| Author |
Message |
    
notehead
Citizen
Username: Notehead
Post Number: 918
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 1:32 pm: |     |
We got a table pretty easily around 9:00. It was a bit smoky throughout the restaurant, and it was downright nasty near the bar. The food, beer, decor, and service were all very good, though. If they can somehow keep the air clearer in there, the Gate might become a spot we regularly visit. |
shh
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 917
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 2:19 pm: | |
We went Saturday night after the dance.
We got home and IMMEDIATELY stripped...
...because of the smoke on our clothes of course!
 |
mickey
Citizen
Username: Mickey
Post Number: 20
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 9:43 pm: | |
I used to enjoy going to the Gate once in awhile, but I avoid it now because of the smoke. It's just too hard to enjoy eating and drinking with smoke in my face. |
canismajor
Citizen
Username: Canismajor
Post Number: 255
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 11:17 pm: | |
Service is soooo sloooooooow.......my hamburger took 45 minutes. Is this a plot to get customers to drink more? Love the thick, fresh cut appetizer fries (I think they call them pub chips) but the fries that come with the burgers are so skinny and malnourished....what gives?
Still in all, better food than Kean's Cleaners. |
galileo
Citizen
Username: Galileo
Post Number: 125
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 11:18 pm: | |
Does anyone complain to the management about the smoke? |
ffof
Citizen
Username: Ffof
Post Number: 1887
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 6, 2004 - 8:24 am: | |
Maybe we could have a Maplewood smoking ban, like NYC. |
mickey
Citizen
Username: Mickey
Post Number: 21
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 6, 2004 - 8:37 am: | |
Here's an idea: make one night a week smoke-free. |
SoOrLady
Citizen
Username: Soorlady
Post Number: 354
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 6, 2004 - 8:45 am: | |
Canismajor: all you have to do is request to substitute chips for fries when you order your burger - We've had better luck with service lately - the wait last time was within reasonable parameters. I have noticed a lot of smoke lately too. Guess he needs to upgrade the ventilation system... or buy a couple of dozen of those ionic breeze things. |
sullymw
Citizen
Username: Sullymw
Post Number: 223
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 6, 2004 - 9:37 am: | |
yeah, the smoke is keeping us away too...there really needs to be a law...I'm not against people smoking. I'm just against being subjected to it in a closed, public space. But, I can choose not to go there |
Brett
Citizen
Username: Bmalibashksa
Post Number: 662
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 6, 2004 - 9:43 am: | |
It's not a public place, it's private property. I'm a smoker and respect the fact that a bar owner can say that the bar is non-smoking, I don't think this the governments job to make a law.
I think smoke free a night or two is great idea. Or even go so far as one smokeing night. |
max
Citizen
Username: Max
Post Number: 24
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 6, 2004 - 9:48 am: | |
Im a smoker myself but the smoke in there last weekend was even getting to me. I think the a smoke free night or 2 is a great idea. |
eliz
Citizen
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 702
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 6, 2004 - 9:57 am: | |
The smoke is unbelievable but I think the problem is ventilation. It doesn't seem to matter where you sit, even if there are only a few people smoking you absolutely reek of smoke when you leave.
Then again maybe we're just becoming more and more sensitive to it since we encounter it less and less. |
TomR
Citizen
Username: Tomr
Post Number: 95
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 6, 2004 - 11:45 am: | |
Does the St. James Gate allow smoking in the dining area, or only in the bar? I've only been to the place once for a couple of pints and didn't notice whether smoking was permitted in the dining area.
Also, why do people who object to cigarette smoke, go to places which allow smoking?
TomR. |
SoOrLady
Citizen
Username: Soorlady
Post Number: 355
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 6, 2004 - 11:54 am: | |
Smoking is only at the bar, but it creeps over the divider onto the diners. People go to The Gate because they want to support a local business and it's a nice place to go - Perhaps I'll print out this thread and give it to the Mr.s Mead the next time we stop by. I like the idea of a couple of smoke-free nights - but cigarette smoke is clingy.. even if there's no one smoking, the place will still smell the same. |
sac
Citizen
Username: Sac
Post Number: 933
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 6, 2004 - 12:00 pm: | |
"Why do people who object to cigarette smoke go to places which allow smoking?"
Perhaps they heard that this was a great place to go for food and drink and didn't realize that the smoke was such a problem. There are plenty of places that allow smoking where the smoke is not overpowering (either due to better ventilation or fewer smokers or some other circumstance) and can be enjoyed just fine by nonsmokers.
I think that perhaps the non-smoker customers (or anyone who is bothered by the smoke) should speak up to the owner. If he hears about it from enough people, he might decide that smoke-free nights (or even all the time) might be good for business.
I had not noticed a problem the couple of times I was there, but based on the recent emergence of these comments here on MOL, I'm wondering if something has changed. As I am quite sensitive to smoke, I will now think twice about going again. |
Ed May
Citizen
Username: Edmay
Post Number: 1942
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, February 8, 2004 - 1:44 am: | |
Marilyn and I ate there tonite and saw people smoking but the smoke seemed well ventilated.
