lobster

Chowhounders thank you so much for all of the great recommendations.In the end we decided to go to our old stand by Meson Madrid in Palisades Park N.J. and as usual it did not disappoint. 4 lb lobsters were $54.00 with veg., fried Spanish potatoes and yellow rice, and salad or soup. Oriental Garden sounds very interesting and will diffently give it a try. Funny thing when my sister and I went to Maine ,the towns people recommended us to go to a Chinese restaurant in Portsmith New Hampshire (cooked with ginger and scallions) it was sooooo delicious that we went back again the next night.. Ironically we could not find any lobsters whether in a restaurand or fish market that was over 2lbs because they said the larger lobsters are sent to the High end restaurants (namely the steak houses for big$$$$$). Thanks again for all your suggestions.

victoria060 in Manhattan

lobster

I hope you chowhounders can help me. I'm looking for a restaurant that serves 3 to 5 lb. lobsters for dinner. It's my brother's birthday and lobster happens to be his favorite. I know the steak houses (Sparks, Morton's and The Palm) serve big lobsters but we've been there for lobster before. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Westchester or New Jersey would be okay also.

victoria060 in Manhattan

Bakery in Lower Westchester -- Need a great birthday cake!

Where in Bronxville?I know there is one on Pondfield Rd. but that has been there for many years.

victoria060 in New York State (exc. New York City)

Best Seafood Restaurant(s) in Westchester

The Fish Cellar is closed. I do like the Eastchester Fish very much. They only take reservations for 5 or more. You can always wait at the bar and have a drink or start your bottle of wine (if you can get near it). The food is always very good and the service is great. Enjoy

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Fish Cellar
295 E Main St # 213, Mount Kisco, NY 10549

victoria060 in New York State (exc. New York City)

VALENTINO'S ON THE GREEN

Ate at Valentino's last night for a birthday dinner (5 of us). The new decor was okay but I liked the old Caffe on the Green better, especially the tableclothes. Maybe some people like the wood tables but if I'm dinning out for a special occasion and prices to match I like the elegance of tableclothes.. We ordered 5 drinks and literally waited 15 minutes for them to arrive . I forgot to mention that there were only 4 tables taken in a huge room and a few people at the bar. Our waiter who was very nice returned with 3 drinks and after another 5 minutes the other 2 drinks arrived (one was the birthday person) . So we waited so we could have a toast. His drink was a Rob Roy which he said tasted salty ,2 others in our party tasted it also and confirmed that it indeed was. They made him a new one which was much better. The manager came over and said that he too tasted the drink and it was salty and that it was on the house ,which was a plus. We order wine (the wine selection was good mostly Italian wines and the prices were okay). The bread selection was good and was served with olive oil and a hummus dip. We all had appetizers 2 seafood salads, a fried calamai (overly breadeed and too crispy) with two sauces a stuffed artichoke and a spicy chicken soup all very well prepared. The only fault was that they had to ask who ordered what. They did the same thing with the drinks not knowing where to place them. The entrees were very good, a steak, grouper special shrimp scampi, osso bucco, and boneless short ribs (again they had to ask who ordered what). We ordered 3 desserts an apple crostata which was very flakey an Italian cheesecake and cannolis( 3 miniature which were extremely soggy)and informed our waiter .He did not charge for it and gave us an order of cookies on the house, we also had 4 cappucinos The bill totaled $395.00 which was not bad for what we had. All in all the food was good the service was friendly and accomodating but needs to be more polished .I'm glad we went but I do miss Cafe on the Greeen. I wish them luck.

victoria060 in Outer Boroughs

Update on Italian Restaurants in Westchester

To just mention a few I like Dinallo's in River Edge it's a little pricey and small. There's a huge bar when you come in which gets an after work crowd but don't let that deter you the food is excellent . Babylon (turkish) also in River Edge and it's BYOB Segovia's in Moonachie which is Spanish/Portuguese has excellent Paella and fresh seafood. Hope that helps, there's a lot more but these are my favorites.

victoria060 in New York State (exc. New York City)

Update on Italian Restaurants in Westchester

Hi Smilingal Some of the restaurants that I enjoy for Italian Scaramella's in Dobbs Ferry,Cafe Azzumi in Hartsdale (they have a price fixe for $27 that's very nice) and Carlo's on Tuckahoe Road in Yonkers that's very home style but NOT fancy. For fish I enjoy the Eastchester Fish Gourmet in Eastchester and for Greek I like Elia Taverna in Bronxville (Chester Heights). That;'s just to name a few. I have a few I like in New Jersey and Ct. but that's for another Chow Board.. Enjoy.

