Nutley Resident

Can someone provide their exact location? I just went to their website and there is no mention of it (in Westwood). Chock Full o' Nuts Cafe

What a small, small world, Rosie! We were seated toward the rear ... farthest away from the window seating I'd say. I truly enjoy their "defiant cuisine." My wife and I are there rather regularly but each dish Keith prepares is like a piece of artwork. We never order from the regular menu because the specials are, well, just so special! We saw "trays" of dessert passing us by and said to Maureen, "We want that!" Of course, our eyes are always bigger than our stomachs. You were not the only one with the first button undone! :laugh: Isn't this a lovely gem of a restaurant? You should come on the wine tastings!! HOLY COW! Talk about good eats and what lessons you learn when Keith expounds on the wines and why it is chosen for the meal. Try and get there for one of those if you enjoyed last night, Rosie! We were lucky last night. We forgot to make reservations and did manage to get (I think) the last table. I think they've been open 3 years now and they just get busier and busier (good for them). Hope to see you there again sometime!

Enjoyed my meal at The Petite Cafe last evening and just had to post about it. Before I describe what I had, I just have to give this place some extra credit. I have never been a fish eater. I would never try something with a "weird name" that wasn't a stock name like sole or flounder, etc. Have to say that since I've been on my own version of the Atkins/South Beach diet since August 2003, I've looked to fish more and more for the high protein. Well, without digressing too much, I believe I have found a love of fish thanks to the chef at The Petite Cafe, Keith Jaret. He has a passion for creating seafood dishes that are second to none (hands-down). Last night I thoroughly enjoyed a creation of CASHEW CRUSTED MONCHONG WITH POMELO. Oh, my God, it was delicious. The hostess (his wife, Maureen) explained it was from Hawaii and that his purveyor has it flown in fresh. And it was surely fresh and scrumptious, to say the least. The sauce contained a fruit (pomelo) that is similar to grapefruit, but more robust. The marriage of the cashews and the fruit made this dish just spectacular. There are usually three seafood meals offered on their weekly specials. One offering is always a "duo" -- a combination of two dishes, but I wish they had a "trio" offering so that people could experiment even MORE with exotic fish that you normally do not find anywhere. BTW, his crab-cakes are fantastic. They are not on the specials menu but as an appetizer available during any dinner. I often get this and never tire of it. A lot of places have them with a lot of bread or filler. Not Chef Jaret's! Just fabulous pan-fried crab delivered with a delicious remoulade sauce. WHEW! My wife had a bowl of soup that he has offered in the past. CAESAR SALAD BISQUE is a unique offering that literally tastes like eating a Caesar salad! It doesn't have anchovies (thank goodness). The desserts are wonderful. They have a chocolate cake that is homemade on the premises. This is so moist and rich. Then they add homemade ice cream that puts Häagen-Dazs to shame! The cinnamon ice cream really is a hit. If you have never been there, you deserve to treat yourself to a truly fine dining experience (Thursday, Friday or Saturday evenings only).

The menu they distributed (folded paper in thirds) did not mention any other locations. FYI

The new BBQ place in Nutley is called Stephanie's and my wife, her parents and I stopped today for dinner. Four different dishes - three disappointing meals. We should have walked out when we entered because it was freezing inside. It sure didn't look like the old diner that we knew! A lot of ceramic tile was laid in place, but the tile sure didn't make the food taste any better! Dad had ribs w/rice & fries. Dry and tasteless. My wife had garlic chicken over yellow rice. Small pieces of flattened chicken breast that was very dry. Had a good garlic flavor, but why so DRY? I had BBQ Chicken w/boiled potatoes, carrots and cabbage. I took two bites and couldn't tolerate the dry meal. The veggies were delicious, but I was just so cold and disgusted I left it all. Mom had a grilled salmon that she liked. It came with the same veggies I had: boiled potatoes, carrots & cabbage. She cleaned her plate! We may return in the summer if the place is still open and try something else, but I sure won't go out of my way to recommend Stephanie's BBQ.

