http://www.chow.com/boards/16 Sat, 03 Mar 2007 16:35:01 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/669915#5209706 Don't know when they are opening, other than to note that some time ago a banner was draped across the second floor balcony advertising a telephone number to book holiday parties. No website up that I know of yet. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:24:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669915#5209706 http://www.chow.com/topics/669651#5209181 Thanks for the responses - next time you go to Wegman's grocery store, keep an eye out for boxes of wine and beer in the food aisles. That's all - Happy Thanksgiving! Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:44:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669651#5209181 http://www.chow.com/topics/186202#5208959 Franco's has closed down, but they did have the "original" Panzarotti Tarrontini's delivered to them...yes, you ate the best, but not at the best place ! Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:17:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/186202#5208959 http://www.chow.com/topics/669387#5208415 I'd say Moro, Hudson and Nonna's are the only serious places in the county. There are a few good specialty places too, like Okura for Japanese. Nothing though is Philly quality. Surprising considering the money that's around here and the general reluctance of natives to go up to Philly. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:15:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669387#5208415 http://www.chow.com/topics/666271#5208238 This place is AWESOME!!! It's beautifully done inside, nice and quiet but great for families. The food is THE best portugese/spanish in the area, and that includes the Ironbound Section in Newark!! they have a great bar, easy for take out pick up, but the Sangria alone is worth sitting in for!! the prices are decent for the amount of food you get. the service is very nice. they don't rush but you don't feel as if you are sitting for too long either. the place is immaculately clean too. DEFINITELY GO!!! Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:04:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666271#5208238 http://www.chow.com/topics/648679#5207696 Update: Thai Shangri-la is now open. We tried it last week, and it doesn't seem like it will be stealing any business from Thai Thai. While the interior (and the prices) are more upscale, the food was similar in taste and quality that that of Thai Thai on 516. Although attractively presented, the small portions seemed like a poor value. There was one standout dish, which I believe was called Thai Shagri-la fried rice. It consisted of three different types of meat satay displayed over fried rice. The other dishes we tried were standard Thai fare, nothing remarkable. Service was warm but spotty. It appeared that there was a lack of communication between the kitchen and front of house, as evidenced by the last entree being served not only late but cold. I really hope this restaurant improves to being a truly upscale alternative to Thai Thai. Something like Origins Thai in Somerville would be an excellent addition to Old Bridge. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:49:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/648679#5207696 http://www.chow.com/topics/669410#5207615 Or in the other direction McCormick & Schmick's in the Bridgewater Commons Mall. KathyH Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:19:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669410#5207615 http://www.chow.com/topics/667935#5206318 Pearl of Lisbon, on Broadway in Long Branch (just a few storefronts away from Joe & Maggie's old space, of late Cask 571). Authentic Portugeese food, excellent service, and a vg pallela if you're a local and don't feel like running up to Newark or Perth Amboy/South River Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:11:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667935#5206318 http://www.chow.com/topics/658332#5205717 My partner and I have been there on a few occasions for drinks - the decor is very nice and staff pleasant. We looked at the prix fixe menu - $29.99 - and deemed it a bit steep in price...especially in AP in the off-season. This place is not a BYOB. If anyone tries it, please let us know..... Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:19:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658332#5205717 http://www.chow.com/topics/647367#5205681 No, not just you. I noticed the pricing a bit high as well and was not impressed by the cluttered menu with extensive typos that seemed to be thrown together at the last minute so they could get the place open. However, based on the reviews, I will certainly give this place a try. It is, after all, about the food.... Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:08:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/647367#5205681 http://www.chow.com/topics/668969#5205366 Papa, Although not northern Monmouth but if your looking for quality as well as value try the Mill in Spring Lake Heights during happy hour, which is 4-7 PM every day. - All apps, half price including a delicious Kobe burger for $6 (yes that's right $6) - Wash this down with any martini (including top shelf) for $5. For $11 you cant go wrong with their deal. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:31:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668969#5205366 http://www.chow.com/topics/668505#5205227 And the view at Eagle Rock is wonderful. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:41:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668505#5205227 http://www.chow.com/topics/665536#5205130 Might be owned by the same family but the menu and prices aren't the same. And no buffet! Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:42:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665536#5205130 http://www.chow.com/topics/669312#5204844 What about Mumford's? I just love this place! http://www.mumfords.com/ Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:22:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669312#5204844 http://www.chow.com/topics/656105#5204807 Looks like the website is still in the works.....none of the links work yet. The guys sound like they know what they are doing....and as I said, the space looks great. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:07:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/656105#5204807 http://www.chow.com/topics/543488#5204783 I think that's a good idea, eatinman. The current system seems like payola in music - where the big labels thrive and the little guy doesn't stand a chance. Only it's worse in food, because it prevents NJ from having as rich a local dining scene as we should, keeps all of us driving into Manhattan to eat, and prevents us becoming much of a culinary destination (no one's going to visit your town just to go to Fridays.) The policy may end up costing local government more in tax revenue than they make off those expensive liquor licenses. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:54:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/543488#5204783 http://www.chow.com/topics/324502#5204044 I remember one in Delaware, on route 13, south of Wilmington, Smyrna maybe? Or between Smyrna and Dover. On the right if heading South. Loved the place as a kid. I think it did shut down early 80's or so. It had a unique barbershop/godfather type atmosphere. I can still almost remember the unique smell and taste of the pizza. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:12:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/324502#5204044 http://www.chow.com/topics/420672#5203612 Beyond bummed--Mr. Chu has closed. Don't think there is anything that compares. What a loss... Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:09:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/420672#5203612 http://www.chow.com/topics/669272#5203230 Yes, this is a very good place... a small BYO with about 10 tables, brightly decorated, friendly and fast service, excellent food, quite low prices (many entrees under $10 I seem to recall). As you say the soups are very tasty. I really like what I think they call Polish Salad, several pickled vegetables like beets, carrots or cabbage served cold. Mashed potatoes are excellent. My favorite entrees are the stuffed cabbage, pierogies, and gulash served inside a potato pancake. Thanks for reminding me about them. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:49:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669272#5203230 http://www.chow.com/topics/667510#5202986 woo hoo! new food in town! Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:39:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667510#5202986 http://www.chow.com/topics/669103#5202414 Chow - Thanks for the excellent review. It sounds like you had a great meal. I too have had fabulous meals there and consider it one of the best restaurants in the state. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:47:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669103#5202414 http://www.chow.com/topics/668212#5202341 Looks like we need to give it another whirl next time we're down there! -mJ Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:22:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668212#5202341 http://www.chow.com/topics/358088#5202147 I live in New Prov., if you are in town you should check out Szechuwan Delight on Central Ave. one day, I tend to prefer it to Chen's, espescially when it comes to Szechuwan style cooking (duh! lol). I also second the recommendations for Rice Inn and Hung's I work in Plainfield and frequent both regularly. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:18:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/358088#5202147 http://www.chow.com/topics/661726#5201946 ”Knock off of Carmines”, but with a liquor store and bar pizza. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:15:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661726#5201946 http://www.chow.com/topics/668650#5201683 Just to add to what carl555 wrote, Golden Dawn is HIGHLY inconsistent. Breakfasts are ok. Dinners can be TERRIBLE, depending on what you get. The service is usually quite good though. I go there because they are close by and unfazed if I sit down (when they're not crowded) for a couple hours with my work and just take my time eating and drinking tea. Sometimes I have a good dinner, but usually I stick to stuff like grilled cheese and baked potatoes or breakfasts. Fame is a place that has a very devoted following. My father loves the place because apparently they make their own soups (I don't know if this is still true). They close pretty early though, I think. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:53:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668650#5201683 http://www.chow.com/topics/598204#5201128 We went to Seagrass as planned on Friday night. Everyone but my husband and myself had been there before. We knew how good the food was before hand. As usual we were not disappointed. Five of us ordered off the pre-fixed menu and had more than enough to eat. I won't bore everyone with the details but as good as the food was the service was not up to par. Drinks orders were forgotten,( sodas, water), one soup order also, the wine was not placed in buckets when opened and It took a very long time to get our coffees and desserts. , Normally, I let to let the establishment know about my concerns but when we were leaving there was no one around to at the hostess station to tell. I will go back but never to be served by that waitress again. