Niko's Trapezi, A Greek Taverna
Okay, so I haven't posted forever, but I was in a bit of a restaurant rut, which then got overtaken by family difficulties. Excuses, excuses. But now I want to catch up and I'll start with this new Greek place, in Ursula Plaza, Long Branch.
I didn't realize it was called Niko's Trapezi till I looked at the takeout menu. For months before they opened, the big sign across the front said "Greek Grill/Taverna (I can't remember which) Opening Soon." Now the big electric sign on the front says, Greek Grill. Identity issues. We just call it the Greek place down the road. They're in the location formerly occupied by Dino's, a truly strange restaurant: it had a great arugula salad, but ordering anything else was pretty risky. And the service was terrible, except for the owner who would make the rounds at the end of the night with a bottle of Sambuca. Gone.
Niko's opened a month ago and we went there a week or so after they opened. The decor was standard Greek restaurant, but not overdone. I'd put it somewhere between diner and upscale. One thing that bothered me was the lights--really bright overhead lights. That, the early closing time, and the menu, tells me they are looking to make this a "family friendly" place.
Somewhere cheap but fairly nice that won't be bothered by kids.
The best part of Niko's is the menu: the price is right and there are lots of choices. Prices range from $5 for some appetizers/sides, to $20 for a rib eye dinner. Katja got the traditional Greek salad, which was fairly good--not spectacular--and the garlic potato dip and roasted eggplant dip. The potato dip turned out to be kind of boring if very garlicky, and the eggplant dip was good, but again very garlicky. I got the souvlaki platter, a steal at $10, with grilled pork, small Greek salad, tsatziki sauce, pita bread, and lemon potatoes. The pork skewer was a bit small (then again, how much do you expect for $10?) but it was very good: tender and well cooked. I liked the rest of the platter too--especially the lemon potatoes, which come with many of the meals.
The waiter was a very friendly guy who has a professional job and does this just for fun on weekends. First time I'd ever heard that! I hope he has lots of fun and sticks around.
We were the only people left in this very brightly-lit place at 9:30, and we'd been the only people for quite a while. We wondered about this and then our waiter (quite nicely) told us they closed at 9. 9! We were appalled. But he explained they would switch to summer hours soon--I'm sure they're on summer hours now, though not sure what the new closing time is.
I hope it's not only open later on weekends because they are exactly set up to be inundated with Bennies then, looking for cheap eats near the beach. So we'll only go on week nights.
Nice little neighborhood place. Food is good, service is good. My advice: lower the lights, cut down on the garlic, and stay open later.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
"Only One?": Service and the Single Girl
When I was young, it was pretty much unheard-of for a woman to go into a restaurant or bar alone. A woman alone, contentedly eating or drinking, was a freak of nature. Fair play for stares and rudeness. Then came the 70s and 80s, and everything had changed: women's jobs, education, access to sports, etc. A brave new world. And yet...
I'm here to tell you that one old world custom has hung in there: when you're female and you venture into a bar or restaurant alone, people are weird about it. At a restaurant, the host or hostess looks behind your shoulder, then back at you. "Only one?" Subtext: why?? After the warm greeting, they rotate their neck 90 degrees to find the smallest, worst table in the house and frog-march you to it. Key locations are right by the front door or kitchen, next to the waitron computer station, or in the middle of the busiest/heaviest flow area of the floor. Even when I'm with my partner it's really not much better, the rule then becoming, treat two women only 25% better than a woman alone.
I worked in restaurants for years and I know at least part of this is women's reputation for bad tipping. I have to say there's some truth in that--at least when women are in groups. Someone finds fault with the server and everyone goes along with being cheap. With groups of men it's just the opposite: for men it's a status/man thing to tip big or they look bad in front of the guys. Of course, sexual harassment may be part of the fun for the waitress at those tables.
But it's not just about tipping. There's just something about the sight of a woman alone, enjoying herself, that freaks people out. We're supposed to be with someone! A man, a screaming child, a gaggle of girlfriends. Not self-reliant, happily reading a book or looking at the ocean, or watching a game, and sipping wine. It unsettles people.
