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M-SO Message Board » Food, Wine, Dining & Travel » Archive through August 24, 2006 » Just moved from park slope/brklyn... need recs on dining « Previous Next »

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DReese
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Username: Dreese

Post Number: 24
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 - 10:07 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

hi,

just moved into south orange area from brklyn and having a large party of about 10 people for dining at a local restaurant within 15 minutes or 1/2 hour max drive.

since we haven't tried much yet and use to the city-like food/prices of bklyn, we need help in finding a really good restaurant. our friends are all visiting from manhattan so we would like to impress them and prove them otherwise that new jersey does have "fine dining" other than their notions of applebee dining and etc.

any recommendations will be so helpful! i have no idea on cuisine but we love japanese and use to go to blue ribbon sushi on occasions.

spanish maybe? new american? any recs? in millburn ? livingston?

thanks!!!
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LilLB
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Username: Lillb

Post Number: 2259
Registered: 10-2002


Posted on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 - 10:38 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Lorena's(French) in Maplewood is excellent. You definitely need a reservation though.

My favorite in Millburn is Basilo (Italian). Also need a reservation.

You won't fail to impress with either of those and you'll have an excellent meal. Both are BYO.
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Alleygater
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Username: Alleygater


Post Number: 2439
Registered: 10-2004
Posted on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 - 1:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Caribbean Cuisine in S.O. on second street ROCKS. We don't have too much inexpensive YET GOOD ethnic cuisine in our area. CC is the real deal.

My other favorite is Mojave Grill in Westfield on 35 elm street, in the downtown area. Slightly more expensive but the food is AMAZING. As good as anything I would get in the city.

My only other choice is Penang on Rt. 10 in East Hanover. Good prices, delicious food.

That's it. That's all I got for you. If you like food, get prepared to pay alot more for it -- and don't expect it to be as good as what you were used to in the city.
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greenetree
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Username: Greenetree

Post Number: 8928
Registered: 5-2001


Posted on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 - 1:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I wouldn't recommend the Asian places around here if you want to prove your sanity. The food is excellent at Penang but is located in a strip mall next to a divided highway. The location screams "Jersey". Other sit-downs leave a lot to be desired. I haven't seen consistent recommendations for sushi around here in any nicer sit-down venue.

Lorena's is an excellent choice as well as Antonella's in S.O. Both are small, husband/wife owned & run, BYOB and don't have that "I'm getting dresses up to go out" suburban feel. In fact, you can dress if you like, but we go in jeans. Just not sneakers.
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mem
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Username: Mem

Post Number: 6544
Registered: 5-2001


Posted on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 - 3:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I would recommend Centanni's for a group of 10 - 15. We do this for family get togethers and receive excellent food and service, good music, and Chris makes sure everyone gets attention. One of my sisters from NYC regularly takes special trips out here just for the food and fun.

Good luck!
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Wendy
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Username: Wendy

Post Number: 2926
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 - 7:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I think the thing that will really impress your friends from the city is not as much the quality of the food - although that is important - but the special small town but arty non-suburban feel that is Maplewood and, I suppose, South Orange, except I live in Maplewood and therefore know it better. That's why I would go with GT's or Mem's suggestions by keeping it local - and their suggested places are quite good from what I've heard and/or experienced. At some point by all means take them for a drive through the reservation so they will see that NJ is indeed rightly named the Garden State and is not some crazy inside joke as I used to think it was. (It impressed my own Mom with that soon after we moved here many years ago. "Wendy, I didn't realize how pretty it was right near where you lived in NJ!?")

Anyway and most importantly welcome to our area!
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Dego Diva
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Username: Fmingione

Post Number: 804
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 - 7:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

If you want to stick with Japanese, you'll do OK with Ariyoshi in South Orange. The food is darn good, the prices OK, and they have a couple of those shoji screened in rooms for larger groups, although I'm not sure if they'd be big enough for 10 - you'd have to call and ask.

Otherwise, I have to agree that Mojave Grill is some darn good eatin' for NJ! Closest to NYC standards I've had.
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Calliope
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Username: Calliope

Post Number: 903
Registered: 3-2006


Posted on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 - 7:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'll chime in with another vote for Mojave Grill.
Food and Service are both terrific and the new ambiance is very nice ,too
Calli
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Innisowen
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Username: Innisowen

Post Number: 2243
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 - 8:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I would say that the sashimi deluxe at Sono in Millburn is better than in most places I've experienced in Essex, Union, and Hudson Counties.

You could try the dining room at the Hilton in Short Hills--- pricey, but worth every penny.

This evening, my wife and I, on a weekly visit to our house here from our home in Vermont, ate at Papillon. My wife had the crab cakes (excellent) and I had the Kobe Hanger steak dinner special (very tasty if a bit too moist for me) and the gateau au chocolat chaud for dessert. Excellent dinners at a reasonable price.

Very nice evening of dining indeed and no more than ten mins from anywhere in SO-M.

I second anyone who favors Cent'Anni as well.
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Bettina
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Username: Bettina

Post Number: 165
Registered: 8-2004
Posted on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 - 9:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I think there's really good Thai in Montclair, isn't there - but I'm blanking on the name. Anyone know?

