182560 Fri Oct 15 20:39:57 -0700 2004 11 15 Pennsylvania 0 979597 We are trying to meet up with friends from Philadelphia for dinner this Saturday. Does anyone have a suggestion for a place in between? Thanks in advance for any advice! Fri Oct 15 20:39:57 -0700 2004 0 Taste Buds 1 979599 Hey tastebuds how far in between are you willing to go ? It may not even be worth it because there isnt a whole lot in Mid Jersey that is worth the detour from the turnpike. It is about an hour and twenty minutes from the Ben Franklin Bridge to the Holland Tunnel. I imagine if one of the two of you drove an extra half hour your dining choices will be greatly improved....any more info ? Fri Oct 15 22:05:46 -0700 2004 979597 0 Newgirlintown 2 979605 We might go more to one place than the other. Any favorites? Any suggestions? Thanks for your help. Fri Oct 15 23:10:30 -0700 2004 979599 0 Taste Buds 3 979625 As Joe mentioned, the Ryland is is pretty good. ther are also a few places in princeton and South jersey that you could go to, not very familar with princeton but I know Amea in cherry hill is quite good....again the point being its so close to philly, you may as well go to philly. Same goes for Nyc...basically I am sure you know as soon as you drive out of Holland Tunnel, you are basically 1 minute from Soho and less than 10 from east or west village. Tons of restaurants there....I dont know that I can give you any recs that you dont know of already since you live in Nyc.....but i wish you luck...if you decide to stay in NY or come to philly......perhaps I can be of assistance.... Sat Oct 16 17:02:35 -0700 2004 979605 0 Newgirlintown 4 979661 I am too late to help you for yesterday, but for a future date, try Makeda in New Brunswick: http://www.makedas.com/corp/about.cfm Ethiopian food (the best I've ever had) in a beautiful setting with wonderful service. Highly, highly recommended. Sun Oct 17 23:43:53 -0700 2004 979625 0 Melissa 5 979674 I live in the Philadelphia area now, but I spent 10 years in Jersey City. Therefore if you are willing to go to Newark, the Ironbound section of town (which is walkable from the Amtrak station) is fabulous...that is if you like Portuguese/Brazilian type stuff. You can get great seafood, paella and Chuhasscaria (OK I am not sure how to spell it, but it is those guys who walk around with meat on a skewer and slice it onto your plate). You can also get Fejoida (the national black bean and rice dish of Brazil). The atmosphere at these places is very casual and moderately priced. I've never eaten anything bad although one of my personal faves is a place called Brasil on Ferry Street (which is the main street where everything is located) Mon Oct 18 13:16:15 -0700 2004 979661 0 Jersey City Mods 1 979604 We've done this with friends, meeting once in New Brunswick and once in Princeton. I used the N. J. Zagat, and located great places to have lunch. Why not try that route for dinner in each of those cities? The place we chose in New Brunswick had a great luncheon special, but was very pricey at dinner, or even dessert at lunch for that matter--$12 for each dessert. Frog and the Peach in New Brunswick might be good, but I've never been there. Fri Oct 15 23:06:55 -0700 2004 979597 0 Bashful3 1 979609 The Ryland Inn should be about equidistant. http://www.rylandinn.com/ There's a formal dining room, as well as a more casual Bistro menu. The chef's a genius (maybe not quite, but he is brilliant both in and out of the kitchen). Sat Oct 16 00:31:00 -0700 2004 979597 0 Joe 2 979619 Joe, It sounds like a great place. Thanks for the tip. PS check out: http://www.ryland-cooder.com/ Sat Oct 16 13:03:27 -0700 2004 979609 0 Taste Buds 1 979660 There is a true treasure in central Jersey that you should not miss! In Hamilton, NJ (just off 295--accessible from I-95, Rte 1, or the turnpike), there is a unique, enchanting restaurant called Rat's. The atmosphere is whimsical and beautiful and the food is eclectic, with a varied menu. We have had several terrific dinners there. Don't skip the cheese plate! The surprise bonus is that it is located in the middle of the Grounds for Sculpture. If you come early before your dinner (or stay late), you can walk around (it is lit at night) and enjoy the art. We have never found anything like it. Call ASAP to reserve a table! If you can't get a reservation, there is a wonderful cafe/bar called Cafe Kabul where you could go without a reservation. Check the website for details. Enjoy! Link: http://www.ratsrestaurant.org/ Sun Oct 17 20:48:44 -0700 2004 979597 0 Foodsnob 1 979684 There are at least half a dozen good places in New Brunswick, including the Ethiopian place mentioned by someone else. We like Stage Left; there are 2 very good Italian places, an Indian restaurant, and a pretty good modern fusion restaurant on George Street in the center of town (don't remember the name). Plus The Frog and the Peach can be very very good if pricey. We often dine in New Brunswick either with friends from NY or when returning from NY when it's too early to eat there. Mon Oct 18 16:43:42 -0700 2004 979597 0 Beulah 1 979686 There are at least half a dozen good places in New Brunswick, including the Ethiopian place mentioned by someone else. We like Stage Left; there are 2 very good Italian places, an Indian restaurant, and a pretty good modern fusion restaurant on George Street in the center of town (don't remember the name). Plus The Frog and the Peach can be very very good if pricey. We often dine in New Brunswick either with friends from NY or when returning from NY when it's too early to eat there. Mon Oct 18 16:46:00 -0700 2004 979597 0 Beulah