Rosie

Toni Froio is the chef. I loved her food when she was cooking at Farmingdale House many moons ago. She has owned a few restaurants/delis since then.

The chef from The Park opened Carlos and Luigi Steakhouse, 205 Market St, Elmwood Park (201-703-5510) this winter. Was there once and didn't think the food was as good as The Park.

Do the owners of Moonstruck still own this place?? The Man, The Myth TapItorScrapIt.com I don't think so but am not sure.

More on Frankie and Johnnies here http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?act=ST...4261&hl=frankie

There have been quite a few discussions about NJ steakhouses. Have you been to Mignon, Frankie & Johnny's or Smoke?

Chef is Toni Frio. Any info on this restaurant?

Excuse me but the best restaurant in New Jersey is White Manna. Everybody knows that Nicholas is number two. That may be true but since I haven't been to White Manna yet my pick for #1 at this time is Nicholas.

"1. Corkage: Rosie, it was never only a buck; even 15 years ago it was, I think, at least $5. Now, I'm virtually certain that it's $25. Furthermore, the wine list prices are $25 above the Wine Cask's retail store price, the idea being that were to you buy a bottle and bring it in to the restaurant, you'd end up paying the same either way." Now everything makes sense. Thank you so much. Have my reservation for Wine Cask and looking forward to dining there.

Chef Nicholas trained at the Culinary Institute of America and was sommelier at Jean Georges in New York City. His wife was the former dining room manager and sommelier at Tabla, in New York City.

Nicholas IS the best restaurant in NJ.

Nicholas & Melissa, Thanks for your kind words. Let us know how things turn out.

Actually I think it is a good thing. Lou gets a vacation!

Health Checks 8/24 http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=e...UVFeXk2NDE3NTM5

The Jewish holidays are not next week.

Yes. But call in case the summer hours are different.

Same owners so I assume the food is the same.

I didn't know they had a dessert sampler. You mean I don't have to order one of full serving of everything next time?

Chef/owner Joe Mucerino of Cinque Figlie 302 Whippany Road, Whippany never fails to deliver. Had a delightful dinner starting with bruschetta topped with tomatoes and grilled circles of stuffed zucchini. Bread was served warm and a bottle of fruity olive oil was on the table. Appetizers were a special of spinach and radicchio salad topped with goat cheese and walnuts; a pumpkin/leek soup with grilled sea scallops; and grilled calamari in a fresh herb dressing. Entrees were grilled shrimp over black pasta with roasted peppers, eggplant and fresh tomatoes (one of my favorite dishes); a special of strawberry bass with shellfish; a fabulous filet of striped bass in a crispy pignoli nut crust and perfectly cooked sea scallops over shredded potatoes and leeks surrounded by a balsamic and port wine reduction. We had berries, tartufo, and a bourbon walnut chocolate torte for dessert. Phone: 973-560-0545. Have you dined out recently? Be sure to give us a report. Lou Reda--So sorry---I forgot to call you. Next time.

Lowell's been to Mastori's in Bordentown and loved it. Seems like this place has a cult following. That would probably be your best bet.

"Lots of hard-to-find central coast stuff." Can you recommend some wines that I should try that I wouldn't find in NJ?

Never been to that area but Barnsboro Inn, 699 Main St. Barnsboro received 2 stars from NJM 10/01. Camden isn't even listed in Zagat. Maybe you should plan on having a picnic.

But Wine Cask, I am told charges $1 corkage if you buy the wine in their wine store. Is the wine in the wine store cheaper than it is in the restaurant? Why would someone order wine off of their wine list if they can get it cheaper next door and bring it to the restuarant for $1?

Hey Lou--Is that the best you can do? That blender picture will never make Food Arts. Try again!

"in santa barbara, definite yes for wine cask (you can buy the wine at their wine store next door and they charge something like $1 to pour it for you)." Does the wine store sell the same wine for the same price as Wine Cask? If the prices are higher in the restauant for the same wine why would they charge only $1 corkage? How does this work? Do you buy the wine and tell the waiter you bought it next store? BTW--NJ is the BYO state with 70-80% of the restaurants being BYO. It's also illegal to charge a corkage fee.

With the exception of F&J's, I've been to all of the above, with River Palm being my favorite. I'd be interested to see if the new Strip House in Livingston would be added to your list. I think you would need another hand to count on . Give it a try! Been there. Liked it and am now using two hands. I posted the original note before the Strip House was open. I assume you have been there. Give us a report of what you had and what you liked.