| Author |
Message |
    
David
Citizen
Username: Dbk
Post Number: 17
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 12, 2005 - 5:56 pm: |     |
The last time I participated in an exchange on this site, I asked for feedback regarding my plans for a new restaurant, bar and lounge in South Orange. MOL members were kind, their suggestions thoughtful and their support for the proposed project was overwhelming. After approximately six months of construction, I am pleased to let you know that we officially open our doors tomorrow evening. I’m excited about the outcome and hope that some of you, especially the ones who made so many suggestions during the planning stages, will stop by to see the result. We’re at 52 Vose Ave. Thank you again for your suggestions and support. For more info, please go to www.vororestaurant.com
- David
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doulamomma
Citizen
Username: Doulamomma
Post Number: 363
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 12, 2005 - 5:58 pm: | |
I saw the menu - looks great - I'm excited! |
Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 6376
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Thursday, May 12, 2005 - 5:59 pm: | |
Good luck with it! |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 905
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 12, 2005 - 6:04 pm: | |
Good luck - I'll definitely be in to support your venture! ...I'll give you a couple weeks to iron out the usual kinks 
seriously - best of luck!
As you know, MOLers are VERY vocal and opiniated about our local dining establishments, I hope to read positive reviews on saturday morning!
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Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 865
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 12, 2005 - 8:22 pm: | |
"In addition, VORO has a champagne loft overlooking the dining room where you can enjoy sipping bubbly while laying on the queen-sized beds that occupy the space." This alone makes it seem like worth the trip to me. I'm just afraid I'll fall asleep up there!
Sounds like a really fabulous place. Will look forward to reading what folks have to say, and hope to make it there soon.
Best of luck. |
Mrs T
Citizen
Username: Netjack
Post Number: 116
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 12, 2005 - 8:34 pm: | |
I saw the sign today, congrats!! And obviously Fred and Barney were not your Graphic designers. LOL |
Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 6378
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Thursday, May 12, 2005 - 9:32 pm: | |
I knew it was going to be ritzy when I saw they were using Bank Gothic as their typeface.  |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 609
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 13, 2005 - 12:07 am: | |
Looks wonderful...looking forward to having us separate us from some of our money! |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 4370
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 13, 2005 - 8:53 am: | |
David - I looked at your wine list & menu. It seems fabulous. I must confess that I am afraid to come there with my partner as she would be rather inclined to blow a mortgage payment on the wine.
 |
Morrisa da Silva
Citizen
Username: Mod
Post Number: 183
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 13, 2005 - 9:15 am: | |
sounds good but I'm not really sure I get the whole champagne-bed thing. |
Frodo Lives
Citizen
Username: Mfpark
Post Number: 1617
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 13, 2005 - 10:41 am: | |
Ooohh, that Caymus Cab 2001 is one wonderful wine. |
bak
Supporter
Username: Bak
Post Number: 744
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 13, 2005 - 2:50 pm: | |
Who is the "hot owner in black stilettos" as listed on your home page reviews? Picture please? |
Hunting
Citizen
Username: Hunting
Post Number: 32
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 9:00 am: | |
Went last night--great food, beautiful, inviting decor, friendly staff. And both owners are hot! |
marinab
Citizen
Username: Marinab
Post Number: 109
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 8:46 pm: | |
Will definitely check it out-- |
mickey
Citizen
Username: Mickey
Post Number: 258
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 10:54 pm: | |
Went tonite. Food fabulous. A few problems with the wine list. Went to the "Champagne lounge" with the beds. Empty, and a little strange. Wonder how that will work out. However, I'll repeat: food was really very good, from the paella to the hummus, to the chicken to the salmon....I will go again. But I'll drink my champagne in bed at home!!
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spw784
Supporter
Username: Spw784
Post Number: 701
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2005 - 10:15 am: | |
Am confused about this champagne in bed idea. Is someone constantly changing the linens? |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 611
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2005 - 9:42 pm: | |
We gave Voro a try tonight...very good food, classy modernn decor (no hint of the old Giorgios, I think), lovely people. Very sweet with a reasonably well-behaved 5 year-old (who later had a post-chocolate-fondue bedtime temper tantrum...). The kind of restaurant that makes me feel like I'm on vacation.
Voro looks like a real winner...we'll be back when we want to pamper ourselves a bit.
Welcome to town!
