wfnugent

To further hijack this post... We went there the weekend following the 1999 hurricane, when all of the phones and some of the electricty was out in Oakland. We live there and I had just removed several large trees from my and my neighbors' yards, so it was time for a good meal. It was loud but an awful lot of fun - candles everywhere, whatever was closest to thawing came out of the kitchen, all very tasty. Haven't been back except for when we stop there for a drink on the way home from the movies sometimes, when we are not quite ready to let the babysitter go home. Have had appetizers there maybe 6 or 8 weeks ago. Very very tasty. I understand that Ruga has changed hands - I think the chef bought out the original owner - there seem to have been a number of changes to the menu. As to trucking out to Rat's - I've never been there, though everyone here raves. I figure that this is a fairly traumatic birthday so it might be nice to drop the kids off at Grandma's and head out there and have a wander.

My wife and I had a very similar experience there for what was to be a celebratory dinner. The food was pricey, underwhelming and served luke warm; the room was small, loud and crowded. The staff was pleasant but not particularly attentive. She made me promise not to go there for her upcoming not 39th and not 41st birthday (a sensitive subject). Her birthday is in the middle of May so I am thinking Rat's for brunch and a walk about. I hope that will get me back in her good culinary graces.

Grandma Carol came over to babysit the kids last night (Sat 10/11) so my wife and I scrambled out to get some dinner and a movie in Ridgewood. After poking around on here and tired of shelling out at the same restaurants in Rwood, decided to try Joel's Malibu. It was great. The kitchen sent out a portion of the psychedelic salad as a amuse bouche - super crisp and refreshing - not too sweet or salty soy ginger dressing, then we had the potato latke - great flavor combinations. Joel brought it out himself. Charming guy - told him all about egullet. He put together a platter of my scallops (served with a carrot and roasted pepper mousse, big scallops and super tender) and my wife's mahi mahi with candied pecans - great texture not too sweet. sides included roasted root vegetables and a lovely lemon lime infused rice. All great - walked out feeling full but not stuffed and the service was very friendly. Joel cam back out to ask how everything was - and sat and scribbled down all the other egullet home runs we mentioned - Bobolink, Picklecious, Kinchley's, Baltazar Bakery, Finks, Finks again. Now we are adding Joel's to the list. Bill