Rosie

Thomas Sweet mixes toppings into the ice cream also.

Chef Connie Rousseau, a personal chef, certified instructor, and member of the United States Personal Chef Association. http://www.conniecooks.com/ or call 201-941-2433 Let us know who you end up using.

Marco & Pepe are dogs. But the restaurant at 289 Grove St, Jersey City which the owners named after them is thriving and worthy of a visit. The menu and cooking are innovative and exciting. We started off with an excellent frisse salad topped with pickled pearl onions, grilled thick bacon, and quail egg dressed with a warm bacon vinaigrette. The sweet/sour lobster soup was more of a palate cleanser then the hearty soup I was expecting. It had scallions, bonito, enoki mushrooms, red pepper and udon noodles which provided some texture. We couldn’t taste the sweet/sour flavors but the lobster essence in the broth was unmistakable. Entrees were a fabulous braised lamb shank with a white bean, eggplant, roasted tomatoes, pearl onions, braised fennel, and a white wine rosemary jus. Lowell also had a winner; duck breast with red pearl onions, Swiss chard, mushroom roasted barley, tomatoes, and veal mushroom jus. "The duck really tastes like duck." I said after a taste. Lucky for us we ran into Glenn and the lovely Annabel at the restaurant. They joined us so we got to taste their food also. Garlic steamed mussels with cilantro, tomatoes and white wine were bobbing in flavor. The grilled pork loin with baby spinach, potato rosti, roasted tomato, shallot and olive compote was flavorful but cooked one minute too long. The roasted sea bass with a tamarind glaze beautifully presented atop of long beans, shiitake mushrooms, and lemongrass Basmati rice was stellar. Lowell and I shared a warm apple pie made with Armagnac roasted apples topped with vanilla gelato and surrounded by a warm caramel sauce. I was sorry we didn’t order two of them. With a bottle of wine ($26), after dinner drink ($10) tax and tip the bill was $130. Be forewarned--they do not take reservations unless you have a party of six or more. 289 Grove St, Jersey City. Phone: 201-860-9688.

Thanks for your honesty!

I assume it is BYO???

Sounds like it might be a good thing to me also!

Some info here. http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showto...=0entry335362 A search will bring up other places on eGullet with info on this place. Please give us a report if you go.

There is now a sign in the window of a recently closed Italian in Closter saying that Coldstone Creamery is coming soon. Looks like a Friendly's-type place, but I don't know for sure.... Which restaurant closed in Closter?

Has anyone tried Coldstone Creamery? Is it any good?

Sounds delish!! Thanks for the info.

fatcatbrew--We await your report.

Dining at Huntley Taverne, 3 Morris Ave, Summit is always a pleasure. We started out with white bean and vegetable soup; macadamia crusted shrimp with a curried coconut broth and rice noodles; mozzarella, basil, and fresh tomato sauce wood fired pizza; and crispy calamari salad with a Thai chili vinaigrette. If you like coconut broth you’ll love the shrimp. The calamari had a kick and was deliciously spicy; a nice change from the calamari that is served with tomato sauce. All of the entrees were winners. The tempura nori wrapped rare tuna with Asian vegetables, marinated soba noodles and a ginger-sesame dipping sauce was a good as it looked. I also loved the ragout of gnocchi with baby artichokes, asparagus, portobello mushrooms, roasted Vidalia onion, sundried tomatoes and mushroom broth. Pan seared halibut was beautifully presented in a large bowl with roasted prosciutto wrapped asparagus and an asparagus broth. And a pan roasted breast of chicken over creamy polenta with warm cherry tomato, sherry vinegar and olive sauce and addictive Parmigiana Reggiano fried baby artichokes brought this ho-hum bird to new heights. We shared some cookies and sorbets for desserts.

"as usual, a distinctly older crowd was filling the tables tonite. i have a feeling the median age might change soon. at least i hope so, as the secret should be getting out if i can help it. " Does the age of the crowd make a difference in your dining experience? How old is distinctly old?

And don't be put off by the location or decor. Breakfasts are good!

Raymonds, 28 Church St. Montclair. They open at 8 AM.

I believe they are closed on Sunday.

I was sitting in the back near the kitchen and it was painfully loud there also.

Brunch is listed on their menu but I would call them first.

Yes. Now I know where Jimmy Johnson's is. Have you noticed where the fat lady sings is closed? Will give Lulu's another try.

Village Green is very new and they are not having their Grand Opening until the end of April. Be aware that menus/prices etc may change. There are three tasting menus: 4 course $35; 5 course $45; and 7 course $65. VERY reasonable—actually unbelievably reasonable. The amuse we had there was a mushroom consommé which was quite good. Would have loved more! Thought the halibut was outstanding. The tuna a bit overcooked. Wasn’t as thrilled with the rabbit as Anthony was but I was comparing it to the rabbit I had at The French Laundry. It came with a roll of cabbage stuffed with rabbit meat. Sauces on all of the dishes were outstanding. I’m not a big fan of squab but for squab it was good. Crabcake and salmon were delicious. Crème brulee was very good. Chocolate soufflé cake was overcooked. We didn’t order coffee. The night we were there they were short staffed. A waiter called in close to the opening hour to say he was not leaving his other job and wouldn’t be working at VG. However, our meal was well paced. I certainly want to go back here and urge you to try this restaurant in a few months.

Kear--yes keep us informed. Lulu's Bistro------ everyone loves this place. I was there when they first opened and it was awful. Will try it again. Nero's-------------Old standby/yes Calabria's---------Totally renovated, all granite and marble, very good food/never been as I prefer BYO. Northfield Bar and Grill--- Formally Bice's, gone downhill/I don't think they ever made it up the hill Ravello's----------Very good, inventive/haven't been there in years Jimmy Johnston's -- GREAT burgers/where are they located? I go to Gaffer's.

ErinB--Address??? Phone # also if you have it. Thanks.

There was lots of parking behind Raymond's today.

Thanks Kear. Does the West Essex Tribune have a web page and do they list health violations weekly? Where do you like to eat in Livingston?

Lou--you are to be commended for going "above and beyond" what is expected.