Open on Monday in NJ

[tommy]

Had dinner with my wife at Namaskaar in Paramus.  Very Pleasant.

address nick?

Route 4 East.

In the east end of The Mall at IV. Next to the dodge dealer. The same mall that houses Macy's Furniture and the Jewelry Exchange. Koreana used to be in the west end of this mall next to Pizzeria Uno.

Nick

isn't that rt 4 *west*?

[ngatti]

Yikes!! Another senior moment!!

Nick

[Rosie]

Are they open on Mon?

[ngatti]

Are they open on Mon?

Yes. That's why I posted it this topic

Nick

[tommy]

Are they open on Mon?

Yes. That's why I posted it this topic

Nick

well nick, after your details on the location, you can understand if we thought you were a bit confused. clearly you were hitting the cooking sherry hard and long last night.

[jtphjl]

Hmm, I posted Namaskaar was open on Mondays...but Nick you did give better directions then I would!!! I forgot to mention Marcello's in Ridgewood (one of the few places in town open on a Monday Eve!) Jan

[Rachel Perlow]

Koreana used to be in the west end of this mall next to Pizzeria Uno.

In case you missed Jason's post elsewhere in this forum, Koreana has now moved to Fort Lee. Jason's been there twice and I went there for the first time tonight. Smaller place than it used to be, the food is just as good and the service is maybe even friendlier. And, yes, it is open Mondays. Actually it is open 7 days a week. It is located on the second floor of a small, mostly Korean, mall. There is parking on the ground level and you can take an elevator up to the 2nd floor for the restaurant from the garage.

What we always liked about Koreana was how welcoming they were to Americans and had excellent service. Many Korean restaurants seem to not want non-Korean patronage, but not Koreana. The owner/hostess seemed sad that more Americans haven't yet found this place, because at their previous location they had a lot of non-Koreans, but not so much at this location. We were there on a Friday evening and it was only about half-full. Go there.

Koreana, 201-585-9115

1550 Lemoine Ave, Fort Lee

[dodge621]

[The owner/hostess seemed sad that more Americans haven't yet found this place, because at their previous location they had a lot of non-Koreans, but not so much at this location. ]

When Koreana was in Paramus, it was often packed. I was there recently in Fort Lee and it is in quite an awkward location. I went to the Fort Lee location on Saturday night and we walked through a largely desolate mall to go to Koreana. The food was very good.

[201]

What we always liked about Koreana was how welcoming they were to Americans and had excellent service. Many Korean restaurants seem to not want non-Korean patronage, but not Koreana. The owner/hostess seemed sad that more Americans haven't yet found this place, because at their previous location they had a lot of non-Koreans, but not so much at this location.

Alright, alright... I'm sure people are going to say this post belongs in a different topic if not a different message board altogether, but I'm just looking to start an open discussion so I'll pose the question anyway...

Why do people use the term "American" when they mean white? Maybe I'm misinterpretting Mrs. Perlow here (please tell me if I am), but it seems to me that I see this usage a lot as in:

"Was the waiter Korean?"

"No, he was American."

or

"What was the crowd like?"

"Mostly American, but there were some Asians there too."

I think that in both of the above cases, as in Mrs. Perlow's post, that the term American really was meant to convey the idea that these people were white. It's as if you're saying "He's an American... of course he's white rather than yellow or brown." It seems to exclude non-whites from ever being perceived as American. I'm sure we all know plenty of people born in Korea (or elsewhere) who ARE in fact American citizens. They are Americans who happen to be of Korean (or other) descent. I am an American who happens to be of European descent, but my citizenship qualifies me as an American, not my pale skin.

When someone says "he's Korean", I take it to mean "of Korean descent"... which may or may not connote Korean citzenship. However, when I hear someone say "he's American", I see absolutely NO REASON why that should exclude the possibility of Korean descent. Does any of that make any sense? Am I alone on this matter?

[Rail Paul]

I'm not sure I'd interpret American as "white" based on the context provided. My dry cleaner is of Korean background, and uses the term American to describe his clientele ("mostly American, a few Chinese and Filipino"). With its location adjacent to Essex county jail, I've observed a widely diverse population in the shop.

Many of the clothes on the revolving chain are uniforms, and I've observed guards of many backgrounds (and genders) bringing or taking their uniforms.

My sense is that it's just as wrong for people to impute racism to Koreans as it is to any other group. Many Koreans will immdiately inform you they are not "Asians," Chinese or Japanese, if you ask.

[tommy]

yes, koreans hate americans regardless of their color.

[Rosie]

UPDATED LIST 7/13

28 Oak in Ridgewood

973 Restaurant--Florham Park

Al Dente - Piscataway

Amanda's Hoboken

An American Grill -Randolph

Arthur's Downtown - Newark

Attilio's Kitchen , Denville,

Bangkok Garden -- Hackensack

Bayou Cafe - Manesquan

Bernards Inn--Bernardsville

Brix 67 - Summit

Buona Sera - Red Bank

Casa Comida - Long Branch

Cheesecake Factory-Hackensack

China 46 -- Ridgefield.

