Asian market in/near Sussex county? Nearby?

I am looking for an Asian grocery store/market to pick up a few staples that goes beyond the international aisle of Shop Rite. I know the chances of one in Sussex Co. are slim, so I'll be happy with anything within an hour or so drive. Any recc's for some of the better ones in northern NJ would be welcomed - thank you!

jilluary in New Jersey

Mayonnaise with an Immersion Blender

Hmmm. What size of a bowl or container are you using to make the mayonnaise in? I have an immersion blender with a sort of capped plastic end over the blades (as opposed to just a metal wand) and made my mayo in a mason jar, the width of which was only slightly bigger than the end of the blender. Everything got sucked into the blades when I started so I only had to pull the blender up once and it was done. The tight space seemed to work really well.

jilluary in Home Cooking

Coimbra in Ironbound

Coimbra is indeed the bomb.

I chose to have my birthday dinner there earlier this month with my husband and our respective parents. No one had eaten Portuguese before, and everyone questioned my choice (more so because it was in Newark). I am glad to report that everyone left very happy.

The place is a block off of the main strip (Ferry Street), so it is quieter and more desolate outside. Coimbra has a bar in front, the dining room is casual and set up for groups. We got there early, around 5, but shortly after the place filled up with the first of two early evening rushes. A table for 6 was no problem.

Food:
I knew the portions were huge, but we still ordered way too much, considering we dented the (really good) bread, cheese, (awesome) olives and (tasty) bacalhau fritters they put out on the table to start. I didn’t see the bill but I recall from traveling to Portugal that it is standard to put things like that on the table and you pay for what you take. I don’t know if that was the case here, but they were worth it if it was.

Next, we all split the flaming sausage, mussels in green sauce and bacon-wrapped scallops. The scallops were small, but cooked perfectly and very tasty. Mussels were on the large side, delicious. Sausage was good – smoky, large chunks of meat with fat that was not grisly, just good.

For entrees, most really could feed about four people. I didn’t see the goat on the daily specials so I went for the seafood with green sauce. The sauce was delicious – light, creamy-looking but thin in a good way. Parsley was in full effect, very vibrant, plain and hearty.

Among the other orders were the shrimp with garlic sauce –soupy-style, almost too salty, but just a perfect meal for a cold day. The shrimp were small as well but tasty.
Meat kebabs – Cooked perfectly, charred lightly. The steak in particular was outstanding. My husband was not crazy about the veal they used, and said it was dry.
Fried chicken in wine and garlic sauce – Delicious, light hand with the sauce and let the mild spices stand out. Surprisingly meaty for the small birds they used. I am noticing a trend here.
Steak special – It was called muscle steak (?), a special on the menu - three medallions of what looked like an unremarkable eye round steak, but were juicy and delicious.
Tuna – It did not look terribly appealing, but was good, according to my mom.

Basically, they know what they are doing with meat.

The sangria was of the almost too sweet variety and reminded me slightly of a Minute Maid frozen fruit punch concentrate, but so does a lot of sangria. That said, it was really good, very drinkable. Coffee was delicious, very strong.

The service was better than I was anticipating, considering we were neither regulars nor Portuguese-speakers. I think a little obrigado went a long way with the waiters, who really were helpful and friendly in a hands-off kind of way. The only things that needed explaining were some of the desserts, which ran from the typical like tiramisu and cheesecake (which was delicious) to a variety of custard-based desserts that the waiter could not quite differentiate, and resorted to telling us the ingredients (“Eh, there’s egg, milk, sugar… it’s good”). I tried the “House Dessert,” which was in the custard realm and very good with coffee.

The crowd runs the gamut – kids, dates, guys night out, huge families. Even during busy periods, there was no rush at all – we lingered and the food took its time to come out, but never so long that we noticed. I was so happy with the entire experience and will be returning to try the specials. Highly, highly, highly recommended.

jilluary in General Tristate Archive

NON-prix-fixe V-Day dinner in Brooklyn

I figured chowhounds would like a challenge - I know, it is amateur night for dining, but the thing is, we always cook! In the interest of actually doing something special and different (and avoid spending time doing dishes) my husband and I are looking to eat out.

Ideally, we want nothing to do with a set menu of pre-made this and that. It does not have to be fancy (I first suggested pizza) but he wants to do something one step up. I am a lucky gal... so, does anyone know of a local place doing their regular menu tonight that would have us?

Anywhere from Downtown Brooklyn to Bay Ridge is game.

jilluary in Outer Boroughs

ISO: Best Wedding Reception Halls in Queens

If budget is no object, the Foundry is awesome, but you have to bring in your own catering. There are lots of local options they will recommend.

If you want to go to the classic catering hall route, Russo's, for all its glitz, does a really nice job with special events. The food is great, they are all really professional, and no one is ever disappointed.

Cafe on the Green runs a classy operation as well, much more subdued and a more adventurous menu.

I would avoid terrace on the park.

jilluary in Outer Boroughs

K Japanese Fusion on W. Broadway

I just had a group dinner there last night. The food was solid, but nothing amazing. I read reviews on other boards about the poor service, which is pretty spot-on. It is not that anyone was rude, just unattentive and lacking that professional edge, which was hard to understand with only two bills in the entire place. When 5 tables filled up, the staff looked completely out of their league. As of yesterday, their liquor license is still pending, so BYO is a welcome option. The chilled out bottles (some of which already were) but forgot to actually serve them until we asked.

I found the fish used in the ceviche not very fresh. Most of the people at the table ordered the steak, which came out very nice, but the vegetables were cold. Someone who got the shrimp said they were good, and they looked it. One person went for a lobster roll, which was okay, almost too sweet, but nothing to write home about.

One of my friends automatically became that person for whom everything they order is out. No scallops, no lobster (I assume this was different lobster than in the sushi roll) and the coffee she ordered never materialized. In fact, no ones coffee showed up. Not that I was surprised, but there was no effort to make it up to her. They also told her this shortly before the other plates came out, so she was waiting for quite a while for both app. and entree.

It doesn't warrant a repeat visit, which is just a fact of life when you're spoiled for choice. The space is nice and comfortable, though, so hopefully they get it together at some point.

jilluary in Manhattan

pizza in astoria?! fruits de mer?!

I know it is terribly low-rent, but I love pizza and I really love Polito's on Steinway and Broadway (next to the Chase bank). So worth the two avenues and they certainly deliver. Reheats are typically not great, but if you get a fresh pie or order one, it is delicious.

jilluary in Outer Boroughs