Unless she recently sold it, they are definitely owned by the same person. I had a couple of conversations with Rose in the Fair Lawn location about her opening in Englewood. Somehow, though, the Fair Lawn location's food is better.

Thanks, Windy! What would I use it in place of in cookies? Flour? It is a little wet, so I am not sure how to adjust it. Any recipes to share?

Just started to make almond milk from scratch, since I don't really like the taste, or sweeteners, in the store bought types. I really don't like to throw food out, so I want to find an easy and quick use for the leftover pulp. I don't strain it through cheesecloth, so it is a little wet.

Thanks! Sounds really interesting.

Will do. Planning on going in the next few weeks.

Ah, thanks so much BrickPM!

I saw a story on a little place, I believe in NYC or Brooklyn, where different Italian ladies/grandmas from Italy, take turns cooking on various nights. I can't remember anything else about it. Ring a bell with anyone?

Thanks. I always forget about Berta's - that would be a nice ride; will check out the current menu. Never been to Blu, but hear good things.

Any opinions on Chef's Table in Franklin Lakes? Not particularly pretty or romantic, but food is supposed to be great. We were looking for a great wine list, I know it is BYOB, but are willing to bring our own if the place is that good!

Thanks so much everyone. Glad to hear good things about the Bernards Inn; never been, but have wanted to try it. Lorena's and La Grilglia are also on the short list.

It seems like many of the better restaurants in Northern NJ have closed. So, where would you go for a romantic, special occasion dining experience? Any cuisine will do, great wine options and fantastic desserts appreciated! Looking to travel up to 40 minutes to 1 hour from Bergen County.

You got it, fourunder! It temporarily went out of my head, so I'm glad you came up with it so fast!

Thanks for the reminder ,fourunder. I almost bought it the other day, but then checked out some reviews, and didn't find too many good things being said. Have you heard otherwise? I still want to try it, and the deal expires tomorrow!

I do remember it! I was never there, but my older siblings were. I just remember as a kid, thinking that it sounded so mysterious. I always asked them "what's a Cheshire Cat?"

While we're at it.....anyone remember Ronnie's Run in Englewood Cliffs, and the previous place in that same
location? C'mon Chowhounders, you remember it.......what was the name?

Thanks for asking, gudeatz. We haven't gone yet. We're going next week. Going to LouCas in Edison. Surprised that's what they chose, but oh well, that was the general agreement! A couple of the girls heard good things about it, so they wanted to try it. I'm still determined to get to La Grilia and ATH wih hubby soon!

Sure, the NJ dining experience is not even close to dining in NYC, but there are some decent places. I do agree with doxy216 that Ridgewood is not great, but most places are BYOB & kid friendly. Kumo is a nice Japanese place in Ridgewood. Locale and Harvest in Closter are both decent. There's a new steak place opening up in Closter also,called Sear Grill(?). All you can eat sushi in River Vale, Kazuki, is good. Akai Lounge in Englewood is my first choice for sushi, though. Samdan is the best Turkish around, and they now deliver.

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Samdan Restaurant
178 Piermont Rd, Cresskill, NJ 07626

Akai Lounge
11 N Dean St, Englewood, NJ 07631

Thanks, Drongo. That looks great for a nice dinner with hubby when we feel like taking a nice little ride in the cool fall months. I saw the lunch prix fixe and it looks quite reasonable to me, but once we add drinks, it might be a little too pricey.

Definitely a counter-depth one for aesthetics and for making the kitchen feel larger. I seem to fit more than I thought into my Sub Zero built in fridge; it's just a matter of how you load the fridge up! I also have my "old" fridge/freezer in my basement, and mostly use it for overflow during the holidays. There's always food/drinks in it, but I think that if I didn't have it, I could still get by -- and I'm an avid cook, so there's always food in the freezer for a rainy day.

Just another thought.....I've been to several friends' kitchens who have spent loads of money on the redo, and then they have an eye sore of a fridge sticking out. It just takes away the beauty and sleekness of the kitchen.

Thanks! Will definitely have the fish; fingers crossed that everyone chooses ATH!

Thanks so much for the help! ATH is my choice! I'm going to suggest 2 or 3 places to the group, and let them decide! We are a very punctual group, so the owners will like that!

A Toute Heure looks really interesting. Just wonder if it is the kind of place that is comfortable to hang out for a few hours, or is it too small that they need the table? No liquour, right?

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A Toute Heure
232 Centennial Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016

Thanks, all! Love dinining in Summit, but not a good location for this group. Saw A Tout Heure, glad you suggested it because I thought it looked interesting. I'll have to check out Van Gogh's Ear.

Meeting some friends from all around the state for a fun, not-too-expensive lunch in the centrally located (from us at least) Kenilworth. Only problem, I know nothing about Kenilworth or the surrounding few miles. We are a mix of gals who don't cook or care what they eat, to great home cooks with more developed palates. We all love Italian cuisine, so that's a start, but are open to any type of menu except Asian or steak houses. Thanks!

Both are good, but I think that Varka wins hands down.

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Varka
30 North Spruce Street, Ramsey, NJ 07446

Thanks, fourunder. Very good point about Gaspard. Like you, I go there during the year, but have never been on a holiday. Glad you mentioned the NYE experience because it tells me that even on a holiday, he probably doesn't compromise his standards. I was worried because it's very inexpensive - $34.50 per person! I can't even cook a Thanksgiving meal for that amount! We'll most likely wind up there this year. PS - I hear ya about the crowds! We ate out on Thanksgiving once, years ago, and I remember swearing that I would never do it again - even if it meant sitting at home with some Boar's Head sliced turkey, but here we are again.........

I've never been there for the holiday buffets. Has anyone?

Oh, funny - we were just there this week for dinner! I checked out the Thanksgiving menu because, you are right, the atmosphere and history are fitting of the holiday. Food is still good, BTW.

Any suggestions for a traditional Thanksgiving meal? I saw that Harvest Bistro and The Manor had nice menus for the day, but wondering if anyone has gone someplace that they really liked.

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Harvest Bistro
252 Schraalenbergh Rd, Closter, NJ 07624

I do think they are worth going there for the cupcakes and cakes. To me, they are the best in the area. The cupcakes are light and fresh, and taste like they use quality ingredients in them. Same with the cakes. It's the closest thing to a NYC cupcake bakery we have on this side of the river.

I also like that you can satisfy your cake craving by buying one slice, and not a whole cake! I like the red velvet and coconut cakes. Yum - I could go for one now! :)

Thanks!

Funny you mention La Dolce Divas - that's where the cake is coming from! I find it hit or miss there, though. I like the cupcakes and cakes, but the bar cookies and regular cookies need a little help!