Ed May |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 2421
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, February 8, 2004 - 8:25 am: | |
Libby and I ate there this week, and the smoke did seem very well ventilated. We don't smoke, hate it, but hey, it's an authentic Irish Pub and the sense of family and community is hard to beat anywhere else in town...
CHEERS! LONG LIVE THE GATE! |
ML1
Citizen
Username: Ml1
Post Number: 1537
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, February 8, 2004 - 5:23 pm: | |
I think the smoke is really only an issue in the bar area later in the evening.
I've been there a few times after 10 PM for a drink at the bar, and each time the smoke has been pretty intense.
If I'm at at table in the dining area though, it just doesn't seem as bad. |
Ed May
Citizen
Username: Edmay
Post Number: 1952
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2004 - 8:14 pm: | |
" We will adjourn to St. James Gate Pub on Maplewood Avenue at 9 PM. "
THE NEWS-RECORD (Thursday, February 12, 2004; page 8) incorrectly headlined that Francine Huff is speaking for the ECS (Ethical Cultural Society). The Headline should have stated that she is speaking for SOMBI. The article itself was correct. The event will be held at the Maplewood Library this Thursday February 19th at 6:30 PM. We will adjourn to St. James Gate Pub on Maplewood Avenue at 9 PM.
Ed May |
Ed May
Citizen
Username: Edmay
Post Number: 1960
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 - 9:52 pm: | |
Can't make the SOMBI Meeting referenced above? Meet us at the GATE afterwards at 9 PM!
Ed May |
Cubeless
Citizen
Username: Cubey
Post Number: 34
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, February 22, 2004 - 9:56 am: | |
Good news for beer lovers...St James Gate is now serving Smithwick's...a beer from Ireland that had previously not been exported to the US.
Cheers.
|
marian
Citizen
Username: Marian
Post Number: 110
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 2:55 pm: | |
SoOrLady,
I hope you print out this thread for the Gate's management. My husband and I tried the Gate once and would like to go back, but we simply cannot because of my husband's allergies.
When you have really bad allergies, even the smallest amount of cigarette smoke can make you absolutely miserable. (I won't even go into the health risks that EVERYONE faces from second-hand smoke.) Plus, we have a 9-month-old baby and there's no way I'm gonna let him breath in the stuff.
Anyway, I think the Gate is great (hey, that rhymes), but I bet there's a lot of folks who won't go there because of the second-hand smoke issues.
|
algebra2
Citizen
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 1641
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 3:03 pm: | |
Marian -- what's your point? You think the pub should be 100% non-smoking? That's crazy. You can't have non-smoking night. I guess you can try but why? It's a bar. I would much rather people smoking in the bar than huddling outside on Maplewood Ave dropping their butts on the ground.
I don't mean to be bitchy, but I just don't see that it's smokey in there. I smoke once in a while -- I may have a cigarette at the Gate on a Saturday night but wouldn't have one when I'm there with my 4 year old. |
jamie
Moderator
Username: Jamie
Post Number: 445
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 3:20 pm: | |
The smoke has bothered me the last couple times I was there and as a result I left early. I'm very sensitive to smoke. It's much worse by the bar and after dinner hours.
There's a possibility that the Gate may be open to a smoke free night. Though if they did try it, it would probably be an off night - such as a Tuesday. Would anyone out there be up to go to the pub on an off night - just because it's smoke free?
I was talking to John about the issue, he commented that even if no one was smoking - the smell would still be there - it gets into the wood and everything else. At least the physical smoke would be gone. John commented that he would prefer that Jersey adopt the non-smoking ban - but may be more unlikely due to Atlantic City.
NYC is smoke-free. CA is smoke-free. Even the pubs in Ireland are smoke free.
http://cbsnews.cbs.com/stories/2003/01/30/health/main538617.shtml
"Mandate, the union representing pub employees, supported a ban, citing research claiming an estimated 150 bar staff in Ireland die prematurely each year because of second-hand smoke."
|
Duncan
Citizen
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 1561
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 3:20 pm: | |
Well then Algy you are the exception not the rule. I have been in there now a fistful of times and there have been two occasions where I turned around and left cause it was so smokey. And when you finally quit smoking, you will sense things very differently. What was an acceptable/bearable level of smoke to you when you were a smoker is no longer acceptable/bearable when you quit.
Alls Well That Ends Well. Playing through March 7. info at http://www.hometown.aol.com/theatr1010/ |
algebra2
Citizen
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 1642
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 3:24 pm: | |
Maybe growing up with a dad who smoked pipes and cigars has left me immune ... doesn't bother me in the least! |
ffof
Citizen
Username: Ffof
Post Number: 1962
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 3:32 pm: | |
The smoke in CentAnni is worse cause the smell is mixed with that sweet scented smell that comes from , i think, the ladies room. I still like to get a martini and an appetizer there, though, after the movies! |
SoOrLady
Citizen
Username: Soorlady
Post Number: 398
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 4:08 pm: | |
Duncan - you've got a point. I recently quit and each time my co-worker breezes by after a "break", I think oh my, I smelled like THAT?!
