menton1

I don't think neutering has much to do with leg-lifting, more to control aggression and make them more even-tempered. Have you considered a Pug Rescue Group like the one I previously mentioned?

I don't know if you have decided where to get your dog, but a Pug Rescue group is the way to go. These are absolute purebreed dogs, who have been abused, abandoned, or otherwise mistreated. This is a wonderful chance to save a life, and get the breed you are looking for. In Philly, call: Delaware Valley Pug Club Rescue Jamie Swanson 1131 Dunton Street Philadelphia, PA 19123 Phone : (215) 423-4471 Also, neutering is the only way to go. We can't project human sexual emotions on dogs. To them, it is strictly instinct. They will lead a much happier life if they are neutered, and you should do it very young. Good luck!

Yep, Circle, that's it. Inganamort is in some offices above the stores-- It's open, but don't bother...

I love French confitures! These sound wonderful-- the ones I have had are much more intense than in the US. My favorite flavor is groseilles. Count me in.

Yep, a silly little nuisance called Copyright Law. [Oh, Rosie, you got this one in ahead of me!! ]

Only problem is, these authors are rehearsed by their publishers to give short, trite answers at these book signings and go right on to the next customer. In a suburban store like this, they are probably looking for 300-500 signings; not much time for topical discussion. Have to commend Bookends for always getting the top authors-- good job!!

Isn't this type of hiring practice illegal?

I don't know how sad a day it really is; the place was just a small step above awful.... The seniors also seem to hang out at another brutal place, the "Emerson Hotel" , similar ambience to the Tri Valley. They also go, lunch only, to a luncheonette on the Cresskill Monument Circle, the name escapes me, but it's of the same ilk; so all is not lost for them....

I don't know if you will have a car-- If you do, I recommend San Gimignano, a wonderful, medieval, atmospheric town very centrally located. Over a dozen remaining towers where they used to dump hot tar over each other. (They no longer do that!) At that time of year, it should not be over-touristed, either. A wonderful hotel within the walls is La Cisterna, where we had a lovely stay a couple of years ago. Ask for a room facing the valley, the view will be breathtaking. Hotel La Cisterna A lovely restaurant right in town is La Vecchia Mura, actually built into the town walls. Very authentic, non-touristy restaurant with great food and reasonable prices.

I will never go to Chloe. Last winter, on a very cold Friday night, we decided to go there. After a long search for parking, we finally found a spot and got there at 8:45. The place was 3/4 full, but there was room. They said to us upon arrival that the chef had closed the kitchen early becuase of the cold weather!!(??) Their posted hours are until 10PM. This was remarkable, and infuriating. Chloe will never see us again. It is also very spartan, and not particularly romantic. It's amazing to me that one of the better restos in Philly gets short shrift on Egullet. Fork, Market Street between 2nd and 3rd, is a stunning restaurant with wonderful, innovative food at very reasonable prices. For whatever reason, it is rarely mentioned here. I have had wonderful experiences there. The banquettes can be very atmospheric. Why don't you consider Fork? Fork Web Site

I absolutely love Astral Plane, Lombard Street off 17th. We also think the place is romantic, it is in an historic old house, and very cutely decorated. You can check the menu here, they have Steak and Chicken main dishes. Enjoy! Astral Plane Website

Absolutely, FG!! It is a people-problem, not a dog problem. I was recently in a mall here and some toddlers were having "fun" screaming at the top of their lungs, and their parents were blithely continuing to browse in the store windows, as if nothing was happening! Have to go, need to buy a lottery ticket so that I can relocate!!

Alkonin, good luck with your doggie, pugs are very nice-- (as are all dogs!). What you really need to do with your mindset is relocate to France. Most of the US culture is anti-dog, they are considered a health hazard (!) in food establishments, and a nuisance in other establishments, even though they may be better behaved and more sanitary than many humans. France is the only place in the world where dogs are welcomed as humans, they are clean, well-behaved, welcomed in restaurants, shops, everywhere! I have a great photo in Galeries Lafayette of a giant Samoyed sitting comfortably on the escalator with his companion as they patiently wait for it to descend to the next floor! Bon chance with your chien!!

Thanks, but our tastes are running for either New American, French, or non-typical Italian. I thought of Chelsea Grille, Liberté, it seems 28 has closed. I have heard that Orbis Bistro has a door problem, it is a single door, and in cool weather the whole place freezes when the door is opened. Anybody been to Chelsea Grille or Liberté? Any other restos in Montclair (or environs) in these categories? Thanks.

Will be meeting friends for dinner and Montclair is mid-way between us, as well as a terrific restaurant town. We have already been in the past to Epernay, Fascino, Corso 98, and Palazzo. Have zeroed in on Chelsea Grille, Liberté, and/or Twentyeight. Liberté has seemed almost empty the last few times I have passed by. Any comments and recommendations welcome.

