E.L.A. Posted December 11, 2014 Author Share Posted December 11, 2014 Also...Sangria, in Mahwah...nice place...more details to follow, some of the dishes were very good. Nice bar area, good service, very good sangria... 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
E.L.A. Posted December 23, 2014 Author Share Posted December 23, 2014 Oceanos...again...and once again, as always, excellent! A quick heads up -- I had one of the specials that night...a coconut encrusted mahi mahi...it was prepared perfectly -- very flavorful, well balanced, served with some grilled vegetables and a basmati rice...it tasted good! More to follow... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
E.L.A. Posted December 24, 2014 Author Share Posted December 24, 2014 Capital Grille, in Paramus...as always, excellent. I was glad when they first opened, and I am glad they are doing well. I always have an excellent meal and experience there. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rail Paul Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 Capital Grille, in Paramus...as always, excellent. I was glad when they first opened, and I am glad they are doing well. I always have an excellent meal and experience there. Capitol Grille has mastered the art of the business lunch / dinner environment. Not cheap, but they deliver a very consistent product across the country. Ruth's Chris, which is arguably their major national competitor, has had some consistency issues, at least in my limited experience. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
double 0 Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 Oceanos...again...and once again, as always, excellent! A quick heads up -- I had one of the specials that night...a coconut encrusted mahi mahi...it was prepared perfectly -- very flavorful, well balanced, served with some grilled vegetables and a basmati rice...it tasted good! More to follow... We went two weeks ago and it was a major disappointment. I think they need to spruce up the rooms a bit. I got Peconic Bay scallops assuming they would be a very lighty sautaed version with maybe a little butter sauce, but it came over cooked with a very strong vanilla sauce. It completed overshadowed the scallops. My wife's side on her dish was listed a risotto, but was a very dry cup of rice. My son's salmon was way overcooked. I think for the price you pay this was no better than fish in a diner. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
E.L.A. Posted December 24, 2014 Author Share Posted December 24, 2014 Capital Grille, in Paramus...as always, excellent. I was glad when they first opened, and I am glad they are doing well. I always have an excellent meal and experience there. Capitol Grille has mastered the art of the business lunch / dinner environment. Not cheap, but they deliver a very consistent product across the country. Ruth's Chris, which is arguably their major national competitor, has had some consistency issues, at least in my limited experience. Agreed. Personally, I never viewed Ruth's Chris as their competitor, but that's just me. CG offers a more upscale and nicer environment, ambiance, and experience, in my opinion. I also think their "product" is better, but again, that's just my opinion. Yes, the business lunch, and a nice dinner -- they do it and they do it well. I think "expensive" is a relative term, and for me, while it's price-point is "high end" to many, to me it's not "expensive" vis a vis what you are getting, enjoying, etc. If you want an equivalent, where do you go and the price will be on the same level. Again, that's just my opinion. I was never a huge fan of Ruth's Chris, but they are very popular. My experience is that it's not on the same level, and no, not consistent. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rail Paul Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 Capital Grille, in Paramus...as always, excellent. I was glad when they first opened, and I am glad they are doing well. I always have an excellent meal and experience there. Capitol Grille has mastered the art of the business lunch / dinner environment. Not cheap, but they deliver a very consistent product across the country. Ruth's Chris, which is arguably their major national competitor, has had some consistency issues, at least in my limited experience. Agreed. Personally, I never viewed Ruth's Chris as their competitor, but that's just me. CG offers a more upscale and nicer environment, ambiance, and experience, in my opinion. I also think their "product" is better, but again, that's just my opinion. Yes, the business lunch, and a nice dinner -- they do it and they do it well. I think "expensive" is a relative term, and for me, while it's price-point is "high end" to many, to me it's not "expensive" vis a vis what you are getting, enjoying, etc. If you want an equivalent, where do you go and the price will be on the same level. Again, that's just my opinion. I was never a huge fan of Ruth's Chris, but they are very popular. My experience is that it's not on the same level, and no, not consistent. In my old job, I had to do a lot of one night trips to places. While I tried to use local restaurants where possible, that often wouldn't work out for a business dinner. The "chain" nature of the Capitol Grille (similar interior layout, similar table spacing, ability to play the wine list within guidelines, etc) made it a good choice. Few surprises. I found the layouts in Ruth's Chris varied too much, and their wine prices were often very different for the same bottle. Even allowing for taxes, etc. Our shareholder periodically busted us over alcohol prices, t&e expenses, etc but Cap Grille usually fit within guidelines. Don't miss that nonsense in the slightest. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
E.L.A. Posted December 26, 2014 Author Share Posted December 26, 2014 LOL...I hear you RP...funny how CG fits the guidelines and RC's could be a problem, LOL. I hear people complain all the time about CG, even Morton's, or some of these higher end places -- being a chain, overpriced, too expensive, not worth it, etc. To each their own. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