Ciao Bella-Cresskill

Cifelli's--Harrison

Civile - Kenilworth

Cubby's BBQ - Hackensack

Dai Kichi - Montclair

Deja Vu - Montclair

Dining Room-Short Hills Hilton

El Gran Mexicano - Bogota

El Meson - Freehold

Epernay--Montclair

Ferrari's Ristorante, 3475 Route 9 North, Freehold

Fink's Funky Chicken & Ribs - River Edge

Fiorino's--Summit

Frog & the Peach--New Brunswick

Fromagerie - Rumson

Giovanna's - Plainfield

Harlequin--Wharton

Highlawn Pavillion--West Orange

Il Capriccio - Whippany

Il Villino, Waldwick

Juanito's - Red Bank

Julios-West Orange

Koreana--Fort Lee

Krogh's - Sparta

La Chalupa - Red Bank

La Fonda--Highland Park

La Fontana--New Brunswick

Legal Seafoods--Paramus

Lime-Westfield

LouCas - Edison

Maketa - New Brunswick

Marcello's-- Fort Lee

Mei Thai--Woodbridge

Metropolitan Cafe - Freehold

Minado - Little Ferry

Mojave Grill - Westfield

Namaskaar -Paramus

Navesink Cafe - Red Bank (Seasonal, May - October)

Nero's--Livingston

Nusantara Asian Cuisine--Morris Plains

Panico's New Brunswick

Portuguese Manor-Perth Amboy

Primavera - West Orange

Rays Seafood - Little Silver

Seabra's Armory - Perth Amboy

Sirin--Morristown

Solaris -Hackensack

Sonoma Grill - East Rutherford

Spanish Pavillion-Harrison

Spanish Sangria-Newark

Spanish Tavern-Newark

Sri Thai--Hoboken

Stage House Inn--Scotch Plains

Sylvester's--Hasbrouck Heights

T Thai-Hoboken

Taro - Montclair

Thai Chef - Montclair

The Blue Marlin - Bradley Beach

The Iron Monkey--Jersey City

The Potrero Grill - Hackensack

The Station at Mountain Lakes--Mountain Lakes

Theresa's - Westfield

Thirsty Moose - Jefferson Township (Lake Hopatcong)

Tony Brothers--Oakland

Trap Rock Brewery - Berkeley Heights

Tre Vigne--Basking Ridge

Umeya--Cresskill

Whispers - Spring Lake

[Rachel Perlow]

Why do people use the term "American" when they mean white?  Maybe I'm misinterpretting Mrs. Perlow here (please tell me if I am), but it seems to me that I see this usage a lot as in:

"Was the waiter Korean?"

"No, he was American."

or

"What was the crowd like?"

"Mostly American, but there were some Asians there too."

I think that in both of the above cases, as in Mrs. Perlow's post, that the term American really was meant to convey the idea that these people were white.  It's as if you're saying "He's an American... of course he's white rather than yellow or brown."  It seems to exclude non-whites from ever being perceived as American.  I'm sure we all know plenty of people born in Korea (or elsewhere) who ARE in fact American citizens.  They are Americans who happen to be of Korean (or other) descent.  I am an American who happens to be of European descent, but my citizenship qualifies me as an American, not my pale skin.

When someone says "he's Korean", I take it to mean "of Korean descent"... which may or may not connote Korean citzenship.  However, when I hear someone say "he's American", I see absolutely NO REASON why that should exclude the possibility of Korean descent.  Does any of that make any sense?  Am I alone on this matter?

Keep in mind I was quoting someone. By "Americans" I think the woman meant any non-Korean who speaks fluent English, be they white, black, "Asian", christian or jew. Our Korean-American friend, Andy, would probably be considered American to her because he doesn't speak Korean. I don't mean to insult any Korean-Americans or anyone else out there. I just didn't want to use the word "white" because I was basically quoting the proprietress, who used the term "American."

Some of you reading this may not be aware of this, but Fort Lee is a town that is has a lot of people of Asian descent living there. Actually, more than descent - people who are here for a few years at a time from their native lands. There are lots of signs in Korean or Japanese. Unlike, say Morristown, where there's one Korean restaurant in the area, several towns over (Parsippany), Fort Lee has at least three listed in yp.yahoo, and I know there's a few missing from there. The neighboring towns of Palisades Park and Ridgewood have blocks where you might think you were in Seoul. Noodle shop after barbecue joint after seafood specialists after noodle shops.

However, most (I'm sure not all) of the people reading the NJ thread are probably white or otherwise "American". They may have tried Korean places in the past and felt unwelcome (as we have, even though we know the cuisine and are appreciative of the food). Therefore, I felt it was important to point out how friendly and welcoming the folks at Koreana are. I wanted to tell you all exactly how to park in the garage, and take the elevator straight to the 2nd floor (unless you want to browse in the Hello Kitty store on the first floor), so you can enjoy this place that deserves our patronage.

PS - feel free to call me Rachel, or even RPerlow. "Mrs. Perlow" sounds so formal.