I'd love to hear if men ever experience this, but I doubt it. When I look around at restaurants, single men tend to get nice tables and good service. A man sitting alone at a bar is considered totally normal. He wants to watch the game and grunt and scream at the TV with men he doesn't know! Of course.
Do I have a solution? Change society, I guess. But until then, here's some tips for women, which I try to follow when I'm out by myself:
1. Absolutely REFUSE to be seated at a bad table. Yes, as you approach the bad table and begin to protest, the host/ess will try to insist/convince you sit there, and you'll think, I don't want to cause a scene (women aren't supposed to be confrontational!). At this point you have 3 options:
A) STAND YOUR GROUND and if you see a better, empty, 2-seat table, point to it and say you'd like to sit there. Victory won, enjoy your nice table. If, however, they refuse to seat you there or somewhere else nice
B) Turn around and leave or
C) take the crappy table, get HAD by the host, and lose your self-respect. (He/she already showed their lack of respect for you...so go ahead and join them.)
The last two times I was out alone--both times in NYC-- I got the crappiest-table-for-you-ma'am treatment. The host at a Mexican restaurant on 47th Street wanted to put me by the door (freezing breezes) when the room was empty, and the host at Indian place on the Upper East Side wanted me to get trampled by the Sunday buffet-goers right next to the table. When I refused the arctic table (with a frosty look, I might add) the Mexican restaurant host moved me right away. The Indian host and I...well, that was almost a WWF smackdown. He stood his ground--no, that was the table I could have. So I refused it, and turned to leave, and then suddenly, wait, ma'am! and I was being taken to a nice table far from the buffet. True story.
2. Having secured a decent table, enjoy yourself! I admit, I have to steel myself on the occasions I do this, and after (usually) rude treatment I can start to get into a bad mood. Take a breath, take a sip, and remind yourself what you came there to do: relax and enjoy a meal/drink in your own company.
3. If the service is good, leave a nice tip. If it's bad, leave a lousy one and tell the manager. Tell him/her you frenquently dine alone (even if you don't) and if they are not comfortable with that, you'll take your money elsewhere. Stand up for yourself!
I'd be interested to hear from any guys who have also experienced this treatment. I've just never witnessed it. From what I can see, men expect civility and good service, and they get it.
Women need to start doing the same.
I'm here to tell you that one old world custom has hung in there: when you're female and you venture into a bar or restaurant alone, people are weird about it. At a restaurant, the host or hostess looks behind your shoulder, then back at you. "Only one?" Subtext: why?? After the warm greeting, they rotate their neck 90 degrees to find the smallest, worst table in the house and frog-march you to it. Key locations are right by the front door or kitchen, next to the waitron computer station, or in the middle of the busiest/heaviest flow area of the floor. Even when I'm with my partner it's really not much better, the rule then becoming, treat two women only 25% better than a woman alone.
I worked in restaurants for years and I know at least part of this is women's reputation for bad tipping. I have to say there's some truth in that--at least when women are in groups. Someone finds fault with the server and everyone goes along with being cheap. With groups of men it's just the opposite: for men it's a status/man thing to tip big or they look bad in front of the guys. Of course, sexual harassment may be part of the fun for the waitress at those tables.
But it's not just about tipping. There's just something about the sight of a woman alone, enjoying herself, that freaks people out. We're supposed to be with someone! A man, a screaming child, a gaggle of girlfriends. Not self-reliant, happily reading a book or looking at the ocean, or watching a game, and sipping wine. It unsettles people.
I'd love to hear if men ever experience this, but I doubt it. When I look around at restaurants, single men tend to get nice tables and good service. A man sitting alone at a bar is considered totally normal. He wants to watch the game and grunt and scream at the TV with men he doesn't know! Of course.
Do I have a solution? Change society, I guess. But until then, here's some tips for women, which I try to follow when I'm out by myself:
1. Absolutely REFUSE to be seated at a bad table. Yes, as you approach the bad table and begin to protest, the host/ess will try to insist/convince you sit there, and you'll think, I don't want to cause a scene (women aren't supposed to be confrontational!). At this point you have 3 options:
A) STAND YOUR GROUND and if you see a better, empty, 2-seat table, point to it and say you'd like to sit there. Victory won, enjoy your nice table. If, however, they refuse to seat you there or somewhere else nice
B) Turn around and leave or
C) take the crappy table, get HAD by the host, and lose your self-respect. (He/she already showed their lack of respect for you...so go ahead and join them.)