OK, that explains it! The Record... No wonder the review sounds like it was written by the owner of the restaurant!! (Maybe it was)

That was quite a glowing, thorough report, Marge-- you should work for one of the newspapers! Thanks. P.S. Marge, you are not affiliated with Moon Street, are you? Non-Asian choices: Ciao Bella, Cresskill Samdan, Cresskill (Very Bright Lighting) It's Greek to Me, Englewood Bennie's, Englewood Cassie's, Englewood Moon Street (see above) Cafe Local, Englewood (Cuban-Caribbean) Cafe Boulevard, Fort Lee

Dumont is kind of a restaurant no-man's land; Not much there-- I think a while ago Jason spoke highly of the Beijing Duck House on Washington Avenue in Bergenfield, although the last few times I passed by the parking lot is almost empty; Mulino's is only fair, for a better "Red-Sauce Italian" I would recommend Ciao Bella in Cresskill, nice ambience, good value. and pleasant food. East in Teaneck is Japanese, never been, but the place is always full, even on weekdays. Best idea: Take the 12 minute drive to Englewood!

I know some humans like that! Actually, pigeons evolved from those beautiful doves-- when their habitat was destroyed and urbanized by humans, they survived by becoming pigeons. They are quite harmless, and it wouldn't be San Marco without them. We need a chorus of Joni Mitchell's "Pave Paradise".

Your revised itinerary still is, IMHO, quite over-ambitious; such a whirlwind trip will probably leave you with blurred memories, something like watching a tape at a faster speed than which it was recorded. The area from Bordeaux to Narbonne is still quite large, and you could spend a week of meandering there just to get a good feel. My best recommendation for only one week for you is to stay in Paris the entire time and just take some day trips if you must out of there, by train; Paris certainly has enough to keep one occupied for 7 days (or 70), and, considering the 2 major holidays you will be encountering, Paris has your best opportunity for finding some restaurants and tourist spots open on those days. In the provinces, the streets will be rolled up.

All kidding aside, I would recommend a restaurant for this occasion in the 4th, Le Dome du Marais. This restaurant won the "Coup de Coeur" award this year, a nice accomplishment in Paris. A stunningly gorgeous place, it is open about 3 years, it is in the hip Marais neighborhood, and is an old hollowed out historic church with a beautiful cupola in the center of the restaurant. The chef, Pierre LeCoultre hails from Nantes and mixes Breton with some other eclectic dishes. You should have a wonderful meal here, and it should be well within your budget. Le Dome du Marais 53, rue des Francs-Bourgeois 01-42 74 54 17 Bon appétit!!

What an unenviable situation to be in-- having to find a great restaurant in Paris!!

I have heard GREAT things about Café Zbra in Raritan, including best food in that part on NJ; Perhaps there is someone who has more detailed info about this place. Cafe Zbra 9 East Somerset Street Raritan

New York Magazine's current issue has highlighted 9 NY Restaurant chefs with the "Best Chef 2003" award-- all of them are (rich and) famous.... What I found lacking in this report was, a/ Who is deciding on these chefs? b/ Why 9? Why not 10, 8, or 15? c/ What criteria were used? If anyone has inside info on this article, please report-- or let me know if I missed something. Thanks.

We had dinner at No. 9 Sunday Night and I have to echo Rosie''s sentiments; it is sad that it is 90 minutes from us or we would eat there much more often-- the food here is of a level rarely seen in a New Jersey restaurant. Hope Matt continues to do well and thrive here; We arrived with a reservation, but the place was almost full at 6 on a Sunday-- there were 3 tables of 8 people each going, and since there is only 1 waiter and 1 bus person, they were stretched to the limit and the service was a bit slow, but still acceptable. Unfortunately, they were out of my favorite appetizer, the Potato & Goat Cheese Tart-- we started with the Baked Pear Salad instead, a great combination of cooked Pears, goat cheese, lardons, and mesclun salad with a splash of vinaigrette-- a wonderful mix of tastes and textures, savory and sweet. We also got a soup special, a lobster and crab bisque that was brimming with flavor and fresh seafood. Another nice feature of this restaurant that we appreciate is that they actually give the prices when reciting the specials! Entrees were the Short Ribs, one of Matt's specialties-- they are braised for hours, and served with an unusual horseradish creme fraiche-- a terrific combination. Other entrees ordered were the Pork Chop, a big, thick chop served with a wonderful mustard marinade, and Hangar steak, served sliced, very tender, and perfectly cooked to our request. The sides were a very creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic, and paper thin slices of summer squash. As the large parties left, the service was more relaxed and efficient, and all in all, was terrific. This restaurant continues to standout as one of the best in NJ-- I just wish it was closer to Bergen County!!