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Scaramella's Restaurant
1 Southfield Ave, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522

victoria060 in New York State (exc. New York City)

Update on Italian Restaurants in Westchester

La Fontanella used to be one of my favorite restaurants; that was before Joe sold the place. I went there with my family shortly after it changed hands and it was disappointing. They said the chef was the same but I don't think so. The portions were smaller and the quality of the food was not up to par. Unfortunately I tried it again because of a friend of mine said she heard good things about the restaurant and wanted to try it. I was hoping that my previous time there was just an off night. Not so. Again it lacked what I used to like about the old LaFontanella good food. Everything was mediocre and tasteless.. I also would like a waiter to look at me when taking my order or explaining how a dish is prepared instead of looking elsewhere, not very professional. They won't see me either. I know they also own a restaurant I believe in Larchmont but I'm not sure of the name.

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La Fontanella
115 Wolfs Ln, Pelham, NY 10803

victoria060 in New York State (exc. New York City)

Best Pizza in Westchester (again)

I totally agree about Pepe's Pizza in Yonkers does not compare to New Haven. Even Pepe's in Mohegan Sun is better. I second Fairway in a pinch if your shopping there and want to take a pizza home it's not bad at all. I also like the pizza in Joe's (Fleetwood).

victoria060 in New York State (exc. New York City)

Dugan's Cupcakes

I grew up in the Bronx,but when I got married I moved to Yonkers. Lincoln Park Bakery had the best rolls(salt sticks and onion rolls) and breads and yes I do remember those cookies they were delicious, I'm sorry they closed. I don't think there is a bakery in a 50 mile radius that I haven't tried ,what can I say I'm a cakeoholic .That's not a bad thing right?

victoria060 in New York State (exc. New York City)

Dugan's Cupcakes

Yes they were the best, the cake was delicious and the icing was also fantastic. They were my all time favorite. They can never be duplicated. They also made fruit tarts in small pie shells. There were 2 blueberry, 2 pineapple and 2 cherry in the box. I think of them often and can still taste them. The Larson Co. was also terrific they made these tiny cakes called Metropolitans, it was a yellow cupcake that was upside down and raspberry jam was put on them and then rolled in coconut and then white icing was piped on top in a circle and a dallop on raspberry jam put in the center. (Lincoln Park bakery also made them and they did a good job bringing back many delicious memories. Haven't seen them around since. The good old days!!!!!!!!

victoria060 in New York State (exc. New York City)

Best Dish in a NJ Restaurant this Summer- What's Yours??

I second Dinallo's, the Veal Milanese is my favorite also; but then I love everything I've ever eaten at Dinallo's .Their Seafood Salad is also excellent. and their service is top shelf.

victoria060 in New Jersey

Best Ice Cream Brand

I've always loved Hagen Daz Vanilla and Chocolate and their sorbets are great also; but now I have a new favorite to add to that Trader Joe's Vanilla and Chocolate is also terrific. "Try it you'll like it".

victoria060 in General Chowhounding Topics

Sand Bar in Brielle?

I haven't been there in awhile but used to enjoy Spike's in Point Pleasant, I know the ambience isn't all that great but the fish is certainly nice and fresh.

victoria060 in New Jersey

Like eating at your best friend's mothers kitchen [Yonkers]

My boyfriend and I had dinner there last night. We were greeted by a very friendly waitress who cleared off a table for us immediately. Bread and butter was put down within a matter of minutes. The wine that we selected ( a Chilean cabernet was not in stock), another cabernet from Italy was offered and was A $1.00 cheaper , We enjoyed the wine very much. We ordered the house salad and for $1.00 extra had mozzarella added to the salad(it was very good and a generous portion). My boyfriend ordered the linguine with seafood sauce their were 4 clams that were tremendous (really chowder clams and were very very sandy, the mussels where frozen New Zealand mussels on the 1/2 shell really not what you would expect in a seaffood sauce. I ordered the shrimp and chicken francais, when it was placed in front of me I thought I received the wrong order because it was in a red sauce (with lemon). Certainly not what I'm used to. Bottom line the atmosphere is very comfortable the food decent in certain respects..I will give it another try (some of the dishes that the other diners ordered looked good.

victoria060 in New York State (exc. New York City)

Where can I buy Malt Powder

The carnation company sells it. (it's in a jar with screw cap). It would be in the aisle where they sell chocolate syrups , cocoa mixes etc.

victoria060 in New York State (exc. New York City)

Best Coffee Cake?

