I love this show- favorite guest ever was Alec Baldwin. I thought most of the episodes were really funny. I'm amazed that these stars eat in some of the places that they meet. If I had that much money, I don't think I'd be eating a tuna sandwich at a diner.

I knew it was over for me when they had a tequila tasting menu or some such nonsense. I loved the original grungy place with all of the tattooed employees. I hated the music but liked going anyway. I love places that are the vision of an individual rather than a corporate investment opportunity. It took me a little while to warm up to the second location but eventually I liked it even better than the first since it was much more comfortable to eat there. The newest place just leaves me cold. It's too big, too chopped up, the food now seems like an afterthought. It really seems like they are promoting a "scene". It might be fun for kids but I liked the creative small local vibe of #1 and #2. Sad for me but I'm sure it will find an audience.

I'll be meeting relatives who are staying in Montclair. I'm looking for a relaxed nice lunch place where we can catch up without being rushed. I'd be willing to drive to Montclair for a good place but if there is someplace in between, that would be best.

I'd appreciate any suggestions.

Oh gosh, full-fat sugar-free frozen yogurt....that's my dream too. I've often thought that I should just buy an ice cream maker and try making a batch myself.

I went to the newest version of 10th Ave Burrito for the first time today. I loved the original hole in the wall and came to really enjoy the next location as well. I think I'm out though. Today, the food was kind of sloppy and it seemed like such a "scene' which to me, is always a death knell. Many may still like it but I can tell it's no longer my kind of place. I love mom and pop labor of love type restaurants and with the new bar and much larger space, I just don't get that vibe anymore.

Just came back...From the dinner entrees part of the menu, I had grilled pork with vermicelli. It was very good- an assemble your own type plate with grilled pork with fried shallots sprinkled on top, picked carrots and daikon, herbs (cilantro, asian basil, and a long thin leafed herb I couldn't identify), romaine, cucumber slices, some of those super fine rice noodles pressed into flat little sheets, and dipping sauce. I really enjoyed it.

My husband had a lunch Bun bowl with grilled pork and "egg roll". He said it was good but not too exciting. I thought my meal looked and tasted more interesting even though they were similar ingredients.

My only gripe was the "peanut sauce" served with the summer rolls. It was more like a tamarind sauce with a few peanuts sprinkled on top.

I will go back and try more items. The food was good, the place clean and people friendly. It's not knock your socks off but I like it better than Pho Le in Red Bank. Too bad it's a much farther drive for me.

Ha! That grapefruit sized ball of rice and tongue-like sashimi is really disgusting but an apt description of a lot of what's out there. I look forward to hearing the responses to this since I'm up in that neck of the woods from time to time.

Not in the area at all but my favorites for authenticity are:
Jo-Sho in Somerset
Shumi in Somerville
Ajijei in Princeton
Sushi by Kazi in Howell

I find that surreal. I remember being denied a look at the model for the "Esparanza" because I didn't have an appointment. And by model, I mean a miniature of the proposed building.
It's too bad that AP shot for the high priced condo market rather than trying to build a solid community.

I just had my first Mogo Korean taco with kimchi and sauce- I thought it was really delicious. I love the SoCo ice cream at Days- great hazelnut, whipping cream, fig, and salted caramel. Korean taco + SoCo = a perfect meal for me.

I just got back. The place was mobbed and the lines long so we only got to the lobster truck. I got a Maine roll and husband got the Bacon, Lobster, Tomato. Both were great. After that we watched the band and then a race, which was fun.

I'm not the best reviewer for food festivals because I'm always trying to keep my weight in check and so can never go all out with the food. Still, I enjoy going and trying at least one thing.

I hope they do this again with more trucks next time.

Oh, that's funny. Different strokes I guess.

I just got back...can't say that I recommend this event which seemed more about drinking than about interesting food. Many of the stands had combos like...Korean Tacos, Deep Fried Oreos.....it didn't inspire confidence that they were any more than standard street fair food stalls. I was hungry and opted for Lamb and White Bean Stew from Bienvenue French Restaurant which was pretty good. Still, I would never go back. The music was loud and rough.

I used to be a big fan of this place. I went for lunch about two weeks ago and had a mediocre meal. The service was slow and weird and the place was filthy. The bathroom floor was atrocious and it used to be so clean. I was sad to see this place go so downhill and I'm surprised by these recent positive reviews. I can forgive an occasional off day but the filth really put me off.

Thanks for this heads up- I just picked up some lobster and shrimp salad (with dill)- both were delicious.

