lggfly's Profile
Chef Michael d'Ennery
Thanks, bgut1. I had seen that, but can't find anything about Maverick Kitchen. Found the Facebook page and it noted an address. Looked up the address on Google Maps and there only seems to be residential properties there, so I'm wondering if he is doing individual catering or something like that.
Chef Michael d'Ennery
I was a big fan of Chef d'Ennery when he was at Trinity and dined there frequently despite the fact I didn't care for the ambiance nor the crowd. Never made it to Atlantic Bar & Grill, as it was quite a trip for us. Just noticed he is no longer there. Anyone know what he is doing now?
Doris and Eds or Fromagerie?
RGR, would love to hear what you think when you try it again. Always impressed with your reviews, posts and opinions.
Interesting Options near the Prudential Center in Newark
We go to 10-15 hockey games a year at the Prudential Center. Our favorite restaurant is Fornos of Spain - www.fornosrestaurant.com. Its a couple of blocks from the train station. Just make sure you are hungry!
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Fornos of Spain
47 Ferry St, Newark, NJ 07105
Doris and Eds or Fromagerie?
Also not a big fan of Doris & Ed's. Food is decent and ambiance not much to speak of. Fromagerie, on the other hand, is one of the better restaurants in Monmouth County IMHO. The first couple of years after David Burke took over the restaurant from the Peters, it was hit or miss. When it hit, it was up there with the best of the best. As a result, when it missed, it was very disappointing. That said, for the last couple of years, its been all hits. From the amuse to the cheese popovers to the entrees, to the cotton candy delivered at the end of the meal...consistently exceptional. For steak lovers, they are now dry-aging their beef on site. Last time, had their Rib-eye and it was so tender and tasty...up there with the best of the steakhouses. Servers are knowledgeable and attentive, without being overbearing. I love the ambiance in the main dining room, although it can get fairly loud, so try to get a table in the corner.
Between Doris and Ed's and Fromagerie.......not much of a comparison in my book
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Fromagerie Restaurant
26 Ridge Rd, Rumson, NJ 07760
Spanish in Newark - Ironbound
We go to a number of NJ Devils games each year and always hit one of the Ironbound restaurants first. Our favorites (Portuguese/Spanish) are Casa Vasca and Forno's. Casa Vasca has a decent dining room, their food is consistently good, plenty of selection, and they give you complimentary soup of the day. Forno's has a nicer dining room, very good food and selection, and instead of the complimentary soup, they give a large complimentary salad as a starter. Forno's is my favorite, but it is also a bit more expensive. That said, the portions are very large, with family style vegetables and "to die for" thinly sliced, fried potatoes (like potato chips, just a bit thicker).
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Casa Vasca
141 Elm St, Newark, NJ 07105
Lorenzo's resto Farmingdale NJ
Overpriced??? Pastas run from $14-16. Seafood entrees run from $19-23, unless you order Lobster. All entrees come with a dinner salad. How can that possibly be overpriced?
Dinner between Wall and Freehold
Lorenzo's in Farmingdale is always very good and reasonable.
Portuguese restaurants in Newark
Casa Vasca is my favorite
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Casa Vasca
141 Elm St, Newark, NJ 07105
Carmine's Asbury Park - Brando's Citi Cucina
Just noticed in a local newspaper that Carmine's in Asbury Park is changing their name to Brando's Citi Cucina. Never had a chance to try Carmine's although I heard good things about it. I'm guessing the owner either sold, retired, etc. Anybody know the "scoop?" Is this the same ownership as Nonna's in Marlboro?
Branchburg/Bridgewater Area
Been a year and a half since we moved from Bridgewater. While we lived there, our favorite Italian restaurants were La Catena on Rt 22 and Ciao Bello on North Gaston Ave in Somerville
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La Catena Restaurant
966 US Highway 22, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Langosta Lounge, Asbury Park
IMHO, the best restaurant in AP is Moonstruck on Lake Ave. Food is consistently excellent and service is exceptional
New Year's Eve
Hey JustJake.....thanks for your feedback on Bistro Ole. Its been bookmarked on my computer for a while and is certainly on our list to try. My only reluctance with NYE was that it sounded like it might be too "wild and loud" for us. We are in our upper 50's and while I still consider us to be "young" I will admit to not being too excited about places that are too loud and wild. As for any concern about "trying to turn either myself or my wife," I'm assuming you are referring to it being a gay-owned restaurant. If so, its certainly not an issue. We are very comfortable with everyone and have long supported and encouraged everyone to be with whomever they choose.
New Year's Eve
So, after much "sitting on the fence" we decided to go to Moonstruck New Year's Eve. Gonna do the late seating. While there likely won't be dancing, we'll at least enjoy a great meal and some good sounds from the jazz group that will be playing.
Happy New Year everyone.
American Hotel -- Freehold
I believe they had their "soft" opening on Monday (Dec 28th) and are now officially open
New Year's Eve
Thanks everyone...don't need to be in the Middletown area. We are actually from Howell, so we can go north or south. JustJake, I think Bistro Ole maybe too wild for us (my "Birdcage" on LSD days are a bit behind me). The Hilton Woodbridge is likely more of what we like to do. Dancing to a live band is important to us, as is the food.
