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Fish fish fish! Yes! We've got pretty good access to almost everything else. We need fish.

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You can't spell maltodextrin without "mmm mmm mmm!"

I'm not endorsing it or even defending it. I simply like Stouffer's Mac and Cheese and I'm glad to have an easy supply. Though perhaps I should just get myself an intravenous maltrodextrin drip and cut out the middle man.

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Well, exactly! I've made my own mac & cheese, I've bought it from many restaurants, and I've had lots of different packaged versions. They're all good in their own way. But there's something about Stouffer's that does it for me. (And FWIW, it's only something I eat when I'm dining alone -- it's not like I buy a half-dozen of them and call it dinner for the family.)

It's like french fries: can you make fries at home that are better than McDonald's? Of course, and I do! But can you make better McDonald's-style french fries at home? No, only Ronald and the Fry Guys can make those. Perhaps others don't see Stouffer's M&C as being a distinctive flavor, but for me, it has that special magic that can't be imitated. Everyone has their own version of this... White Castle comes to mind. It's not my thing, but for a lot of people -- plenty of whom love fancy food and gourmet burgers -- there's only one way to satisfy that craving.

Quote: Jeez, is there nothing one can say on this board without being flamed? I happen to like my Stouffer's. And until Key Foods took over from C-Town, it was surprisingly hard to find around here. Mock if you will. I can't hear you, because I'm up to my ears in cheesy deliciousness.

Just slightly off topic... The C-Town at 3rd and Jersey has pretty much finished converting to Key Foods and they've added a lot more selection and a lot of new things that are desirable to yuppies/hipsters/myself. Here are a few things that I was pleasantly surprised to find there (and that C-Town did not carry -- the old owners were really nice but they just weren't investing in their inventory):

-fresh, shelled edamame
-Stouffer's frozen mac and cheese, both large and small sizes
-sugar-free popsicles
-watercress
-sugar-free ketchup
-Bob's Red Mill
-Meyer's Clean Day
-Breyer's Slow Churned ice cream

A lot of the same folks still work there, and the new ones they've brought in are super nice.

(FWIW, if we're voting on what new store to get, I love Trader Joe's and I love Jersey City and I love everyone but I'd like a fish market -- good fresh fish is the one thing I feel I can't get within walking distance)

I passed by on my way to work this morning (I make a point of passing by every morning to check on their progress) and they were preparing for what looked like some serious work: jackhammers and big buckets of something or other. There were orange traffic cones out on the sidewalk. Orange cones -- that means it's for real!

I'm cautiously optimistic. And ravenously hungry. We love you Torico's!

Had a great time at Madame Claude's wine tasting for newbies on Monday. It was a casual, lighthearted event that assumed nothing of its audience beyond a desire to learn about -- and drink -- tasty wine. Everyone was a bit nervous at first but after a couple of thoroughly-examined swigs, we all loosened up and were laughing and chatting like old friends.

She says there will be more sessions. I'll be there!

I stopped in a couple days ago and got two cupcakes. The owner is really nice and the cupcakes were delicious, and properly sized -- not painfully sweet like Magnolia or gaudily gigantic like Crumbs.

According to their site, the official grand opening is happening right now: http://www.cupcakesalon.com/CSSevents.htm

I hope they offer coffee and some tables to sit at. I'd rather go here than Starbuck's.

Also: +1 to coronalime's idea of promoting this stretch of Grove. There's a lot of cool shops and restaurants up there -- and room for more -- but I think for a lot of people it's a bit hidden.

Hey! Welcome to JC, Myxplyxyk!!! Many homes ago, I lived around the corner from their Greenwich Ave location; it's a great store with a great sense of fun and style.

Much agreed! Good beer, easy-going, no TVs, good music but not too loud! (that's my biggest gripe about most bars). A very limited menu of simple food (mexican?). I think Beechwood has a good atmosphere but it's BYO and more of a brunch place. We could use something breezy like that for the nighttime -- serving beer and wine, of course. Let's make it happen!

Yeah, it's not cheap, but IMHO, it's delicious, and the staff are very friendly. Torico's is the kind of local business that makes me love JC and I'm excited for the renovations!

It's definitely getting close. they've got a lot of the internal structure built out (including the bar!!!) and there are rows of games set up against the wall, and some cool shutters on the windows.

I walk by every day and press my fat, thirsty face up against the glass. Can't wait!

Great dumplings!!!

We got takeout on Saturday -- the food was definitely prepared fresh (I know because it tasted fresh and because it took a looong time to get our order... I recommend calling ahead).

I thought the dumplings were fantastic. We also had a couple soups which were decidedly meh. They tasted fresh and seemingly authentic, but had little flavor.

I'll definitely order from Ducky's in the future, but I'm going to focus on the dumplings next time and skip the soup.