Rosie

Yes. We had it once and it was fabulous. But just in case, when you call for a reservation you should ask. Yes, be sure to make a reservation just in case. They get busy on weekdays also. Mon-Gibier Tues-Tuna Nicoise Weds-Bouillabaisse Thurs-Cote de Boeuf Fri-Ris de Veau Sat-Navarin of Lamb

What is the name of the Italian restaurant that you go to? In Maplewood Jocelyne's is also very good.

With that type of heat you need to start hydrating yourself before you go to work.

Whew!! It must be VERY hot in your kitchen. How much water do you drink to avoid becoming dehydrated?

We had a very enjoyable dinner at Verjus, 1790 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood. The restaurant has been open a little over a year and Chef Charles Tutino and his wife Jane, who handles the front of the house, have the components to create a great dining experience; tasty food, tables set far apart, very reasonable wine list and excellent service. When seated rolls and butter were placed on the table along with warm olives, a nice touch. Appetizers were: a rich French onion soup; arugula salad with warmed goat cheese, slow roasted tomatoes and a balsamic vinaigrette that was so good that I mopped up the dressing with bread; and a house salad with verjus vinaigrette. For entrees we had soft shell crabs with addictive straw potatoes and haricots verts; tuna marinated with olive oil, garlic and ginger served with portobello mushrooms, sautéed spinach straw potatoes and a balsamic vinaigrette; pan seared scallops with fresh pasta and mushrooms; and wonderful calves liver with garlic mashed potatoes, haricot verts and a sherry vinegar and shallot sauce. If you love liver than be sure to try it here. Every dish was a winner. We pigged out on dessert by sharing a chocolate soufflé, a blueberry soufflé, an apple tart tatin with crème fraiche ice cream and a lip puckering sour cherry tart. If you haven't tried this restaurant put it on your "go to" list. Verjus is open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday 5:30 to 9:30 PM; Friday and Saturday 5:30 to 10:30PM; Sunday 5:30 to 9 PM; brunch Sunday Noon to 3 PM. Call 973-378-8990 for reservations.

Nina--My Food Events page on NJ Monthly has NJ food events listed into next year. It's updated every Wednesday. CLICK HERE Then go to the Food Events page.

Would you go back?

They have a catering company in Hoboken.

When I was reviewing I kept a tape recorder under my napkin. Now I just write what I remember. Also, I ask for a menu. I have taken pictures at restaurants but only at some very special places like The French Laundry and The Inn at Little Washington. I don't see anything wrong with taking notes but the staff may think you are a restaurant reviewer who wants to be recognized.

When did they open and do you know what was there before? GO BLUE!

You were??? Somerville BBQ--Texas Ranch House, Main St.

Boat Man--I don't discriminate. This is an open forum. Just don't use the F word on NJO. The F is for Food Bytes. It will get deleted as will any mention of eGullet.

Blue Marlin--Bradley Beach Green Grotto--New Brunswick

I don't think they have a bar you can sit at. I don't remember seeing one. Why don't you call after your event is over and ask if you can come earlier? Perhaps your table opened up earlier than expected and/or they had a cancellation. We were there over 3 hours but we had the tasting menu. There were people there who had the two course dinner who were out much, much sooner. Looking forward to reading your post.

FYI: They are the subject of a takeover between Castle Harlan Partners LLP and Carl Icahn. They have 66 units.

LOL! Never been but I read in the trade papers that they are doing well. Where do you like to dine without your cherubs?

I grill them and serve them with a BBQ sauce.

What a generous idea Rail Paul. Now why didn't I think of that!

Actually, it is less than 100! I guess by using alot of people everyone gets a chance! Dennis and John Foy were at Tarragon Tree and I believe that Dennis, a brillant chef, did the cooking.

I don't remember the menu at Yves in Montclair (BYO) as being similar to Stage Left. He is now working at a country club.

His expertise is wine.

Broccoli coleslaw or a cabbage beet coleslaw.

I think they are scheduled to open Sept 2 or Sept 12 in Riverside Square, Paramus.

UH-OH!!!! I guess I did get special treatment.

Why should I mind you asking? Yes, I have eaten at Frog and the Peach but not for a few years. Last time I was at Stage Left was when Yves was there. Their new executive chef, Clemens Averbeck owned "Averbeck's" in Germany, which held a Michelin one-star rating for the fourteen years it was open. We also used to dine at Panico's in New Brunswick and haven't been back there in a few years either.