The last two times I was out alone--both times in NYC-- I got the crappiest-table-for-you-ma'am treatment. The host at a Mexican restaurant on 47th Street wanted to put me by the door (freezing breezes) when the room was empty, and the host at Indian place on the Upper East Side wanted me to get trampled by the Sunday buffet-goers right next to the table. When I refused the arctic table (with a frosty look, I might add) the Mexican restaurant host moved me right away. The Indian host and I...well, that was almost a WWF smackdown. He stood his ground--no, that was the table I could have. So I refused it, and turned to leave, and then suddenly, wait, ma'am! and I was being taken to a nice table far from the buffet. True story.
2. Having secured a decent table, enjoy yourself! I admit, I have to steel myself on the occasions I do this, and after (usually) rude treatment I can start to get into a bad mood. Take a breath, take a sip, and remind yourself what you came there to do: relax and enjoy a meal/drink in your own company.
3. If the service is good, leave a nice tip. If it's bad, leave a lousy one and tell the manager. Tell him/her you frenquently dine alone (even if you don't) and if they are not comfortable with that, you'll take your money elsewhere. Stand up for yourself!
I'd be interested to hear from any guys who have also experienced this treatment. I've just never witnessed it. From what I can see, men expect civility and good service, and they get it.
Women need to start doing the same.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Osaka, RIP?
Last night Katja and I drove down to Asbury Park for sushi at one of our favorite restaurants, Taka. We used to eat out in AP all the time, but since we moved to Long Branch we don't get down there much. So when we made a plan to go, I was psyched. Alas, it was disappointing--somehow the rolls weren't as wonderful anymore. We actually send back the sweet potato roll, something we've never done there (it was supposed to be tempura but was barely cooked), and the rainbow roll was no longer to die for. It's a beautiful space and the owner, Taka, is fun, but I don't know. I think it's going to be a while before we go there again. Bummer.
We experienced another sushi disappointment this fall--even more crushing. When we moved here in March, the previous owners had left us a notebook full of local restaurant and takeout menus. That's how we discovered Osaka, a Thai/Japanese storefront just a few blocks away, in a strip mall right by the entrance to 7 President's Park. We ordered something from them soon after moving in. I can't remember what it was, but I don't think I'll ever forget the expression of the guy who delivered it. I opened the door, he looked at me, and his face fell. "They're not here anymore??!" I thought he was going to cry. Okay, the previous owners had clearly been really, really good customers. I told him we'd be ordering from him too. He didn't look impressed.
So the first delivery was memorable. As was the special bonus in the bag--an orange--clearly put in for the previous owners, not us, the new interlopers. I wanted to become an orange-worthy customer. But orange distribution, as I learned, was random. Sometimes you got one, sometimes not.
Anyway, we (esp. me) quickly became Osaka fans. Their food was great--consistently. And here's an unusual (in my experience) thing: they had both Thai AND Japanese food, and both were equally good. The sushi rolls were tasty and fresh, and the Pad Thai with large, briny shrimp was out of this world. And they delivered--fast. How lovely to come on a Friday night, shot to hell after a week of work, and know that food was a phone call away. We became very good customers, indeed. In fact, I developed a little takeout delivery addiction problem.
My addiction is now cured, but not because of any triumph of the will. No, it's because Osaka closed this fall. The first warning signs came when they weren't open every night; this place had ALWAYS been open. Sometimes it even happened on a weekend night. Once they picked up the phone after 20 rings (yes, I was desperate) and said there'd been a kitchen fire the night before. Then one night...20 rings and someone answered to say they had closed. CRUNCH. But, they reassured me, they were just relocating to the West End, to a place where they could have more tables. WHEN? I asked. No answer. I said hey, put a sign up in your window telling people that! They didn't.
Somehow I always knew it was good to last. From the beginning I said to Katja, oh I hope they stay in business, I hope they stay in business. When I went in there (it's right next to my gym--ha) I always anxiously scoped out how busy they were. And they always looked busy to me, so I don't know what happened. I have the pale green menu right here. I'm getting verklempt looking at it.
