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Ridge
Thai A
Taste of Thai Ridge Thai and A Taste of Thai are two new Thai restaurants in Ridgewood that offer different ways to experience this wonderful cuisine. Ridge Thai offers spicier (hotter) selections, although they will gladly tone it down if you ask. A Taste of Thai’s entrees come out fairly mild unless you request some heat. Both offer a wide selection of traditional Thai dishes, and both are worthy additions to the Ridgewood restaurant scene. Ridge ($$) is closed on Sundays; Taste ($$-$$$) is open seven days a week. [02/06]
Esposito’s is a hidden gem. The appearance is unassuming-casual-family, but the quality of the food is surprisingly good. “Gourmet” pizzas, both family- and personal-sized may get you here, but don’t miss the entrees. The seafood salad as well as the linguine with baby clams are terrific. And the Pizza Margherita is as good as anything I’ve had in Italy (OK, so I only had one pizza in Italy, but this is just as good). Portions are generous, and prices are very fair. What are you waiting for? $-$$ [1/06] Rainbow Rainbow is a great place to go for inexpensive but very good Mediterranean food. The menu is primarily Turkish with kabobs and stews, but there are also chicken schnitzel, fillet mignon, and excellent sautés of fish, shrimp, chicken, and lamb. There are also more than enough appetizers to make a meal without an entree. $-$$ [12/05]
Dim Sum Dynasty took a long time to open at the former site of the Sounding Board, but the wait was definitely worth it. This white tablecloth restaurant is one of the finest and most interesting Oriental restaurants in the area. As its name implies, Dynasty features an enormous selection of Dim Sum, but only on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am until 3 pm. A terrific introductory “Dim Sum Club” is available at other times as an appetizer. The entree selection is enormous with traditional Chinese offerings, as well as many unusual dishes (Filet Mignon, Veal Chop, Rack of Lamb, etc.). The sauces show a refined touch. This is a restaurant to come back to. $-$$ [11/05] Delpino Delpino is a solid Italian restaurant that offers the standards with a few interesting variations. This is a family-friendly place with a noise level that is slightly elevated, but the quality of the food is good. There are some nice homemade pastas, and the salads show creativity as well as fresh ingredients. $$ [10/05]
There are many reasons to visit Montclair. The modest museum is very worthy. The movie theater actually shows some good movies, not just the blockbusters. And then there are the restaurants. The Montclair BYO scene is very much like that of Ridgewood, except that you can usually find a place to park! Lalezar is a spacious Turkish restaurant of very high quality. All the expected dishes are available as well as numerous weekend specials that are even more interesting. They do lamb and seafood very well. The stuffed grape leaves and the fried calamari are among the best we’ve had. Lalezar's web site is www.lalezarcuisine.com. They can be contacted at info@lalezarcuisine.com. $$ [8/05]
Kratiem is another Englewood restaurant that is worth the trip. Open 7 days a week, this nonsmokers restaurant features many typical Thai dishes with some creative combinations and excellent preparations. I could have made a meal out the delicious appetizers, but then I would have missed the grilled shrimp, the duck, and the noodles. The decor is simple, but attractive and relaxing. Service is competent and friendly. By the way, Kra-tiem is the Thai word for garlic! $$ [7/05]
Daruma is conveniently located near John Harms. Named for the ancient monk who founded Zen Buddhism, this Japanese restaurant is one of the best in Bergen County. Sushi, sashimi, and negimaki are all excellent, but there’s much more here, and even the sushi-impaired will be happy. The appetizers are so good that you might consider making a meal of them. The ambiance is polished, contemporary, and restful. Friendly and competent service is also a plus. Prices are reasonable at this non-smoking restaurant $$-$$$ [6/05] Bazzini
at 28 Oak Street
Bazzini at 28 Oak Street replaces 28 Oak with new ownership and a new chef (Paul Bazzini) who has extensive experience in the New York restaurant scene. Although this new restaurant is billed as “American Cuisine,” Paul brings a willingness to borrow from other cultures (Italian, Asian, etc.). Bazzini offers a tasting menu reminiscent of The Village Green with 5, 6, or 7 courses. There is also a three-course, “early bird,” prix fixe. Quality is high. The price ranges substantially, depending on the number of courses. $$$-$$$$ [5/05]
Fascino serves very sophisticated Italian food. With two levels, the atmosphere is warm and comforting. Service is professional. All in all, one of the best restaurants in Montclair. $$$ [4/05] John's
Shanghai
John’s Shanghai (across from Whole Foods), is an unusual Chinese restaurant in that it features Shanghai cuisine rather than the Cantonese and Szechuan cuisines we usually see. Although it has never had a major impact in the U.S., Shanghai boasts a major culinary genre that deserves to be better known. The flavors are rich and sometimes sweet. Many dishes are slow cooked with relatively little soy sauce or red peppers. The steamed juice buns (dumplings) are a must. Tea-smoked duck, sautéed snow pea greens, and mango shrimp are also excellent. There are so many interesting items on the menu that we’ll be headed back soon. The lovely decor features coral and jade sculptures and porcelain tea sets. John’s Shanghai is closed on Mondays. $-$$ [3/05]
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