Chowhound's Latest » Manhattan

Lunch in Midtown receommendations

RGR — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:26:38 GMT

Anthos serves lunch only Monday - Friday.

Ramen for Pescatarians?

foodie4life — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:26:29 GMT

You're right, small h, it doesn't absolutely have to be ramen. Based on what I read just now about menchanko noodles (slightly thicker than ramen?) sounds like they fit the bill!

Indian wedding caterer

Mashedandsweet — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:26:28 GMT

Without a doubt you have to look into Bukhara Grill. Vicky Vij is the owner and catering manager. They have a restaurant in midtown (highly recommend going there too--and getting the lamb chops which are probably the best I've ever had). Bukhara Grill has catered weddings all over the tri-state area and their food is excellent. They do everything from low-cost small affairs to high end events (they did Salman Rushdie and Padma Lakshmi's wedding and part of the White House Diwali celebration).

East Village/L.E.S., Entrees under $20, Less than 2 yrs old

Rmis32 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:25:24 GMT

Balade, 208 First Ave (Lebanese) http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/balade/

Restaurants around MoMa?

jaredk — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:19:29 GMT

Yeh I just checked and no good times. I know that and I am trying to avoid any V-day events. Hmmm, maybe this is not the weekend to dine out.

Bar for MidWestern Mom

Rmis32 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:16:35 GMT

Enoteca I Trulli, 122 E. 27th St. nr. Lex http://nymag.com/listings/bar/enoteca_i_trulli/

Union Square Pub Grub?

Bob Martinez — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:14:29 GMT

Second Old Town. Great atmosphere. The burger at Molly's is very good but it's nowhere near as close.

Meatball Shop...Anyone?

nativeNYer — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:08:47 GMT

omg. the menu is hilarious. http://nymag.com/restaurants/menus/pdfs/MeatballShopmenu.pdf

Looking for pvt space for 30th Birthday Cocktail Party for 35-45

princeofpork — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:04:33 GMT

The 2nd floor of BLT Fish does a great private space. Dont miss out.

Alternative to A Voce for a group dinner?

RGR — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:59:49 GMT

dbBistro has a private room? That's news to me. Giorgio's of Gramercy and Cibo have Contemporary American Cuisine that leans Italian. Both have very good food, attractive atmospherics, and would probably accommodate your large party without a private room. http://www.giorgiosofgramercy.com http://cibonyc.com

Venezuelan Food (Cachapas -- Where Have You Been All My Life?)

danielandresleon — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:59:24 GMT

Agreed,.... Mozzarepas are not worth buying,... the main issue I have is the lack of flavor of the mozzarella. Cachapas use Venezuelan white cheese which is saltier and has a fuller / richer cheese flavor. While I have had poor experiences at El Cocotero, I highly recommend Caracas Arepa Bar (http://www.caracasarepabar.com). I know they are excessively crowded but the food is definitely the best Venezuelan food I've found in Manhattan. There are a few places in the outer boroughs, but i'll leave that for the other board. I haven't been to Cachapas y Mas yet, but its on the list! Actually to make these at home is not too much trouble either! Cachapa: Buy several ears of corn Pull the kernel from the cob, and using a blender, liquefy. Add a pinch of salt (and some papelon (raw sugar) if the corn isn't very sweet) You want a pancake batter consistency,.... if its too liquid-y add some harina pan (if you cannot find Harina PAN - http://bk.ly/bt0, substitute GOYA Masarepa - http://bk.ly/bt1) Filling: Cheese: you ideally want to get a semi-soft white salty cheese - Mexican / Colombian Queso Paisa has worked well for me since Venezuelan cheese is hard to come by outside of Miami / VZLA Roast Shredded Pork Shoulder / Pernil Shredded Braised Flank Steak / Carne Mechada / Ropa Vieja

Taiwanese in Manhattan?

freshofftheboat — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:30:23 GMT

we're going to offer single bun prices so you can make a meal however you want. we have beef noodle soup on weekdays, buns, fries, and drinks. its just like eating slider burgers. who eats 2?

Baohaus - real taiwanese gua bao in the LES

Lau — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:30:22 GMT

really the fries are fried mantou? interesting going for your CNY pre-fixe dealy, excited to try it

5 days in the City with my Sister

Juswus — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:25:38 GMT

"BOOK! you can always cancel later if you change your mind" Good point! Thanks.

