Lreda

Appletree in Wharton has really stepped up in the past few months adding a very clean butcher shop to fresh produce, a sushi bar and authentic Italian meat & cheese deli. A very welcome addition.

Couldn't have written a better post myself.

Wow, I'm surprised this cookbook is popular. I recieved it as a gift, went through it and discarded as useless both in my restaurant and at home. Perhaps I'll give it another look-see. Let me know how your recipes turn out.

Do yourself a favor. If you don't want another non-descript meal, avoid Portofino also. Another red sauce Italian restaurant. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

You are like the fuckin Grim Reaper. Stay out of my place. Don't need the bad karma See ya at Monster Sushi. I hear the sushi rolls are larger than Rosie.

I'll be right back. I have to change my screen name. I like this topic.

The only reason I'm posting on this topic is so I can be notified when someone else responds. I might comment later..... after.....

Rosie, Isn't there a Casa D'Amici in Denville?

Haven't been to Bella Napoli in over 10 years but It used to be good if not great Italian food. Mussels fraDiavlo, great veal, moderate wine list ( In those days I'd drink gasoline) Son who took over was a bit of a jerk, Got into it with him once, alcohol and drugs were after all pervelent in the 80's. Small spot but had heard they expanded later on.

In retrospect, I think A.G.'s review was spot on.( No offense to Kimmyb72) I look back at how I built my clientelle (Sic) and I wouldn't change anything. I have a bunch of unique people that frequent my place. I think it adds to the ambiance of the place. In fact more reviewers should catch the total essence of a restaurant. Someone let me know if A.G is coming and if Valerie shows up I'll be hard placed to get a clarinet foursome up quickly. At least when Rosie shows up I only have to wear a midriff. '

No, it's not all about the food but the total dining experience. We have to provide ambiance, a good beverage system ( wine by the glass, port list, etc). Music has to be good enough to please customers in their 20's as well as their 60%. A someone good social scene has to exsist at the bar. I think Mr Giglio did a fine job with his review. Sharon & The Soprano's scene at LuNello's were part of what the fiber of each restaurant is

I hope no one goes on a Anti-Soprano's rant or how this could be misconstruded as Anti-Italian. Thank God Mr Giglio is Italian-American or all the zealots would be looking to hang him by a streetlight in Milan. Hi-ya-doin.

I'm sitting bhere looking at my screen really not knowing what to say. I've been known to throw the f bomb at the bar but using it over the phone to potential customers, I don't know but obviously Sharon gets away with it as A.G. wasn't disturbed by it nor the customers as the place is full. ( Only 28 seats) Now, if A.G. comes in to review The Grill (Haven't been yet in 9+ years) I know how to greet him. "Tony, how the fuck you doin" Then it's over to The Showplace to get some strippers for the bar. I'd like him to be comfortable. I do draw the line with a kiss at the door.

I leave 25% to 30 % in the area I live because I don't want to be known as the cheap mother****** that owns The Grill. Otherwise I'm with Tommy, I tip 20-25% and let them worry about it. Although in a sushi joint and I'm at the bar I tip 10% to the chefs and 15% to the servers. ( Why, I don't know, they take my order, open the wine and go away.)

Wait a year and they'll be out of business. Someone's gotta be the guinea pig early on. I'd walk in the 1st couple of days they're open, grab a menu, maybe have a drink and if everything looks good have an app. Otherwise, wait a month or so and give it a shot on a Wednesday or Thursday.

Whew, had me concerned, thought something might have gone wrong last week. Glad you enjoyed everything. Sorry about the bug, had it in December, wasn't fun during the holidays. Our Fascino dinner looks to be booked though someone almost always backs out at the end. Look to hook up with us in the spring, if it ever comes.

O.K. We've got 10 now. I'll give a extra day, let's say midnight Thurs and we're closed. No more than 12, room for 2 more. We're all OK for a 6pm start. Mr. Fascino, I'll assume you wouldn't mind us at 6pm. 10-12 please. I'm off tomorrow and will look over the menu to plan a menu. How many courses will you suggest we have for the $70 prix fixe price. I only need to know to suggest wine pairings. I'll contact Mr. Fascino privately to go over the menu. Please post any allergies, annoyances or other bullshit that I or Mr Fascino can avoid going through at the last minute. I look forward to dining here. Sue's driving. Turley?

Room for two more. Anthony, what the dillio? You & Doreen in? Are we all good for 6pm and are we all at $70 per including tax & Grat.

8:00 is a little late for us. Could we do 6pm?

O.K 9 in so far. 11 to go. I suggest we keep it at a max of 20 so they can get the food out and we don't overwelm the dining room. If a party of 20 is too much, Mr Fascino can let us know what the limit is. Anyone with food allergies or a dislike for cetain things should let me know by the 12th as I will begin to set up the menu with the restaurant. Lou P.S. Suzy, shame we'll miss you. Do we have a price limit? I would suggest $70 or slightly under per person. Let me know.

I'm in for the 12th. 1pm Hunk #1

How much does amazon charge for instance Wild Boar Tenderloin. I pay $11.50 a pound. I might have to check this out after I get a little sleep. Lou

Terry, hope you and your husband enjoyed everything. It was nice to meet you, sorry I couldn't say goodbye but I was a little short in the kitchen and had to go back behind the line to get the 8:00 rush out. You should consider joining the rest of us on one of our egullet meals.

Casey, I hope the weather holds up for you. Sorry I won't see you as I'm off tomorrow as it's family day for me. Hope I see you shortly. Enjoy dinner. Lou

"sweetcheeks" huh. Now I'm blushing