Believe it or not Panera Bread has excellent coffee cake, you can buy it by the piece or the whole cake, it's delicious. Give it a try.

victoria060 in Outer Boroughs

Gianna's in Yonkers

Went there a few months ago, the food is medicore at best (the chicken dish I had was very dry) the pizza okay. The real turn off was when I asked that they wrap my meal (I figured I could make chicken salad out of the dried chicken for lunch), the server took the dirty plates from the next table and put my plate on top of it. When he came back to my table with my leftovers I told him I changed my mind and didn't want my leftovers after all. Needless to say I will not return.

victoria060 in New York State (exc. New York City)

Lefteris in Mount Kisco

After my experience in their Tarrytown location, I won't even try their location in Mount Kisco. We ordered a greek salad and a hummus dip to share ,upon taking just one forkful our entrees arrived (I would like to have at least come close to finishing the salad) . When the waitress put our entrees on the table she asked if we were having dessert , I said you have to be kidding she left and after 5 minutes returned and said she was sorry but that the boss was watching her and he wants to clear the tables as soon as possible for the people that were waiting. I told her that all I wanted when I was FINISHED with my entree was the check. Would never go to any of their locations.

victoria060 in New York State (exc. New York City)

Steak Night at JJ Mannions

So true about American Bistro, it was my favorite restaurant when it was in Tuckahoe I used to always order their chickhen with cloves of garlic and their calamari was the best (I was there the first week it opened and went there at least once a week). Once they moved to their Crestwood location it was never the same. My favorite chicken dish tasted like it was refigerated for a week and reheated.I would have a great meal one week and then then the next two would be terrible, I finally gave up and have not been back in years, I've heard this from regular customers also.

victoria060 in New York State (exc. New York City)

Sammy's Downtown Bronxville

The owner of Rosie's and Sammy's is a Racanelli (Leonard). Saw him many time in Pizza and Brew in Rye Ridge years ago where my family owned a business.

victoria060 in General Tristate Archive

Sammy's Downtown Bronxville

Yes the same owners own Rosie's. It's the Racanelli family that own pizza and brew, Spiga'a etc. The food is a tad better (at Rosie's) but they have the same format when it comes to seating. Don't even try to request a table because you won't get it, I guess he's trained his staff that way. You are right about being treated poorly if I'm spending MY MONEY (and I do order a cocktail, wine ,appetizer , entree and dessert) then I should not have not have feel that they are doing me a favor by giving me a table that they feel is suitable. There's too much competition out there , better food and a much more courteous wait staff.

victoria060 in General Tristate Archive

Sammy's Downtown Bronxville

I've been to Sammy's 3 times (once because I wanted to and the other two because my dinner companions wanted to). All 3 times the food was just okay, but what I dislike the most is the management.. On my last (and final) dinner we were given a table in the corner against the wall which was poorly lighted , when I asked if we could have another table the waitress said she would have to ask the management. Mind you the restaurant was not even 1/10 filled. The manager came over looked around at the sparsely filled restaurant and said the tables that we had asked for were reserved?????? Mind you we were seated at 7:00 P.M. and left at 9:00 p.m. and NO ONE came into the restaurant.. Upon leaving I approached the manager and said too bad your reservations didn't show. Thinking back I should have walked out when he would not accommate my request but not to worry I will NEVER step foot in this establishment again. Mediocre food and poor management , let's see how long they remain open.

victoria060 in General Tristate Archive

Hunan Village

Good riddance. Tried this restaurant about 6 times over the years mainly because my friends liked certian dishes. Portions always small ,food mediocre at best and the prices out of sight. BYE

victoria060 in General Tristate Archive

Rockland or Norther Bergen County Need a Good Spring Form Pan

Try chef Central, there's one on Route 17 in Paramus and they have a store on Central Ave. in Hartsdale also Michael's Craft Stores. Also try TJMax or Marshall's (they may be limited but I'm sure you'll find one rthere. Good Luck and happy baking.

victoria060 in New Jersey

Best bagels in Tristate area?

