rhubarbz

Why do people have grand openings months after they actually open?? As a restaurant consultant, i have to say, this makes NO sense to me. A week or two after they open (and get the kinks worked out) makes sense; maybe even three weeks. But six weeks or more?

Thanks, Rachel, for those two links. I'm with Rosie - i hope Arthur reappears on radio soon. There is nothing like his show anywhere else, and it will be missed. He's an incredible source of culinary knowledge. Sure, he was opinionated and cranky sometimes - but it made for good radio!

FWIW, adding my 2¢ to the mix ... Just posted about Taro, a pan-Asian place on Church Street that's quite good, if a bit pricey. We like it a lot and have gone there for years. Have never understood the buzz about Mexicali Rose. The owner is a charming guy, but we have always found the place dirty and the food, gloppy. Greek Delights is fabulous. We order lunch from there @ work once or twice a week. The real-deal Italian deli across from Whole Foods is called Belgiovine's, and it is indeed special. Try their marinated grilled eggplant & homemade mozzarella.

We eat at Taro every couple months. The food is quite good and service is fine - not warm and friendly, but competent. It's somewhat pricey, which is probably why we don't eat here more frequently. They do a couple things really well - esp. a sesame tofu w/spinach that's very nicely sized for an appetizer - and shrimp in a pistachio crust that my husband always orders. I don't know what it is about Taro that keeps them off the radar screen. Go and let us know what you think!

There's a Papillon in Nutley, too - that's what i thought this thread was about! Has anyone been to the place in Nutley? If so, what do you think?

I have the perfect person for you! She's based in Montclair and is a personal chef/caterer with an impressive roster of clients, many of whom have been w/her for years. She also assists another chef frequently in the private dining room of an international bank in Manhattan. I've eaten her food at small private dinners and large cocktail parties, and it's fresh, original, boldly flavored, and beautifully presented. Very regional/seasonal. Don't know what she charges, but she's got a lot of integrity and is totally down-to-earth. PM me & i'll be happy to give you her name/number.

Lia, how was Cilantro? I realize you were there a month or so ago - i'm just coming in on this thread. Never been. Worth a visit?

[Does anyone know how the Daily News decides what, when, and how often to review restaurants?] My understanding is, it's based on the same criteria as the other newspapers: they balance hot, new locations with old (or places that have new chefs); neighborhoods; price points; etc. They review a lot of places in Brooklyn because apparently that's where a lot of the readership is. When i went to Riingo, there was a 45-minute wait (despite a reservation) and the front area was pretty insane. Cocktails were so-so. But the staff was terrifically nice and accomodating. Food was mixed - some dishes were knockouts, others missed entirely. But it was right after they opened, so i'd definitely check it out again ... but not for a few months.

FWIW, I'm a huge fan of Anthony's writing and - full disclosure - know and like him (& his wife) very much. I thought his review of Augustino's was a hoot and though i've never been, after reading the piece i felt as if i totally get what they're doing there; not just what's on the plate, but the look and feel and sensibility of it all. And as KimWB pointed out, that's what gives me enough information to know if that's a place i want to visit - or i don't. With respect to kimmyb72, over the last ten years (or so), a meal at a restaurant has developed into much, much more than what's on your plate. It's your evening's entertainment and, as such, it's about cuisine + decor + the flowers on the table + competence of the service staff + what the ladies' room looks like + how much bling bling is lighting up the room ... which is why (i think) it's extremely important for a reviewer to convey his/her impressions of the total experience. When Ruth Reichl started writing for The Times, her reviews were eye-openers to many. She listened in on other people's conversations and wrote poignantly about them; she commented on fashion and lifestyle and all sorts of things within the confines of her critiques. Some liked it; some didn't - but i think she had a profound impact on restaurant criticism.

Our local Montclair hardware store, Zaentz on Bloomfield Avenue, sends out knives to be sharpened. I'm not an expert, but i had it done around a year ago and i think they did a pretty good job. Check it out when you're in Montclair next time.

As a NY Women's Culinary Alliance board member, i heartily applaud Suzanne's recommendations! (you're the best Suzanne!!). I also want to endorse Steve's recommendations of Biagio Settepani and Martin Howard. I've worked with Biagio & Martin in the past, and they're great guys. In fact, Martin did my wedding cake, which was other-worldly and ethereal and utterly delicious. Sylvia Weinstock's cakes are genius but VERY pricey.

"New" Mulberry Street is called La Giada, i believe. And Cecere's is located right behind/across from the Walnut St. train station.

Yes, i heard about this earlier today and was intrigued. Perhaps i'm in the minority, but there's a lot about Bill Grimes' reviews (as well as his sensibilities) i like very much. And i think he's a terrific features writer ...

Great hearing you today!

Bon App. Definitely. The cover of October's Gourmet was so vomitatious (sp??) - "Chefs as Rock Stars" - that for the first time, i was glad i ended my subscription.