La Ciboulette

[Hank]

This restaurant in North Bergen has been recommended to me a few times and I would like very much to know if anyone from eGullet has been there and what they think about it.

[Rosie]

Haven't been and would like to give it a try. But it's your assignment so please go and give us a report!!!

[Hank]

Having never said "no" to a beautiful woman I will do just that, ASAP.

[hscottk]

While I have never been to La Ciboulette, I had many wonderful meals at its predecessor, Stephen's Cafe.

Stephen's was excellent and consistent, and had some of the bests soups I've ever eaten. Unfortunately, its owner, "Bill," passed away, and the restaurant changed hands.

I've heard rumor that the new owner was a chef at Stephen's, but I am not certain. And unfortunately, the new cafe has removed the $29 Prix Fixe which made Stephen's such a fantastic value.

I eagerly await a verdict on the new (and more expensive) place.

Edited November 30, 2003 by hscottk (log)

[Hank]

As promised we did actually go to La Ciboulette twice and we were going to go a third time before commenting about it, but, lo and behold it closed a couple of weeks ago. This truly was quite an amazing place. Visually it was beautiful, most professionaly run and the food was for the most part fabulous. But, the two times we went, (once on a Thursday evening and the second time on a Saturday evening) we were the only people in the restaurant. Most uncomfortable to say the least. Three people did come in as we were leaving around 9:30 on Saturday. By that time the waitress had already come to our table to say good night and had left. Very weird. Since the food was so good my only thoughts as to why they closed was LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. Though BYOB a three course dinner ran between $100.00 to $120.00 per couple and a blue collar neighborhood like North Bergen was not going to support this restaurant. Also, the parking was horrendous. Too bad for in a better location it could have been a winner.

[Rosie]

Hank--

THANK YOU so much for the report. I am so sorry I never got to La Ciboulette before it closed. I will look into another restaurant for you to try!!

[scarlet knight]

My wife and I ate at Stephen's Cafe. I agree that this is not the right neighborhood for this type of restaurant. Tapas is only a short walk up the street. I haven't heard any buzz about that restaurant on this board in a long time. Been there, done that?

[Rosie]

I called the restaurant and the answering machine stated the days they were open. Perhaps they were closed for vacation.

[Hank]

Rosie, this is really weird and at a really weird restaurant. When I called to make a reservation a few weeks ago the owner (Hector) told me that he had closed. Yesterday I received an e-mail from the former chef letting me know that he would notify me as soon as he knew where he would be cooking. Seemed quite angry with the ownership as he felt that he had some good ideas for the restaurant to succeed but that the owner would not listen to his ideas.

[Rosie]

Will check further. Answer machine is still on with the same message.