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Innisowen
Citizen
Username: Innisowen
Post Number: 686
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 5, 2005 - 5:23 pm: |     |
It's actually the Feast of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, if we're to get technical.
Saint Patty is the patron saint of people who make hamburgers. |
max
Citizen
Username: Max
Post Number: 120
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 5, 2005 - 6:15 pm: | |
LOL. It bugs the life out of me for some reason when people call it St. Pattys Day.
Im guessing your from Ireland Innisowen, are you actually from Innisowen itself? |
Innisowen
Citizen
Username: Innisowen
Post Number: 688
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 5, 2005 - 6:44 pm: | |
Naaah, from a little village outside Limerick, near the Tipperary border. I was hoping someone would call me out on Saint Patty, patron saint of hamburger makers, but it's not happening. |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 582
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 5, 2005 - 7:30 pm: | |
We pretty much gave up on Gaslight even before becoming parents. Mediocre food, service too willing to say no to customer requests, generally bad vibes. And we love brewpubs in general...
One of my South Orange daydreams is that the Gaslight's owners sell out to someone who could make the place competitive with the brewpubs that we enjoy in other areas. |
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 241
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 5, 2005 - 11:38 pm: | |
Yet another Gas Light supporter. Overall I think the food is a bit overpriced for what it is, but it is one of the ONLY late night places to eat. For that alone it deserves a place in my culinary quiver.
I feel that the food is spotty, one day its ok next it might be a bit sub-par but always edible. The atmosphere can be a bit fratty sometimes but I'm young enough (at heart) that I can deal with it -- I'll just sit in the back to avoid the commotion.
But the service really hasn't been a problem ever. I think the beer is eminently drinkable and I overall I can deal with the place.
Now I know that everyone loves the oh-so-wonderful St James Gate but I've given it a try. I was unimpressed with the atmosphere (dart playing literally on top of my table = fratty to me), the service was slow, took a long time to get a seat, it was loud, and sorry folks but the food selection was not impressive, and not particularly interesting or even tasty. In fact I find myself NEVER wanting to go there and I generally avoid the crowds that are always oozing out of the place.
I'm glad you all like it, but I get irritated with the mob mentality that the place is just SOOOOO WONDERFUL. It's a mediocre dime-a-dozen irish pub. Get over yourselves. |
max
Citizen
Username: Max
Post Number: 121
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 6, 2005 - 8:31 am: | |
I have to strongly disagree with you alleygator. Ive been to the Gaslight several times over the past number of years and on every occasion I left there pissed off at the ignorance of the staff. Half the time when you ask a question or request something you either get ignored or the staff act as if your putting them to a lot of trouble. It is an ok type of place at best and I would never recommend it to anyone. The place has been discussed several times on this site so surely the owners know what peoples problem with the place are and they choose to do little or nothing to address those problems
On the other hand St.James Gate has also been discussed here and everytime I go there I can see that they are constantly trying to improve on what people deem to be their weaker areas. O.K. so the food sometimes takes longer than I would like to get to my table but it is improving. I have yet to be in the place without the owner or on of his family personally coming to our table to welcome us and make sure everything it ok and see if they can get us anything. The whole atmosphere is warm and inviting, never mediocre. Its a long way from hang a plastic shamrock on the window and call ourselvs an Irish bar, check out Reillys on Millburn Ave for that. |
redY67
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 1616
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 6, 2005 - 8:57 am: | |
The last time I went there the owners and a patron got into a screaming match in front of all the customers. It was quite humerous, very unprofessional. It sealed the deal for me to never go back. |
max
Citizen
Username: Max
Post Number: 122
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 6, 2005 - 9:30 am: | |
Where was that Red? |
redY67
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 1628
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 6, 2005 - 9:57 am: | |
Sorry, The Gaslight. |
Nick DiPasquale
Citizen
Username: Nickdinan3
Post Number: 3
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, May 8, 2005 - 7:24 pm: | |
Hey Chris-
I am glad to see things are going so well for you!