[=Mark]

So, might the next eGullet NJ meal be Korean? (hint-hint)

The few times I've been to Korean restaurants I've really enjoyed myself, but have felt somewhat overwhelmed by huge menus and waitstaffs lack of english skills. We never felt unwelcome mind you, in fact one of the girls serving us had even a harder time understanding as she seemed prone to fits of giggling.

I really would enjoy going to a Korean place with someone who knows the ropes...

[tommy]

So, might the next eGullet NJ meal be Korean?  (hint-hint)

most of the korean places that i've been to in NJ always have made me feel rushed. i would suggest that picking a place very carefully for a large group would be a requirement. there is a place down near new brunswick, on route 1 i think. it is korean, and it is very very big. they probably have a private room even. they were very nice to me and my "american/white/italian/jew/irish" friends, even though we came in varying degrees of "whiteness". it might be worth looking into.

[201]

Rachel - Sorry about the formality... it's just second nature to me when I'm typing as opposed to speaking, especially to someone I've never met.

I know I went a little off my rocker on the whole "American" thing, but it's just something I've noticed a lot more recently. I know a white guy who lives in Pal. Park and has spray-painted things like "No More Koreans" and openly harrassed the Korean businesses there simply because they're "not American". I've ceased speaking to this individual because it's just futile. I don't suspect anyone on this board would do anything like that, but I still think it's important for us all to be conscious about the subtle messages that language can carry.

Anyway, I'll drop it now and get back on topic...

Mexicali Rose in Montclair is open on Mondays and has some tables set up for outside dining as well. I'm going to start a new topic for the latter quality.

[Rosie]

Someone was going to plan an Indian eGullet dinner in the fall.

[Rachel Perlow]

Korean would be a good one to keep in mind for future reference though. That was pbrodsky saying he was going to plan something at Kinara, wasn't it? Oh Paul...

[Rail Paul]

Palisades Park actually went so far as to pass a law requiring that all signs contain 50% English by size and words. Many long time residents objected to the profusion of Korean signs. I think Fairview looked at the same law.

I suspect this is probably the same reaction as locals had in the 1850s, when they burned down the German catholic church in Newark (damned furrniers), confined many Italians, Jews, and Greeks to US ghettos in the 1880s and 1890s, authorized anti Asian immigrations laws in 1906, and posted their NINA signs (No Irish Need Apply) in the 1920s.

Each of these groups are proud and contributing Americans. I have no doubt that recent Korean immigrants will be in the same position within a generation. However, if they are found to be serving dogs and cats in their restaurants, all bets are off...

[ngatti]

Someone was going to plan an Indian eGullet dinner in the fall.

Namaskaar (Paramus) has a large party room off the main dining room. It's always been empty on the Mondays and tuesdays that I dine there. Namaskaar is also off a fairly major highway (4), near the GSP.

Nick

[ngatti]

I suspect Palisades Park actually went so far as to pass a law requiring that all signs contain 50% English by size and words. Many long time residents objected to the profusion of Korean signs. I think Fairview looked at the same law.

You think that's bad. OY! Here in Dumont, the counci passed an amendment to the sign ordinance. Get this!:

All foreign laanguage signs in places of business must have English sign translations. The Letters of the English translations MUST be 4 (quatro, quatre, four) times LARGER than the foreign letter signs.

The owner of 'Le Petite Patisserie' and I had a good laugh at that one.

I sometimes think that people just don't have enough to do.

Nick

[=Mark]

Someone was going to plan an Indian eGullet dinner in the fall.

But the Fall is sooo far away... (I know, want some cheese with that whine?)

[Capri]

[unlike, say Morristown, where there's one Korean restaurant in the area, several towns over (Parsippany)]

Rachel, are you referring to the Korean restaurant in the Keo Ku plaza on Rt. 46 in Parsippany? I've passed it a million times and always wondered about it, although I do remember looking at a take-out menu once and there seemed to be more Japanese food listed.

Do you recommend this restaurant and if so, do you recall certain Korean specialties I should try?

By the way, what do you think about the Moroccan place, Marekesh next door...........as I'm sure you have been there too!

[Rachel Perlow]

Obviously, these comments are off-topic since I have no idea if these places are open on Monday or not (although I suspect the Korean place is).

Yes, I am referring to Keoku on Rt 46 in Parsippany. Nothing was wrong with the food per se, but it never was crowded, and still we got the impression of being unwelcome, that didn't prevent us from returning, however. If you can overcome that, go. The barbecue is very good.

Yes, we have been to the Morocan place about three times. Excellent food, fun, relaxing atmosphere (you sit on low cushioned benchs with lots of pillows), especially for a group of friends, and go on a night when they have belly dancing. However, the menu is set, prix-fixe, many courses and there aren't many options (everything is set but you get to choose between a few tagines), so its not a place you'd want to go to more than once a month or two. Try to go with a group of 6-8 close friends. People who don't mind eating off the same plate as you. Their bastila is delicious.

[Lreda]

Had sushi on a Monday about a year ago and found it to be very medicore. Really nothing to talk about. Now if anyone can say their Korean cusine is good I'd be willing to try it again