Rosie

No 9 Restaurant, 9 Kline"s Court, Lambertville is a ten. Although it is worth the hour plus ride, I wish this restaurant was closer to my home as I would certainly be a regular there. The reasonable prices, generous portions, friendly efficient staff, and delicious food make this a "let’s get back here soon" place. Our evening started off a half-hour before our reservation when I left our wine at No 9 to be opened so it could breathe. After window shopping along the picturesque streets of Lambertville we returned to this storefront restaurant which may look casual but serves sophisticated New American cuisine. Under the direction of the very talented Chef/owners Matt and Colleen Kane the kitchen doesn’t miss a bit even on a crowded Saturday evening. Be forewarned, the tables are close together and on a Saturday evening the noise level is high. The menu is small but there is something for everyone. We started out with a bean soup topped swirls of balsamic and shavings of asiago cheese; a colorful potato and goat cheese tart with roasted peppers and grilled onions accompanied with a mixed green salad; and a shrimp taco with avocado salad and mango salsa. Entrees were a juicy roasted chicken with creamy mashed potatoes and vegetables; pan seared salmon with stir fried vegetables and a ginger and cucumber salad containing wasabi; and hanger steak with a red wine sauce, asparagus and roasted tomato. Desserts are not to be missed and are all topped with freshly made whipped cream. We could not pick a favorite from the lemon cake; flourless chocolate oozing chocolate when cut into; and the fresh berry tart in a free form crust. Everything we had was outstanding. No 9 has a web site at www.NO9Restaurant.com or call 609-397-6380 for reservations.

Sorry we missed the good time last night. We have always have enjoyable dinners at Bella Rosa and prefer to dine there during the week when it isn't so noisy. We were there on Friday night. For apps we had an escarole and bean soup; salad; and firecracker chicken which was a spicy chicken wrapped in a wonton. Entrees were blackened scallops; chicken Savoy on the bone; pork chop Giambotta and the shrimp and veal Amaretto. An apple cobbler was enjoyed by all for dessert. Movie Guy---you weren't smoking that cigar at Bella Rosa were you???

Next time say something to Lance. He would want to know if something wasn't to the customer's liking.

Rachel--This sounds like it would be a good place for an eGullet outing.

New owners came on some time ago and I haven't been there.

Most restaurants have their websites maintained by an outside firm.Every time they change a comma it costs money. I have no problem with the prices not being listed.Also, many restaurants change their menu daily and it would be difficult to keep an up to date menu on the internet. If you want to know if a restaurant is expensive or not just ask us! Or you could call the restaurant and ask the average price of their entree.

It's not new. Asian/Chinese. I have heard that it is very good.

Welcome Lady S. Haven't been to Cafe Riviera. Is it BYO? Do you know if they are open on Sundays?

Bella Rosa, East Hanover has very good fish also.

Where did you go?

I have never been to either for brunch. But I have been to Amanda's many times for dinner and think that it is a charming restaurant that serves very good, beautifully presented food. If you go to Amanda's ask for Jeff as your waiter. I haven't been to the The Brass Rail for dinner.

Another thought! Brass Rail in Hoboken The Grain House in Basking Ridge. OK--that's 2 thoughts!

Non-buffet Amanda's in Hoboken For a very good all you can eat buffet--Jack Cooper's in Edison.

There is a new restaurant called Jacqui's Cafe in Lyons Mall. Haven't been. If you go be sure to give us a report. In the Ironbound I like Sangria on Magazine St. and Casa Vasca. Of course, Scalini is always wonderful. We have been going to Epernay in Montclair alot and have always had wonderful meals. Go during the week. BYO.

Welcome Courtzzz. Sorry we had to get you angry in order to register and reply. Tell us where you like to dine in NJ?

Another option if you want to take a ride is Perona Farms in Andover.

Blue Sky Cafe, Montclair Indigo Smoke, Montclair has a gospel brunch. Not sure if they take reservations. Hilton Short Hills

"And did you forget you're talking to someone who'd rather a miserable meal with lousy service and ridiculous prices in a place that only served ground pepper rather than put up with hordes of people??? Or eat my wife's cooking???" OK! EVERYONE--Can we get a list of restaurants together for Glenn that meets the above requirements?

"Most likely is that for whatever reason the waiters or the waiter stations haven't come on line yet. Staff is not available to man all stations so they must remain empty." I don't buy that. The restaurant knows how many people are coming in and at what time. The staff should be ready for the customers. If someone calls in sick then the other waitstaff have to pitch in. I've worked in a restaurant and I know the routine! "The kitchen may be weeded and the chef or expediter may have asked the maitre'd to hold up the seating." How can a chef be in the weeds if the restaurant is half full? If he is in the weeds he is a slow chef and you need to hire someone who is faster and able to cook more than one item at a time. "In our place we limit to 25-30 reservations per half hour, but that doesen't account for important walk-ins that you must take or reservation mistakes resulting in more people trying to sit at one time than can be reasonably handled." If you take reservations then people should know that if they walk in and you don't have a table then it is their fault for not calling. I would never think to go to a restaurant on a weekend without a reservation. Or, don't overbook and you will have room for walk-ins. If your host/hostess overbooks retrain them or hire someone who is able to count. With all this being said running a restaurant is very difficult and mistakes happen. Where is your restaurant?

You have a valid complaint. I think we were all looking for reasons why this may have happened. What bothers me is when I go into a restaurant with a reservation, the restaurant is half full and they won't seat me right away but tell me to wait at the bar. When this happens I refuse to buy a drink at the bar. Anyway--why don't you e-mail me the name of the restaurant. I won't tell but if someone else eventually has the same complaint I will know that this is a pattern.

Sooooo---just take an early BD gift. Or a late one.

Not down on Cingue Figlie at all. Just forgot to list it. Was there recently for lunch. Sooooooo good. Had a raw tuna app with salad. Friend had the calamari. They grill it perfectly. Then we shared a pasta.

Boatman--did this restaurant have a young inexperienced staff or were you at a high end restaurant where the staff is usually better trained? I know that what happened should not have happened but it is more understandable if it happened at a storefront BYO with highschoolers for staff rather than one of the top NJ restaurants. Can you share the name of the restaurant with us?

Corso 98, Montclair BYO Campania, Fair Lawn. Was there once and like it alot. Il Mondo Vecchio, Madison BYO Scalini Fedeli, Chatham BYO Bella Rosa, East Hanover BYO

In any case the restaurant handled the problem properly. Mother's Day is the busiest day a restaurant has and mistakes happen. If you liked the food I'd give the restaurant another visit. Mistakes can also happen when a waiter hits the wrong computer button.