menton1

How does Sammy's stack up with River Palm in Fair Lawn (Also in Edgewater I think)? River Palm is said to have the best aged steak in NJ-- they have their own aging room...

Can anyone finish that 3 pound portion? Do they wheel you out? Is an ambulance standing by?

A 32 ounce steak?? I think after the first 10 ounces, it wouldn't matter how it tastes. People ordering this must have a cast-iron stomach, or they are taking home a lot of leftovers... I know that for many years the Spanish-type places like Meson Madrid in Palisades Park and many of the Newark Ironbound places have offered 3- pound steaks for about $25. (Probably more now) What is the appeal of such a giant steak? Is it quantity over quality?

The City of Paris has begun a campaign to get Parisians to drink more tap water. At a cost 200x cheaper than bottled water, the campaign has also included Mayor Delanoe. A coupon in the newspapers or off the internet can be redeemed at City Hall for a free Pierre Cardin carafe to encourage consumption. Lines at the Hotel de Ville were supposed to be long. The municipal water supply company, Eau de Paris, claims that not only is the water very safe, it also tastes as good as the bottled types. I don't know about that, but paris tap water does have a fairly neutral taste and the health standards are very high. Certainly it is very acceptable. I have noticed that in the last 5-6 years, restaurants are also serving more tap water. It is no longer taboo to ask for tap water in French restaurants; many of them bring the water in beautiful carafes, some in pitchers, some in wine-type bottles-- but always with flair! Can anyone get me that Pierre Cardin carafe?

Well, of course that's true; Gayot (the puiblisher of Gault-Millau) also has a pretty good website in English with a lot of info about Paris restaurants. (www.gayot.com). Lastly, I also remember that Petit Fute has a restaurant guide in English that is from 2004; it is a bit hard to find, but it is available on Amazon/UK and might also be available in WHSmith or Shakespeare & Co in Paris.

Tina Louise pan-asian has gotten pretty good reviews-- nice casual Asian in a pleasant environment with a very reasonable lundh menu. Tina Louise Address: 403 Hackensack St, Carlstadt, NJ 07072 Phone: (201) 933-7133

The Hearth on Route 46 is less than 5 minutes from the Anthony Wayne; same idea, better burger, lower prices, all the pickles you want.

My 2 cents is that 1/ I assume it's your first time in Paris; and 2/ You are only spending a week. Paris is fabulous!! A week is not even close to enough time there, you should forget leaving town and spend your time exploring all the different sides of Paris. It is a diverse city, spreading out into 20 different districts ("arrondisements") There are scores of different types of restaurants and cuisines, certainly enough variety for a week! Paris also has one of the world's best public transportation systems, including the bus system and the Métro. I think the choices of restaurant guides you mentioned above are quite lacking, you will get mostly the tourist traps from them, or, worse, Rick Steves choices always seem like he is a shill. The best English guide to Paris restaurants is probably the Gault-Milau; in French, you can get the Pudlo. You should also ask your sister for some places, I assume she is living there for a while and knows some "secret" places. STAY IN PARIS!! It's the greatest city in the world!! (And the most beautiful!)

Have no fear, on Route 46 west just 1 1/2 miles east of Anthony Wayne is The Hearth serving up terrific charcoal hamburgers and hot dogs. Slightly less expensive than AWayne, The Hearth also has unlimited pickles-- and they are very very good!! They also have specials every week where a main dish is offered for a reduced price, e.g., hot dogs for 99 cents, or burgers for $1.50. Try the Hearth!! Hearth Charcoal Restaurant 1116 US Highway 46 Clifton, NJ Phone: (973) 473-6444

I think we're a little out of control here...Sounds like a severe punishment. Don't know how critical this issue really is-- And how do you feel about a new lunch trend in restaurants where they offer a half-sandwich on the menu?

The fact is, Arabica beans have not come from Arabia in over 1000 years. The Arabica bean varieties today come from South and Central America, and a smaller quantity from Kenya and Ethiopia.

I think they are actually a franchise; the one I went to on 77th and Amsterdam had not only fabulous chicken, but seemingly homemade side dishes as well. But ahh..., the chicken was wonderful, and I will be frequenting this Chirping Chicken often!