Is Osaka RIP? I'm lighting a candle, sending hopeful thoughts out to the universe, and keeping my eye out for a West End resurrection
We experienced another sushi disappointment this fall--even more crushing. When we moved here in March, the previous owners had left us a notebook full of local restaurant and takeout menus. That's how we discovered Osaka, a Thai/Japanese storefront just a few blocks away, in a strip mall right by the entrance to 7 President's Park. We ordered something from them soon after moving in. I can't remember what it was, but I don't think I'll ever forget the expression of the guy who delivered it. I opened the door, he looked at me, and his face fell. "They're not here anymore??!" I thought he was going to cry. Okay, the previous owners had clearly been really, really good customers. I told him we'd be ordering from him too. He didn't look impressed.
So the first delivery was memorable. As was the special bonus in the bag--an orange--clearly put in for the previous owners, not us, the new interlopers. I wanted to become an orange-worthy customer. But orange distribution, as I learned, was random. Sometimes you got one, sometimes not.
Anyway, we (esp. me) quickly became Osaka fans. Their food was great--consistently. And here's an unusual (in my experience) thing: they had both Thai AND Japanese food, and both were equally good. The sushi rolls were tasty and fresh, and the Pad Thai with large, briny shrimp was out of this world. And they delivered--fast. How lovely to come on a Friday night, shot to hell after a week of work, and know that food was a phone call away. We became very good customers, indeed. In fact, I developed a little takeout delivery addiction problem.
My addiction is now cured, but not because of any triumph of the will. No, it's because Osaka closed this fall. The first warning signs came when they weren't open every night; this place had ALWAYS been open. Sometimes it even happened on a weekend night. Once they picked up the phone after 20 rings (yes, I was desperate) and said there'd been a kitchen fire the night before. Then one night...20 rings and someone answered to say they had closed. CRUNCH. But, they reassured me, they were just relocating to the West End, to a place where they could have more tables. WHEN? I asked. No answer. I said hey, put a sign up in your window telling people that! They didn't.
Somehow I always knew it was good to last. From the beginning I said to Katja, oh I hope they stay in business, I hope they stay in business. When I went in there (it's right next to my gym--ha) I always anxiously scoped out how busy they were. And they always looked busy to me, so I don't know what happened. I have the pale green menu right here. I'm getting verklempt looking at it.
Is Osaka RIP? I'm lighting a candle, sending hopeful thoughts out to the universe, and keeping my eye out for a West End resurrection
Saturday, January 10, 2009
The Avenue, Long Branch
Two words of advice about The Avenue in Long Branch: happy hour. And honestly, it's the only advice I can give because I haven't been there for a meal. The menu looks very good but it's pricey. My partner and I have considered going there for a splurge meal...somehow it hasn't happened yet. What we go there for is a bargain you can't beat: $5 martinis on the ocean from 4-7 every day.
If I can figure out how to do it, I'll post a picture soon (I'm technically challenged), but the first thing to say is that The Avenue's location is fabulous: right on the ocean, and I mean RIGHT on, not across the street as is the case in many Shore towns. That's the advantage of the Pier Village restaurants--McLoone's and Sirena are also perched right over the beach. When we lived in Ocean Grove, my partner always wanted to find a place for a drink right on the beach, but in those towns around OG, there isn't much. Long Branch is a different story.
