| Author |
Message |
    
Dino
Citizen
Username: Dino
Post Number: 54
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 4, 2005 - 10:14 am: |     |
Had the ribs too, spectacular. Chef Jesse adds a lot of character to the place too. He's quite passionate about food and gets a kind of gleam in his eyes when he talks about the various upcoming dishes he plans to make. |
pat
Citizen
Username: Pat
Post Number: 27
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 4, 2005 - 9:16 pm: | |
We had the ribs, deeply smoky, moist and falling off the bone. My husband loved them. He spent several years in Kansas City and is therefore extremely particular when it comes to ribs. Our son loved the ribs, cornbread, Chef Jesse, and the place itself, which is cozy and quiet, good jazz playing in the background. Really a small gem of a place... |
sullymw
Citizen
Username: Sullymw
Post Number: 485
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 4, 2005 - 9:47 pm: | |
I don't think there has ever been another thread on MOL where every post was positive |
mem
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 4603
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 4, 2005 - 11:17 pm: | |
Sorry, I wasn't really his first customer, but I wish I could claim that - top notch comfort food, right here in MSO. |
jbirchby
Citizen
Username: Jbirchby
Post Number: 40
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 10:31 am: | |
Went back last night for another fabulous meal. A bunch of us tried Jesse's famous meatloaf and it was delicous.
I know there are many discussion happening on the board about restaurants closing due to lack of customers, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't let this happen here. Heart and Soul has amazing food and great prices and portions. Chef Jesse deserves much success, we all need to support this true gem of a restaurant. |
papayagirl
Citizen
Username: Papayagirl
Post Number: 310
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 12:53 pm: | |
Okay, one negative to add then. I've tried 3x... they never have the turkey wings when i call. =-( |
jbirchby
Citizen
Username: Jbirchby
Post Number: 41
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 2:13 pm: | |
Hmmm. Both times I went they had them. They were *burp* delicious.
Jesse's told us that if we let him know what we want in advance he'd be happy to make it. Hence the fabulous meatloaf last night. I know it's not as good as having the craving and getting them right then but it's a good option. |
Mark Fuhrman
Citizen
Username: Mfpark
Post Number: 1275
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 2:20 pm: | |
Jesse has a background doing wild game, also. He has told me that if I ever get a yen for quail or venison he will make it for me, with enough advance notice.
He is a real treasure for gastronomes in M/SO (and Newark and Irvington) |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 171
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 2:57 pm: | |
So then, how do we get the Times, or Star Ledger or whoever to do a write up, get the word out?
Somebody must know somebody who know's somebody? |
sullymw
Citizen
Username: Sullymw
Post Number: 487
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 3:01 pm: | |
Star Ledger reviewed them very recently and favorably |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 172
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 3:27 pm: | |
O.K. Folks, let's try this.
http://www.zagat.com/vote/AddNew.asp
I'm an online subscriber and just wrote in my vote. Don't know if you have to be a subscriber to use the above, but it's worth a shot.
Let's get Jesse "put on the map," so to speak, so he's around for a long time to come. |
marian
Citizen
Username: Marian
Post Number: 563
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 4:17 pm: | |
Me--great idea!
I just registered and it was free and easy. Please everyone else who loves Heart & Soul, sign up and write in your vote. It takes only about 5 minutes total. |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 1686
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 4:29 pm: | |
ok, I wrote in my vote...
|
jbirchby
Citizen
Username: Jbirchby
Post Number: 42
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 5:02 pm: | |
I did too. Great idea Meandtheboys! |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 173
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 5:21 pm: | |
Great guys.
Tell your friends! |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 3481
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 9:32 pm: | |
Thanks Meandtheboys... my vote is in.
|
Dego Diva
Citizen
Username: Fmingione
Post Number: 242
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 9:52 pm: | |
Oh yeah, they were the first place I wrote when that post was going around a few months ago about the NJ Zagat survey. Let's hope it gets Jesse lots of business so he can open a place in Maplewood Village!  |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 3483
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 11:02 pm: | |
From your lips to H2TA kitchen... |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 685
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 11, 2005 - 1:41 pm: | |
We were there again Wednesday. I must say that it disturbs me that aside from our group, there was one other customer. No walk-ins for take out....if this keeps up, I can't see how Jesse will be able to remain open.
I urge you all to help me save Heart & Soul!!
If we ALL eat there once a week, he can't go anywhere! I am heading to zagat.com right now!
|
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 3486
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 11, 2005 - 5:17 pm: | |
"...if this keeps up, I can't see how Jesse will be able to remain open."
Pippi, you said he can't go anywhere, but running a business with all its demands is one thing, cooking like Jesse is something very different. The man is an artist, a perfectionist, and a man of principle.
Meanwhile, the circumstances of receiving regular community and financial support, being the right size, in the right place, could easily turn into a recipe for disappointment. If any of you really want to support his business, we'll need a plan!
Since this conversation first began, Art G. and I have had several conversations with Jesse. We ate at his place, he came to ours. As mentioned earlier in this thread we tried to put together an arrangement that centered on his cooking and our entertainment.
Jesse said he would be interested in catering a regular dinner and entertainment event at H2TA if we could show there was sufficient interest from the folks from MOL. Therefore, as someone else stated, this is time for all you Molers to put your money where your appetite is, literally a word of mouth effort.
Jesse’s choice for the first event is Sunday, March 6th around 7PM. The cost would be $75.00 a couple, $37.50 per person, and guests can BYO. He would cook everything fresh from soup to nuts. The event includes live entertainment, Jesse’s home made dessert, and coffee. Our specialty drinks would be extra. We have seating for 50 guests and Jessie said he would need a sell out to do this kind of off premise event.
