February - March 2002 Edition

Good Times on Broadway   A Restaurant Review By Cyber Kat   Dining out on New Years Eve has become a tradition with my husband and I. This year we decided to try the new Good Times restaurant on Broadway/Route 4. We chose it because it was close to home, and because we've noted the many cars that have filled the parking lot since the restaurant opened at the end of November. We took this as an encouraging sign.   When we walked in, I was quite surprised by what they had done with the place. It took them so long to finish the renovations, that perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised, but I had heard it was to be a Houlihan's/TGI Friday's/Bennigan's style establishment. The decor of GoodTimes is definitely a cut above those chain restaurants.   Warm wood, tapestry prints, white linen tablecloths and napkins, subdued lighting and plants give the interior a club-like atmosphere, and though there were a large number of patrons, the noise level was kept to a murmur by the layout and choice of furnishings.   Prices were moderate in terms of Bergen County area restaurants. Most entrees were between $15 and $20 with sandwiches, pizzas and burgers priced lower. A lobster dish was listed as "market price" and a 48 ounce Porterhouse steak for two was $55.   We chose to open with a minestrone soup, which arrived steaming hot and filled with a fine assortment of fresh vegetables and curly pasta. The soup was flavorful without being overpowered by spices, and the vegetables were not overcooked as they often are in soup.   A basket of bread was brought to the table, just after the soup. Since I like to nibble on bread while waiting for my food, I would have preferred it a bit sooner. From conversations I overheard among the wait staff, they seemed to be having problems with the timing of the bread service through the evening. I took this to be one of those glitches that plague all new restaurants. Definitely not a serious one, though, and the slight wait was well worth it - the bread was delicious. A tasty whole grain bread on top of the offering hid, the gem beneath - a splendid foccacia-type bread filled with mushrooms, onions and klamata olives.   Service throughout the evening was prompt and attentive without being overbearing.  For my entree, I ordered the grilled Atlantic salmon and vegetables. My husband selected Sirloin steak which was accompanied by shoestring potatoes and wild mushrooms.   The attractively presented meals were brought in a timely fashion, and the waiter warned us that the plates were hot. They were, but not enough to burn ones fingers - just enough to keep the food hot for the trip from the kitchen.   I found the portions quite generous, the vegetables tender, yet still crisp and the fish cooked perfectly - something many restaurants fail to do. My husband said his steak was delicious as were they crispy potatoes and mushrooms.   Though the restaurant is billed as "American," the food and presentation leans towards "Novelle" (without the skimpy portions) with a smidgen of "Fusion." Interesting sauces and vegetable dishes accompany each entrée.   Since neither my husband nor I could finish our entrees (take away wrapping was graciously provided), we didn't sample the dessert menu. Perhaps next time we'll skip the soup and save room for dessert.   All in all it was a most pleasant dining experience. We'll definitely go back, and I intend to recommend the place to friends.   While Zagat's might not give Good Times 4 stars because they lack such amenities like a well-stocked wine cellar, valet parking and a classy exterior, I give it 4 forks up!     What Do You Think?: Send an e- mail to editor@fairlawnnews.com or post a message on the Fair Lawn News Discussion Forum.