menton1

Does Flor de Mayo or Pio Pio do take-out? I would love to try one at home. Also, does anyone feel that Chirpin' Chicken belongs in this list? (Char-grilled, not rotisserie, technically).

Sure! Lin's Garden was right next door to Kam Bo!! We only went there when the wait ws too long at Kam Bo-- Lin's was a little less comfortable, they had weird seating arrangements, and some community tables. I also remember the lobster sauce in these places was brown, and the hot and sour soup was red!

I went for over 20 years to a place on Bayard Sreet called Kam Bo. Quite similar to Wo Hop but on street level and a bit more pleasant. It was my first introduction to Chinatown, we went at 2AM in a "less than lucid state" and ate a copious amount of food for about $1.50 per dish-- I loved their "Iron Steak" and "sizzling rice" dishes, as well as the Clams in Black Bean Sauce. A simpler time. To my dismay, several years ago we went to the place and it had been transformed into a completely different restaurant with new decor, new food, and new owners. I still fondly miss Kam Bo. (Anybody else remember Kam Bo?)

IMHO, Petite Patisserie is just not in the same league as St Michel; StM literally blows away this other place. Just look at the photos here, the pastries are works of art. (And they taste even better!)

Believe it or not, "Courtepaille" may actually deliver a steak experience much much closer to an American steakhouse than these fancy places listed here!! The French actually prefer their steaks pan-fried. And thanks, winemike, yes, "Courtepaille" is exactly the place I was referring to.

For Americans craving a steak while in France, be reminded that the steaks here are quite a different lot than the ones you are used to at home. I was reminded of this while sitting in a French restaurant with friends on a recent trip to French St Martin. One of my friends ordered the steak, and she was quite disappointed when it arrived. The steaks are for the most part, pan fried in butter. This is quite a surprise for someone expecting the aged, thick, char-grilled variety. I happen to love the steaks in France, and especially the wonderful homemade frites that come with them (especially the puffed-up types). But for the less adventurous, be aware that the steak you are ordering will bear little resemblance to the ones you are used to in the US. N.B. There is a chain of restaurants, usually at the Autoroute exits, that makes steaks in the American style. The name escapes me at this moment, but they are all built in a distinctive building style as a house with conical roof shapes. I think there are many of these all over the country.

Just returned from St Martin, a jewel of real French soil in the warm Caribbean. No poverty, no crime, and happy locals on this island. Very low key. And, as the locals emphasize, you are in FRANCE-- not a territory, nor a possession, but as much in France as if you were in Paris! A food eaters paradise, I will expound on our great restaurant experiences here in a couple of days when I have more time. The key is, you will eat very, very well. I prefer Marigot to Grand Case, it has more of a genuine look of mainland France (with palm trees). Best spot is the Marina Royale, where about 20 restaurants wrap themselves around the dock, a nice facsimile of Cassis or even Villefranche-sur-Mer. Best restaurant experiences: La Main a la Pate, Marigot Buffet de la Gare, Marigot Le Mambo, Grand Case (Not on most lists, but fabulous!) and of course, the "lolos" of Grand Case. Will give more details later.

I didn't have any inside information, but Karla Cook gave Spargo's quite a good review in today's NY Times!

The Pudlo Paris is my personal favorite of the Paris Restaurant guides. There is a mini review as well as a conversational description of the restaurants here. This proves quite useful when making decisions about restaurants. Michelin will NEVER describe the wallpaper or lighting fixtures...

Well, I have had terrific food at Spargo's. You might also want to consider La Petite France in Red Bank. A very romantic place, feels just like you are in Paris. Food excellent. Good timing for Valentine's Day!

Sorry, disregard.

I've heard that Fromagerie has gone way down is recent years-- not nearly what it used to be... My recommendation would be Spargo's in Manalapan. Wonderful food, terrific ambience and service.

Go to the Hispanic neighborhoods-- Passaic, Newark, Paterson, etc. The grocery stores there generally sell beans in 10 to 20 lb bags. Incidentally, would smooth bulk small stone suffice? That would be cheap and easy to find... (The type used for driveways)

Wow, I respectfully disagree on a couple of points here... Knickerbocker Road to High Street in Closter, left turn, and a straight run 4 miles into Westwood. Should take a MAX of 15-17 minutes. Secondly, TJs is a destination place. No need to do anything else. A unique store, with quality, variety, and low pricing along with many unique items make it worthwhile enough to be a weekly stop.

Trader Joe's is in Westwood, about a 12 minute trip for you-- and it's so fabulous! You mean you"ve never been to TJ's?!!!

This is the normal, "non-sale" price for eggs at Trader Joe's. (They don't have sales). Also, TJs has a great selection of nuts at bargain prices. Probably a superior quality to Walgreen's as well...

Any reports on Carnaval or Fete du Cirton? Anybody going? How's the weather?

Question of the day: If Total Wine has a bigger selection and better pricing, who needs Wine Library?

Don't know if you are near Arlington, but the Washington Post gave Bob & Edith's on Columbia Pike a Readers Choice award. Ever been? Washington Poist Article

Diners are OK for breakfast or burgers, but let's not get carried away and think they are great food; and as you may be hearing, most of these diners are awful... P.S. Where are you from?

That's what a lot of places say, but by the time you try to prove it to them, you're better off just buying it at Total Wine. Their selection and pricing in River Edge is awesome. A lot more info here: Total Wine Egullet Thread

Burgers for breakfast?

Hate to be a spoiler, but it seems that Total Wine in River Edge has much better prices than this place. I also believe Total Wine has a branch in West Orange, for the Essex County-ites.

About 1/2 mile south, Jackson Hole does an equally good breakfast. They are also packed on weekends. Their home fries are to die for! The only better breakfast I've had is at the Egg Platter on Crooks Avenue in Paterson.

South Park Grill, in the office complex north of Paramus Park Mall, is a beautiful environment with decent food and has a club scene after dinner. (At least it used to). Call and check this place out... South Park Grill 633 From Rd., Paramus 201-576-0888