mccloudnj's Profile
Orange Blossom Water
I can't drink alcohol, and diet Coke (decaf) was starting to taste blah, so I simply switched to water for my weight loss. However, once a day, I treat myself to ice cold diet Coke (decaf) with a couple of drops of orange blossom water. It was terrific. Added a really different flavor, but don't use too much. One of my friends makes Crystal Light lemonade and puts in rosewater. That's nice too. I'll have to try the OBW in that too.
Bound Brook Area? (Take 2)
Ted, I beg to differ. There are two notable restaurants in Bound Brook, both Itallian. Girasole is terrific, and I've seen people in there wearing everything from casual to suits. Pretty much everything goes, except my friend went there wearing jeans and a T-shirt, and the people around her stared. You might not want to be TOO casual.
Rosina's is good, down to earth Italian with a fun pub and slightly kooky clientele. It's less expensive than Girasole, but in all honesty, I prefer Girasole.
I know the owners of Girasole. One of my acquaintances describes the service as "snooty." I have never had this experience, but others have. If you're a regular, you probably do get preferential service, but isn't that always the way? These people admitted the service was still excellent, but that the waiter was a little cool toward them.
Seems you can't please everyone. Some of these people curl their lip at waiters introducing themselves or of being "too familiar." You can't have it both ways.
Diners Diners Everywhere, But Not A Greek To Eat
Another good Turkish restaurant is 7 Hills of Istanbul in Highland Park. Pithari Tavern (Greek) has been giving it a run for its money though. We enjoyed Pithari immensely, and the marinated octopus is a wonderful (but expensive) appetizer. I'm just so glad to finally find a Greek place only a few miles away from me. If you like lamb, the oven roasted lamb at 7 Hills is terrific. We also like the slim fried pastry with feta cheese inside. I think it is called Sigara Boryegi.
Oh, and Pithari Taverna has a great store attached to it, with all kinds of Greek and Middle Eastern products. Best of all, they have tahini, which is hard to find in my area.
Anyway, sorry to ramble. Both these restaurants are good.
What do you almost never go out for?
I agree with those who said they never go out for lobster, especially the one who made the "elbows in the butter" comment. My parents were New Englanders and my mom ate every edible part of a 2-pound lobster. At the end of her meal, there were only antennae, shells, and eyes. You can't make a mess like that in a restaurant. Lobster is best eaten at an outdoor clambake, followed by a dive into the pool or ocean. Besides, it's easy to steam and less expensive if you do it yourself.