People used to really good NY sushi are not going to be jumping up and down about the sushi here although it's GOOD at Ariyoshi in S.O.
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ffof
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Username: Ffof

Post Number: 4817
Registered: 5-2001


Posted on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 - 10:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yes, stay local. Why go to Westfield 20+ minutes away? You gotta stay in SO or Maplewood or Millburn.

Verjus on Springfield Ave in Maplewood is great. Make a res.

Lorena's is great too- depending on when your friends are coming, you may be able to get a res in the summer on shorter notice.

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DReese
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Username: Dreese

Post Number: 29
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Thursday, August 10, 2006 - 11:17 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

hi everyone,

all great recommendations and appreciated. our group has grown to 14 total now!!! i'll have to call and find out who can take us all.

thanks!!

keep the recs coming
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I'm Only Sleeping
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Username: Imonlysleeping

Post Number: 221
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Thursday, August 10, 2006 - 11:49 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Wendy is 100 percent OTM. Nobody from NYC is every going to be impressed by the food out here. What will wow them is how quaint and small-townish Maplewood Village is. Lorena's is definitely the best the village has to offer, but with such a big group Cent'Anni is probably your best bet, and their food is pretty good.
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mimi
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Username: Mimi

Post Number: 281
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Thursday, August 10, 2006 - 10:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"Nobody from NYC is every going to be impressed by the food out here"

i have to disagree. we always take people to caribbean cuisine for trinidadian in south orange. and each time our foodie friends are impressed. by the flavors, the price, and the underwhelming decor (in a good way).

and they can definitely accomodate large parties.

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connied76
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Username: Connied76

Post Number: 64
Registered: 1-2004
Posted on Thursday, August 10, 2006 - 10:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I disagree too. I think Lorena's is among the best meals I have had anywhere. Cafe Arugula is comparable to many good meals I have had in the city. While I don't love the food at Voro, the atmosphere is very cool. Martini's in Millburn is great for drinks and their food is pretty good. I didn't love the food at Basilica but the space is really nice and the service was great. Many of the local Italian places are as good as many I have tried in NYC.
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Steve Warnek
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Username: Da_cheeze

Post Number: 2
Registered: 4-2006
Posted on Thursday, August 10, 2006 - 11:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

If you a great slice of what Maplewood has to offer, try Terra....

The atmosphere is very relaxed, the staff is quite friendly, and the food is
quite amazing for such a small place. You cannot go wrong here !
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oots
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Username: Oots

Post Number: 455
Registered: 6-2001
Posted on Friday, August 11, 2006 - 9:43 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I second Terra. Call ahead as it is not a big place. The homemade chocolate ice cream is to die for!!!! The food is also fab!

oots
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Wendy
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Username: Wendy

Post Number: 2938
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Friday, August 11, 2006 - 10:25 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'm Only, thanks for agreeing with me earlier. However, I didn't mean to imply that our restaurants cannot compete with those in the city. I think they can as well, both in quality as well as price. I just think that anyone can find decent enough restaurants in the burbs to show that we don't lose our taste buds when we cross the Hudson. What distinguishes Maplewood from the city and even Westfield and Millburn, is the variety, quaintness, size, personality, and yes, even progressiveness all rolled up into a small geographical area.

Ironically, the things my city friends are most impressed with (and this can only happen if you've lived here for a few years) is how when we go to our local Village Trattoria, there are at least 4 other tables I stop at to say hello to people. That of course doesn't happen in NYC due to its size.
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Joe
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Username: Gonets

Post Number: 1328
Registered: 2-2004
Posted on Friday, August 11, 2006 - 5:15 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What's your budget? Lorena's is excellent but it's going to cost you--same for Cent'Anni. Caribbean Cuisine is a great deal--especially when you consider the quality. It's gourmet quality, fresh ingredients and there's something for everyone on the menu. They're happy to explain the menu to folks and will give you a taste of a dish if you're on the fence.
I also think the Pub has a very reliable menu. It's limited, but that's probably why the food is pretty reliable (roasted chicken is to die for). My only beef with the Pub is that I find their burgers to be boring (and for some reason they refuse to offer A-1 steak sauce--which is essential to my burgers).
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Alleygater
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Username: Alleygater


Post Number: 2450
Registered: 10-2004
Posted on Friday, August 11, 2006 - 6:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Joe, I just have to laugh at the thought of bringing 14+ people to the pub. You'll wait at least 2 hours and be spread out all across the place.
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mem
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Username: Mem

Post Number: 6558
Registered: 5-2001


Posted on Friday, August 11, 2006 - 7:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

For excellent Italian, Centanni's prices are better then similar quality in the city, like Acappella, even half the price. I have found Centanni's to be the best place in town for accomodating large groups as well, especially if you are looking to impress. It's also a great place to have just wine or cocktails.

Good luck!
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Mtam
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Username: Mtam

Post Number: 139
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Friday, August 11, 2006 - 9:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

You could take them to Sona. I thought it was pretty good, and its decor is quite well done. Sono sushi in Millburn also is really, really good. Those are the only two I've been impressed by.

