BigGeorge's Profile
Grand Cayman
Many days of the week you can buy fresh fish on the waterfront in George Town next to Hammerheads Bar, but you have to get there early. The supermarkets will have a selection of fresh fish also, make sure its is labelled "local".
Bordentown - Trenton -Princeton Area - Party for 25
As had been mentioned in previous threads, Eno Terra, in Kingston (just north of Princeton) would make a good venue. Elements and Peacock inn could also be considered.
Grand Cayman
The summer is hurricane season but the predication this year is that it will be a less active than average season. There is less chance of hurricanes in July than August, although I have gone in August without problems. Most condos are have specials making the rate about 1/2 the regular rates. A good source to look for condo is VRBO or Homeaway.
Grand Cayman
If you are going with a family of 4, renting a condo in Grand Cayman is a better idea. Many of the condos are very luxurious and their section of the beach is much less crowded than the beaches of the Ritz Carlton or the Marriott. For a first timer to Grand Cayman, Seven Mile beach is the best location. Since Grand Cayman is one of the safest Caribbean Islands, there is no trouble getting around in a rental car. It is not he Jamaica or Mexico. With the money you save on a condo, you will have a larger budget to try the better restaurants.
Most of the restaurants are less than a 10 minute drive from Seven Mile Beach. The best restaurant is Blue, in the Ritz Carlton. Most people except for one poster in this forum, like Oestra Bay, it is bit over the top. I like Ortanique, in Camanan Bay, it has Florida inspired cuisine. Morgan"s Harbor has very fresh seafood, in an informal setting. Also very informal, and less expensive are Tim Buc Tuu and Afresco's. There are good many Italian restaurants in Grand Cayman, 2 of the better ones are La Dolce Vita, Luca's and Casanova.
There are many more but i don't want to bore you. Stay away from the obvious tourist traps such as the Wharf and the restaurants in Georgetown near the cruise dock.
Ryland Inn to Reopen
I got a good laugh when I read the Star-Ledger article. I guess "made a splash" at Uproot is a new way of saying being fired.
Skylark on the Hudson (Jersey City)
I thought Craig Shelton's association with the Americana hospitality group ended a while ago. The quality at the Skylark diner deteriorated once he left.
Something like Zahav here in NJ?
There are plenty of middle eastern restaurants in New Jersey, but I have not found one that matches the quality of Zahav. If you are going with a group I would recommend the Mesibah.
Good steak or Italian between EWR and Edison
No decent steaks around the Sheraton. For Italian consider IL Castellos in Woodbridge or Luca's in Edison. Not my favorite, but definitely better than the chains.
Daryl's - any updates? Thinking of going....
The Star Ledger and NJ Monthly are more interested in not losing an advertiser than in actually having competent reviews.
To say that Uproot was a top restaurant when David Viana was there is not credible.
Chinese restaurant near Edison used to be in Forest Hills...maybe?
they have been there for over 15 years. I doubt that they moved from Forest Hills.
great restaurants on Grand Cayman
If you like Blue, you should like Oestra Bay, it has a South Beach.vibe, a little over the top.
I can see you have good taste because I am not impressed by Calypso Grill. I like Morgan's Harbor much better, it is a very informal place but has very fresh fish. I would also suggest Ortanique in Camana Bay. it has Florida inspired cuisine.
Blue Ciltrano has recently opened up. It is Indian fusion, I will have to check it out next time I go. If you want a strange but good dining experience you should consider Roland's Garden. It is located in the old butterfly farm. The menu is what the chef wants and you pay what you want. However, if you pay too little you will get dirty looks.
Overall, nothing great has opened to compare with Blue, but there are many places you will get an excellent meal.
Chipotle coming to East Brunswick
Yes, Panera bread is coming to Brunswick Square Mall.
Speaking about North Brunwick, Chipolte's, Panera and Five Guys are already there.
Chipotle coming to East Brunswick
East Brunswick is a vast wasteland of chain restaurants. Unfortunately ,Chipotle. will not fix this problem.
Visiting Princeton to New Brunswick area
Another consideration is the Peacock Inn in Princeton. They have private rooms which could accommodate your crowd of 35-40 people. Eno Terra, as mentioned above, would be a solid choice. They usually use the second floor for parties. The Blue Bottle may be too small for your group if you want to sit together.
Any good Chinese restaurant's near Edison NJ
I passed by China Bowl ( the old Season's restaurant) and I was impressed with how much work has been done over the last few months. Nothing much had been done prior to this winter, but it appears now that they are making a serious effort to complete the renovations.
Daryl's - any updates? Thinking of going....
I went there when it re-opened. I wasn't impressed.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/823853
Grand Cayman - dinner at Abacus
I went to Abacus once for lunch.I agree with you that the food quality was uneven. I would rather go to Ortanique if I am at Camana Bay.