Therefore, as soon as we can get 50 people to respond to us at H2TA, (Heres2TheArts.com or 973-762-ARTS) we’ll take name and phone numbers and begin selling the tickets. I will keep a daily count of commitments from everyone on-line.
|
mickey
Citizen
Username: Mickey
Post Number: 222
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 9:00 am: | |
Got takeout for the first time last nite. Short ribs were really, really good. Also excellent broccoli. We wanted the meatloaf, but he didn't offer it last nite. For those who've had it, is it BBQ meatloaf? |
Windycity
Citizen
Username: Windycity
Post Number: 1
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, February 13, 2005 - 10:00 am: | |
Based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews I read about Heart and Soul, we went to the restaurant last night. I must say that the food was AMAZING!
Everything was lovingly prepared and the food was so fresh. We even spoke to Chef Jesse and asked him if he would make one of my favorite dishes (red beans and rice) and he told me to just call him the day before I wanted to pick them up. Where else can you get this kind of personalized service?
Heart and Soul will definitely become one of our regular dining establishments. If you haven't tried Heart and Soul yet, you don't know what you're missing. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 3492
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, February 13, 2005 - 9:28 pm: | |
"I will keep a daily count of commitments from everyone on-line."
Phone calls: 2
E-mails: 2
|
mickey
Citizen
Username: Mickey
Post Number: 227
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2005 - 7:23 pm: | |
Hope you don't mind if I ask this again: Does anyone know if the meatloaf at Heart and Soul is BBQ meatloaf? Thanks..... |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 3496
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 9:17 am: | |
"I will keep a daily count of commitments from everyone on-line."
It's now 3 days? Is Sunday night a bad time? Is the price to high? Should we eliminate the cover for the 5 piece Live Blues Band and just play CD's? Maybe the venue is too small, and we should rent the Woman's Club? What happened to all that interest in supporting Chef Jesse for one night in Maplewood Village?????
Phone calls: 2
E-mails: 2
BTW Mickey, I don't mind at all. Jesse makes his own Special BBQ Sauce and I suspect he'll make your meatloaf anyway you want it... |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 194
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 9:43 am: | |
Art: Perhaps a new thread with an enticing title, something like "Heart and Soul, The Blues and H2TA..Good Times!" Catch peoples eye right away, rather than waiting for them to happen back to this thread?
Just a suggestion. |
shh
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 2179
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 9:48 am: | |
Good idea. I must have missed it and didn't notice the event was scheduled.
Also, it would be a good idea to post some kind of preliminary menu. It certainly sounds like a good deal, but I don't eat meat so I'd be curious to know if there would be fish or sufficient vegetarian items. |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 195
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 11:03 am: | |
I had been thinking the very same thing, shh. Going to get the word out to friends who don't "visit" MOL. I think it would be a great night out. However, I don't eat meat and I know at least one other person doesn't either. The Salmon is yummy, and I'd love to try the gumbo--providing it's seafood and not meat. |
mem
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 4630
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 5:32 pm: | |
shhh and meandtheboys,
- The catfish is very good too.
Art - I will be in the Bahamas all that week (Hopetown - poor me). Otherwise I would go. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 3497
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 6:27 pm: | |
Thanks all... let me go back to the drawing board on this one. Given all the positive input for Jesse, I know we all want to do whatever we can to help his business grow.
I'll try and get back on this subject with a new thread ASAP. BTW, please____ we're open to all the suggestions you have out here, including price, location, entertainment, etc... |
marian
Citizen
Username: Marian
Post Number: 566
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 9:28 pm: | |
Art,
Check your PL. I just RSVP'd a reservation for 2. |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 204
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 9:40 pm: | |
Art: so what does that mean? Not going to happen March 6?
I'm confused. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 3498
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 3:17 am: | |
"I'm confused..."
Me too! It's really all up to the support we're able to get for Jesse from MOL. We have no time to advertize in the paper.
As suggested, I’ll start a new thread named, “A Chef Jesse night in Maplewood.”
For now I’ll keep the same date and let’s see what happens...(sorry you may miss it Mem) If for any reason we don’t get the support by say, February 20th, we’ll reschedule it for another date, or try other suggestions we may receive.
|
Two Sense
Citizen
Username: Twosense
Post Number: 29
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 12:56 pm: | |
Tried Heart & Soul, again, last night based on MOLer endorsements. Dinner was good, and Jesse and his wife were charming hosts. The cornbread was wonderful, and his ribs were meaty, succulent, and fell right off the bone.
He's done a lot to convert his former take-out ambiance into a low-key dining room (if you haven't been there since early October). Sadly, he's ruminating about finding a town where residents would be more likely to appreciate his cooking, and/or cutting back his hours. I sense he's really struggling to make his place work; so, everyone should run, not walk, to support H&S NOW. And, please tell and bring your friends.
P.S. Dinner for two, with plenty to carry home, was $41, incl. tip and tax. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 3519
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 21, 2005 - 12:02 am: | |
"Sadly, he's ruminating about finding a town where residents would be more likely to appreciate his cooking; I sense he's really struggling to make his place work..."
You’re quite observant... right, bring your friends. Where are all those friends?
|
galileo
Citizen
Username: Galileo
Post Number: 172
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 21, 2005 - 1:20 pm: | |
I don't get it. I've never seen so many good comments about a local restaurant on this board. What more does Chef Jesse want? Maybe he should advertise. |
sullymw
Citizen
Username: Sullymw
Post Number: 494
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 21, 2005 - 1:23 pm: | |
location, location, location....a bad one, unfortunately. Also, little or no marketing. If his place were in downtown Maplewood he would be making a killing. |
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