| Author |
Message |
    
Ink
Citizen
Username: Pageturner
Post Number: 12
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Friday, August 5, 2005 - 8:26 am: |     |
My husband, daughter, and I went to the Park Wood for dinner last night, based on recommendations posted on MOL. I respectfully submit our mixed results, based on this one visit. I had the large Greek salad with shrimp, and it fit my expectations of: "a big salad with a lot of stuff in it", circa "Seinfeld" and Elaine's standard order at Monk's. Next time, I would skip the shrimp. The salad alone fit the bill (with enough left over for lunch today), and included triangles of toasted pita bread. I wasn't crazy about the creamy vinagrette dressing served on the side, and would request oil and vinegar in the future. My daughter ordered from the kid's menu, and had chicken tenders, which tasted fresh. The fries on the side were from the frozen bag, and not great. My husband ordered a tuna melt on rye, which came with the same fries. The tuna, according to him, had too much mayo, and he's someone who puts lots of mayo in his tuna salad. He ordered seltzer, which had fruit flavoring, and was told by the waitress that that was what they had available. Speaking of the waitress, ours was inexperienced, so the service was uneven. We had to catch her attention to order, request water twice, etc. and had to call over the owner to get the bill. He noticed that she hadn't served my daughter dessert, which comes with the kid's dinner, (we had just alerted the waitress to that), and she talked back to him in a way that made me uncomfortable. Hopefully, she will not be there next time. I certainly wouldn't sit in her section again. Perhaps we'll bike ride over and try breakfast when the weather cools down. |
Robert Livingston
Citizen
Username: Rob_livingston
Post Number: 1188
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, August 5, 2005 - 9:32 am: | |
This is a diner we're talking about, right? You're not writing about a new Parkwood in the Theater District or in Soho, are you? Egad. |
Ink
Citizen
Username: Pageturner
Post Number: 13
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Friday, August 5, 2005 - 10:01 am: | |
I don't think talking about the quality of the food or the service is inappropriate in discussing a diner, as didn't many previous posters. And your sarcasm is noted, Mr Livingston. |
redY67
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 2793
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Friday, August 5, 2005 - 10:02 am: | |
Definitely try it again. I find the food to be above average, the service is suspect, with a lot of new waitor's. I think the owner's really go the extra mile for patrons. |
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 768
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Friday, August 5, 2005 - 10:13 am: | |
Ink, you neglected to mention your free random appetizer. How many diners do that for you?
I am sorta mixed about the Parkwood too, but it isn't like I love any of the other area diners. Next time make sure you get the sweet potato fries (or even the curly fries) which are the best fry option in the area, hands down. |
Sgt. Pepper
Citizen
Username: Jjkatz
Post Number: 1320
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Friday, August 5, 2005 - 10:18 am: | |
Ink -- I think what he meant is that there's a certain informality and casual atmosphere to a diner, as well as a general level of expectation when it comes to the food. Get Mike to wait on you next time; he's a blast. |
wendy
Supporter
Username: Wendy
Post Number: 1482
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 5, 2005 - 11:06 am: | |
I agree that the food at the Parkwood is above average and most of the wait staff is too. Yes, there was a waitress we had once who kept disappearing and Mike kept getting her for us.
As far as food goes, I find the owner very open to constructive criticism and I would suggest saying something about the mayo amounts in the tuna. (You just reminded me that the one time I had chicken salad, I also thought it had too much mayo but didn't say anything.)
The first time I had the chummus (he makes it with chickpeas and white beans!) it was fantastic and Pete told me how he made it. The next two times it was too bitter (although edible) and I finally remembered to say something to Pete. He agreed and knew who had made those batches. That person thought there is no such thing as too much garlic (there is in chummus) and made sure future batches were made more like he intended. |
shh
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 2887
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 5, 2005 - 11:12 am: | |
I was thinking about getting the hummus/pita appetizer last weekend but opted for a large bowl of New England clam chowder instead. The soup was delicious, my daughter and I each got it and devoured it.
Wendy, what else does the hummus come with? What is the original recipe you liked so much?
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wendy
Supporter
Username: Wendy
Post Number: 1483
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 5, 2005 - 11:51 am: | |
The hummus (thanks for the reminder about the proper spelling) is still made the same as it always was there but now with a little less garlic and lemon juice; too much of those made it too sour/tart. Pete makes it with dry chickpeas and some type of white beans (when I make it at home I use canned chick peas - fresh is better but canned of course is easier) which he boils of course. He then adds tahini (he showed me the brand he uses - can't remember which one), garlic and lemon. Not sure if he adds olive oil. He serves it over lettuce and gives you tomatos and olives with it along with the warmed pita bread. |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 2891
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 5, 2005 - 12:54 pm: | |
Mmm, I will have to try. I thought maybe the "chummus" spelling was an alternate. |
Dego Diva
Citizen
Username: Fmingione
Post Number: 555
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Friday, August 5, 2005 - 2:13 pm: | |
Ink, do give it another try.
