Hannah and Masons

[Guest]

I live in town, have never eaten there (though I have been at an event catered by them) and watching the show certainly didn't make me more likely to patron the place. I can't imagine anyone not local watching and saying, "oh, now I'll go out of my way to eat there." This is an example that not all publicity is good publicity. But I doubt it was the show that killed them -- more likely seeking the show was an effort on their part to fix what was already broken and it just didn't help. It seems like they had pretty fundamental issues though if, as what was discussed on the show, they couldn't even get two seatings a night out of the same table in some cases. I would think you'd need more than that to survive.

I also agree with other posters that they were too quick to dismiss the advice on the show. I have patroned the Blue Rooster a number of times -- it has a menu and style that appeals to me where Hanna & Mason's does not. I guess the chef/owners knew what they were interested it, and you can't fault them for that, but it didn't necessarily jive with the market.

[3fates]

Well H&M is officially gone now. Building is for sale. The issue at H&M was not the food, I've eaten there several times and the food was great. However, it was just overpriced for Cranbury and because the place was so small, it couldn't pull in enough a night to warrant staying open. As it was their scheduling was erratic and I understand the owner didn't even live around here anymore.

The same goes for most of the restaurants around here. The food at the Hot Wok is actually pretty good. Its not the Chinese food you're use to, because its mixed with Vietnese food.. but its way overpriced for a Chinese restaurant.

I've heard recently that Rollys is also thinking of closing... after being open less than a year. Some of my friends like Rollys, but I've found their stuff to be rather bland. And they are also way overpriced for this area.

The BR I don't find to be that overpriced. They serve organic and fresh ingredients, they have unusual menu items and I've always had great service there. I wasn't that fond of the cupcakes, but I'm told I need to stay away from those anyway.

[Guest]

I just think it is the economy in general. More people are staying home to eat at home rather then go out to eat. So, more stores and restaurants will be closing without a doubt. It's doesn't mean they were bad, just their business could not weather a recession. Those that will make it will be ones that quickly create an new business strategy to adjust to the economic downfall.

[Guest]

I was in the Blue Rooster yesterday, for the second time. Very dissapointed. The service was terrible and the food has slipped in quality.

[Guest]

[The Herald]

[Guest]

Not to defend Ramsey (I' not a fan and have only ever seen the Cranbury episode of his show) but the reality is between 7-8 of every 10 restaurants in this counrty fail. So if only half of those he touched are, that's actually beating the odds. Plus, I would imagine it is not a representative sample to begin with since restaurant owners probably contact the show as an act of marketing desparation, so he'd not getting the one's doing great to begin with...

[Food for Thought]

[Guest]

[Guest]

Weird. I have never heard of the Blue Rooster being called a shop...except by Karen.

[Guest]

[Guest]

OR maybe a Cafe?

[Food for Thought]

[Guest]

Good article on Gordon Ramsey. I never knew who he was before he came to Cranbury. When he did, I started watching the BBC show and then the US show. And now Hell's Kitchen. The best were probably the BBC shows because he wasnt totally ridiculous. All his shows are predictable, but somehow they are entertaining. He's a good actor!

I also have to say I'm sad to see Hannah and Mason's is gone. I enjoyed the place while it lasted!

[Guest]

Food for thought - wow you are really harsh. If you don't like the place, just don't go there. Let the rest of us enjoy them in peace.

[Guest]