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:15:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/598204#5201128 http://www.chow.com/topics/669077#5200773 Just noticed a new place in the Galleria. TASTE - has anyone been? Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:59:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669077#5200773 http://www.chow.com/topics/668897#5200455 DeMarco's in Matawan/Aberdeen makes delicious smaller rolls, or they used to anyway. Not a brioche, though, more like a teeny tiny ciabatta. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:19:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668897#5200455 http://www.chow.com/topics/668985#5200067 Same owner, but I'm told there were lots of internal organizational problems that developed. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:50:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668985#5200067 http://www.chow.com/topics/668469#5199876 What about Angelo's Fairmont Tavern? http://www.angelosfairmounttavern.com/index.html I have always had delish meals at The Metropolitan in the Borgata. http://www.theborgata.com/Main.cfm?Category_1=4000&Category_2=4200&Category_3=4210 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:05:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668469#5199876 http://www.chow.com/topics/583967#5199336 Glad you enjoyed it Joon. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:11:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/583967#5199336 http://www.chow.com/topics/667672#5198984 while the competition conjecture is correct when one is 'walking', there are just as good alternatives in Nunzio's, Tuzzio's, Frankie's and Freddie's in downtown LB; though Freddie's is hit or miss of late Scala's I believe has been there for years as I've been patronizing this storefront when I'm in West End, as Scala's or LaScala's for over 25 years now. If it's the same owners, all that they did was put in a little curb appeal, with the Greetings mural, a new coat of paint, and some new seating. It's always been a good pie. Rode down earlier this evening and had a plain slice. The one I always remember of this place (a good thin crust/cheesy pie) and that it's a good slice (nothing great), but if I'm driving down Ocean Ave. and want a quick slice, I'll stop in here as it's better than average over anywhere else. Was going to slide into Surf Taco for a little something else, but decided against it. One slice is enough; drove to the Shop Rite for some needed supplies (and that was a madhouse, with 3-4 kids in tow it seems with ever cart, and all of the pre Thanksgiving madness in full throttle). If I didn't need what I shopped for, I would've walked right out. Bon Apetit Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:05:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667672#5198984 http://www.chow.com/topics/667947#5198891 I like the egg noodle soup with pork and shrimp wontons. They will bring a bottle of hot sauce so you can make it as hot as you like. Yum! The prices at Noodle are very good, and (if you can find a parking spot) you could eat something different every day of the year. Actually, I have a friend who went to Rutgers and did just that. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:02:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667947#5198891 http://www.chow.com/topics/579833#5198886 My brother and I had dinner at Steakhouse 85 last night. It was our first time there and a last-minute decision. At 7:15 they were able to seat us in the area across from the bar, but the dining room was completely booked. I had popped into the restaurant to make sure we could get a table while my brother double-parked outside. Once I knew we would be seated, I headed to the bar for a cocktail while he went to park the car. I was totally ignored by two bartenders, one who was chatting up three heavily made up young women at one end of the bar, the other who was fiddling with his cell phone by the cash register. My brother showed up before I could get the attention of either of them, we were seated, and greeted by a waitress who told us this was her first day on the job and we were her first customers. After taking our drink orders (my Manhattan was quite a bit sweeter than I would have liked it, but I never give specific instructions the first time at a new bar, preferring to see what the bartenders do on their own), our waitress asked if we would like to see the cuts of meat available that night. We said yes, and she brought out a platter (which she had obvious difficulty holding, but did so with aplomb) with the various steak options and went into her spiel about Premium Gold Angus beef, dry or wet aged for 28 days, blah, blah, blah. I asked her if the meat was choice or prime. She had no idea. It looked like choice to me. For appetizers, I ordered Malpeque oysters which were served with an overly ketchupy cocktail sauce and a decent mignonette. My brother had the crab cake and we were both very impressed by it. Unlike the crab cake RGR posted about above, this one did indeed have good-sized chunks of crab in it. For mains, my brother ordered the Tomahawk Chop without the garlic/blue-cheese crust and I ordered the KC