My wife and I waited several weeks to obtain a reservation at The Melting Pot in Westwood. We traveled about 40-minutes and braved finding a parking spot in the very busy car lot that services an abundent amount of restaurants and vendors. The long walk from the farthest spot with howeling wind was well worth it! The owner or manager, a tall Australian gentleman, greeted people upon arrival and circulated about the diners all evening. We had 7pm reservations and seated at 7:30 which I didn't care for, but were escorted to a section of the restaurant called "Lover's Lane" -- small booths just for two. My wife was delighted with the romantic lighting and privacy. Speaking of privacy, they have private rooms for larger parties. I didn't see much of the place during our stay, but our server, James (an English major), was very pleasant and educating. He explained that there are stations that have two fondue pots vs the one unit we had. Each table had a modern electronic "black plate" that boiled the fondue oil or cheese or whatever was served. Speaking of which, we started with a Swiss Cheese fondue and had veggies, breads and apples to cover with a delicious white wine & swiss cheese mixture made right at the table by James. Next we shared a Center Cut Beef fondue that had a salad. I didn't eat any of the salad, but my wife was enjoying it -- rasberry vinegarette w/walnuts & blu cheese on greens. Again, the main entree was delicious. 9 oz center cut beef that we cooked in a special oil (they have many choices of things -- a bit overwhelming). The dipping sauces seemed endless. I can't recall off hand but I think we had 8-10 different sauces. Too much to "digest" the first visit. The traditional chocolate fondue was just wonderful. A nice piece of creamy cheese cake, brownie pieces, fruits -- ah!!! With a single glass of wine & gratuity we left $80 less in our pockets. I will SURELY return. Their web site (The Melting Pot) is not very informative. The menu is very extensive -- perhaps "involved" is a better choice of words. I'm disappointed their site does not display the menu. I'm delighted, however, to have found this lovely restaurant!

Excellent feedback, folks. Thank you! Keep 'em coming! Someone suggested Old Mill Inn in Bernardsville? Any confirmation on that one?

Okay, Rosie, how 'bout cozy & w/a fireplace? I'll pass on the view. Hey, 2 out of 3 ain't bad, is it?

My wife has been hinting to me that she would like to go to a "nice romantic spot that is cozy, has a fireplace and a nice view." She may be dreaming of something off a movie set, but if such a place exists, I'd love to help bring her dream to reality. Any ideas?

There are three lovely tea stops on my wife's list that are in Central Jersey: In Chester, NJ, Sally Lunns Tea Shoppe and Restaurant. In Clinton, NJ, Veranda's In Flemington, NJ, "Canterbury Corner" at 25 Tuxedo Junction in Flemington, NJ (908-788-8856). They have no web site. Hope this helps!

Speaking of knives ... a lay-person's question. I've seen so many infomercials on these "30 knifes" for 3 payments of $13.33 put out by Ronco. I could not be farther "removed" from a kitchen, but my wife loves to cook. Would I be wasting money on this set as a Christmas gift? Should we stay away from these instruments?

I'm partial to Legal Seafood's chowda.

Tommy, I read an article in the Nutley Sun about a week or two ago and the article indicated that two merchants, the Nail Salon as well as Little Siagon, are planning to reopen at that location with a walk-way from the municipal parking lot at the rear to Franklin Avenue. There were no further details offered in the front page story.

Sadly, three stores are now gone in Nutley: Little Saigon, a Nail Salon, and the Vitamin/Health Food store. In fact, there is nothing more than a huge hole in the group from excavating the site today. The Green Jade (restaurant only) next door is now closed. There is a great deal of smoke damage and the outside wall closest to the fire location is badly burned. It will probably have to be checked for structural integrity before they allow patrons back in for business. The take-out side is still open. This fire started in the neighborhood of 11:00 PM on Sunday, 9/28/03 and was finally bought under control by 7:00 AM on Monday morning. Many neighboring towns provided mutual aid in this dangerous fire. Fortunately, there were no injuries nor lives lost.

Yes, Pnapoli, my wife and I were seated before anyone else entered for dining. You may have heard me ask Maureen to consult Keith which fish entree was the moistest. I just had (4-wks ago) gastric by-pass surgery and they have been extremely accomodating in helping me with my specialized diet. I had no problem digesting the Opaka Paka and had never before tried the Hawaiian fish. I was thrilled with the taste, texture and the sauce .... oh, the SAUCE! Whew!! Keith Jaret is a wizard when it comes to complimenting his meals with just the right flavors! I'm truly looking forward to the Hall of Fame ceremonies tomorrow (Sunday). I'm anxious to sample Keith's cooking again! While I can only eat a miniscule amount of food, I savour eat bite of whatever he prepares. Can't wait for his scallops, Pnapoli!!

There is a very large International Food Warehouse on Route 17N in (guessing) Maywood a few miles below Route 4/17 interchange.

Table #4 -- in the corner of the long bench opposite the window. And you?

