous, and mostly cheaper than Andre. I don't think Balthazar has quiche, though...

Did a real lunch Saturday at Cafe Angelique, and it is a really wonderful addition To Downtown Tenafly. Judging from how packed it was, here's hoping it will be here for quite some time. Seating outside is very comfortable, new stainless steel tables, wrapped around the old restored RR station building. Inside is lovely as well, with a touch of the old and the new. Food is wonderful and appropriate for this casual/sophisticated coffee/sandwich/salad/dessert place. They have omelettes all day, about $8. They have WONDERFUL Danesi coffee from Italy. They also have smaller sandwiches, the mushroom omelette sandwich is actually a good size for $3. And they have a large bagel stick with nova for $3. Other larger sandwiches are about $6-$8, on great breads served with salad. The large salads are gorgeous, a work of art, VERY BIG, and are from $8-10. The desserts are beautiful, and although they did not say it, they look like they might be from Payard NYC. Well worth the $4-$6 price tag. They are open from dawn until very late every day, midnighjt on weekends. All in all, a wonderful and overdue addition to the town-- Go there, it is great!

Thanks for that report, Tony. Good to relive the Grand Ecuyer where we were 3 years ago. Love those spun sugar sculptures! Hope you got to Albi, only 30 minutes down the road, with the fabulous Toulouse-Lautrec museum and the Ste Cecile Church. Any cassoulet sampling yet?

Kosher Nosh, Saddle River Road, Glen Rock. Great Pastrami. Great with fresh rye bread, cole slaw and russian dressing on the sandwich. MMMM....

They are kosher caterers? As in Bar Mitzvahs and the like?

I think I saw them at Maywood Seafood Gourmet-- We have a thread about the place here: Maywood Seafood Gourmet Thread

Was considering goiong to this restaurant, and was dismayed to just learn that they closed 3 month ago!! It was a shock, I did not see anything on Rosie's Closings list. This was a well-established restaurant, nice location down a side street path with very good food. It seemed to have found a following in the community, but they sold the space and are now doing catering out of their home. Tough times for restaurant owners today!! Rosie, please add to the Closings list...

I know this is a divergence, but this thread lead me to think of the new book by Ruth Reichl Remembrance of Things Paris, an anthology of essays from Gourmet Magazine going back early in the century up to modern times covering all aspects of food life in Paris. A fascinating book, and a must read for all who frequent the Egullet France Forum.

The place has reopened as Levitz, and the parking lot has more cars than it ever had when it was HK.

Of course, nothing is ever ALWAYS, but in New York and environs where I live, restaurants that do brunch USUALLY offer a Bloody Mary or Mimosa included with the brunch entree. If I gave a percentage, I would say it's over 90% that offer the drink included.

The most expensive main dish at Saigon R is $16.95 for the Duck. The Basa fish (ongoing special) is $15, and others range from $10 to $16.

Yes, that was it. Guess it's good that there was no parking! La Fourchette was quite good, as I said above... Anyone have a comment about this?