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Birthday Dinner Edison Area

Randi

By Randi
in New Jersey: Dining

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Randi

Randi

Posted
Posted

I have heard good things about LouCas in Edison and Abracci's in Metuchen and I am wondering if anyone has been to both and can help me decide which to go to tomorrow night (Wednesday) for a birthday dinner.

Any opinions?

Randi

"Well," said Pooh, "what I like best --" and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called. - A.A. Milne

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RockADS21

RockADS21

Posted
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I am very partial to Abbraci...it is one of my favorite restaurants in NJ and has been for years...depending on the size of the party however, the room may be a little tight for you where LouCa's may be a bit more comfortable...

A.D.S.

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Casey

Casey

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If you can fit into Abracci, I would definitely go there over LouCas. While the food at LouCas is very good (especially the seafood), I find the space very crowded and very loud, and the service more like a diner than a nice restaurant. On the other hand, the service at Abracci is equally attentive and unobtrusive, the food excellent, and the atmosphere much better! One of my favorite places as well.

Casey

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lamb

lamb

Posted
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I know I'm too late to chime in with a suggestion for the Wednesday dinner, but I hope you chose Cafe Abracci.

Have been there quite a few times. My son's high school is right down the road, and so when my husband and I are on drop off duty for dances, we head there after we off-load a Tahoe full of teenagers.

Was at LouCa's 2 times. Don't feel the need to go back there.

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Randi

Randi

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Thanks everyone! I already knew Rosie would suggest Loucas' and that RockADS was partial to Cafe Abbraci (which I have now learned how to spell!)

I am glad to see more opinions as well - and appreciated the emails I received too. Seems there is a split - so I will accept the role of tie breaker :rolleyes: and try them both!

I decided to go to Loucas this time, since their menu was online and we were able to get excited about some of the items.

We liked the bread - it was served warm (but with rock hard butter). I got clams casino - there were 6 small but tasty clams - made with peppers, shallots, bacon and herb butter.

My one friend got the penne alla vodka with chicken. She and my other friend thought it was very good. I thought it was ok. My other friend got the filet mignon wrapped in bacon, topped with herb breadcrumbs, sitting atop a portabello mushroom with a brandy demi-glaze sauce. She ordered it medium well but it came out closer to medium (maybe even medium rare - it was red in the center). She had specifically said "pink is ok, but no red" but she enjoyed it anyhow. (so did I - she gave me some of the rare center!)

Hers was served with garlic mashed which were good. The veggie medley was limp and pedestrian.

I ordered the stuffed shrimp which were very tasty - the stuffing was a very creamy lump crab imperial which was a tad too creamy and slightly sweet. The shrimp were fair sized and there was lots of stuffing (would have preferred more shrimp and less stuffing). I ended up sharing the stuffing with my friend.

We all got dessert. One got a pecan tart which she said was terrible and she sent it back. She got the homemade NY cheesecake instead which was very light and fluffy for NY style, I thought. (or is it supposed to be?) Tasted very cream-cheesy and not very sweet (that is not necessarily a bad thing). I would have liked to try it when I wasn't stuffed to the gills. :raz: My other friend and I both got the creme brulee. The custard was delicious but the sugar-topping had a burnt taste. I hate when that happens!

Oh - we were surprised that they charged for a refill on a glass of unsweetened ice tea.

We all agreed that this was a good solid meal - but not outstanding. We would go back and try some other dishes.

Next stop! Cafe Abbraci! (then the Metuchen Inn, and Dan's on Main!)

"Well," said Pooh, "what I like best --" and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called. - A.A. Milne

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suzilightning

suzilightning

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Oh - we were surprised that they charged for a refill on a glass of unsweetened ice tea.

this appears to be a trend even up here in the hinterlands. places i have been frequenting for years are now charging for unsweetened iced tea?!?!

gotta get mike off to the side the next time i see him and ask - why

Nothing is better than frying in lard.

Nothing.  Do not quote me on this.

 

Linda Ellerbee

Take Big Bites

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Casey

Casey

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Randi, definitely report back once you get to Abbraci and tell us how you liked it. I'd also be curious to hear how your visit to Metuchen Inn goes. We went there twice when we first moved in about two years ago, and were not impressed. Dan's on the other hand is a favorite which we frequent quite often.

Casey

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