I thought eGullet readers might be interested in this news. My wife and I just had a very delicious meal at The Petite Cafe. I had SAUTEED OPAKA PAKA (FRESH HAWAIIAN SNAPPER) WITH STOLICHNAYA and my wife had CARROT GINGER BISQUE served cold and BRAISED WAHOO WITH CRABMEAT, ROAST GARLIC AND SUN-DRIED TOMATOES. Both fish plates were moist and had a wonderful combination of flavors. While there the Hostess, Maureen Jaret, was delighted to share with the patrons that she and her husband, Chef Keith Jaret, will be featured on THE TODAY SHOW with Lester Holt for Sunday, September 28, 2003. There is great media coverage of the event later that day, the Nutley Hall of Fame, in which nine inductees will receive their honors. The one with the most publicity is Martha Stewart. She will also have her television show, Martha Living, taping the affair and featuring the food that The Petite Cafe will prepare and serve. Donations of food were made by many Nutley vendors so that Chef Jaret can prepare a steady stream of upscale Hors D'Oeuvres for the afternoon gala. FYI only!

Le Peep moved off of Route 4E in Paramus about 2 years ago and relocated on Route 10E in Randolph as already stated. They have another location on Route 1S in the Brunswicks. If you are in the Nutley area, The Petite Cafe http://www.thepetitecafe.com has a very nice and unique Sunday Brunch that is relaxing and quaint. The menu is limited but the quality is outstanding. I have two favorite side dishes: Jack Daniels Glazed Ham and the Sweet Breakfast Bruschette which is a sweet ricotta mousse on french toast.

I'm sorry I don't know the name of this little place, but the cole slaw is AWESOME. It is just north of the brand new North Arlington bridge (joins Belleville & North Arlington via Route 7). Once over the bridge into North Arlington, turn left and it is just up the street on your right hand side. They have a large aluminum structure for dispensing bags of ice cubes right outside (as a landmark).

If I may add that if you went to The Petite Cafe and the televisions were on, you were NOT there during dinner hours when the place is literally transformed. I've written in my earlier posts about the place ... no sense beating a dead horse. If you have never experienced DINNER at this establishment (Thurs-Sat evenings only), you are depriving yourself of an outstanding culinary event.

Hello again. I'm sorry if I upset anyone, I'm new here. I'm just an average "Joe" and have no affiliation with the restaurant other than being an eager patron. I am not a food critic and don't know how to write about the finer qualities of food. Sorry. In my opening post I provided the web address (URL) of The Petite Cafe and thought it would be helpful for those to take a quick tour and examine the menu items first hand. Here it is again (just click on the link), if you missed it: http://www.thepetitecafe.com/ I was also hoping that other readers of the Forum would add their experiences to help enlighten others about the restaurant. Chef Jaret is an outstanding chef which can only be demonstrated by a visit. They are open for breakfast/lunch (daily) and dinner (Thurs-Sat). Their breakfast and lunch menus are pretty mediocre (Sunday is more special -- an extended menu -- than any other day). Their dinner fare is much more "fine dining" when they put out the linens and transform the Cafe into a quiet, intimate, quality dining experience with an extremely diverse and varied menu. Weekly specials are extraordinary. Special events, such as the upcoming Fondue tasting and recent Wine Tasting events are made to be very unique, delicious and educational. Chef Jaret is highly knowledgable of wine and food. Perhaps I should not have started the post and just kept my mouth quiet about this wonderful restaurant. Others may be able to embellish about the cuisine, etc. I look forward to other people commenting about the establishment.

All types, Tommy. I must say I'm partial to quiet places. I like creative cooking. This restaurant (The Petite Cafe) fits that bill, hands down. I hope this helps.

Rachel, perhaps you misunderstood my comment. One poster commented about Little Siagon as being his "draw" to Nutley (and that's wonderful), but the second poster asked about the food (reviews) at Little Siagon, location, et al and I felt it was inappropriate to start a discussion about THAT restaurant when I invited posters to discuss the pros and cons about The Petite Cafe. Is that too much to ask? I'm not being rude, but where did I cross the line, Rachel? Was my request too over demanding? Was I cross? Did I flame somewhere? I realize you are an Assistant Coordinator here, I'm just trying to find out why I'm "out of line" in my simple plea.

Not to appear rude, but this message thread is about The Petite Cafe -- at least that was my intent! There is a completely seperate thread about Vietnam cuisine in NJ that your comments belong in.