Yes Jerome Ave, (near Schweller's) and the bagel shop on Lydig Ave. had the best bagels ever, too bad their long gone. I recently tried Goldberg's Bagel shop in Yonkers on the service road along side the Major Deegan opposite Cross County Shopping Center; they remind me of the old days nice and crispy and chewy. It's a keeper.

victoria060 in General Tristate Archive

GODFATHER style Italian restaurant

The restaurant scene in the Godfather was filmed in Louis's Restaurant on White Plains Road in the Bronx. I had my high school graduation party there. My family ate there at least once a week. When the owner died his son Vinny took over the restaurant. Vinny had a part in the restaurant scene. When ever Vinny took your dinner order he always said " eat, drink and order what ever you like there's no charge" he would pause for a few seconds and then say " only cash' and then he would laugh loudly. It was the best.

victoria060 in Outer Boroughs

Old Saybrook, Ct.

Got back from Old Saybrook last night, thanks for all the recommendation to Liv's. Went there on Saturday night , it was perfect in everyway. We were greeted by a very cordial staff that made us feel welcomed. The place was packed (luckily they have very good acoustics because the noise level was very good and we could ourselves talk). Our waitress was very eager to please and answered all of our questions. The calamari was very nicely done, not too heavily breaded and the accompanying sauce had just the right kick to it. The butternut squash salad was delicious. We had a cod entree and I couldn't make up my mind between 2 choices, the short ribs or the grilled scallops; the waitress said I picked her two favorites I finally decided on the scallops which was served on a bed on tiny brussel sprouts which was delicious. The wine menu was extensive but not something that would take all night to read. We decided on a petit syrah which was an excellent choice. For dessert we had the pear and cranberry crisp another good choice came out nice an hot with a great crumbly topping. The service, food and ambiance was top shelf. We can't wait to go back.

victoria060 in Southern New England

Restaurants at Mohegan Sun leave a lot to be desired

Went up to Mohegan Sun for the Treasure Hunters Show (held in the arena) , it was a lot of fun and very interesting. We stayed in Niantic for 3 nights and ate 2 nights in Mohegan Sun. We have been there 5 times before and ate in numerous restaurants in the complex. (Michael Jordan's- very good but pricey; the Summer Shack- Okay ;Tuscany just okay and the Bamboo Forest- very good). On our recent return we ate at the Bamboo Forest which was not up to the standards that we enjoyed on our last visit. The soup and ribs were very good but the entrees were bland .Shrimp dish was supposed to be spicy it had just 1 chili pepper thrown on top and gave it did not give it the spicy flavor we were looking for. We also had a beef dish which was supposed to have Chinese long string beans instead it had broken skinny beans (not what Chinese string beans are supposed to be) and was flavorless . The portions were tiny. It had to be the worst chinese food we've ever had, our local take out is 100% better. We had lunch a Pepe's which we enjoyed (tried their clam pie- very good.) The next night (we got out of the Treasure Hunters Show late so we decided to eat at the Sunburst buffet) When we arrived there it was 8:30, I asked the receptionist what time they stopped serving and she said they don't let anyone in after 9:00, so we had plenty of time. When we were seated, our waitress took our drink order (we ordered wine) and when she returned with our wine she asked for our credit card to close the account because the bar was closing. When we went up to the stations there were putting the food away, wiping down the counters and nothing could be made to order. The food server at the pasta bar said we had to eat what was out. The food was cold and the service was surly because they wanted to close up. Our waitress came over and asked if everything was okay and told us that after we came in they were told that they were closing. Why let us in if that was the case? We told the manager this and a first he said that it wasn't true. We didn't (couldn't)eat a thing. After a while he said that he would refund our money. We do enjoy the casino at Mohegan Sun put would definitely not patronage their restaurants. We ate out the other night in Old Saybrook and had a wonderful meal at Liv's, I will review that next.

victoria060 in Southern New England