I still think Mr. Mead should try the ionic breeze - he'd probably need a few, but I think in the long run if they solve the "oppresive smoke" problem it would be worth it. |
amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 367
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 4:15 pm: | |
Juts wanted to chime in as a non-smoker and semi-regular Gate patron (so far averaging one to three visits a month)who does not find the smokiness there to be particularly rampant or oppressive or offensive. I'm with Algebra; as long as smoking remains legal in New Jersey bars, and as long as smokers at the Gate are kept to the bar area only, I just don't see what all the fuss is about. |
marian
Citizen
Username: Marian
Post Number: 112
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 4:20 pm: | |
Algebra2,
My point is that I'd like the Gate's management to know that they're losing business because of the smoke.
Would I like the pub to be 100% non-smoking? Personally, yes. (Do I think that's going to happen? Probably not anytime soon.)
I don't want to get into a huge argument about the rights of smokers vs. nonsmokers here. All I ask is that you consider my point of view.
The way I see it, as a smoker, you can go outside to smoke while still coming back inside the pub to eat, drink, and socialize. Are you inconvenienced? Yes, somewhat.
But people who are allergic to smoke don't even have that option. We can get takeout, sure. But we're shut out of a very enjoyable local experience.
|
TomR
Citizen
Username: Tomr
Post Number: 144
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 7:29 pm: | |
marian,
I'm not getting the point.
As a non smoker, you and the spouse can go to another resturant. Are you inconvenienced? Yes, somewhat.
The mangement at St. James has decided to allow more people in the bar area than suits my preferences. When its too crowded, IMO, I don't go into the bar.
The management has decided to allow children to be in the bar area. There are people who don't like children in the bar. Those people shouldn't go into the bar.
The management has decided to allow smoking in one part of the establishment. People who don't like that decision have the option of not being a patron.
If the management decides to have non smoking sessions, or decides to make the place a non smoking venue, fine. Let them run their business as they deem appropriate, and profitable. Hey, its a commercial ratable.
Have you told the management what you think of their policies?
TomR. |
max
Citizen
Username: Max
Post Number: 27
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 7:57 pm: | |
Just for the record, the bars in Ireland are NOT smoke free zones. |
SoOrLady
Citizen
Username: Soorlady
Post Number: 400
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 10:30 pm: | |
Sorry max - as of Jan 1, 2004 the pubs in Ireland are required by law to be smoke free. |
max
Citizen
Username: Max
Post Number: 28
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 6:58 am: | |
Soory soOrlady, not till March 28th. It will only work in the cities and bigger towns even then. |
mickey
Citizen
Username: Mickey
Post Number: 22
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 9:57 am: | |
I think Marian has the right to voice her opinion that she'd prefer the Gate to be smoke free. So would I. Of course we could choose (and have chosen) not to go there again, although we wish we could (smoke does bother some people more than others). We realize our wish is pipedream unless anti-smoking laws go into effect in NJ. But we're allowed to hope for things. |
marian
Citizen
Username: Marian
Post Number: 113
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 10:00 am: | |
TomR,
My point is that people who are allergic to cigarette smoke cannot go into establishments that permit smoking. Our "options" are much more limited than people who smoke.
I know a lot of smokers feel otherwise these days -- specially now that a city-wide smoking ban has gone into effect in NY -- but in the end, smokers can still go wherever they want, they just have to step outside to smoke.
That seems like a fairer solution to me. Everybody gets the option to patronize whatever establishment they want; nobody gets exposed to second-hand smoke in a closed environment; and those who want to smoke can do so, albeit it outside the restaurant/pub/bar.
p.s. Yes, the spouse and I can go somewhere else, but Maplewood doesn't have a large selection of pubs to choose from, especially lively ones in the "downtown" area. I believe the Gate is the only one there right now. |
marian
Citizen
Username: Marian
Post Number: 114
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 10:02 am: | |
Thanks, Mickey!
(I thinks are posts must have crossed in cyberspace ;-) |
Duncan
Citizen
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 1563
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 10:25 am: | |
quote:Maybe growing up with a dad who smoked pipes and cigars has left me immune ... doesn't bother me in the least
so did I. And it never used to bother me either. Actually I liked the smell of burning tobacco. And if you smoke at all even one or two a day, you dont have the same appreciation for the stench that is tobacco smoke. Once you get that monkey off your back you have these moments of disgust, particularly when you take a sweater out of the closet that you have not worn since you quit and you get a whiff of what your friends and family used to smell on you all the time. I have just two words for people struggling with that particular addiction.
ZYBAN WORKS
that is all
although to be candid there are still times when I am walking in NYC and someone in front of me is smoking that I just drool over how delicious it smells}
Alls Well That Ends Well. Playing through March 7. info at http://www.hometown.aol.com/theatr1010/ |
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