Amanda's

[Rosie]

FYI--

Amanda's is nearly full for Sat.Feb.14 (only 10:00 and 10:30 available). However, they are offering a Valentine's Wine Dinner on Weds. Feb. 11 at 7:30. The 5-course, 5-wine dinner is priced at $75. per person. The menu can be viewed at their website www.amandasrestaurant.com.

[janbee]

Rosie, I am being true to my promise from a couple Saturdays back when I cancelled my Amanda's experience at the last minute. We are going there Thursday night for a pre-Valentine dinner.

I'll let you know what I think!

Janbee

[Rosie]

We await your report.

[glenn]

Hedonistic, gluttonny and P-I-G are the words that come to mind after attending this gastronomic event, that is, the wine dinner last night. And I mean that in a GOOD way, VERY GOOD. Five courses (salad, pasta, venison, filet mignon and dessert) paired with a wine, unlimited glasses. Every course was superb, though kudos to the venison and steak. The menu is here. I especially liked the bordeaux that accompanied the steak, though by that time I was in no condition to make any intelligent judgments.

Amanda's remains one of the finest all-around restaurants in the area. Service was impeccable. Any place that regularly fills my water glass catches my heart ;-). Seriously, I never felt more catered to at any restaurant.

A few minor complaints. They failed to inform us that there was an 18% gratuity, either on the phone when making the reservation or when presented the check. I hate when that happens. Next, the cheapo c-fold towels in the restroom were rough on my tender hands. Third, they should have served a more decadent chocolate dessert. And last, they should issue a STRONG recommendation not to drive for those who can't hold 10 or so glasses of wine. Add to the expense the cab ride home and the ticket I probably have on my car now. ;-(

[Rosie]

Thanks for the report. Love Amanda's Got to get back there.

[janbee]

We made it to Amanda's last night! Hooray!

Amanda's is charming. Very friendly staff and not cramped like so many storefront restaurants tend to be.

I expected to be handed a prixe fix menu (as advertised on the website) in addition to the regular menu. Alas, none was given???? It was a Thursday night, wonder why...

Since I am usually satisfied by only one glass of wine with dinner, I am never interested in ordering a bottle. I was disappointed that Amanda's offered only three white wines by the glass. I chose the white burgandy and although it was as explained to me by the waiter, it was way too sweet for my tastes.

We shared an appetizer -- the filo wrapped shrimp with thai slaw. It was very good. For $11 I would have appreciated one more shrimp (there were three) and a bit more slaw, since there was barely enough to make a bed for the shrimp.

Honestly, I thought the entree menu was rather skimpy. One lamb. One steak. A salmon. Grouper, cod -- not particularly appealing to me. Chicken breast is not dinner "out" in my opinion. My companion and I both chose the Shredded Thai Pork. It was very, very good. Tender pork, magically sweet, spicy and very aromatic. I enjoyed it very much. Every bite was a pleasant surprise. I enjoyed poking around with my fork to discover the different tastes, textures and ingredients.

For dessert, we shared the Chef's Cheesecake. Again, it was very good. Delicious, homemade graham crust and smooth cheesecake that wasn't overpowered by the creamcheese. Unfortunately, the coffee was lukewarm and tasted like the bottom of the pot. I considered asking the waiter to make a new pot, but it was getting late and I needed to get home.

All in all I think the quality of the food was very good. I expected more even service. We waited an awfully long time for our appetizer, then the entrees came skampering out quickly thereafter. I like my coffee fresh and hot and at $2.50/cup, I expect that I won't have to police the staff to make sure it's served that way. I was also disappointed that the prixe fix menu was not offered.

I would go back to Amanda's and give it another try. I'd especially like to try the $25/for two early dinner special or go in search of the missing prixe fix menu....

And that's my story.....

Janbee

[tommy]

did you ask for the prix fixe menu?

[Rosie]

Sometimes the websites are not up to date. However, it does say "$50. per person - Prix Fixe Menu offered Sunday through Thursday during Regular Dinner Hours." I would have asked for the menu.

[thereuare]

I thought the entree menu was rather skimpy

This is the problem i have with Amanda's. Admittedly i am a fussy eater and there are lots of things i don't eat, but as a result i find it hard to find anything i want to eat on their menu.

[Lreda]

Unfortunately, the coffee was lukewarm and tasted like the bottom of the pot. I considered asking the waiter to make a new pot, but it was getting late and I needed to get home.

I like my coffee fresh and hot and at $2.50/cup

Shit, $2.50 for a cup of coffee. That's a bit much.

[glenn]

Shit, $2.50 for a cup of coffee. That's a bit much.

Serious?

[Rosie]

I thought the entree menu was rather skimpy

This is the problem i have with Amanda's. Admittedly i am a fussy eater and there are lots of things i don't eat, but as a result i find it hard to find anything i want to eat on their menu.

I have the opposite problem. I can't decide what to order from the menu as everything reads so beautifully.

$2.50 for coffee is not out of line for an upscale restaurant.

[Rosie]

I have a new mantra—“Memorial Day go to Hoboken.” We dined at Amanda's, 908 Washington Street, Hoboken and it was such a pleasure driving down Washington Street and not seeing double-parked cars and getting a parking spot in front of the restaurant.

Dinner was wonderful. Chef Rodney Petersen has never disappointed me. We started with steamed mussels with parsley, pepper, and white wine garlic broth; filo wrapped shrimp with Thai slaw and soy vinaigrette; creamy wild mushroom and spinach risotto with shaved aged Parmesan; and sautéed calamari with tomato, cucumber, arugula and balsamic reduction. Entrees were grilled prime sirloin with Iowa blue cheese potatoes and red wine sauce; hazelnut crusted soft shell crabs with tomato and watercress salad and caper-brown butter sauce; and Dijon and herb crusted Colorado lamb chops with baby vegetables and rosemary sauce. Loved everything. I can also highly recommend the desserts which were worth every calorie. We had scrumptious key lime pie; fresh fruit Napoleon with anise cream and mango-passion fruit sauce; a fabulous dark chocolate pecan tart and fruit sorbet. Coffee was excellent.

Service was attentive, wine properly handled, bread replaced and water glasses were filled throughout the evening. We sat at my favorite table in the library near the fireplace and French doors. If you have never been here be sure to put it on your “must try” list. Amanda's, also has an early bird three course dinner for $25 a couple served between 5 to 5:45 PM, Monday through Saturday which includes a choice of six house wines priced at $15 a bottle. Phone: 201-798-0101.

[glenn]

Not that I wanna be a shill for Amanda's, but they're having another wine tasting 6/16 for something like $85. We went to the last one and it was incredible in every respect. Has their new place opened?

[why was it so crowded at Madame Claude last night!]

[tommy]

[why was it so crowded at Madame Claude last night!]

cuz people who live in JC generally don't have beach houses.

[Rosie]

Not that I wanna be a shill for Amanda's, but they're having another wine tasting 6/16 for something like $85. We went to the last one and it was incredible in every respect. Has their new place opened?

[why was it so crowded at Madame Claude last night!]

Info on 6/16 dinner is on Food Events at: http://www.njmonthly.com/rosie/fevent.html