I have not been at C'entanni's in a few weeks. Tell Michelle, Stefano, and Jay I said hello!
|
Nick DiPasquale
Citizen
Username: Nickdinan3
Post Number: 4
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, May 8, 2005 - 7:25 pm: | |
By the way....Lot 15 has a new bar menu (under $10.00) that includes a pint during the week-definitely worth the trip! |
tulip
Citizen
Username: Braveheart
Post Number: 2371
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, May 8, 2005 - 7:35 pm: | |
A great brewpub, on the Delaware, in Milford,NJ, the Ship Inn. Ales just like in Merry Olde England. 78 West to Bloomsbury exit, 173 West to 519 South to Milford. Right on the main drag. Park at the church and cross the street. After a great dinner, you'll like walking around the little town, along the river. |
Chris Farrow
Citizen
Username: Evrtnjrsy
Post Number: 11
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Monday, May 9, 2005 - 8:43 am: | |
so Nick - why haven't you been in? Something I said? ;-) Hope to see you soon. Chris. |
jrg
Citizen
Username: Jrg
Post Number: 15
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 9, 2005 - 10:25 pm: | |
Chris - Are you the owner of Cent'Anni? |
Jason & John
Citizen
Username: Johnh91011
Post Number: 170
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 - 10:05 pm: | |
I wonder how restaurants like Neelam or the Gaslight manage to stay open despite nearly universal bad reviews here. While restaurants like Taste of Asia and Celebrated foods etc find it difficult to find a market. |
2kiddies
Citizen
Username: 2kiddies
Post Number: 9
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 - 11:06 pm: | |
I have to agree with Jrg, the Gaslight Sucks Big Time. I had the worst experience I have ever had at a restaurant, there. We went there with our two children. Initially the hostess told us to sit anywhere we wanted, as the place was basically empty. We asked for a booth, and were now told that the owner didnt like kids to sit in the booths because they jump on the cushions and get them dirty, okay (maybe if they had high chairs or booster that wouldnt happen) but we didnt care. So we sat at a table, in order to insure the kids remain quiet we pulled out a portable DVD player, we placed the volume on low. The kids were watching their DVD, they were being very quiet, when the waiter came over and told us the RULES of the Dining room were that "no one could be watching anything", so turn off the DVD. I asked the waiter since the place was empty and the volume was low and it was keeping the kids still, why couldnt we keep it on. The answer I got was he was going to bring them cookies to keep them quiet. He also gave us the option to can go to the bar and watch the TV there. I wasnt trying to be difficult but the place was empty, even the waiter admitted he couldnt hear the DVD, but the Dining had rules. The worst thing was the owner was behind the bar during this exchange and didnt bother to come out and at least appear to be sympathetic to the situation. I got so angry I just wanted to leave. But the waiter told us he had already placed our ordered, "he had ordered the food". So our choice was to go into the bar section, that was pretty empty as well, so the smoke wouldnt be an issue. I have to say I felt like a second class citizen. Now I know that people without kids dont always want to hear the screaming and goofing around of young kids, but that wasn't the case here. The DVD was low so only the kids could hear it, the place was basically empty, so we were not distrubing anyone. If this was the West Orange Manor I could see their point a letter more, but not at a brew pub(on a slow night) and after all was said and done the food wasnt even that good.
What ever happen to customer service. The sad thing is last time I was there the food wasnt that good and the service sucks, but my husband convinced me to give another change. |
redY67
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 1707
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 8:54 am: | |
2kiddies pull up the many other threads from the archives for your husband. Gaslight has always been extremely unfriendly to families. It is not worth another try!! |
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 287
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 9:19 am: | |
I have already chimed in on the other thread on this subject, but in response to 2kiddies' post above, I would say that using a portable DVD player in a restaurant, no matter how uncrowded the place is and how low the volume of the player is, in inappropriate. I don't blame Gaslight one bit for asking it to be turned off. There are many other ways to keep kids quite at a restaurant. |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 601
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 9:53 am: | |
I've seen the portable DVD in restaurants once or twice on mute. I don't like having it next to my table...the flickering images distract everyone in eyeshot, and my little one wishes that she could have one too. Honestly, I was rooting for someone to spill something on it...having one of these at the next table disrupted our dinner with our 5 year old.
