Msk

I love these debates. I agree with alot of whats been said regarding the "blank slate" nature of Merlot. Its neutral qualities make it a good base to reflect a style of vinification or the terroir or some combination therein. Those that choose to do this can make quality merlots, those that do not are left with a neutral inoffensive wine. The neutrality of the characteristics of grape are, IMHO, a contributor to its mass appeal. The less "edge" the smaller the chance to offend. However, I must admit I find most CA Merlot boring and one dimensional as well. MSK

All I am going to say is thank you. My wife and I just got back from an amazing experience at Blue Hill. Wonderful food and wonderful service. If it wasn't for the great discussion here we might never have gone. Thanks, Msk

Not counting lunch which I eat out every day near my office, I generally eat out 3 - 5 times per week, more if you include takeout. (Unless I'm eating the rubber chicken at any one of NY's finest restaurants for a business function). I have been to 15 of those restaurants in the last year, 25 in the last 18 months. The types of restaurants I go to vary greatly from Burger Joints to 4 Star restaurants. (though my my opinions also do vary from the NYT and Zagat's as well). However, I tend to go to lower scale places to satisfy cravings. During the week I tend to go to neighborhood Places (Murray Hill), during the weekend the whole city is fair game. I tend to like to try new restaurants, I have a soft spot for supporting entrepneurial restraunteurs. I love food and wine (as with most eGulleters) Msk

Rosie, Florham Park Deli 182 Ridgedale Ave, Florham Park, NJ 07932 973-301-2000 I looked this up and called to confirm it for you. The Russian dressing, cole slaw, and sloppy joes are that good. The combination of these synergistic home made ingredients is great even if you don't like them normally. Let me know what you think if you try it. No commercial connection here, just a fan for about 20 years. Msk

The Millburn Deli in Millburn on Millburn ave. They also have a sister deli in Florham Park. They make the bes homemade cole slaw and russian dressing I have ever come across ( And i have looked far and wide.) Also grab a Sloppy Joe while your at it (3 pieces fresh baked rye, swiss, russian, cole slaw, meat of your choice. Peopl have them shipped cross country. I still drive back from Manhattan for them. Msk

I believe they used to have a wasabi encrusted Filet Mignon of your not going the Kobe route. I enjoyed that, with alot of Sake. Msk

Love Wegmans. Went to school in Ithaca, NY and I really miss that place. I agree it puts Kings to shame. Msk

That was a very interesting read. The only question I have, is when you already have narrowed down the field to 13 wines which are assuredly high quality, does it tell you as much as if the process was repeated with the semifinal round. Msk.

Damn, apparently I have quite a list of places to check out now. I'm a fan of the Buffalo chicken tenders at Joe's American bar and grill in the Short Hills Mall. No breading, no bones, and a damn good sauce. For those times when I just don't wanna get down and dirty with a dozen wings and a pitcher of beer. If you said Sharkys and his response was "Wings" well then I gotta go. MSK

Loced the Wings at Down the Hatch, but I think those were an Atomic Franchise, so I guess I'm voting for Atomic. Can I add a bit of a twist to the thread? How about best "boneless" Buffalo Wings in NYC. I'd have to vote for Senior Swanky's Lazy Guy wings, around 72nd street on the west side. Theres one in the village too but I've never been. Theres a great place in the Short Hills Mall in NJ too (Joes american Bar and Grill) if you are ever in there. Anyone know any others? MSK

Hell's Kitchen, 9th and 47thish. GREAT upscale-though-affordable Mexican food, though don't expect burritos and tacos. Its Maya-esque but less expensive. Instead of chips you get cornbread pita wedges with a black bean dip thats killer. You won't be sacrificing any taste here, I assure you. Just reserve early, and they don't take reservations for small parties after like 6:30pm if you wanna try it for a normal (non-pre theatre) dinner. MSK

Vitoa is my fave, but I'm a Fresh Mozzarella freak. I liked Anthony's Italian alot too. HUGE portions with good wine values on the wine list (though its small). Its like 6th and madison I think, or thereabouts. No mention of Benny Tudinos? Was my favorite Pizza. I'll second La Scala and Margharita (but the lines are horrible). A good second is Cafe Michelina at 5th street and one block west of washington, and theres never a wait, and its less expensive. Whats funny is I live in Manhattan now and am still looking for a replacement for Vitos and Bennys. MSK