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Amie Brockway-Metcalf
Citizen
Username: Amie
Post Number: 247
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 9:06 am: | |
Okay to bring a well-behaved two-year old at 6pm, you think? My inlaws are visiting soon and we're always checking out new places for them to pay for. |
sullymw
Citizen
Username: Sullymw
Post Number: 586
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 9:13 am: | |
best of luck. looks like a great menu. prices seem a little steep (especially the chicken dishes), but it remains to be seen whether the value justifies the price. |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 1481
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 10:45 pm: | |
What great news! I'm sure I can scare up a friend or two to join me there soon.
Congratulations, David! Looks like a home run!  |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 3221
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 11:01 pm: | |
Dined there tonight, and VORO is a definite winner. David & Darcy (who have altready resided in South Orange for 6 years) have put plenty of money, energy, know-how, and taste into this terrific place. We as patrons can only hope to be worthy of their faith in our town; we must all pitch in and support VORO with gusto, word of mouth, and big tips.
*We sat downstairs at the window, and immediately liked what has been done with the space.
*The wine library takes up the entire back wall.
*Tableware is distictive and stylish.
*Black napkins! No stupid lint on my black jeans!
*Complimentary olives and breads arrive quickly.
*Cosmo glass: Chilled! Righteous!
*Vodka&Tonic: Tall glass, yet not watered-down.
*Water glass: Worthy of a good pilsner, but tap water tasted just fine from it.
*I ordered the mini-paella and the lamb chops from the Tapas Menu. Beautiful.
*Mrs. Soda ordered salmon. Also yummy.
*SO: All food was savory and delicious. Chef shows confidence and a sure hand.
*Service is friendly, deft, and timely.
*Servers are the best-looking in Essex County.
*Music is cool yet non-intrusive.
*Entree Serving size had negated our need for dessert, but I just had to see if the cheesecake and coffee would attract me at 1:30AM...Yup.
David gave me the Tour. The place has three distinct areas, each done wonderfully. The bar/smoking lounge is cosy and vaguely rustic, yet modern and efficiently ventilated (The Gate: Take Notice!), i.e. no smoke invades anywhere it's not welcome. Upstairs, the three beds are the big deal, but the entire zone is very cool, and will be a great private party venue.
They open at 5 every (EVERY) night. You cannot go wrong. Go there. Enjoy. Go late. Eat. Drink. Go very late. Hang out. Go again. You'll want to be a regular. They'll let you. Look for me there.
-s.
BTW: I didn't ask David what "VORO" means, but he asked me if I'd been to his joint in the City. I said, "Who needs New York?" |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 908
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 11:28 pm: | |
Soda, I was waiting to hear your review before I made the trip. Guess I know where I'm going next time we get a chance at a night out! |
helen
Citizen
Username: Helen
Post Number: 20
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 8:59 pm: | |
David, congratulations on your new restaurant - it looks great and we will stop by to try the food. I own Freeman's Fish Market in Maplewood. In addition to our retail store we have a healthy wholesale business with customers locally including Jocelyne's, Lot 15 Grille, Papillon 25, Reservoir, and Village Trattoria.
If we can be of any help in contributing to the success of your business please call me at 862-216-2425. Be well - John Harvey |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 3271
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 23, 2005 - 11:13 am: | |
Just thought I'd bump this thread to counteract the recent slam by homeowner. VORO is where I'll be dining tonight.
-s.
BTW: I'm saving room for the Mississippi Mud Pie. |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 3310
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, May 28, 2005 - 6:44 pm: | |
Dined at Verjus last night, and, before dessert, asked our lovely hostess if she & hubby/Chef Charlie had had the chance to try VORO yet.
"Oh, yes!", she enthused. "We only have Monday night free, and there aren't that many places open on Monday nights, you know, so we went there last week. It was wonderful! What I especially loved was how they opened up the space. I remember finding Giorgio's so cramped and stuffy, almost clostrophobic. The new place is great -- so sophisticated, too. Very New York."
I asked her how she found the food, and she told me that they both agreed: it was wonderful, but "those sexy servers made for a quite a distraction while we were ordering".
When queried, she said that she thinks VORO will do very well, and that our local dining public is definitely astute and sophisticated enough to recognize and support such a place.
I'm hoping she's right...
-s.
BTW: Last night's meal at Verjus was delish as usual, but service was quite spotty; despite a full house, there was only one female and one male server, and a young CHS'er as busboy. All were very nice, but perhaps a bit swamped. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 7134
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 30, 2005 - 12:17 am: | |
We went to Voro tonight. We had a party of eight. We liked the place
very much. The food was very good. We're not sure why it took so long
for the food to come, though. We were seated at 7:30, which was our
reservation time. We didn't have drinks, but we had appetizers, which
came soon enough. But there was a long pause, and our entrees didn't
come until 9:00. I realize this isn't a fast food joint, and there's a
value to anticipating your food, for sure. But this was just a bit
much. We noticed at 9:00, no one had food on the table. I guess it was
a crunch time.