Gaslight sucks, but I may sympathize with them on portable TVs or DVDs at the dinner table. I try to accept many parenting styles, as I want to be accepted, so I won't say that you shouldn't ever use them at restaurants, but I'll be hoping that we choose different dining destinations. |
algebra2
Supporter
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 3347
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 9:56 am: | |
I don't have a portable DVD but I do let my son play with his Leapster but only with headphones on. |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 604
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 10:10 am: | |
That doesn't bother me, because I can't see or hear it at the next table...my daughter plays games on our Palm Pilots, with the sound off. |
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 290
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 10:26 am: | |
I think the DVD is inappropriate for the same reasons you spell out susan. Leappads, Palm Pilots, etc that are silent and don't have a screen that can be seen from other tables are fine by me.
I guess it's becuase our kids are younger, but we can still get away with coloring. They love packing bags with markers, crayons and paper to bring to the restaurant with them (they especially like printing out online coloring pages and bringing them). Also, a lot of times we end up playing tic tac toe or hangman with them before the food arrives. |
No ID
Citizen
Username: Noid
Post Number: 8
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 10:38 am: | |
Jeez - if you all hate Gaslight so much, stop going! They want a specific crowd, it's their business and they seem to do well regardless of not wanting children there. There are plenty of restaurants that welcome children and families; just because Gaslight isn't one of them doesn't make it an awful place, in my opion at least.
I've never had a problem there with service, food, or attitude. I don't drink their beer but I've heard mixed reviews about it. So take these threads as fair warning, yet again, if you have children, do not take them to Gaslight Brewery. If you want to enjoy a good meal in an adult atmosphere, try it out and form your own opinion. |
2kiddies
Citizen
Username: 2kiddies
Post Number: 11
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 10:39 am: | |
I can understand the view point on how some people might be bothered by the DVD player, just like some people could be bothered by kids playing games at tables near them. That being said the Gaslight could have handled the situation better. We're talking about a place which has televisions and college students speaking loudly at tables. I can understand a lot of things but the point is that the Gaslight is not family friendly, for a place that highlights that it is a family owned restaurant it is appalling how family unfriendly the place is. It may be that, that is the approach they are aiming for, but they should make it very clear that no young children are allowed. Our children are typically well behave in a restaurant (DVD is just insurance) but the Gaslight makes an assumptions that all children will be wild and our mistake was not leaving the moment they suggested that children are not allowed in the booths because they would damage them. Before anyone thinks that if you’re going into a bar you should already know that, no one would think twice about taking their children into Bunnies. People constantly talk on this site about patronizing the local establishment but this is a family town, so if a restaurant in town doesn’t want to have young families there, people with young families shouldn’t be expected to patronize it. |
No ID
Citizen
Username: Noid
Post Number: 10
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 10:59 am: | |
"no one would think twice about taking their children into Bunnies."
Quite true - take them there then! Bunny's is great!
"People constantly talk on this site about patronizing the local establishment but this is a family town, [don't all towns have families?!?] so if a restaurant in town doesn’t want to have young families there, people with young families shouldn’t be expected to patronize it."
Quite true again, I think that point has been emphasized dramatically. However, maybe they should put up a sign saying "No Small Children, Please" just to make sure everyone gets the point. I see nothing wrong with that.
|
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 1682
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 11:01 am: | |
Any place that does not have high chairs in essence is saying that young children are not appreciated. The Gaslight obviously does not want to have young families patronize their establishment. Take the hint.
When I was in college we had a couple of decent restaurant/bars that we used to frequent (along with the standard dives). I can't imagine any family with young kids going in there to have a meal.
