We have given it a try. The reno was extensive to say the least it looks great. Front of the house was good and we were seated within 3 minutes. No reservation and they were quite busy. At least half of the tables were families and some had small kids. There also seemed to be a few of the Centros "old guard".

The menu isn't huge but had a decent array of pastas and pizza. They have a wood burning oven. Our table had a bit of both to eat.

The service was great and friendly but the kitchen is working out the bugs. No one should wait 40 minutes for salad! Free drinks all around were provided. Pizza and pasta were great. Ill be going back if not only for the great price point. And.....you can bring your own wine. Corkage is $35.00 a bottle. Given the prices on their wine list, thats the way to go,

Well, after all the noise and hype about this place, I finally went to the new one on Bathurst. Having never been to the original, I have nothing to compare it to, except other fallafels.

Frankly, it was great. The staff were courteous and it's clear they are working out the kinks. I don't care if the Lafa came out of an authentic oven, or a conveyer belt. It was warm, chewy and was the perfect "holder" of all the goodies. The chick pea balls were hot and there was an abundance of veggy toppings.

The thing that struck me the most was the price and the size! The price point is very reasonable, but I can't imagine how one average human being can eat the whole thing! It was huge and deite my best efforts, even I couldn't finish it.

Let me assure you that i will be back as the chicken looked fantastic. Having been devoted for years to Sababa on Steeles, I will travel northvno more!!

Am I wrong, or does it seem that the participation of CH members has slowed considerably over the last few months? I used to look forward to stimulating comments, reviews and opinions, but now it seems most mundane to read the topics and thoughts. I hope I'm wrong......any thoughts? If I'm way off base, then let's get back at it folks! We all love food, restaurants and ingredients, so let's start pushing the envelope again and try to make a difference! You would all be surprised how many people in the industry read our opinions. Let's give them something to think about!

Anyone can make light and fluffy MB's by just following the directions on the box. It takes art and skill to make those rock hard bombs. I'm all in for the bombs!

Highland Farms on Dufferin north of Finch. They always have them

Guess you don't have a wine cellar? I bring my own stash whenevervi can. Most of the time the staff are so curious about what I've brought that if you offer them a taste, the corkage fee is waived. I'm not sure of the food at La Societe because I've always been in groups, but I've seen lots of single diners.

La Societe on Bloor? I've never been there solo, but the room looks great. You can bring your own wine there as well.

Let me know!

The bar at Opus is a great spot to solo dine. You order off the regular menu and there is a huge selection of wine by the glass. They have an enormous wine list. As a bonus, the barvis a great place to people watch and everyone is friendly and outgoing. Sometimes, I prefer the bar to the tables!

After Bitondo's, there is no other. I suggest you also get their steak on a kaiser with hot peppers, cheese and mushrooms. Then.....take it all across the road to the Monarch and wash it down with a cold beer! That, is heaven!

Good Point! As we are quickly learning, although our hotel wil still take us, they've also warned that there is no water and limited electricity! We'll check on the status of the restaurants recommended and as far as showers.......Canadians don't need no stinking showers!!!

Thanks for all of your comments...and Nizza...our group is split between the Giants and those other guys!

Thanks so much! We hadm't even considered Spanish! the menu actually looks great. In the event these yahoos simply want a "local" sports bar to watch the night game, do you have any ideas? We're not big on the chain store style restaurants. Something local would be excellent!

Going to the Giants game. We're flying into Newark. All of us are foodies, so thanks for the rec! Any second choice?

Thanks so much. I believe we are staying at a hotel near the stadium. As I expect we will all be severely intoxicated, are these recs close by? We wouldn't want to hurt ourselves walking too far!!

We are a group from Toronto who are coming to Newark on Sunday. Looking for a recommendation for a restaurant not far from the football stadium, after the game. Our choice would be somewhere with great Italian food, home style and maybe with the ability to watch the night game.

Price is not really a concern. It's more about the food, a decent wine selection and atmosphere. We can drink with the best of them!

Any suggestions??