Still, we had a very nice time there. We will go back when we have
another special occasion to celebrate. (My inlaws treated us to dinner
to celebrate our second anniversary.)
Oh, and there does seem to be a bias to hiring chic and charming people
onto their staff!
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Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 995
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 31, 2005 - 10:24 am: | |
Went there for drinks and appetizers in the comfy bar last Tuesday night, and LOVED V.O.R.O. (and now I'm curious what the initials stand for). Great space, great music, great atmosphere. A place you can really "hang." I thought the food was fine. Not the best I've ever had, and certainly not the worst. Had the Greek spreads and found them to be fine. Mild yes, tasteless (as reported by another poster in another thread) not so much. Also the baked brie with apples and the salmon with capers and red onion, both of which I enjoyed. Really looking forward to going back soon on a date night with the hubby and spending more time and eating more food. V.O.R.O. is really a fabulous addition to our repitoire of restaurants in M/SO, and very unique in it's own right. |
cmontyburns
Citizen
Username: Cmontyburns
Post Number: 880
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 31, 2005 - 10:52 am: | |
I like the place (and more than that, I like the idea of having a place like this in town). However, I've been somewhat dissatisfied with the main entrees.
A GREAT place to go for drinks, maybe some tapas or other appetizers, however. |
davidbuckley
Citizen
Username: Davidbuckley
Post Number: 292
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 9, 2005 - 10:40 pm: | |
Looking forward to trying the food. Sorry there are only 4-5 seats directly at bar; went to have a drink w/ a friend and only one seat at bar left. We were (and still are) 2 males therefore cushy, comfy looking low couches didn't work for us. Couldn't that nearby wall have a counter and stools? Seems to be aimed at couples; this is certainly going after a good market but we just weren't it. I love sitting at bars to drink, eat and converse w/ friends and bartender and this is not emphasized here.
All in all, just on decor, vibe and surfeit of beautiful women, a welcome addition and I look forward to dining.
Be well, drink, eat and discreetly enjoy loveliness well, all.
David Buckley |
Fisherp
Citizen
Username: Fisherp
Post Number: 7
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, June 11, 2005 - 9:03 am: | |
Was there last night! Great space, atmosphere, nice crowd, etc. I'm thrilled we have a place like it in town. The food though.. not so great. Perhaps we ordered poorly, but the greek spreads and catalan shrimp which sounded so good were a major disappointment. and the lamb chops from the tapas menu were cut really thinly, which was strange. But given how desperate I am to have a place with low lighting and a bar, I'm willing to overlook mediocre food. ;) |
kmk
Supporter
Username: Kmk
Post Number: 705
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, June 11, 2005 - 9:27 am: | |
We tried it last night also. Hubby and I ate at one of the little tables in the bar.
We almost didn't go because of a neighbor who tried to convince my husband that it wasn't worth it.
The bar was full of people and the waitress was seemingly hard of hearing. We practically had to spell the words "Dewars" and "Beefeaters" for her.....only to be told that they do not have "Beefeaters".
We ordered 3 appetizers and a pasta. I lucked out and I really enjoyed my omlette (hot & a little salty, perfect "bar" food) and loved the sliced beef tenderloin on little baquette slices with a bit of creamy goat cheese.
My husband unfortunately disliked both his black pasta and his tabouleh salad.
I am with Fisherp on the abiity to overlook mediocre food for this establishment. Sometimes Mom and Dad need a "date night" location that isn't BYOB Italian, ethnic in the next county or a smoky "guys" bar. I figure we actually saved a little money because we typically spend our "date nights" in NYC. This time we were home by 10:00 and didn't owe the sitter as much! |
pat houlahan
Citizen
Username: Imsocurious
Post Number: 11
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, June 11, 2005 - 9:56 am: | |
Voro is definitely a great addition to S.Orange restaurants selection. I personally think it's so great to have such a wonderful restaurant so close to home.
The last few people who post their feedback truly support our town's restaurant and that's excellent. Others will find faults to criticize those restaurants in town and praise restaurants in other towns. Restaurant owners try to do their best to give good food and service to increase their sales but not necessarily meet everybody's expectation. We should just enjoy what we have here in town rather than chasing them out. I truly believe we need more great places to eat in town but unfortunately, to a alot of people, grass is greener elsewhere.