New Year's Eve
Looking for a place for New Year's Eve in Central NJ. We prefer live music with dancing and open bar. Went to L'Affaire for years when we lived in that area. Started out fabulous, then after a few years it started sliding (haven't been there in 3 years). We tried Trinity a couple of years ago, and while the food was great (as it always is), the entertainment was harder rock and the crowd was more the local folks popping in after dinner. Last year, we went to Jacques in Middletown. Thought the food was sparse, and somewhat mediocre, and the setup was poor. So......any suggestions would be appreciated.
Daniel's Bistro, Point Pleasant Beach NJ
As an avid reader of these boards, I decided it was time to put in my two cents, and a visit to Daniel's Bistro last night gave me the impetus to do so. My wife and I decided to try Daniel's after reading all (or mostly all) of the wonderful reviews. We were not disappointed. My wife is a nut for Oysters on the Half Shell, but after seeing all the other tempting appetizers, she decided on the Ahi Tuna Tower (don't remember the last time she didn't order the oysters). It was presented in a cylindrical form, about 4 inches high and included the tuna, tomatoes, avocado, and was served with soy sauce, ginger and wasabi. I'm not a lover of avocado, but the combination was exceptional. I ordered the seafood salad, which was prepared with calamari, scungilli, shrimp, onion. It was served over just a small amount of greens and an equally small amount of oil. Also exceptional!
For entrees, my wife ordered the Shrimp, while I struggled with my decision and finally ended up with the Double Cut Loin of Pork. Both dishes were beautiful in their presentations and very well prepared. The shrimp was served with a risotto that was out of this world. The pork was ordered medium rare, and came out perfect...moist and tender and very tasty as the cracked peppercorn topping (may also have had grappa - not sure) made it special. We also ordered a side of Haricot Verts, which came out nice and crispy.
We passed on dessert, although that took a great deal of willpower. All in all, a wonderful dining experience and we will definitely be back.
Cancun - High-End and Down-and-Dirty
One of our favorites is La Habichuela, which is located in downtown Cancun (as opposed to the Hotel Zone). We've eaten there 3 times and have thoroughly enjoyed it each time. If you try it, make reservations and ask to sit outside in the garden, which is lit by little white lights strung through the trees...its really very nice. You can visit them at www.lahabichuela.com
Merri-makers Catering
My son and daughter-in-law had their wedding at the PNC arts center about a year and a half ago. Merri Makers did a great job! The food was outstanding and the service was excellent. I highly recommend them.
Cheesecake Factory and Bridgewater?
I recently visited my Optometrist, who is in the Bridgewater Mall. He told me that CF will indeed be built at the Mall, but it won't be in the food court.
Lorenzo's resto Farmingdale NJ
Have been to Lorenzo's 3 times since it opened (re-opened?). If you liked Lorenzo's in Freehold, you will love Lorenzo's Farmingdale. There are 2 dining rooms on the main floor plus a huge bar where you'll likely find entertainment on weekend nights (not sure if he has entertainment during the week). The food is typical Lorenzo, usually very good to excellent, with quite a number of specials offered each night. The last time there, I had the Red Snapper Lorenzo with a side of pasta. IMHO, seafood is a good gauge of the overall food a restaurant will serve. Its just too easy to overcook seafood and kill it. The Snapper came out hot, moist and tender throughout and the pasta was perfectly cooked. I don't remember what the other members of our dinner party had, but at the end of the evening, all 6 of us were very happy and very full.
Good restaurants around Bridgewater, NJ?
Have lived in Bridgewater for a number of years and we dine out quite often. Our favorite restaurant (we are there most Friday nights) is Ciao Bello on N. Gaston Ave. in Somerville. A close second is La Catena on Rt 22 East.
Gala New Year's Eve Banquets
Looking for a gala New Year's Eve party or banquet in central NJ. Been going to L"Affaire each year, but its been going downhill in our opinion. We do enjoy a wedding-type New Year's Eve party with open bar, preferably live music and dancing, etc. Any suggestions?
Lon
Lorenzo's Freehold
Thank you.....last I looked at his website, it said "coming soon"
Can't wait to see him and try the new place.
Lorenzo's Freehold
I would love to get in touch with Lorenzo. As I mentioned in my original post, when I lived in Manalapan, my ex and I used to dine there every Friday night and became pretty friendly with Lorenzo as well as his wife. If you see him again, please tell him Lon was asking about him. Maybe you/he can send me his contact info (lon@judyandlon.com). Thanks.
Lorenzo's Freehold
Years ago (maybe 10) I was a Friday night regular at Lorenzo's and became very friendly with him. I know he bought the building the restaurant was in as well as the building just next door. Also, he purchased the building on the other side of the driveway. So...maybe he figures he can live off the rental income. Anyway, I know he worked very hard and was always fretting over every aspect of the restaurant operation. I guess it took its toll
Lorenzo's Freehold
Just found out Lorenzo's is now a Mexican Restaurant. Anybody know what happened? He was there a very long time, so I'm surprised to hear he shut down.
Mi Lindo Mexico in Freehold
Do you know what happened to Lorenzo's? Many years ago, when I lived nearby, I used to go there every Friday night. Now, we go maybe once a year. I'm surprised to hear Lorenzo closed. Did he move somewhere else?
