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CookingBabs's Profile

The Cheshire Cat, Paramus

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

Al Di La Bistro, East Rutherford.....Deal

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!

The Cheshire Cat, Paramus

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?

Need A Cool, Casual Lunch Place For A Ladies' Lunch Day Near Kenilworth

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!

Moving to Demarest (near Tenafly) from NYC Need lots of advice

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

Need A Cool, Casual Lunch Place For A Ladies' Lunch Day Near Kenilworth

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.

Counter depth refrigerator...yes or no?

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.

Need A Cool, Casual Lunch Place For A Ladies' Lunch Day Near Kenilworth

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

Need A Cool, Casual Lunch Place For A Ladies' Lunch Day Near Kenilworth

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!

Need A Cool, Casual Lunch Place For A Ladies' Lunch Day Near Kenilworth

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

Need A Cool, Casual Lunch Place For A Ladies' Lunch Day Near Kenilworth

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.

Need A Cool, Casual Lunch Place For A Ladies' Lunch Day Near Kenilworth

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!

Oceanos or Varka for seafood (Fairlawn and Ramsey)?

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

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Varka
30 North Spruce Street, Ramsey, NJ 07446

Thanksgiving in the Bergen County Area - Just 3 of Us

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.........

Thanksgiving in the Bergen County Area - Just 3 of Us

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

Thanksgiving in the Bergen County Area - Just 3 of Us

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.

Thanksgiving in the Bergen County Area - Just 3 of Us

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

Who Makes The Best Sandwich and Salad Platters In Bergen County?

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! :)

Who Makes The Best Sandwich and Salad Platters In Bergen County?

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!

Who Makes The Best Sandwich and Salad Platters In Bergen County?

Thanks, fourunder! I will check out all/most of them! Great ideas, I appreciate it.

Who Makes The Best Sandwich and Salad Platters In Bergen County?

Thanks for the help, Fourunder. I am definitely willing to go to more than one place to pick up the food. I would like to stick to Italian or "American" fare. For salads, I need a couple of typical potato/macaroni salads along with a couple of non-run-of-the-mill ones like seafood salad and/or some kind of different vegetable salad. I have several vegetarians attending, so I want to find some kind of interesting sandwiches and salads. I'm really open to anything, as long as the quality of the food is good and it's tasty!

Who Makes The Best Sandwich and Salad Platters In Bergen County?

Oooh, thanks. I used to be a regular there, but for some reason just haven't been there lately, and almost forgot about them!

Who Makes The Best Sandwich and Salad Platters In Bergen County?

We're hosting a casual July 4th afternoon gathering in our home, and looking for someplace other than The Market Basket (where we usually go for this kind of catering) for salads and interesting sandwich ideas. Thanks!

lunch recommendation in/near Dobbs Ferry?

LOVE Sushi Mike's, but no atmosphere to speak of there. I really like Red Hat for a light, relaxing "apres spa" ladies lunch. Food is good. It's pretty, comfortable and on the water. Buffet De La Gare is nice for French bistro fare, but a little pricey. Enjoy!

Who Do You Think Makes The Best Caramels/Chocolates in NYC?

Thanks for all of the suggestions. Meanwhile, I tried the creme brulee chocolates at Kees and I thought they were fabulous! Like biting into a soft, creamy vanilla creme brulee dessert.

Who Do You Think Makes The Best Caramels/Chocolates in NYC?

Looking for decadent caramels/chocolates, and am tired of the usual places.

Where can I find Frogurt (plain, like they sell in Bloomingdale's in the city) in NJ? r/o

I tried that recipe several months ago, and maybe I did something wrong, but it didn't taste a thing like Frogurt. It was terrible. I hope someone else tries it and lets us know if they have any luck with it.

Blind date near Fort Lee?

Not sure when your date is, but The Bicycle Club is about to reopen, and if it's a cleaned up version of the old Bicycle Club, then it might be perfect place to meet a blind date. It's not "too" anything. Not too loud, expensive, fancy, quiet, etc. Not sure what the scene at The Assembly is these days, but it has a pleasant bar area too. Good luck on the date - let us know how it goes!

River Vale - new to area - need recs

Well, we've been to Daniel several times and every experience has been different. The first time was great. We all enjoyed appetizers/salads and each of us had a different fish entree. One of the diners is probably the most critical eater of all time, and even she said it was fabulous. The next few times got a little less exciting and a little more common. It's been kind of hit or miss. If you're there on a "hit" night, you'll be happy. Again, first time service was great, the next few times, not even close. I would give it one more try.

Is MarketBasket really as great as it seems? (Franklin Lakes, NJ)

Yup - it is! Nothing but good stuff to say about it. I've been going there for about 20 years! Most of the bakery stuff is great also, and I just discovered that their homemade blue cheese salad dressing is really good! Prices are not outrageous - especially on fresh meat and fish. Everyone is so courteous and pleasant. It's just a pleasure to shop there. Watchout around holiday time, you can't even move around the small place!