Let's keep supporting our local restaurants. |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 1111
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Friday, June 17, 2005 - 9:51 am: | |
Went for another visit for drinks and appetizers last night. And while I still really like the place, and it seems to be the place to be these days, I have to say my time there last night was a bit of a disappointment in that the service really sucked! My friends and I were pretty much ignored most of the night, in spite of the fact that there clearly seems to be wait staff in the bar area. When we finally were able to grab a waitress, we ordered the hummous platter, which was yummy and garlicy, and the breads and spreads, which was also very tasty, but a bit short on bread. The music in the bar was great, but so loud you could barely carry on a conversation, even when you're practically sitting on top of each other. And they either need a bit more light or a menu with bigger, darker print, because we were barely able to read the damn thing, and ain't none of us are going blind!
I still want to go back for dinner. I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt that they're still working out the kinks. |
Cubeless
Citizen
Username: Cubey
Post Number: 165
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, June 17, 2005 - 5:26 pm: | |
Same exact thing happened to me and the wife last weekend. Stopped in for drinks after dinner...there were plenty of servers (not to mention the owner and his wife)...and we were ignored for 10 minutes. Finally went to the bar to get our own drinks.
I love the atmosphere, but not the service that night.
|
davidbuckley
Citizen
Username: Davidbuckley
Post Number: 294
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, June 19, 2005 - 8:08 am: | |
I haven't been able to get to Voro yet but am looking forward to it. Some thread observations:
I, too, am desperate for "location(s) that (aren't) BYOB Italian, ethnic in the next county or a smoky "guys" bar", KMK.
However, FisherP, no matter how sexy looking, fably designed and with "low lighting and a bar", I am not willing to "overlook mediocre food" and when prices are high the bar is set higher.
Pat Houlahan, I think we all want to support local businesses of all types, especially restaurants, but I also think that most people support businesses because they like them and feel they provide value and service before they consider the location: no amount of "local loyalty" will keep a business thriving if that value and service is not provided. I don't believe people "chase them out" or "find faults to criticize those restaurants in town and praise restaurants in other towns" maliciously, I believe people praise and criticize based upon their assessment of the value and service provided by a restaurant or any other business.
As David, Voro owner and thread starter, said: "MOL members were kind, their suggestions thoughtful". I am sure David is monitoring what the community says here and will use the feedback in running his restaurant.
Here's to good food and drink and service at good value in a nice place, which is, I'm sure, what Voro seeks to provide.
Eat, drink and be well, all.
David Buckley |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 708
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, June 19, 2005 - 11:37 am: | |
David, you seem to be implying a negative review of a place where you haven't dined yet, by repeating the negative comments of others, while questioning the positive ones.
What are you trying to accomplish? Voro is an excellent addition to the town, based on our one dinner there.
As far as I can tell, those of us who are foodies, and willing to pay restaurant prices for wine, have mostly liked it. People wedded to BYO, and people who dine on appetizers in the bar seem to be less satisfied.
We seem to be heading into a local better-restaurant renaissance, with Arugula, Lot 15, Antonellas, Voro, Niecys, Papillon (although I'm less excited by them), Heart and Soul, etc. I for one am thrilled to see the improvement in in-town dining. although I still have to leave town for much of my ethnic food (other than Toro Loco). |
davidbuckley
Citizen
Username: Davidbuckley
Post Number: 297
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 12:06 am: | |
Susan:
I meant no review, negative or positive, implied or explicit, because, as I clearly stated, I haven't been to the restaurant other than for an attempt at drinks.
I did want to make plain that I cannot "overlook mediocre food" anywhere and also that I believe that the implication on Pat's part that some people criticize local restaurants while touting others further away for the heck of it is a misapprehension. I think people of good will and genuine interest in improving the subject of whatever their criticism may be address themselves to specific aspects, in this case of a restaurant, that they like and dislike. For example, I see that you enjoyed your meal--what did you have and like to eat and drink? How was the bang for the buck compared to other nearby places you like? I suspect that the location of the restaurant has nothing to do with how much you like or dislike it nor do I think the location affects whether you would praise or criticize, which was my point to Pat.
I will go and post my thoughts, in good faith, as information for David who seems to really want to hear what people have to say. Am I right, David?
Be well,
David Buckley |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 712
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 12:23 am: | |
David, my more detailed review is in the other review thread. |
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