| Author | Message | ||
     Elaine Harris Citizen Username: Elaineharris Post Number: 107 Registered: 12-2004 |
Chef Jesse is a master chef, a treasure for our village. His restaurant is cozy and friendly, and the food is spectacular, as person after person on MOL have affirmed. What is really special is the family love at Heart & Soul, a rarity these days. His lovely wife works there, along with his mother and two sons. Where do you find that bond in the work place these days? Chef Jesse's restaurant is a pleasure, with soft jazz, candle light, and pleasingly green and white linen tablecloths. For under $20.00 one can have a true gourmet meal and maybe leftovers for the next day. If you have not been there, you are missing out on something special. Notwithstanding all the praise, it is tough these days to make a profit, and unless our public consistently supports Chef Jesse, it may lose this treasure. Life is not always a dress rehearsal. This is Jesse's moment to succeed, and he needs the public support. Now is the time to place your order, or make reservations. 973-763-9005. A very few people on MOL have stated that Chef Jesse does not always have everything available on his menu, or his hours are not consistent. Seriously, is that really a problem? Can't we manage to overcome a small inconvenience now and then for the bigger picture? I, for one, never liked okra until I had Chef Jesse's okra. It is crunchy not slimy. His cornbread melts in your mouth. His garlic steaks are amazing, as is his barbequed salmon, and his herbed chicken. His candied yams are to dream about. I like to frequent all our restaurants and each one offers something special. But right now I want to say that I really love Heart & Soul, and if you haven't tried it yet, you will love it, too. | ||
| monster Supporter Username: Monster Post Number: 2290 Registered: 7-2002  |
dang I'm hungry, and thanks for the book Elaine, I finally remembered to bring it home last night. shuffles off to kitchen to get a bowl of cereal, *sob* | ||
| Wilkanoid Citizen Username: Cseleosida Post Number: 563 Registered: 10-2002 |
I think Heart and Soul's problem has always been availability. A lot of people like the food, but there are quite a few times when the restaurant is closed unexpectedly. | ||
| Elaine Harris Citizen Username: Elaineharris Post Number: 108 Registered: 12-2004 |
Heart & Soul does not have a problem. We do. It is a small family run restaurant and it has not had the staff to allow it to be open 7 days a week like some of our other favorite restaurants. For three years, against unbelievable odds, Chef Jesse has been open consistently enough for me to have dined there many times. True, recently he had to cut back on days open when he needed to be elsewhere and had no one to cover for him, or when he catered a special event. Is that really a problem? People wait months for reservations in big name places, what is the reason why you would criticize a small, local business for such a petty reason? Have you no compassion for the unbelievable effort it has taken Chef Jesse to get this far in life? Do you know his life story? It is quite fascinating. This man is amazing and I am protesting little swipes and jibjabs that, quite frankly, hurt him. From frequent contact with the local business owners, I can say I know from first hand knowledge that doing business in South Orange is tough. I don't need to go into all of the reasons, like insufficient parking, no parking, and hostile parking, to name but a few. You guys can be too critical and with the swipe of a pen (or keyboard) you cavalierly do major damage to a business with your negativity and then you excuse it (as someone on MoL once did) by saying you have "freedom of speech." (If it really were so free, why is it anonymous?) I have seen this done many times to businesses, and I reqret not speaking up sooner, but I am doing it now. If you can not say anything good (about a business)then say nothing and vote with your lack of patronage. But in this case, you are all acknowledging that the product and the ambiance are extremely good, so let's all keep him in business and vote with our reservations: 973-763-9005. | ||
| Wilkanoid Citizen Username: Cseleosida Post Number: 565 Registered: 10-2002 |
Deep breath. | ||
| Jeff DuBowy Supporter Username: Jeffd Post Number: 135 Registered: 11-2003 |
Chef Jesse is a really nice individual and a great Chef! It is unfortunate that business lacks during the week and has led to frustrating erratic business hours - I share that frustration. Putting that aside - he treats you to a wonderful dining experience. He is an individual with great integrity - and will not let you leave unhappy. FYI - I used Chef Jesse's catering services recently for a 100 person party (sorry if you were not invited) - he did a fantastic job - a true professional! I would use his services again in a heartbeat! Sounds like Jesse is in trouble - lets support this gem of a restaurant! | ||
| cmontyburns Citizen Username: Cmontyburns Post Number: 1769 Registered: 12-2003  |
