Bloomfield Bistro Gets Blue-Ribbon Raves

Go Orange Squirrel!!

A great restaurant. I've been there a number of times and I would highly recommend it. It's the best meal I've had in years. Francesco Palmieri is a fantastic chef.

If must be awful if lasermike likes it.

My name is George Bogdanov. I don't know who this lasermike character is.

Given that this place is in a semi-not-so-nice section of Bloomfield, I'm very encouraged about my town's prospects for becoming the 'new' Perth Amboy.

Not Georgie Bogdanov from Bulgaria? OMG! Hey George, how did you get out of jail?

I am always happy when this restaurant gets kudos. Despite MellonBrush's gratuitous disparaging remark about the neighborhood, The Orange Squirrel is a welcome addition to our part of town. The owner said that he could have opened this restaurant in Montclair, but chose to be a part of Bloomfield's downtown redevelopment. I am so glad he did. Congratulations to all of you, you deserve it!!!:)

Okay, okay. I was told to lighten up on the forum, so I guess I need to lol. But it just seems that every article here inevitably has to be infected by the smugness of some people(not you)--no matter what the topic. Anyway, let's hope that the redevelopment changes the "semi-not-so-nice" soon. In the meantime bon apetit neighbor:)

Where is it located? They show no address ?
Some of the best places are located in the "Valley" section of West Orange, too.
Not exactly Short Hills, either, but taxes &
rent cost them less $$$.
Also, what type of food do they specialize in?
I'm picky. Some foods I don't like, and some don't like me !

Sandy, it's located on Bloomfield Ave just east of the GSP, across the street from the BMW dealership.

I don't know if they have off-street parking and where it is, and if not, where the best place to park would be.

It is nice to see an entrepreneur staking out a claim in an area ripe with opportunity for development as is downtown Bloomfield, especially when the business is as unique and appealing as the Orange Squirrel apparently is. Kudos to Chef Palmieri. This is the type of business, much like Senorita's, that Bloomfield should be actively courting to take up residence in Bloomfield Center, businesses that would make downtown Bloomfield a destination, not a supermarket as was the preoccupation of Mayor McCarthy during the previous failed redevelopment effort.

I wish Chef Palmieri and the Orange Squirrel great success, and I hope this endeavor is the catalyst for better days ahead for downtown Bloomfield.

who wants to be Perth Amboy. We're striving for Red Bank.

Bring back the Dirt Club!!

Sandy,

If you go to the link in the story you'll be at the squirrel's website and be able to read their menu, get directions and see that it says "Ample street-side parking available–Meters are not in effect after 6:00pm."

Bon appetite

If a restaurant considers their online menu to be elevated beyond the gauche practice of displaying prices, I'll head for White Castle, thank you very much.

Burp

I just looked at their online menu, and a price was indicated for each menu item.

Montclair52,

The closest White Castle is in Orange at 467 Central Ave.

Funny, because the name is about the only thing I did like about this place. Overpriced and tiny portions. Pass.

My family has had many wonderful dinners here. I'm glad it's getting the recognition that it deserves.

Oh, that location! I went there a few times when single. It was a good pick-up place in the 70s.
I see it got some rather mixed reviews here.
I'll have to see a menu B-4 I go.
We have been seeking out extremely good places that are inexpensive. Maple-Leaf Dinner-Diner in Maplewood Center is near the top, but is now challenged by (see below)

I recently stumbled upon THE best Chinese Restaurant in Essex County, and I cannot stay away from this place!! They are mobed every nite of the week - but Friday, Sat & Sunday it's a zoo!
Prices are cheap, food is THE best I've ever had, anywhere. They are delivery and / or Pick-up.
It's far from my house, 10 miles round trip !
It's at the end of West Passaic Avenue in Blmfd., at the Clifton boundry-line. Called Man-Hing
395 W. Passaic Ave. in Blmfd.

Man Hing is awful and has been cited in the past for health violations.....

"Chef Ricky Ricardo.."

for real? LOL! Does he sing "Babalou," too?

"Bring back the Dirt Club!!"

Yes!!!

My vote for best Chinese restaurant in B-ville is TS Ma.

Yes, the food at the Orange Squirrel is interesting, and tastefully prepared. And I agree the prices are high... too high for my budget.

When I see the plethora of restaurants in Baristaville, I wonder... what recession????

I don't believe you, JerseyGurl ! I think ya just bustin' on me ! :)

It is THE most packed place I've seen
1 4 cars out delivering, the phone rings every 30 seconds, and scores of people coming in for pick-up. If it was as you stated, they'd be out of business. The food is all very fresh and made in front of you, while you wait..

Sandy, the records are public. In March of last year, they got a "conditional" rating. I didn't live far from there a couple of years ago. They have been cited in the past. Sorry. They might be busy because it's cheap and portions are big and it's Chinese so they do a lot of take out. I agree with Mrs. M, TS Ma on Bellevue is fresh and healthy.

Okay. Where on Bellevue Ave can I find it?
Not super duper familiar with that area, but point me there. Bellevue Ave in Upper Montclair? I know THAT area ! I l Love eating & cars, tho I never EAT in my car. :)

TS Ma is awesome. In West Orange, when I want take out, I go to Bill & Harry's in Pleasantdale. Strange name for a Chinese restaurant but great food.

TS Ma is on Bellevue, just across from where Northview starts (a block below Valley).

Best Greek Restaurant in NJ Stamna on Broad St. near Watchung in Bloomfield (1045 Broad Street, 973) 338-5151)

exccellent food, wonderful service, great prices, and plentiful parking

http://www.baristanet.com/food/2008/03/bloomfields_gon.php

The Chinese food around here is by and large not very good. It is not spicy enough for yourd truly -- with the very notable exception of the little dive place in the movie theater parking lot of the King's on Rte. 23 in Verona -- just across from Pilgrim Diner. I think it is called Cheng-du #1. If you try the Sichuan tofu there, you will have to immediately change your name to Hot Lips Houlihan. Very good. TS Ma is just so-so. Some of their apps are decent, but they really are bland, bland, bland. The white-linen place just down Eagle Rock from Pal's cabin also understands spices -- they have decent food and you can get Peking Duck without ordering a day or two in advance. China Gourmet?

Sorry -- this thread was about Orange Squirrel and I completely blanked on it. Mea culpa. I wish them well -- we have been meaning to try it, but haven't gotten all the way there yet. Perhaps after the holidays we will give it a whirl. It is nice that you can park near a restaurant without having to feed the meter while you are feeding your face.

I have to agree completely with Conan. TS MA is bland and the place by PAL's is ok.

So, see, everyone has different tastes. Ask 10 people about any place that they all have been to, and you'll get 3 thumbs up and 3 thumbs down and 4 that say it's "okay" ~ just like the movies.
For years all I heard about was the Morristown Tea Garden. Best Peking Duck, best this & best that.... yadda yadda yadda, so I schleped up there and was almost poisoned there. Yet, it was good, compared to the worse restaurant on earth, that being The Appian Way in W.O. Cat Food from my neighbor would be better!

get the Chef's special hot green peppers & chicken. Very spicy and tastes pretty good.