Strip (a strip steak on the the bone), also sans sauces, which had been on the meat presentation platter and which we were told was a special that night. The waitress returned to tell us they were out of the KC Strip, so I ordered the regular boneless strip. My brother asked for his Tomahawk Chop medium rare and I asked for the strip on the rare side of medium rare. For sides we ordered the French fries and the creamed Spinach. The waitress told us they had a wine special that night and we asked for a taste. She brought us each one. Nice touch. We thought it was rather harsh, so ordered a bottle of Erath pinot noir instead. We figured the price was about a 2.75X markup—which we considere perfectly acceptable. My brother’s meat was cooked as requested; mine was a tad overcooked—especially since I’d asked for it to be on the rare side of medium rare. We each thought our meat was acceptable, but rather tasteless. We even joked that now we knew why they recommended sauces and rubs for the meat. It wasn’t bad, it just didn’t begin to compare to steaks at any number of NYC steakhouses. The fries were quite good, though, and the spinach was terrific. On our way out the door I asked the manager if their steaks were choice or prime. He went right into the Premium Gold Angus, aged 28 days, blah, blah, blah spiel. I started to laugh. I figured I had my answer. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:55:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/579833#5198886 http://www.chow.com/topics/590085#5198819 The food was horrible. Why is it that Latino restaurants feel they have to make the food bland to appeal to the anglo demographic of the suburbs? This is not CUBAN food. The cuband sandwich was made of more deli ham than anything. They put this thinly sliced vendor purchased turkey that you find in frozen dinner and in the line of your high school cafeteria... it was horrible. We are not in NYC. I do not care what your overhead or rent is-- you do not charge $9 for an effin empanada... it is insulting. My husband's ribe eye had absolutely no flavor and when we say medium we mean medium. Latino restaurants have a nasty reputation for overcooking beef....the best part of the night was the fried chicken...the papas rellenas were bland as well.. .please respect the cuisine and use GARLIC and SALT...the suburbanites will not run away. they will want to stay if there is taste and flavor to their overpriced food..... Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/590085#5198819 http://www.chow.com/topics/510550#5198633 I love Ruth's Chris. Checked out the Princeton location in June for Father's Day. It was OUTSTANDING!! The service was spectacular and the food couldn't be beat. I have been to Ruth's Chris in Philadelphia (near the Theater District) about 5 time and once to the King of Prussia location. Although I never thought I would find a better Ruth's Chris the the Philadelphia location, I did with Princeton. The King of Prussia location (for a Ruth's Chris) is OK ,but I wouldn't recommend it over Princeton or Philadelphia. I would recommend this as a special-occasion type place and leave the kids at home. It's a nice place to celebreate an anniversary or another adult-gathering. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:15:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/510550#5198633 http://www.chow.com/topics/578026#5198622 The food is absolutely outstanding. I have eaten in plenty of "up scale" Indian restaurants or places that are supposed to be some of the best in NY, Boston and even London and this place blows them away! The buffet, while a little pricy when you first look at the cost is terrific. It's a great "introduction" to Indian food for someone who has never had it, and provides wonderful variety to those who are even vegetarian and have food restrictions. The buffet is always consistent, tastes fresh and hot! They tend to switch up the offerings, so most times you go besides the typical staples such as tandoori chicken, rice and naan you will not find the same thing at the buffet---which is nice! Ordering off the menu is even more delicious (as if it can get any better!). The nice thing about ordering off the menu is that you can ask for it as hot (or mild) as you like and they will cook it to your specifications. My favorite off-the-menu item is chicken shahi korma. Always delicious with just enough kick. Add some naan (and of course, the vegetable pakora appetizer to start) and this is a terrific meal. Also, delicious enough to note are the mango lassis. So sweet and just yummy! The wait staff (generally the owner's daughter and her friends) are terrific, attentive, know how to get your order right, and never rush you. The inside decor while not glitzy (or tacky) is nice and comfortable and you can go there and just enjoy a terrific, always consistently good meal. Bring your appetite and tastebuds---this is not a place to miss! Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:06:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/578026#5198622 http://www.chow.com/topics/664953#5198593 Totally bummed Manow is gone. LOVED their red chicken curry and the golden curry puffs for an appetizer. My husand and I tried out Thai Chili in Eatontown last night and thought it was pretty good. My only complaint is that the curry didn't have any zucchini and instead had eggplant. I'm not a huge fan of eggplant being in curry. My husband ordered his spicy. Ask and ye shall receive! Hahaha It was so hot he only ended up eating about 1/2 of it. We got the rest to go. I really wish Manow would have picked a better location. Everything was superb, but the location was horrible. The past owner's reputation probably didn't help either. I think a lot of people just thought it was the same guy cooking Thai food instead of crappy Chinese takeout. