menton1

Better yet, follow up with a "chaser" next door of a couple of hot dogs at Papaya King. (best hot dogs around!)

Could you please provide the name of this BBC show where the chef tries to overhaul a failing restaurant? Sounds pretty interesting... Another interesting show is "Opening Soon" on Fine Living, but I think they are mostly repeats now. Maybe a new season soon...

Definitely worth the ride, if just for the Sambal sauce dishes!! (About 45 mins from Bergen County)

I'm questioning the authenticity of this Penang-- There is a "Penang" restaurant in Greenwich, CT that we go to as often as possible, even though it is a 45-50 minute drive from No NJ. The Penang in CT is not affiliated with the other Penangs. They have a signature dish in Sambal Sauce, which I understand to be the definitive Malaysian sauce, a dried-shrimp flavored sauce. It is fabulous, as are most of the other dishes at this Penang. If the Jersey-ites here ever feel like a sprint over the Tappan Zee, this Penang in Greenwich CT will not disappoint!! Here is a NY Times article about this Penang, even though it is a couple of years old, the place is still great!! Penang Greenwich article

I've often wondered if anybody breaks a tooth on those feves! I also got a kick out of the NY Times story telling that there wont be any feves in the Presidential Galette, because, after all, France is a Republic and there are no kings or queens! Actually, the French are rather scornful of their neighbors who cherish their Royals...

Well, yesterday was the 6 janvier and no reports about any fetes du roi! After the fact, does anybody have any "Epiphany" stories, and some tales of great "Gallettes de Roi"? New York Times Story

Isn't Thai Chef a chain with half a dozen locations? Did this one break away from the chain?

Anybody planning to get to Carnaval or the Fete du Citron? This year they are celebrating Spain! (?) Jonathan, Robert...?

Lou, didn't you promise last fall to get to No. 9 in Lambertville? Did you ever go?

I don't know if Trader Joe's qualifies for this topic, but certainly 90% of the items sold in TJ's are house label, and a very high percentage of those are terrific products, as good as or better than their brand equivalents. (And much cheaper). But perhaps TJ's is in a league of its own on this matter...

Orange Juice has slipped radically in popularity apparently due to the low-carb barrage out there, and getting people to eat the whole fruit, rather than the juice. That's probably why they are having all the price cuts. That being said, all processed OJ tastes lousy! Nothing beats the fresh squeezed, sometimes available at Jerry's in Englewood, and always available at Zabar's. Once you get used to the fresh, you just can't drink any of the processed stuff.

The Potato and Onion Tart at No. 9 in Lambertville, a taste sensation! Kudos to Matt and crew!!

Saw the 2005 Zagat on someone's desk last week... The absolutely funniest listing was Starbucks. (Not even all the locations). Now there's a review we needed!!

Since these rarely make anyone's "top restaurant" list, I thought I'd post them again on this page. (Got lost on the first page). Would love to hear of more places that are "secret". (Per Se is NOT a secret...)

In addition to Petak's, Ikea in Paramus has a little food section with terrific imported specialties from Sweden, and they have about a dozen types of herring there. I think the name "Matjes" must be Scandinavian, so these might fit the bill. Some great stuff at this Ikea food section...

Could you please provide the name of this restaurant so that we can all stay away?

All this fuss is much ado about nothing... there was a similar outcry in New York and California, and now, after all the dust has settled, the restaurants there are thriving as before, but with no smoking!! I believe the effect of this ban on the restaurant business in Italy will be negligible.

It's about 90 minutes away, but Tony Bourdain has strong family connections in Arcachon and goes there often. Check out his book "A Cook's Tour" for some terrific reading and some advice about the Arcachon area...

I don't think I want ShopRite employees picking out my produce... There also seems to be a refrigeration and timing problem--- probably less worrisome in the winter, but in the hot weather this could also be a problem!

Actually, this sounds just like Trifle pudding...

It's not the customer's job to educate the restaurant manager. IMHO, I think they knew exactly what they were doing, and were trying to get out of honoring a coupon that they knew was valid. Their stupidity is in not realizing that by saving $25 they were costing themselves a loyal repeat customer...

Was curious to learn of any exciting events for New Year's Eve in Paris. One that sound really tantalizing is Christian Constant's event at Violon d'Ingrès in the 7th. The tarif is about 250 E p/p. (sans boissons!) The other attraction here is that Catherine Constant will be providing the music. Any other great events scheduled for la vielle du jour de l'an?

Reminds me of The Quiet American, with Michael Caine...

No. 9-- Lambertville Taro-- Montclair Relish-- Sparkill, NY Spargo's- Manalapan

From the album Unknown album Nat king cole (cole porter) ("can-can") Every time i look down on this timeless town Whether blue or gray be her skies. Whether loud be her cheers or soft be her tears, More and more do i realize: I love paris in the springtime. I love paris in the fall. I love paris in the winter when it drizzles, I love paris in the summer when it sizzles. I love paris every moment, Every moment of the year. I love paris, why, oh why do i love paris? Because my love is near.