Yes, I'd have to agree that the service is NOT the best. However, I find the food better than most diners, so I kind of put up with less-than-good service. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 4918
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, August 7, 2005 - 8:06 pm: | |
We had brunch there today. I had an egg white veggie omelet. It was great - not rubbery at all. My only issue was that I asked for "a little bit" of cheddar and got a pound. Seems to be a diner issue everywhere. No such thing as a "little" cheese. Nevertheless...
TS had scrambled eggs, ham & pancakes. Too big to finish, but all were dlish. Pancakes very fluffy.
Service was weird. We sat for a good 10 minutes, dying for a cup of coffee. We finally asked the waitress who seated us (Gina) whose station it was. There was a conference among 3 waitresses all claiming "not mine". Apparently, we were sitting in the DMZ & no one was on patrol.
But, Gina went ahead and waited on us & we had a great meal.
Oh - as a decaf drinker, I must tell you that it is unheard of to be able to drink a diner cup black. But, it is at the Parkwood.
And the font on their menu is not as "Munsters" as the sign outside....  |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 8882
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, August 8, 2005 - 12:22 pm: | |
We had a power outage on Friday evening. How come no one has discussed this on MOL yet? Did I miss it? It seems the affected area was small, and we expected the Parkwood (or is it Park Wood?) to have power still, so we decided to go there. We gathered all of our flashlights while there was still daylight. We ended up getting there after our power was restored (75 minutes later). Food was quite good. I had sole with spinach and feta cheese. The portion was outlandishly large. And it was tasty, and the price was excellent. Pete the owner checked in on us a few times.
|
sac
Supporter
Username: Sac
Post Number: 2478
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 8, 2005 - 5:38 pm: | |
We had the power outage also. I don't know how long it lasted because after 30 minutes or so we decided it might be a good time to check out the tail end of the store closing sale at Expo. By the time we got home the power was back on. We did pick up a bunch of vanity lightbulbs for our bathroom at 80% off. I guess we're fixed for those for the next 20 years, now.
We don't have a battery backup for our router, etc. so when the power is off, I can't get to the internet, although my laptop itself keeps running on its battery. I guess by the time we got home and everything was fine, it just didn't inspire me to post.
As far as area covered, it must have been at least 4 blocks if you were out ... we noticed that the houses fronting on Tuscan had lights but nothing on Courter or Oakview was lit. I don't know if it crossed Prospect or how far toward Springfield Avenue it went, though. |
wendy
Supporter
Username: Wendy
Post Number: 1507
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 8, 2005 - 8:25 pm: | |
I was out too. I'm on Sommer. The houses on Park weren't. |
sac
Supporter
Username: Sac
Post Number: 2480
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 8, 2005 - 8:37 pm: | |
Interesting ... there were definitely houses in between (for example along Tuscan Road) that had power. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 8905
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, August 8, 2005 - 11:24 pm: | |
A neighbor of mine claimed there is a generator for the area around Courter Ave. Is that remotely possible? |
sac
Supporter
Username: Sac
Post Number: 2482
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 9, 2005 - 8:48 am: | |
I would be surprised if there was anything more than the occasional individual house that might have their own generator. (Such as with an ill person who depends on oxygen or something?) Around Y2K time, people were considering purchasing them so there might be some around. It seemed like it might be more trouble (CO hazard, pollution, fuel costs/hassles) than it was worth, though. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 4051
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, September 11, 2005 - 2:51 pm: | |
... my attorney wanted to try the Parkwood Diner last night and I'm glad we did.
We arrived just before the crowd and got the last booth. We have been there several times and as always the food was quite good. The fact that there wasn't a seat left in the place, it's obvious we're not the only ones who think so too...
The portions were large enough that we all took home doggie bags, and the price was very reasonable. I believe the owner’s wife was helping out and made sure everything went smoothly. We were actually amazed. She seemed to be everywhere at once, and still found time to check in on us a few times.
|
Rebecca Raines
Citizen
Username: Robin_realist
Post Number: 424
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, September 11, 2005 - 10:40 pm: | |
We also enjoy this diner and we're not really diner-loving people. They have a good variety of salads and will deliver lunch; and also dinner if you order early. Once I called at 6:00 and discovered no delivery. Called back a few minutes later (after the 'how bad do I not want to cook' discussion) with a take-out order. When we went to pick up, they had added extra food and the owner stopped to explain and apologise about the delivery situation. Can't afford an evening shift driver with so few deliveries. We solved the problem by ordering around 5:15 so they can deliver before 6 and we're still eating at a reasonable time.