But no, I'm sorry anyone who claims the food here is as good as the city either doesn't eat there regularly or doesn't know food. Period. And I'm sorry I'm sounding like a snob, but it's just true. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy other aspects of eating in the area--especially as it's much easier to have children in places here--but to claim otherwise is just playing small town boosterism.
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mem
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Username: Mem

Post Number: 6559
Registered: 5-2001


Posted on Friday, August 11, 2006 - 10:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"But no, I'm sorry anyone who claims the food here is as good as the city either doesn't eat there regularly or doesn't know food. Period."

That made me laugh out loud.

That was a joke, right?

Food is food. Sheesh, what a world.
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I'm Only Sleeping
Citizen
Username: Imonlysleeping

Post Number: 222
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Monday, August 14, 2006 - 9:42 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Food is food? That is without question the single most incorrect thing I've ever read here. Sorry, but Mtam is right. That's not to say there is no decent food out here, but compared to NYC? Give me a break.
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eliz
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Username: Eliz

Post Number: 1659
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Monday, August 14, 2006 - 10:55 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I really like Lorena's but a group of 14 would mean pretty much buying out the restaurant. I think Verjus would be your best bet for food quality plus they can accomodate the size. I would stay away from Asian food - you're not going to impress anyone from the city with the offerings around here (something you will see lamented on this board often if you hang around).
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DReese
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Username: Dreese

Post Number: 31
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Monday, August 14, 2006 - 10:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

thanks for all the suggestions. since we had a large group, we chose to go to Centanni's and it was great! of course 1/2 our group coming from the city got stuck in herendous traffic and 1/2 an hour late but the restaurant was not packed so it was fine.

since we had a large group, we asked if the chef could just make up a mixed platters of appetizers and they did and it was sooo good!

now we'll have to try all the other places on this suggestion list. Thanks so much!
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cmontyburns
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Username: Cmontyburns

Post Number: 1954
Registered: 12-2003


Posted on Monday, August 14, 2006 - 10:59 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Ive had more bad $100 meals in NYC than anywhere else on the planet.
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Alleygater
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Username: Alleygater


Post Number: 2453
Registered: 10-2004
Posted on Monday, August 14, 2006 - 12:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Cmonty, but I will put dollars to donuts that the opposite is also true, where you've had more of the BEST $100 meals in NYC than anywhere else on the planet.

Conversely, I have more bad $30 meals in NJ than I have anywhere else on the planet. Admittedly, I've lived here longer than I've lived anywhere else, but when it comes to more modestly priced (every day eating) I've had an enormous amount of bad meals in this state. I'm guessing it's not any worse than living in other states, but it doesn't compare to the city. And nor should it. But I just don't think that our food options are particularly good around here. I'm sorry.

I'm going to have to side with I'm Only and Mtam on this topic. Food is NOT just food. Some days I just can't be bothered to eat, and I find it a chore to even have to decide where to eat. I never had that problem living in the city. Every evening, I could think of handfuls of options all of which excited me and my palate. And the kicker was, they weren't even more expensive than what we are paying out here.
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connied76
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Username: Connied76

Post Number: 72
Registered: 1-2004
Posted on Monday, August 14, 2006 - 3:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Of course food is not just food- we all know good food from bad food. If you look at all the restaurants, talented chefs, amazing restaurants in NYC as a whole and compare that to the NJ landscape as a whole, of course NYC wins. And, of course there are more options. But comparing restaurant for restaurant, there are many excellent places in NJ (especially in this area) that rival many of the really good restaurants in NY. For less than $100 you can eat a glorious meal at Lorena's that competes with some of the better restaurants in NYC for about 1/2 or 1/3 of the price. In the lower end pricepoint of Italian there are some good ones here that compare to the good ones in NYC that cost a comparable amount. The steak I had at the Strip House was, of course a step down from Peter Luger, but far better than many of the overpriced steakhouses in NYC. And so on...
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I'm Only Sleeping
Citizen
Username: Imonlysleeping

Post Number: 223
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Monday, August 14, 2006 - 3:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Agree with you on Lorena's, connie. It's a fantastic restaurant that would hold its own in the city. But the Strip House is actually an outpost of a great restaurant on 12th St. in NY, so I'm not sure that really counts. (Also agree that it's a great steakhouse, and better than many others in the city that cost more.)
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Joe
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Username: Gonets

Post Number: 1330
Registered: 2-2004
Posted on Monday, August 14, 2006 - 4:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Alley
You're right about getting a group of 14 seated together at the Pub during the dinner hours, but if your doing something around lunch or early evening, it's not that tough to swing a group of 14. Try it at 8pm on a Friday or Saturday and you're dreaming.
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SOrising
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Username: Sorising

Post Number: 670
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 12:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange, Eagle Rock Reservation, has a spectacular view of NYC. Atmosphere is great for a party. They have a website. Food was okay last time I was there.

Food at Verjus in Maplewood is excellent and quite good at Cafe Monet in Millburn. Be forewarned: food at NJ Italian restaurants may not resemble that you've had at restaurants in Italy. Antonella's in SO comes closest of ones I've been in.

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