Rosie

If David's was this Sunday then Karla's was last week. She usually does south Jersey restaurants. It wasn't anything in JC. So the answer is don't go to paradise and you won't miss the reviews.

It's hard to believe that it took me so long to get back to this outstanding restaurant. I wish it was closer to me. We always have a memorable dining experience at Girasole, and last night was no different. Great food, service and atmosphere. Owner Rob Russo and chef/owner Alfonso Russo are to be commended for running a top notch restaurant. We started with warm Italian bread, addictive herbed olive oil and crispy bruschetta topped with chopped tomatoes. A special of ziti with bolognese was split in the kitchen for four and devoured by all. We also shared broccoli rabe with sundried tomatoes and pignoli nuts. A very generous mixed green, tomato and cucumber salad with a light balsamic dressing came with dinner. Entrees were all superb. It is so easy to overcook fish but here it is served exactly as requested. My salmon in a champagne sauce with risotto was impressively cooked medium rare. Lowell had a peppered tuna, also medium rare, with sautéed spinach. One friend had the pork loin which was juicy and tender and another had a nut crusted rack of lamb with a fabulous sauce. All I can remember is that the sauce had raisins in it and perhaps some onions and red wine. Dessert was crème brulee and a light pastry with whipped cream and strawberries that was being served for Valentine's Day. Cappuccino and coffee were good. You need to make reservations at this popular eatery a few weeks in advance for a Saturday night. Phone: 732-469-1080. BYO.

No. I don't think so.

Thanks for the report. I never thought to freeze paella. I usually eat the leftovers the next day.

Haven't heard anything about Lady Jane's. Will ask around.

To get back to the subject of doggie bags .... do you just ask for a doggy bag at dinner? Would you ask for one if you had leftovers at lunch or breakfast?

Kudos to Chef Lou Reda who will be participating in the Dine Out For Hunger program to benefit the Community FoodBank of NJ. He wll be donating 20% of his proceeds from April 21 to this worthy cause. If you wish to make a reservation for that evening call 973-442-9311.

Happy Valentine's Day. Going out this weekend to celebrate? Be sure to give us a report.

Kim--Thanks for the detailed report and for the PR for eGullet! Haven't been to Stage Left in a long time and would like to get back there. Was the steak listed on the menu?

I took home our leftovers from dinner last night and was pleasantly surprised to see that the leftover Italian bread was wrapped in tin foil and placed in the bag. And I don't live in Florida!

There is a Jerusalem Pizza in Livingston also.

First posting has been updated with the addition of Baby Lou's, Clifton. Anymore to add?

I didn't say gee.

The last time I was at a Lebanese restaurant in Paterson (right next door to Clifton) the place had limos parked up and down the block. "Gee," I said, " look at all of the wealthy people that come here for the food." When we got inside the restaurant was crowded with limo drivers who came there for dinner.

Everyone is special at An American Grill. Right, Lou? Be sure to give us a report on your dinner and after dinner dealings!

" Zoes has been trying out different cookies. Only ate there once. sorry rosie but two times and no cookies for us either time." Well--I don't know the reason but perhaps they were trying out the cookies the night we were there and then decided not to serve them with the coffee. Problem is that when someone reports they ate something and there is a policy change it can cause hard feelings. I'll get back to Zoes eventually as I thought the food was excellent and will let you know if any extras come with dessert. We ate everything and I don't remember the portions being small. One friend brought home a doggie bag.

Petit Cafe is BYO.

Berta's Chateau is in Wanque. I was there twice. Once for a wine dinner which was excellent. The second time we went for dinner and it was fine. Lots of food. Some items were better than others. But there are better places to dine at. I would certainly go back to their special wine dinners tho. The restaurant needs to be spruced up. It has that old 50's look.

Actually, I believe the restaurant is a deli in the daytime.

Why?

I think Rail Paul was meant La Couronne 23 Watchung Plaza, Montclair I also think they are BYO.

Le Petit Chateau in Bernardsville is another French restaurant. Expensive and they have a liquor license.

Zoes has been trying out different cookies. Only ate there once. We once asked the waitress to wrap up a large piece of leftover steak. We paid the bill and kept waiting for the doggie bag. Finally we tracked down the waitress who ran into the kitchen and returned with our bag. When we got home we found a small cube of meat. Either someone else got our large leftover or she took a small piece off of someone's plate. The dog got that piece. However, once I asked for something to be wrapped and the waiter forgot. The kitchen made a whole new order for me to take home.

Marakesh got 2 stars from S J Gintzler recently in the Star Ledger. Service received 1 star. From the review it would not be a place I would run to. Also--they charge $2 per bottle liquor service at this BYO. ILLEGAL.

Never been to Pourquoi Pas but Epernay in Montclair serves very good bistro French. BYO. Tommy--did you feel that the food was too expensive for what you got at Cafe Panache?