coughy

I know it is early but I would like to find a restaurant to host a family dinner in May for a Tuft's graduation. I would prefer a private room for about 25 people that has parking or parking nearby. Price isn't really an issue but need a place with vegetarian options. Thanks.

Vivas in Belmar was delicious - just came back from dinner. BYO - Latin inspired.

I don't know if they changed hands but their cakes and breads are delicious. I had a dinner party last night and got my desserts and bread from them and everyone raved about how great they were.

We recently had brunch at Sweet Basils in West Orange and it was really terrific.

Fun is casual with great atmosphere - not too loud but not stuffy. Delicous food but not a 3 hour dinner. Anything Mediterranean would be a preference for my son.

Coming down to DC on Thursday to see some area colleges. We are staying on Pennsylvania Ave near 24th Street. Where can we go for a fun dinner? Price is not an issue. Anything but Indian food goes. Thanks

We were only in Key West for 2 days but had two wonderful dinners. Seven Fishes was superb - the food and service. Went to El Siboney for some really great Cuban. Stopped at the Islamorada Fish Market on the way down and had a great lunch.

I am so glad someplace good to stop on 23 North. I visit my father in Pompton Plains and the trip up 23 is rather boring.

It is so funny how people have such different experiences in the same places. My husband and I went to Rosemary and Sage in December with 2 friends. We had a 7pm reservation and yes, I did think it was odd to walk in to be faced with a coat rack. We were seated and ordered some wine. I think their prices were very fair. I can't remember exactly what we ate but I do remember that we were all pleased and liked what we ordered. The wait staff couldn't have been nicer and the service was timely. We have plans with other friends to introduce them to Rosemary and Sage in a few weeks.

Not far from Wayne and right off of 287 in Riverdale is Rosemary and Sage. We had dinner there a few weeks ago and it was terrific.

I heard that a new Italian restaurant opened in what was Gauchos. Has anybody tried it?

Zabar's has excellent chopped liver. I don't know if it is made with schmaltz like it is at Sammy's though.

We recently had dinner at Amandas in Hoboken and saw that they have a few really lovely private rooms. The only drawback is parking. In Montclair I would look into Lalezar and Fascino.

I am sorry to say it took us two years to finally get to Addiwan and it really wasn't worth it. We started with a bunch of appetizers, a very good salad, delicious falefal, so-so hummus and a sun dried red pepper spread that was okay. Our mains were kufte kebab which was very dry, a spicy shrimp that I did not taste but my friend said was okay and two sampler platters of chicken, lamb and kufte kebabs that were also very dry. I would have enjoyed my dinner even better had I been able to converse with our friends. The music was very loud and when the belly dancer came out all talk had to stop as we found ourselves screaming at each other. When the waiter asked if we wanted coffee I said I couldn't stand the noise any longer. He said if we didn't want the noise we should have sat up front. On our way out, up front was empty and very cold from the door being opened. We will stick with Lalezar where the food is better, the staff much friendlier and the music - even with the belly dancer - not so loud!

Next week is our anniversary and I make it a point not to drive into NYC but to try a restaurant we have never been to closer to home. I made a reservation at Lorenas and was wondering if anyone has been here lately and what they think. Thanks

We did take out last night. My husband loves the honey baby ribs but they didn't have any last night. We got the regular bbq ribs which were delicious. I really was in the mood for shrimp with lobster sauce - what a mistake, one bite and the whole order went right down the garbage disposal. It was a thin soupy mess with egg whites stirred in and the only flavor was pepper. We also tried the Triple Delight which was just okay.

I am throwing a small dinner party for a friend's birthday on a Saturday evening. I would love a private room in an elegant restaurant for 20 - 25 people. Any suggestions? Thanks

Just came back from brunch and it was really terrific. We made plans with friends many weeks ago to have brunch and when I read here that Sweet Basils was opened for brunch I knew we had to try it. We were regulars there when they were open for dinner and are still sorry they aren't any longer. Their brunch menu was large with many different omelet, benedict, pancake, waffle, and french toast choices. We each had something different and everyone loved what they ate.

How about E & V in Paterson?

We are going to the Breeder's Cup which is being run this year at Monmouth. As we are planning on winning where can we go afterwards for a nice dinner?

Try Molyvos on 7th and 56th. The food is really delicious.

We like Lalezar in Montclair. Turkish food that is really delicious and they have music and a belly dancer on the weekends.

We are planning a holiday party for about 65 people. We would like to have a Texas themed party and serve bbq. Any suggestions for private rooms we can use and bring in a caterer? Thanks for your advice.

Jim - not only has the 94th Bomber Group closed the building was knocked down. Sorry.

Upon a recommendation from a friend we chose to dine at Ariel on rue Drummond. We were a little put off that the restaurant was empty when we got there but we sat down and were treated royally by an adorable waitress. Our food was all fresh and delicious, wine was great and reasonable. It seems they do a big lunch business so dinner time is slow. The owner came to chat and was charming. Give them a try - it is definitely worth it.