"If you can not say anything good (about a business)then say nothing and vote with your lack of patronage." This forum isn't an advertisement. It's a place where people have conversations, and share opinions. We share reviews of dentists the same way we share reviews of restaurants. I think adults recognize that one person's opinion is just that -- an opinion. | ||
| Deidra Citizen Username: Deidralynn Post Number: 500 Registered: 6-2004 |
Kudos to you Elaine for your support of Chef Jesse. He is truly wonderful. As African-Americans, it's another level of pride for us (my husband and I) to see him carry out this wonderful family business providing the "soul food" we grew up on. We live in Maplewood and we will definitely support him more than ever before. Again, I thank you for putting it out there like that! I like your style. Peace, Love and Soul! | ||
| BGS Citizen Username: Bgs Post Number: 674 Registered: 10-2003 |
Elaine, Thanks for your post. We do not dine out during the week because of business schedules but we have thought of going to Heart and Soul more than once on a weekend. It is frustrating to try and go to a restaurant for a night out and find it closed or out of the things that people have raved about. I think the key is to call first to see if the restaurant is opened-if not try again another day. We will make it a priority to get there. Thanks again for your comments. | ||
| mem Citizen Username: Mem Post Number: 5842 Registered: 5-2001  |
Heart & Soul RULES. | ||
| AlleyGater Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 1214 Registered: 10-2004 |
I'm SOOOOOooo hungry for H&S right now. | ||
| kevin Supporter Username: Kevin Post Number: 623 Registered: 2-2002 |
Comment wise, I think that Heart & Soul does pretty well in the forums compared to some other local restaurants. Any threads that mention the place (good or bad) helps to remind people to think about patronizing it. I've always been a fan of Jesse's cooking and have no problem with mentioning the good and the not so good (as is the case with any establishment). Due to my work hours, I can't be a patron as much as I would like, but everytime I stop by to pick up an order - even if I haven't been there in a month, I am always warmly welcomed. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 4820 Registered: 9-2001  |
"I can say I know from first hand knowledge that doing business in South Orange is tough." This is true Elaine, so why don't you talk him into going to HTTA in Maplewood now that they are about to open their kitchen. I tried like hell to get him there when I owned the place with Art. I can't stop thinking about his okra, and his cornbread as it melts in your mouth. His garlic steaks, barbequed salmon, herbed chicken, or his candied yams with BQ chicken and/or those great ribs and a ice cold beer... The truth is I'm sure AG would love to make a deal with him, and all of us Jesse lovers would be happy 7 nights a week...  | ||
| Cva Citizen Username: Cva Post Number: 19 Registered: 2-2005 |
Jesse's food is amazing. I urge anyone who hasn't tried H&S to do so. YUM! | ||
| BGS Citizen Username: Bgs Post Number: 695 Registered: 10-2003 |
Wouldn't it be cool to have an MOL night there????? I have never been there as I said above...but there seems to be so many that like it...maybe Jesse could set something up one night for MOLer's at a set price or something? Am I pipe dreaming???? | ||
| Deidra Citizen Username: Deidralynn Post Number: 506 Registered: 6-2004  |
That's a GREAT IDEA!!! I would love to be a part of making that happen. | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 1867 Registered: 8-2003  |
I, too, think that's a great idea! | ||
| Eats Shoots & Leaves Citizen Username: Mfpark Post Number: 3099 Registered: 9-2001  |
Great idea. He reconfigures the tables and seating when he closes for a private party, so more people can fit in than usual. | ||
| JesseJones Citizen Username: Chefjesse Post Number: 9 Registered: 10-2003 |
I love that idea. Please let me know how many would like to attend. So i can arrange sitting, live music, and of cause my " AWARD-WINNING RIBS" I like to thank everyone on MOL for your support. Chef Jesse Jones | ||
| John Caffrey Citizen Username: Jerseyjack Post Number: 94 Registered: 11-2005 |
Count me in. Weekday night -- say next Wed? 7:00 Anyone with other suggestions, post them. I am flex. | ||
| John Caffrey Citizen Username: Jerseyjack Post Number: 95 Registered: 11-2005 |
Count me in. Weekday night -- say next Thurs? 7:00 Anyone with other suggestions, post them. I am flex. | ||
| John Caffrey Citizen Username: Jerseyjack Post Number: 96 Registered: 11-2005 |
Yeh. pardon the confusion, I didn't know the first post went through. Thurs. is better for Scully and she would probably like to go also. Anyway either one works for me. I am now retired. | ||
| Deidra Citizen Username: Deidralynn Post Number: 507 Registered: 6-2004 |
Hi Chef Jesse!...and a big CONGRATULATIONS to ya! So let's make it happen! I definitely want to be a part of this. When can we do this? March 23 and 25 are no good for me (son's birthday and party). Does someone want to organize this, or a little committee to discuss the plans "offline"? - so we can bring the final plan back "online" to everyone. PL me if you would like to discuss further. Love, peace and soul! | ||