And we really need to get out of this culture that requires TV everywhere to make kids happy. I have a simple solution when my kids act up. I pay and leave. Teaches them that they can't expect to go to a restaurant if they won't behave. |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 605
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 11:42 am: | |
We do take the hint...we also use this forum to warn off other parents about an unusually unpleasant restaurant experience for families.
They have a right to not want us. We have a right to publicize the fact, avoid the spot, and wish for new ownership. If the food or service had been better pre-kids, it would be a greater loss. I'm just disappointed at additional reasons to take my dining dollars out of town. |
No ID
Citizen
Username: Noid
Post Number: 11
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 11:46 am: | |
So because Gaslight doesn't fit your needs you have to take your "dining dollars out of town"? I'm missing the logic here.... There are tons of other restaurants in Maplewood/South Orange that would welcome you and your children with open arms. |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 895
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 11:56 am: | |
I have no children and I have found the service at Gaslight to be appalling. I will not go back there. There are far better local establishments.
The sad part is they really don't care. I find that attitude very very sad. A smart, good local business owner should always care what the popular opinion and word on the street is about their establishment. Since a new thread is started on average every 3 months about how Gaslight sucks, common sense says they'd go out of the way to dispel rumors, appease local patrons, etc.
A good example:
whenever anyone complains about Chelsea Set on these boards, AJC is always diplomatic and generous, offering free manicures and haircuts, etc. He cares what the community thinks of the business, he WANTS it to succeed, he wants locals to be happy, he listens.
Gaslight should listen.
And if they won't, those of you who disagree with popular opinion should ignore these threads. They will continue to be posted until Gaslight changes their business practices.
(or goes out of business) |
jrg
Citizen
Username: Jrg
Post Number: 16
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 12:17 pm: | |
No ID - You are missing the logic. Lots of restaurants are not kid friendly (e.g. I wouldn't dream of taking my kids to Nobu), and there's no problem with that. Every restaurant has its own business model. Fine.
The issue being discussed here is the general lack of respect for the customer. The misanthropes running the Gas Light are rude to their customers. Plain and simple.
The astonishing thing is that the idiots running the Gas Light don't seem to realize that parents eat out very often without their children. It is possible to run a non-kid-friendly restaurant without being rude to your patrons. If the food was good and the service was good (even if they prefer not to serve kids), there wouldn't be many posts here.
What I don't understand is why you are defending them. Do you think it's appropriate to disrespect customers?
And the biggest question of all...... What kind of idiots open a mediocre burger and beer joint in the suburbs and shun families???? |
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 293
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 12:23 pm: | |
jrg --
Have you even seen gaslight's menu??
They aspire to be much more than a burger and beer joint. |
jrg
Citizen
Username: Jrg
Post Number: 18
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 12:44 pm: | |
Unfortunately, I left before we looked at the menu this last time. I used to order their burgers for carry out every now and then, so that's what I am familiar with.
I aspire to be a lot of things.... handsome and rich are certainly near the top of my list. The Gas Light is a dump, even if they aspire for more. |
User58
Citizen
Username: User58
Post Number: 151
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 12:46 pm: | |
I have taken my children to NoBu. They actually love children there. They once told me the children of today are their future customers.
The problem with taking children to restaurants is not the children it is the parents. My children have eaten in some of the best restaurants in the world and my wife and myself do not allow them to misbehave while dining. There is nothing worse than a child screaming and running around in a restaurant. I recall many times eating in the Blue Moon diner ( under the old mgmt not current ) and thre were parents allowing their children to literally stand up on the seating in the booth...dirty shoes and all.
SO I blame the parents not the children.