I love this place. I almost always order soft shell crab, oysters, clam chowder or scungilli salad. My husband always gets the fried shrimp.

I'll have to try the fish cakes and I'd love to hear anyone else's favorites too. I feel like I've only scratched the surface of the menu.

We went again yesterday and had two small plates...I had the brisket and braised red cabbage, my husband had the pork and house made chips. They were out of ribs. I think the food is terrific and a good value. The portions were generous enough. We also took home a pound each of brisket and pork.

The owner came out to chat with people and ask if everyone enjoyed their meal. My favorite places are run by individuals who take pride in their food.

Only down side is the guy at the counter who just isn't fast enough to take orders and run the register. He seems like a nice kid so I hate to criticize but the situation might actually hurt business.

I tried this place yesterday and thought it was great. I wish the service and ambiance were better but the bbq is worth it. I'm a carnivore and I'm usually disappointed with bbq places due to heavy sugary gloppy sauces. I ordered take out by the pound- ribs, brisket and pulled pork. I ate the ribs and brisket as is and dipped the pulled pork in a little side of bbq sauce because it was a bit dry. The flavor and texture of the meat was wonderful....I'll definitely go back. I try to stay on a low carb-ish diet so no deep fried mac and cheese or candy bars for me which required a painful amount of self control.

After reading this thread, I drove by the Hmart shopping center yesterday. We were too early for the BBQ so we ended up at Kimchi Hana. The food was great but the smoke from the grill was overwhelming. There was some kind of draft that sent all the smoke my way. I noticed that the Korean tables had their food cooked at an empty table and brought to them. Considering my smoky experience, I think I will opt for that next time. Does anyone know if you just ask them to do this directly? I guess it is contingent upon having an open grill table.

-----
Kimchi Hana
6101 Middlesex Mall, South Plainfield, NJ 07080

I'm looking for a good quality version of the standards rather than anything innovative.

I'm not the woman from Ft. Monmouth but another who recently tried and loved Adas. She asked where I heard about the restaurant and I also said Chowhound.

My husband and I ordered the beef ribs, pernil, avocado salad and a cubano. We wanted to try several things and took the leftovers home.

This restaurant made me realize how important a nice (if humble) atmosphere and a friendly, efficient host/wait staff is to an enjoyable dining experience. I love mom and pop type places with good food.

Zoe's on Center Street in Atlantic Highlands has a small outdoor patio. Food is good, the service can be spotty. Sissy's at the Atlantic Highlands harbor also has outdoor seating with a nice view.

Can anyone recommend a good place for sushi in any of these towns?

I just went last night...great uni, live scallop, hamachi, tuna, etc. I got a little down on this place at one point but after last night, it's at the top of my list for the county again.

I like the pork shio ramen and miso pork ramen at Santoka too. I also really love the cold noodles / hiyashi chuka there but if I remember correctly, they don't start serving them until April-May.

The Flaky Tart sells it by the slice- a huge slice- and it's delicious. Also, Dearborn Farms sells mini coconut cakes (as well as large ones) that are great when they are fresh.

I didn't have the time to drive in, but the parking lot was plowed today. Maybe they are getting geared up to re-open.

For starters:

Grand Shanghai, Route 1 Edison
Shanghai Park, Highland Park
Shanghai Park, Princeton

How about Dragon Palace in Edison? I know they have hot pot and I've had some really great meals there. The one drawback is that their Chinese menu is not translated into English. I usually order the few Sichuan dishes that I know and then look around the tables and point to something that looks interesting. It's a little embarrassing but has proven effective. There is also one waiter that has been helpful. I think it's worth a shot.

I just got back from a taco run to North of the Border. I tried steak, carnitas and goat- all were great with cilantro, onion, some terrific hot sauce and a piece of grilled cactus. The cactus didn't have much flavor but I appreciated trying it.

I'm still trying to wrap my head around going from Nicholas to there- quite the contrast!

Thanks for the rec MGZ, nice to know since Mi Mexico is pretty far from where I live.

I really like the idea of this post and I'm glad it is being revived.

I will second the fish tacos at 10th Ave Burrito in Belmar
Tripe soup at Diaz Flavor in West Long Branch
Grilled Bronzino at the Greek Grill (Niko's Trapezi) in Long Branch
Any taco at Mi Mexico in Point Pleasant
Sashimi Platter Deluxe at Sushi by Kazu
Fried Shrimp and Soft Shell Crab at Keyport Fishery