Grand Cayman Superbowl Sunday
You won't have any trouble finding a place to watch the Superbowl. You can try the following places if you want a a sports bar atmosphere:Coconut Joe's,The Attic, Lone Star,Triple Crown, Legendz, Fidel Murphy's,Pirate's Den, to watch the Superbowl.
I don't understand the TV that would work comment, it must be your first visit to Grand Cayman.
Great "First Date" restaurants in Bridgewater/Somerville
If are looking to impress your date and have deep pockets, Ninety Acres Restaurant in Peapack would be a good choice.
Upscale in Grand Cayman
As you surmised, Blue is much like Le Bernardin. Excellent food, but you have to get the tasting meal to not feel hungry. 7 Prime is a good steakhouse, but costly. You should give it a try given your location and your allergy concerns.. Service in all of the Ritz Carlton restaurants is excellent. Periwinkle is a more family friendly place.
Rolands concept is that he gives what he wants to give you. The food is German influenced, not my favorite. Once was enough for me at Rolands. The strangest thing about the place is that supposedly you pay what you think the meal is worth. However, if you do not give him enough money, he is offended.
Don't forget all of the restaurant charges are in Cayman Dollars, 25% more than USD.
The saving grace is that there is no sales tax on the bill.
.
90th Birthday Brunch or Lunch in Princeton Area
If you mother uses an assistive device, walker or cane, or a wheelchair, Eno Terra would be the best option. They have handicapped parking right in front. and there is a clear path to the dining room.
Upscale in Grand Cayman
If you came before Hurricane Ivan, you will find that half of the restaurants you went to are gone. The restaurant with the most buzz is now is Osetra Bay. it is upscale with excellent food and service, definitely worth going to if you like upscale dining. Camana Bay has 2 new restaurants run by "celebrity" chefs( it seems like every chef is a celebrity now) from Florida. They are Ortanique and Michael's. I liked Ortanique better than Michael's.
If you like Italian, you should consider the following, ranked in order of my preference:
La Dolce Vida, excellent food and friendly management
Casanova, very romantic when you sit outside and a person plays the harp
Luca, upscale, sometimes uneven service, also excellent brunch
Raggazi, family atmosphere
Ristorante Pappagollo, cute premises.
Other places I like, are Morgan's Harbor, simple preparation of very fresh fish. Agua, good ceviche and other fish dishes, however not on the water.
I would not bother going to steakhouses, although 7 Prime and Cooper Falls are good, you can getter a better steak in NYC. Also, 7 Prime is very expensive.
Places I would not bother with are tourist traps like the Wharf, and Calypso Grill which has gone downhill over the years. Rolands Garden is an interesting place, but they will only serve you what they want, and do not care if your friend has allergies. No one i know went to Casa Havana, so I can't comment.
Good luck.
Grand Cayman In February
Everyone has their favorites so you will get varying opinions. for upscale dining, I would recommend Ortanique and Oestra Bay. Blue is excellent, but very expensive, the rest of the Ritz Carlton Restaurants are over-priced. I have had good meals from La Dolce Vida, Michael's, Morgan's Harbor and Casanova. Ristorante Pappagallo is also a consideration. i have not gone to Roland's Garden, because I don't like German food. For a funky quick meal Tim Buc Tuu is good. I would stay away from the usual tourist traps like the Wharf and any restaurant in Georgetown that caters to cruise ships. Unfortunately, Calypso Grill appears to be going the tourist trap route. Definitely, try different places because you are less than 10 minutes away from all of the restaurants that I mentioned.
Foie Gras in Old Bridge!?! New "JUST Restaurant" opens on Route 9
Given the paltry fine dining options available in Old Bridge, I hope that this restaurant succeeds, However,being the cynic that I am , I doubt we will be hearing about it in a year from now
Za reopening
This is the email I got from ZA restaurant:
Za now has tentative plans to reopen mid January, 2012.
Thanks for your patience! We hope to see you soon.
Gift Certificates Extended
All outstanding Za Restaurant gift certificates will be honored for an additional six months beyond their 2 year expiration date.
Any new reports on restaurants on Grand Cayman?
I don't understand your post. Are you looking for new restaurants that opened recently in Grand Cayman? Or are you looking for restaurant recommendations?
Dennis Foy Whereabouts...
I doubt that he will be making another comeback. He had open heart surgery in 2007 and took over the Lawrenceville Inn because he was consulting there. Disappearing overnight is not a way to retain customers.
Christmas Eve dinner Central Nj
I can say I never had a good meal at the Metuchen Inn after being dragged there on business or by friends. Why don't you try looking on open table.