| Deidra Citizen Username: Deidralynn Post Number: 508 Registered: 6-2004 |
Next Wednesday sounds good to me. I can't wait to get my hands on those RIBS!!!!!!!! | ||
| Deidra Citizen Username: Deidralynn Post Number: 509 Registered: 6-2004 |
Next Wednesday at 7:00 sounds good to me. I can't wait to get my hands on those RIBS!! | ||
| Scully Citizen Username: Scully Post Number: 206 Registered: 8-2005 |
I'm in if it's not a work night (my schedule rotates). Even so maybe I can arrange work hours around it. Should we take this to other threads? | ||
| Purplebug Citizen Username: Purplebug Post Number: 82 Registered: 10-2005 |
I've got a hunkering for some ribs, okra, sweet potatoes, cornbread. I will break my diet for this occasion. Just let me know the date, I will rearrange my schedule. And maybe Jesse can advise me on some cooking experimentations that turned into flubber.  | ||
| Deidra Citizen Username: Deidralynn Post Number: 510 Registered: 6-2004 |
John Caffrey just informed me he will take the lead on this to work things out with Chef Jesse. Stay tuned for the date and RSVP deadline. Instead of posting on other threads, maybe Dave can put something on the MOL home page once the date is secure. "MOL Dinner with Heart & Soul"....ooh, I like that!" | ||
| Scully Citizen Username: Scully Post Number: 207 Registered: 8-2005 |
I'm cool for either Wednesday or Thursday next week if they're in the running. Almost any other day I can work around with enough notice. | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 8833 Registered: 4-1997  |
I'm down. Wednesday is good. Hope there's mac 'n cheese, too. Belgian ale goes well with the ribs, btw. (BYOBA) | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 4830 Registered: 9-2001 |
...count me in, but can I pay in advance, make a reservations, place an order, or what? Jesse's place is not that large so we should plan something ahead so he knows how much and what to order. Ribs, chicken, etc., ain't cheap you know. Lets help him out and not go off half cocked here guys... Listen, sometimes the truth hurts; and we all know how Molers tend to be more talk than action...  Really, how can the man order his food if he doesn't know how many people will show up for this F2F? | ||
| Scully Citizen Username: Scully Post Number: 208 Registered: 8-2005 |
ajc: fom Jesse:'I love that idea. Please let me know how many would like to attend.' From Deidra:'Does someone want to organize this, or a little committee to discuss the plans "offline"? - so we can bring the final plan back "online" to everyone. PL me if you would like to discuss further. ' I know John Caffrey has PL'd her and they're discussing details so 'planning' is taking place. From the above posts I didn't get the impression they were going to storm the place unannounced. Are you saying that both Wednesday and Thursday next week are good for you? I know they're trying to get a head count. See you there! | ||
| kevin Supporter Username: Kevin Post Number: 629 Registered: 2-2002 |
I agree with AJC. Accurate headcount is important. | ||
| BGS Citizen Username: Bgs Post Number: 698 Registered: 10-2003 |
BGS, who came up with this idea cannot come on Thursday the 16th. I have a business meeting that I MUST attend and will not be out before 9PM. PLEASE do not make it next Thursday. Thank you! BGS | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 4832 Registered: 9-2001 |
I'm almost always available to help on a committee, and I'll cancel other plans if necessary to attend... Meanwhile, here's the best of all worlds. MOLERS can also consider "Pickup" of "Takeout", this way everyone who wants can be a player too; and the best part is the day after we can all talk about how great everything was!  | ||
| amandacat Citizen Username: Amandacat Post Number: 1030 Registered: 8-2001  |
Great idea, Art; we wouldn't be able to get a babysitter on a weeknight, but would definitely be down if there were a takeout option. Organizers, would you please ask Chef Jesse if he'd consider this? | ||
| John Caffrey Citizen Username: Jerseyjack Post Number: 99 Registered: 11-2005 |
WE HAVE LIFTOFF: Wednesday, March 15 at 7:00 p.m. Chef Jesse will set a buffet with a maximum seating capacity of 30. Apricot chicken Babyback ribs sauteed spinach yams okra corn bread mac & cheese soft drinks $18.95 Participants who have confirmed with me are: Joyce, Scully, Lynn and myself. I believe Dave, Deidre and AJC are in also. That leaves 23 other spaces. We spoke about doing takeouts and he is willing but you would need to call 973-763-9005 to arrange and pay for this yourself. Take-out people, please come in and introduce yourselves. Chef Jesse needs a head count for seating and takeout by Sunday. JC | ||
| Purplebug Citizen Username: Purplebug Post Number: 86 Registered: 10-2005 |
Well thanks to ajc, I will go for the takeout option. You all don't need to see how much I eat.  | ||
| BGS Citizen Username: Bgs Post Number: 710 Registered: 10-2003 |
Is this a BYOW/B establishment? | ||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2656 Registered: 4-2002 |
Oh well, can't make it. There is a meeting at the baird center at 7:30 pm. |