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:51:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664953#5198593 http://www.chow.com/topics/668834#5198502 Has anyone been here before? http://www.hightidenj.com/Welcome.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:55:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668834#5198502 http://www.chow.com/topics/665628#5198124 AGREED, as I LOVED the Italian Hot Dog at Frankly Burgers in Freehold....(it's in a Foodtown shopping center, with bad signage, ) Nice owners + great hot dogs = a perfect combo !!! If I was ever at New England Hot Dog Company again, I would prefer to give the guy 5 bucks for a soda, and tell him to forget the hot dog! ... Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:24:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665628#5198124 http://www.chow.com/topics/623183#5198013 oh - have you been to east buffet? Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:18:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/623183#5198013 http://www.chow.com/topics/667664#5197763 Check your local Shop Rite.Some of the stores do carry an imported line.When I find it , I buy a few packs and freeze it. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:43:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667664#5197763 http://www.chow.com/topics/668107#5196808 If you really want to try Verve, give them a call. They will likely permit BYO for your party of 7 if you work it out with them in advance. I know others who have done this. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:27:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668107#5196808 http://www.chow.com/topics/667746#5196184 Went to Springdale Farms in Cherry Hill a few weeks ago and they were baking tons of their pies and sampling them...OMG...the pecan was amazing! I definitely recommend this place for pies!!! Here is the pie link on their site: http://www.springdalefarms.com/pies.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:39:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667746#5196184 http://www.chow.com/topics/663988#5196040 Brewer's Outlet just over the state line on 202 in that little group of shops in the median also has Mexican Coke, but you have to buy it by the case. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:43:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663988#5196040 http://www.chow.com/topics/393331#5194527 Update: When we passed Noa Noa (Old Bridge) yesterday it had a big "Grand Re-Opening" sign in the window. So we pulled into the lot to read it better, and it said the grand re-opening was October 31, 2009, at midnight! A look in the window told us that this probably didn't happen, since it looked like it was still being redecorated (tables removed, etc.). On the plus side, it does look like it's being redecorated. :-( Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:13:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/393331#5194527 http://www.chow.com/topics/667579#5193769 anyone know if they have a happy hour? that was the best part about 233 - those bar snacks and $4 wines. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:37:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667579#5193769 http://www.chow.com/topics/668159#5192171 Was invited out to lunch at Hon Sushi in Mercer Mall, Lawrenceville. The place is clean and modern, run by Koreans with restaurant experience. About five tables on the left, curtained off and a sushi bar and a few tables to the right. Good mix of light and spacing and privacy. My dining partner and I were cautious eaters, just ordered bento boxes from the lunch menu- $8.5-10.5. Started off with a standard, well-chilled salad. The table next to us was served bowls of dumpling soup, with handmade Korean dumplings (mandoo) and an authentic broth that smelled soooo good I rushed through my salad, but was disappointed when the waitress came back with our boxes. I guess the soup has to be ordered separately. I ordered the "octapus/squid bulgogi" ? (can't remember the exact wording) which is a standard Korean dish of octapus in a bright red hot sauce that is thick, rich and a little sweet. Portion was good, spiced and sweetened just right, but I was hoping they would grill the squid for that delicious flavor imparted only by grilling, but I guess they preferred the frying pan. In the bento box: nice sized cali roll, 3 dumplings, edamame, "chopchae"- Korean noodle dish. When it was served it didn't look like a lot but was filled by the last bite. My companion ordered the shrimp teriyaki. I had my doubts about this when she ordered. The box was identical to mine, but with six med shrimp and teri sauce served over shredded cabbage. I didn't get the cabbage- is it a garnish? Anyway the shrimp were barely adequate to qualify as an entree, but they were so wonderfully grilled there is hope for the other dishes . . . use the grill for better flavor!!!!! So this restaurant is professional and knows what to do and what a respectable meal should be. I think most of their regular customers will be people searching out Korean food that don't want to drive an extra half-hour. Prices are ok- if they priced bento boxes at $6.99 I'd be there once a week. I'd like to hear about the sushi experience here if anyone would like to share. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:47:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668159#5192171