Rosie

Glenn, Do you mean NJ restaurants? Ryland Inn was the only restaurant that received an extraordinary (11/05/00).

"Ambitious" is my middle name. Yes, it's in a strip mall near The Jewely Exchange.

We recently enjoyed a dinner at Tai Pei Noodle, 6 Willowbrook Blvd, Wayne. I like the food better at China 46 and Hunan Cottage but this establishment had some interesting items on the menu that I will return to try. We had fried pork dumplings which were very tasty. The steamed vegetable dumplings howerver were soggy with a thick dough. I wouldn't order them again. Scallion pancakes were crispy and as good as any I have had. Baby bok choy had too much ginger. I asked for extra garlic! We also had an excellent eggplant, chicken and prawns with garlic sauce, home made cut noodles with beef and crispy shrimp with pepper sauce. Dinner with tax and tip was $70 for four people. There are seventeen noodle soups listed on the menu that I'd like to try next time.

It's not in Northern NJ but Hunan Cottage, Rt 46 E, Fairfield is on the same level as China 46. If you are in the area be sure to try it. Ask for the Chinese menu.

Was the Fireside in Paterson? We went there for onion rings and turkey club sandwiches. How about the Awful Awful at Bonds??? Anyone remember those?

Yes it is a very good restaurant and it is BYO but it didn't come to mind when I was making my list. I think the last visit there thought that there were too many tastes on the plate. But I would certainly return here. What was your reason Hank?

We went back to The Dining Room at Anthony David's AGAIN. It is so hard for me to get back to the places that I love as I need to try out many restaurants so that I know what is going on in NJ. However, I have been to this restaurant 3 times since October because I love the food, service, and ambiance. We started off with wonderful bread from Sullivan Street bakery served with a white bean paste and olive oil as well as a cup full of olives. Every table received a lobster bisque--a delightful start for our dinner. We then had a few comps before our meal; a small wedge of an outrageously tasty warm potato tart with prosciutto, caramelized onions and micro greens and a small tasting of the lightest potato gnocchi I have ever had with a mushroom sauce. For appetizers we had the spicy lamb sausage with herb tomato sauce, arugula and pappardelle and the veal Bolognese with porcini, arugula and tagliatelle. Both pasta dishes were split in the kitchen. Entrees were peppered tuna with mashed potatoes; roasted sea bass; grilled lamb chops with an artichoke and mushroom ragout; and free range chicken with olives, pancetta, spinach and mashed potatoes. Every plate was licked clean. The Dining Room at Anthony David?s specializes in cheeses and 30 to 40 selections are offered nightly but we opted for the cardamom baked apple in pasty which I could have inhaled by myself it was so good and the addictive bourbon glazed donuts.

Haven't been but have heard some wonderful things about this restaurant. Everytime I go to Cafe Matisse the manager askes me if I have gotten there yet.

We returned here recently and were so disappointed. Mussels in hot sauce were not spicy hot and the tomato sauce was watery. Sauteed spinach was served cold. T-bone steak at $28 was tough. Lamb shanks had so-so sauce and were also tough--not falling off the bone. Our last experience at this restaurant was so good but this time it was disaster. Also, specials were recited without the prices.

I might be able to find one of those.

Hank--The story of my life. Everyone wants to dine with me for my Turley. Not my good looks, charming personality or wisdom. We were at Zarole once and were disappointed. But would certainly be willing to try it again with YOU. My Turley collection is getting smaller and smaller. Would you accept a Veraison or does it have to be a Turley. My life is going to be friendless once my Turley's are gone. BTW-David Corcoran gave Zarole a "good" 12/16/01

Marge Perry has written a great article about Fink's Funky Chicken in the Sunday 12/22 NJ section of the NY Times. P. 16 under Quick Bite. Great story Fink. Thank you Marge!

Read my last report on Spanish Sangria.

TUMMY!!! I mean YUMMY!

jason--have you considered returning to Hunan Cottage? We don't have as many Jewish people in this part of NJ! Might be easier to get a table.

Are you dining out? Staying home and cooking? Tell us about your culinary plans. And a very Happy Holiday to everyone.

Where in Woodbridge? Can you give us the address? Thanks.

Can you give us some examples of unusual foods that you have been asked to pair with a cocktails and what those cocktails were? For example what type of cocktail would you serve with foie gras?

I think it was Zelbe's

" where is the post of places rosie wold not return? " I haven't posted it yet. I need to go through my credit card receipts as they were so forgettable.

Does anyone remember Sids in Bradley Beach on Ocean Ave?

Anyone been?

Hank--There are many ho-hum Italian restaurants in NJ but there are also some that are great. I don't live in BC so I am not familiar with all the little mom and pop places that may be worth a visit. However, some of my favorite Italian restaurants that I think are a cut above the others are: Corso 98--Montclair; Casa di Amici--Denville; Scalini Fedeli--Chatham; Il Momdo Vecchio--Madison and Basilico in Millburn. Granted that NJ doesn't have any restaurant that comes close to Lupa (my favorite in NYC) but parking is free and you don't have to fight traffic unless you are going to Hoboken. BTW--Augustino's in Hoboken is very good.

"First off, the appetizers and wine PRIOR to going to Blue Sky were awesome and much appreciated " Thanks Tom. I usually do a good job buying cheese. You left out that the bread came with an eggplant dip. Nice change from butter or olive oil.

Papillion in Nutley has charming decor. Food is no different than the hundreds of Italian restaurants in NJ. I went there once.