E.L.A. Posted December 27, 2014 Author Share Posted December 27, 2014 Eppes Essen in Livingston...very nice dinner...more details to follow, but, in my opinion, one of the -- if not the -- best pastrami this side of NYC... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rail Paul Posted December 27, 2014 Share Posted December 27, 2014 Eppes Essen in Livingston...very nice dinner...more details to follow, but, in my opinion, one of the -- if not the -- best pastrami this side of NYC... I wondered how they're making out. When Irving's first opened, Eppes emptied out. But, I had lunch in the Chinese place across the street a few months ago, and noticed a lot of cars in their parking lot at lunch. Made a mental note to visit, but of course didn't... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
E.L.A. Posted December 29, 2014 Author Share Posted December 29, 2014 Eppes Essen in Livingston...very nice dinner...more details to follow, but, in my opinion, one of the -- if not the -- best pastrami this side of NYC... I wondered how they're making out. When Irving's first opened, Eppes emptied out. But, I had lunch in the Chinese place across the street a few months ago, and noticed a lot of cars in their parking lot at lunch. Made a mental note to visit, but of course didn't... When Irving's first opened -- yes, it was "hot" -- it was "the place" as far as deli's go, but Eppes Essen had been around longer, and had an excellent following. I traveled approximately 30 minutes each time I wanted to go to Irving's, and it was worth it...when they first opened. I still went to Eppes Essen though. I could certainly see Irving's taking business from Eppes Essen...again, when Irving's first opened. Based upon Irving's "slipping" and being that it "jumped the shark" so to speak...no, it's not taking business from EE, not any longer, not in my opinion. I don't remember when, but I am going to say somewhere around 2010 or so, Irving's just slipped. I don't know if they "cut corners" or what -- but it changed, and not for the good. Service was cut, quality took a hit, etc. I have not been back to Irving's in a couple of years as the last 3 or 4 times I went, in my opinion, it slipped and suffered. OK...so on to Eppes Essen...it was excellent...like I said, the best pastrami this side of the Hudson River...We ordered a variety, but I will stick to the standout, popular items, etc. We started with a potato pancake the the kasha varnishkes...both excellent. My only gripe -- the kv -- while it was very good, those of you who know me, know I don't complain or make an issue about price. Expensive is a relative term. But value is something I do think about. If my memory is correct, the kv, was on the "appetizer" section of the menu, and it was either $11.95 or $12.95...so, like I said, it was very good, but the portion size was small! Very small. For that price, it wasn't enough for two people. Upon placing it down on the table, I was disappointed. It was served with some very good brown gravy. The potato pancake was also very good -- good size, good balance, substantial, and good taste. On to the main show...the pastrami...it was excellent. In my opinion, you are not finding pastrami this good on this side of the Hudson. I ordered the "extra meat" which I think was $3 more. I don't remember. I don't care. It doesn't matter. LOL. It was superb!!! Absolutely, tastes and likes differ and if you tell me you like Hobby's better, OK, that's fine. Like I've always said, some people like chocolate and some people like vanilla. This pastrami was a "rich" and "red" meat, not overly smokey or greasy. It was an excellent example of what pastrami is in my opinion. It had substance, and was not cut thin at all, yet was like that "melt in your mouth" type of meat. Yes, this was the real deal pastrami. Tell me that they "buy it" from somewhere or someone else, that's fine -- but whatever they are doing from the time it arrives, to the time it hits my plate...they are doing it and doing it right! This wasn't overly fatty, dripping with fat, or stringy, but the fat content gave all the flavor I needed. It was "done right" in my opinion. Side notes -- their pickles, both the sour and half sours were very good. The cole slaw was the best I've had in a long time. Both are brought out for the table, and they'll keep bringing it if you want it, LOL. The cole slaw was "fresh" and was a perfect balance between slaw, juice/dressing, etc. Excellent flavor and balance. I really enjoyed it. After the meal I looked around the deli section -- beautiful cut pieces of turkey were displayed -- the entire breast just cut off, and also more of a quarter size turkey, the breast, leg/drumstick, etc. all in one piece, just sitting out displayed. They looked excellent, browned, done perfectly. Nice selection of cookies, cakes, etc. They had some whole pastramis displayed as well. The corned beef, pastrami, brisket, etc. sell well here -- both in the restaurant and in the deli. I am looking forward to trying the brisket and will talk someone into getting the turkey just so I can try that as well, LOL. The brisket looked excellent and some nearby tables raved about it. Eppes Essen is probably a 30 minute drive for me...and it doesn't matter...I will go back...often. In my opinion, this is the best deli in Northern NJ, perhaps all of NJ. I still like Hobby's, which is a different experience, and a different kind of pastrami. I still like the Kosher Nosh (which is real deal Kosher) and it's local and convenient for me. But EE is the real deal and I am going back!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
E.L.A. Posted December 31, 2014 Author Share Posted December 31, 2014 El Cid...paella was good, same with the sangria, a nice baked scallop appetizer was very good, and a chicken special was also very good -- very good flavor, tender, very well prepared. As always, a good local option for Spanish/Portuguese food and a good time. Very good service as well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ngatti Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Is that the old Nickel's Alley on Paramus Road? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
E.L.A. Posted December 31, 2014 Author Share Posted December 31, 2014 Is that the old Nickel's Alley on Paramus Road? You got it Nick... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
E.L.A. Posted January 2, 2015 Author Share Posted January 2, 2015 Another excellent meal at St. Eve...what can I say...in my opinion this is one of the best restaurants in Northern NJ...small, BYO, a master in the kitchen...and always an excellent meal and experience... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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