They are quite generous with portions and voluntarily substitute or add extra ingredients if you choose to cut something out of a dish. They really want you to be satisfied. R |
Noglider
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 9366
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 10:02 am: | |
Let me reiterate Rebecca's point. The folks at this diner are immensely flexible with substitutions. They never seem to say no.
And I'm not normally a diner lover, either, but I really like this place.
|
GinaNiko
Citizen
Username: Ginaniko
Post Number: 22
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 - 2:26 pm: | |
I finally tried Park Wood last week and I have to say I liked it enough to eat dinner there 2 nites in a row. They were very accomodating with my 2 yr. old and she ate most of her dinner which is saying a lot. The first night I had the turkey burger which I'll admit wasn't anything special (a little dry) but the sweet potatoe fries were excellent and the bean salad I got for free was very good. The second nite I had the mousaka which was excellent. My husband is greek from Athens and we lived many years in Astoria so he's extremely picky when it comes to greek food and even he said it was very good. On the other hand, the greek salad was ok (I didn't find the lettuce to be fresh) but the huge serving of mousaka made up for it. I will definately make this a regular spot, especially on nites my husband works late and I don't feel like cooking. |
mem
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 5385
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 - 2:35 pm: | |
I am not a "foody" but I ate here for the first time on Sunday and I loved it. I ordered "Joe's Taco Salad" kind of as a joke and it was delicious. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 9428
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 - 2:37 pm: | |
We went there for lunch yesterday. My mother in law ordered the veggie burger. Usually, these are factory-made processed and frozen. This one appeared to be home-made and bursting with fresh veggies. She said it was good.
My wife ordered their salad of the day which was called Endless Indian Summer. It had chicken and berries and nuts. Weird but good. They are inventive.
|
Katrina Randolph
Citizen
Username: Kcrdst
Post Number: 2
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, September 18, 2005 - 9:28 am: | |
My husband's family has been going to Parkwood for a long time, and with the new ownership they have definitely improved. We go often and usually have a great meal. As for wait staff, Mike has been there for years and he is great. I recommend sitting wherever he is serving. |
Suzanne Ng
Citizen
Username: Suzanneng
Post Number: 464
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, September 18, 2005 - 1:17 pm: | |
We've ordered from Park Wood 3-4 times already in the past 2 weeks, for lunch delivery, and have found the food and service to be wonderful each time.
Mem - I also tried the "Jose's Taco salad" and found it delish! Their lunch specials are fantastic. We get a fax each morning with the day's specials... most are 7.95-8.95, and come with free soup and a beverage. A colleague has raved about both the chicken noodle soup and the cream of broccoli & cheddar soup.
Keep up the great work, Park Wood! |
wendy
Supporter
Username: Wendy
Post Number: 1640
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, September 18, 2005 - 1:51 pm: | |
Katrina,
Not sure what you meant by some of the things you wrote. The Parkwood Diner is totally new. It took over from the former Sage owners who basically ran it into the ground. Pete, the current owner, has been in the restaurant business for years and used to manage the Millburn Diner and I believed owned a diner out in Basking Ridge. Mike, the waiter (and one of my favorites) has also been around for years but I believe has usually worked wherever Pete has had a restaurant. I don't think Mike worked for the Sage. Then there's Steve who works there too in the front. He's the son of the the quasi related Park West up north of here, where Fifi, Pete's wife, also works during the day.
Do I sound like I got to know these wonderful people quite well? I did. They're all as nice as their food is good. |
mem
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 5408
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, September 18, 2005 - 11:45 pm: | |
Suzanne Ng - Yes!!! And healthy too.
This place is a treasure. Is it a new invention in gourmet diner food ? (is there is such a thing? - if not, than USA MSO has it!) Very cool. You would never find this overseas anyway. |
Katrina R.
Citizen
Username: Kcrdst
Post Number: 3
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, September 22, 2005 - 2:24 pm: | |
My husband is from Morristown and has been going to Park Wood since before the new ownership. Not sure when he met Mike the waiter, but everytime we go they speak and he has made sure we're happy eaters. I guess I assumed Mike has been there for a long time because we just moved here and my husband had not been there for a long time. Could have been another diner where he met Mike and just got confused. Either way, the guy is great. |
wendy
Supporter
Username: Wendy
Post Number: 1658
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, September 22, 2005 - 2:46 pm: | |
Katrina, all I'm trying to say is that the Park Wood wasn't the Park Wood - in name or spirit or physical looks - before Pete took it over. It was a run-down horrible place that couldn't even cook eggs right. |
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