Are we talking about France here? In a cafe, ordering a "café" will ALWAYS get you an espresso-- And most French people order a "Crème" when they want what Americans call a Café au Lait.

After an extensive discussion about Rotisserie chicken on another thread, I wanted to add my good word for this Charcoal-grilled version served here. After sampling a couple of the rotisserie places on the other thread and being a bit underwhelmed, I was passing this place and gave it a try. Fabulous!! The chicken is cut in half and grilled on an open flame. It comes out very juicy and succulent. It is also about 1/3 larger than the typical rotisserie versions I've had. The seasonings used are also extremely flavorful and delicious. All in all, I'll take Chirping Chicken over any of the rotisserie places previously mentioned. Great stuff! I went to the location on Amsterdam and 77th, and I believe they also have a location on Lex and 85th. They might have another, but I don't know where it is.

Just returned from the Caribbean (St Martin) and while eating at a local barbecue stand they had on the tables some of this hot sauce. It's absolutely some of the best stuff I've ever tasted!! Called Matouks, it was very, very hot, but also had a terrific flavor, was highly addicting. I've even ordered a couple of bottles of this stuff online, I can't get enough of this stuff!! Anybody else ever tasteed Matouk's? I think it's made in Trinidad. I think the key ingredient is Papaya fruit.

The use of the word "Tartine" these days in France usually refers to a piece of a baguette served with a morning coffee, usually buttered. Most of the cafés in Paris charge about 1E for it. I usually get this "tartine" as my Paris breakfast. Some of the cafés will also affer a confiture with the bread as well. I can't imagine a restaurant devoted to only Tartines!!

Just returned from the Caribbean (St Martin) and while eating at a local barbecue stand they had on the tables some of this hot sauce. It's absolutely some of the best stuff I've ever tasted!! Called Matouks, it was very, very hot, but also had a terrific flavor, was highly addicting. I've even order a couple of bottles of this stuff online, I can't get enough of it!! Anybody else ever tasteed Matouk's? I think it's made in Trinidad. I think the key ingredient is papaya fruit.

I respectfully disagree, Rosie... 90 Grand is NOT about food-- it's about the car you came in (Lincoln or Caddy) your cuff links, and who you had lunch with. A place to tell your colleagues that you went to. Same M.O. as his former place on 9W in Englewood Cliffs. Not a restaurant for people who really care about food. Stick with Latour or take a journey to American Grill.

OK, let me revise my specs to "Entrees (Main dishes) $20 or less. Actually, we rarely eat dessert at restaurants, usually too full. But I would still prefer Lively neighborhoods. I assume DuPont Circle qualifes as one? Where else? Thanks.

Last time I was in DC I remember that a large portion of the town "rolls up" by 6PM, even on weekends! I'm looking for an attractive, lively area, could even be in the 'burbs... Yes.

Are these Bergen spots limited to sidewalk service, or do any of them have more private terraces? ← Actually, of these, I think only Fratelli and Pasta Amore are on the sidewalk; and Fratelli has a recessed storefront, so the seating is 3 tables deep; Pasta Amore is also on a wide sidewalk. Any more good choices in Bergen?

I think it's actually NEXT to Bahr's-- right by the bridge... Have you been there?

Just returned from the Caribbean (St Martin) and while eating at a local barbecue stand they had on the tables some of this hot sauce. It's absolutely some of the best stuff I've ever tasted!! Called Matouks, it was very, very hot, but also had a terrific flavor, was highly addicting. I've even order a couple of bottles of this stuff online, I can't get enough of it!! Anybody else ever tasteed Matouk's? I think it's made in Trinidad. I think the key ingredient is Papayas.

The only memorable part of our one experience at the Clam Hut was that it had the DIRTIEST most disgusting rest room we ever saw!! (I know this is on a separate thread). Aside from Original Oyster which is more upscale, there is a place right next to the Sandy Hook bridge (name escapes me) with a terrific deck and excellent seafood and lobster. You order inside and wait on the deck (20 minutes in summer) for them to call your number.

I'm going to be in Washington for the Cherry Blossom festival-- (and some other sightseeing). Would like some recs for either French or New American cuisine-- would like a good area with pariking available, looking to stay under $45/PP. Thanks in advance!