In the warm months, The Avenue has couches out on a small deck over the ocean, but when it's cold you still get a great view from the lounge. The restaurant is beautiful--I love the space and light. All of the "specialty cocktails" we've tried have been great. Here's the $5 menu:
Scottish Pear: Glenmorangie single-malt scotch, Bombay Sapphire, fresh Poire Williams
**Excellent
Le Pama: Hendricks gin, Papa pomogranate liquer, St. Germain
Expresso Martini: Patron XO Cafe, Kahlua coffee liquor, illy espresso
Adam's Apple: Pinnacle vodka, green apple puree, Berentzen premium apple liquer, fresh lime
*Very Good
La Cantalina: Sauza tequila, Canton ginger liquer, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, cilantro
**Excellent
Peach Passion: Zugo vodka, Champagne, white peach, passion fruit
The Village Sidecar: Hennessey Cognac, Grand Marnier, fresh raspberry
Le Flore: Champagne, Hennessey Cognac, Grand Marnier, fresh raspberry
Valentino: Champagne, Fragoli strawberry liquer, Pinnacle vodka, passion fruit
Cocktail of the Month--Snowfall: Stoli Vanil, vanilla liquor, vanilla bean, cream
Last weekend, my old buddy Mary trekked up here from Brick--she loves a good happy hour--for her first visit to Pier Village and The Avenue, and she was totally sold. You just can't beat it: looking out at the wintry Atlantic with a delicious martini in hand, and a plate of oysters on ice in front of you. They run raw bar specials during happy hour and these were 75 cents each, served with two dipping sauces. I'm not a big oyster girl but Mary raved about them and she's pretty particular about seafood. There's a big fireplace in the dining room, too, which I thought was off-limits to non-diners, but when you look closer, there are couches in front of it, and two smart people (not us) were ensconsed in front of it with their drinks.
I've read some really bad reviews of The Avenue on chowhound, especially people foaming at the mouth about bad service (lots of attitude), but that wasn't our experience. Who knows...maybe because it's winter, the bennies are (mostly) gone, and the wait staff is mellower.
I can't speak for lunch or dinner (yet) but happy hour at The Avenue is definitely worth your time.
Here's their web page with menu and pictures
http://www.leclubavenue.com
If I can figure out how to do it, I'll post a picture soon (I'm technically challenged), but the first thing to say is that The Avenue's location is fabulous: right on the ocean, and I mean RIGHT on, not across the street as is the case in many Shore towns. That's the advantage of the Pier Village restaurants--McLoone's and Sirena are also perched right over the beach. When we lived in Ocean Grove, my partner always wanted to find a place for a drink right on the beach, but in those towns around OG, there isn't much. Long Branch is a different story.
In the warm months, The Avenue has couches out on a small deck over the ocean, but when it's cold you still get a great view from the lounge. The restaurant is beautiful--I love the space and light. All of the "specialty cocktails" we've tried have been great. Here's the $5 menu:
Scottish Pear: Glenmorangie single-malt scotch, Bombay Sapphire, fresh Poire Williams
**Excellent
Le Pama: Hendricks gin, Papa pomogranate liquer, St. Germain
Expresso Martini: Patron XO Cafe, Kahlua coffee liquor, illy espresso
Adam's Apple: Pinnacle vodka, green apple puree, Berentzen premium apple liquer, fresh lime
*Very Good
La Cantalina: Sauza tequila, Canton ginger liquer, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, cilantro
**Excellent
Peach Passion: Zugo vodka, Champagne, white peach, passion fruit
The Village Sidecar: Hennessey Cognac, Grand Marnier, fresh raspberry
Le Flore: Champagne, Hennessey Cognac, Grand Marnier, fresh raspberry
Valentino: Champagne, Fragoli strawberry liquer, Pinnacle vodka, passion fruit
Cocktail of the Month--Snowfall: Stoli Vanil, vanilla liquor, vanilla bean, cream
Last weekend, my old buddy Mary trekked up here from Brick--she loves a good happy hour--for her first visit to Pier Village and The Avenue, and she was totally sold. You just can't beat it: looking out at the wintry Atlantic with a delicious martini in hand, and a plate of oysters on ice in front of you. They run raw bar specials during happy hour and these were 75 cents each, served with two dipping sauces. I'm not a big oyster girl but Mary raved about them and she's pretty particular about seafood. There's a big fireplace in the dining room, too, which I thought was off-limits to non-diners, but when you look closer, there are couches in front of it, and two smart people (not us) were ensconsed in front of it with their drinks.
I've read some really bad reviews of The Avenue on chowhound, especially people foaming at the mouth about bad service (lots of attitude), but that wasn't our experience. Who knows...maybe because it's winter, the bennies are (mostly) gone, and the wait staff is mellower.
I can't speak for lunch or dinner (yet) but happy hour at The Avenue is definitely worth your time.
Here's their web page with menu and pictures
http://www.leclubavenue.com
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