I finally had an opportunity to check out this new resto on Avenue north of Lawrence. This venture is headed by the lads that own Safari down the road. Although the food at Safari has never been great, I was hoping for more at the new digs. Sadly, I was wrong. It's a large space and they've obviously spent a ton to get it up and running. Lots of T.V.'s to watch the Leafs, if they ever come back!

The beer selection is fine, but the menu is a disaster. Who owns a sports bar where you can't get a burger? Forget a decent burger.....they have none! That left me with the wings. I like wings, so I ordered the hot ones. For the first time in my dining life, I actually asked for my money back! They were inedible. The staff were gracious enough to provide me with a refund and a mild apology.

I will not go back as this is not a growing pains situation. The food was terrible. This leaves a huge hole in the neighbourhood, as The Bistro on Avenue Road, which has great food and tremendous atmosphere is being forced to move to make room for condo's. I know that the owner is looking for another small location in the area, but if he fails......we're taking our lucrative wing/beer business to another street.

Drums N Flats was just that.....flat!!

Have a look at the private dining room at Opus on Prince Arthur. It holds around 24 and if you wish, you can arrange a set menu for your dinner. I agree, Barbarians is a good choice asvwell, but do it in the wine cellar. Very private. Both have great food, but Opus will give you more variety.

Thanks for that info. I was at Highland on Dufferin this past weekend to buy some fruit. I saw peppers and roma's, but no cukes, although i didnt ask. I'm going to call and post the response. Nothing like some sodium to lower your blood pressure!

just returned from holidays and have the urge to make my own dill pickles. Have I missed the boat? Have they come and gone? If not, does anyone know where I can buy the pickles by the bushel?

That's probably Mikes. Great! Now I can pick them up and eat my way to the back of the building! Thanks for the super quick reply!

looking to put together a decent southern style clam bake. I know where I'm picking everything up from, but I would really like to add some fresh crawfish. I don't think they're in season, but I'd like to avoid frozen. Anyone know where to get the fresh ones or if no option, frozen? I haven't checked with Diana's or City Fish yet.

Now that you have all discussed the bestvdogs etc......lets go back to the original question.........where can i get my Chicago 58 fix?

Some of you may remember the good old days when Chicago 58 meat products ruled the day. Their salami was superior to any all beef you could find, along with the all beef hot dogs and their cured brisket. That was when they were at their original location on Lipincott, near Kensington Market. A

Alas, they got too big and got the urge to venture north to that bastion of Jewish style meats and attitude........Woodbrdge! You used to be able to find their products at many of the chain stores and the usual haunts. Loblaws carries the smaller sizes but not the dogs. Does anyone know if the new factory has a retail outlet? Where is this place? No offense, but I'm not going all the way up there unless I know there is a hot dog and salami at the end of the rainbow!!

Exclusive Rentals or Harolds Tableware

Agreed about Ciccio. Great sandwich, but let me toss another one out there. Bitondo's on Clinton Street. Their home made sauce is tremendous and the veal is light and moist. But.....try the steak sandwich! Unlike the others, they grill the meet, into the soft kaiser bun, topped with sauce, cheese and mushrooms. But....don't forget to slap on the roasted hot peppers. Wash it down with a great panzorotto!!!!

Great reds for all of them but forget Left Bank. Just there......horrible wine list, hence the minimal corkage fee and a very boring uninspired menu. Nce room, but in the middle of nowhere! Waste of money quite frankly. Young immature staff who are really just kids and know nothing about the food.

Why not just head over to The Keg or Copper Creek on Dixon Road They are both safe bets, decent food and you can get out of there on your own timeframe

Ararrat on Avenue Road south of the 401.

Opus Restaurant on Prince Arthur should do the trick. Call ahead and ask for Tony for Mario and explain what you wish and they will put it together. Enjoy!!!

The grand days of N44 have come and gone. I was there last month. The food was good. Not great.....good. When you're paying top dollar, I can think of several other restaurants that put it to shame. In the same neighborhood, Centros has had a fantastic transformation. Great food, great price point,excellent and accommodating service and a far more affordable wine list. As a bonus, they have a great bar in the basement, with live music. Spend wisely my friend!