As Far as the Gass light they do not even give the children the chance to eat there they are rude and nasty from the get go. I brought my children there years ago and the owner looks me in the face and said I do not welcome children here I am a fine dining establishment. So #1 she clearly does not like children and #2 she makes the decision that children should not enjoy fine dining establishments? That was said after I had one of the worse meals of my life. Never to return. |
jrg
Citizen
Username: Jrg
Post Number: 19
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 1:01 pm: | |
You brought your kids to Nobu? Wow, you must be rich! I can barely afford to take my wife!!  |
No ID
Citizen
Username: Noid
Post Number: 12
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 1:07 pm: | |
jrg - I am defending them because I *gasp* LIKE the Gaslight! I wouldn't call myself a regular, but I do eat there or order food to go once every other month or so and am always pleased. I for one have never had a problem with their food, attitude or service, though I will admit that I've heard lots of negative stories from other people. I just don't feel the need to jump on the "Gaslight Sucks" bandwagon when I haven't had a bad experience with them. |
jrg
Citizen
Username: Jrg
Post Number: 20
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 1:29 pm: | |
No ID - Understood. I thouhgt you were attempting to defend the rudeness described here. |
Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 6338
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 1:35 pm: | |
I have only encountered nice wait staff at the Gaslight and the food is good. I've never had a long conversation with the owner, but he'll nod hello or say good night while we're leaving. I've seen families with kids enjoying meals without being hassled. This is just from personal observation. I don't doubt other posters' less positive viewpoints. |
Joe
Citizen
Username: Gonets
Post Number: 810
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 2:46 pm: | |
My wife likes the place. I'm not so crazy about it. I've had some good meals there, but the last time I was turned off by a pretty decent tasting, but ridiculously overpriced pulled pork sandwich.
The decor is depressing. One thing that can be said in it's favor is that it has a full size shuffleboard. That's very cool. Beer leaves a lot to be desired though. So, it's definitely not my first choice. I prefer St. James but the little lady is the opposite. |
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 263
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 5:41 pm: | |
I think the food is acceptable at Gaslight, not great but certainly acceptable. What I appreciate is that they TRY to make the food interesting. Take a look at the menu and you can see that they have studied other fancier brew pubs. That is a good thing, IMO. Now I don't think they live up to the level that they have set for themselves by having an interesting menu with a higher price tag, BUT the food isn't bad. It's just not great. Having said that, I WILL REITERATE what I said before, we don't have a lot of late night restaurants with interesting menus in our area. When it is 9:30PM I don't always want to eat at a diner. FOR THAT ALONE Gaslight is VERY useful and a good addition to our town.
And just for the record: It doesn't have to be St. James Gate OR Gaslight. We are talking about two different towns with a big enough population to support two Bar/Restaurants. |
Bklyn1969
Citizen
Username: Bklyn1969
Post Number: 46
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 6:50 pm: | |
I have limited experience at Gaslight, which says a lot since we eat out often and it is pretty close to home.
My recollection though is that the food was better than expected, but pricey. As I recall, they had good ribs. I might go back this week for those.
By contrast, I take almost all out of town visitors to St. James Gate. They all think the food is great and enjoy the atmosphere. After food is tasted, no complaints are made about the wait.
For me, the Gaslight could use a gut re-hab. I don't find the bar area particularly warm or inviting and the restaurant/dining area screams at me that we've moved to the suburbs - and not the cosmopolitan suburb we thought we moved to. I think the layout lends itself to poor service as well. The few times I've been we've been one of just a couple tables in the dining area and the wait staff seems to be elsewhere. |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 606
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 9:08 pm: | |
No ID...I don't always leave town for food, but each subpar restaurant shrinks the pool. There are restaurants in town that we love, but not enough of them, so we leave town a higher percentage of the time than I like.
Lets just say that my daughter dines at Cafe Arugula, Lot 15, Toro Loco, Bunny's etc. with excellent manners and a fine welcome, but I won't risk exposing her (or my blood pressure) to Gaslight's attitude until I hear better things from other parents. |
Chris Farrow
Citizen
Username: Evrtnjrsy
Post Number: 12
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, May 12, 2005 - 3:18 pm: | |
jrg, apologies for the delay in replying, I have not been online for a couple of days - yes, I am the owner of Cent'Anni... |
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