scarlet knight

We've had a love-hate relationship with this restaurant. For some reason, the chef's post here is a revolving door. When it's good, it's very good. Former talented chefs include Lance, now owner of Indigo Smoke in Montclair and Anthony LoPinto, recently of Casa di Amici in Denville. Some of their successors were just horrible, but I must say that they now have a winner--John (Jon?) , formerly of NYC's Gramercy Tavern. My wife had Halibut cooked in a banana leaf with coconut sticky rice and collard greens. I had shelled lobster in a butter sauce with favas, limas, corn and raviolis. Both were very good. A grilled scallop, beet and pea shoot appetizer hit the spot. The complimentary salad had a zingy pesto-citrus dressing. Dessert of maple bread pudding left us stuffed, but impressed. If you have been here before, but had a bad experience, I urge you to give the new chef a try! We ate at Girasole on Wednesday, my wife was a likely victim of food poisoning, but even notwithstanding that, the food at Sweet Basil's is in a much higher league.

I have a hard time going to restaurants with a wine list. It's bad enough to pay double for a wine's retail, but it's galling to pay more. Where is 3 West?

What are lionhead meatballs made out of?

Theater District recommendations? Where could we call for a 5 or 5:30 pm restaurant reservation for tomorrow? We have concert tickets at the Garden.

Il Vicolo is in a strip mall on South Livingston Avenue, near a Domino's Pizza (I think Domino's is still there). I think that Il Ripasso has better food than Il Vicolo. Il R is also on South Livingston Ave., closer to Shop-Rite.

Doug is one of the most poised maitre d's I've seen and Anthony LoPinto is a talented chef. Does anyone know Anthony's next move?

My wife and I ate there about 2 years ago. We found it to be good, but not great food-wise. It appeared that a lot of the other diners were there on expense accounts and were not concerned about the high prices. Apparently, this place will be a casualty of the economic bust. I can't blame the drug companies for keeping an eye on expenses. If the employees want to go to the Ryland Inn, let them pay for it--unless the drug companies will make more money by wining and dining someone there. I suspect that there were expense account abuses. As a shareholder of some drug stocks, I'm glad to hear someone is watching the store.

Why are they selling?

Enhance and Sinclaire's in Millburn are closed.

Please post and describe.

Name your fave and describe it!

Where is Little Saigon in Nutley? Your review?

This is a real loss for Montclair restaurants!

The Mansion House and Daniel's on Broadway!

Is Big Red Tomato closed in Fort Lee? It was always mobbed (but mediocre). Has anyone tried Amarone in Teaneck?

When they are in season, Jocelyn's in Maplewood has them as a special. It's very good.

We went back to Aozora with friends. The food was better than the first time there. We like that you can get sushi or French (Continental or New American for France-bashers) food at this restaurant.

We were at Samurai Sushi on Tuesday. No fish smell, but the place was quite crowded. The food was good, but expensive. If you want to whiff a fish smell go to nearby Sono or West Orange's Yoshi Sono. You would think that you are at the beach or an aquarium! Rosie, give Samurai another try on a weekday. On reflection about Aozora, the atmosphere and the service outshine the food. We will give it another try, since it's new. Has anyone tried Monster Sushi in Summit?

Aozora in Montclair and Samurai Sushi in Millburn. We enjoyed both. Modern decors and a cut above other Japanese restaurants in their areas. Anyone else try these? What do you think?

We often go out to eat with my in-laws. Tonight we went to Prego in Cliffside Park. We didn't like the food, the service or the billowing cigarette smoke. Does anyone have any Italian restaurant recommendations in the Fort Lee area?

Thanks for your investigation, Rail Paul. Casa Filippo should invest in some better lighting and signage!

It sounds like you enjoyed the food, but the service was bad. I think that this is one of the many restaurants we enjoy on a quiet weekday, but is a madhouse on a Friday or Saturday. Were you there on the weekend? Do you think it would have been more enjoyable on a quieter day?

We enjoyed this restaurant. It was awkward to get to its second floor location and it was not well marked from the street, but we enjoyed the food and the service. There's a lot of Italian restaurants on Bloomfield Avenue in Caldwell. It appears that this one is out. I'll miss it. Any other fans out there?

My wife and I like this restaurant quite a bit. Bring a French Bordeaux or Burgundy for a great pairing with the food. It is small and crowded; it's better to go early or late. Report back with your review!

My wife and I often eat lunch at Joel's if we are strolling around Ridgewood. I enjoy the food and atmosphere. It's got a 1960's vibe ("psychedelic salad" is on the menu as I recall; I think it was addictive!). A different and unique place with good food.