Minetta Tavern tonight - first time

2slices — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:13:40 GMT

OK so. Started off with the Stella Rose cocktail, which we both really liked. I read all the mixed reviews of the drinks but I would rec this one. A bit tart, more importantly it had Gin. Done Oxtail Foie Gras terrain was too die for. I really liked the texture of the oxtail and it had a nice deep meaty flavor, not too much pepper or spice, the flavor of the meat came through. And the Foie Gras, which was extremely smooth, it's a hackneyed phrase but this really was melt in my mouth goodness. The dish is about half an inch thick served on a flat plate, the Foie Gras is surrounded by the Oxtail so you can eat them separate or together. I really must stress the inclusion of this dish if any of you plan a trip. Lobster salad was not on the menu, so we had a shrimp salad. 3 jumbo shrimp, really fresh tasting. Alot of time those steak house shrimp are so dry. I can't name the sauce or the vegetable it came with, but the shrimp are whole. It's a good dish and we needed something refreshing. The Cote de Boeuf was absolutely fantastic. I come from a long line of Luger's regulars, account #140. And this is a formidable opponent. I have never had a steak with such a complete and perfect char. Really perfect, on all sides. I asked the maître d' how they achieved it and he said he'd never seen an oven like this, a alamander oven from the early 1900s. It's charred at 1900 degrees, no grill marks. A pure black crust all around. We ordered steak and it was medium rare through every slice. From just under the crust to the inner most slice it was red all the way through. And thank god for the good people in the kitchen who left all the fat on the plate. The meat was soft and moist but with sufficient chewiness and not at all gready. I gnawed on the blackened bone, and while the marrow was delicious this meal was already rich enough for me; I had one while the lady ate both the other two. We had spinach as a side which was really delicious and not at all greasy, with everything else potatoes seemed too much. For desert I had 3 cheeses, all domestic. A cheddar, jasper hill sheeps milk Blue, and a semi soft also from Jasper hills. The cheddar and blue being my favorite. I had it paired with an french ice wine as recommended by the waitress. Usually I dont like dessert wines but enjoyed this. Sweet but overly so, and it didn't linger too long. After that was the coconut cake. It was very real tasty, light and fluffier than angel food. I'm not much for sweets so this was a good choice. Wish I could remember the wine we had. It was a dry french red, a $65 bottle. The GF picked it out and we had the sommelier endorsement. I wrote down the name as I plan to pick up a bottle for home, if I can find the paper I'll come back with it. This was a massive meal and I'll have some steak for dinner tonight and I saved bones for the dog. For your reference the bill came to just over 300 without tip. This was an anniversary meal and it doubles as Valentines day so I was ok with that. Certainly less than last years Picholine visit. Oh and celebrity sighting? A good one. Wally Shawn! Inconceivable!

Are City Bakery Marshmallows vegetarian?

smokeandapancake — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:58:23 GMT

if you are a vegetarian and wont eat them unless they are, I'd go right to the source, JUST to be sure.

Uni pasta and razor clams in NYC

nuncpro — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:52:59 GMT

Just ate this weekend at Faustina, Scott Conant's new place on Cooper Square. He does a pasta dish with Sea Urchin that I found amazing. Pricing was reasonable.

Mia Dona environment?

sanjacinto — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:16:19 GMT

So Im interested in going to this restaurant, Mia Dona, with a friend next Friday for an early dinner. From what I've read about it thus far, I'm willing to give it a shot, and the general price range works for me as well. My only concern is that I've read some things about the space being a bit cramped, and such. Can anyone give any insight into things like space, noise level, and the overall environment of the place? Thanks much. Also, if anyone can mention any other restaurants of similar food/quality/price around mid-town, that would be great too. Thanks much.

bing tang hu lu 冰糖葫芦 in Chinatown & Chang An Douhua 长安豆花

buttertart — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:07:51 GMT

Memorable crystal fruit: Fragrant May strawberries in Beijing on Wangfujing xiaochi jie. So so good! Definitely on the hunt for this man.

Dafni on 42nd between 8th and 9th Aves - new Greek

buttertart — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:40:23 GMT

I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it as well. We have no affiliation whatsoever with the restaurant, we just happen to have chanced across it and like it a lot. Hve been there 5 times now and enjoyed every one of them.

Locanda Verde Pastapalooza, anyone go?

TrishUntrapped — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:38:15 GMT

Just wondering if anyone went to the Monday night Pastapalooza, all-you-can-eat pasta fest at Locanda Verde last night. I was wondering what pastas were served. I am thinking of making the trek and bringing my college-aged son, just to make back some of the money I spent the other week at LV on a $96 steak.

mini cupcakes and mini cookies

sugartoof — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:01:05 GMT

Baked by Melissa specializes in mini cupcakes. It's all they sell, and there's a shop on 14th, and a kiosk in Soho. The Cupcake Truck (not sure the exact name) also sells mini cupcakes. Most Italian bakeries sell mini cookies, depending on what you're looking for. I don't know that anyone is selling mini chocolate chips in the style of Famous Amos anymore. Tisserie is another.

Is Momofuko Milk Bar worth a second chance?

sugartoof — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:55:07 GMT

Everything has a same-y almost uncooked taste to it, with no moderation of ingredients. It is what it is. Sounds like you visited on typical days. The only thing I've really enjoyed there was the blueberry cookie, and even that wasn't so satisfying. If they rethought their softee sample policy, I might go out of my way to find an interesting flavor. but so far I've yet to want more than the sample portion of anything I tasted.

tamale lady in the east village

marlie202 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:38:30 GMT

yes--cheese with jalapenos.

Woman Selling Tamales on E 14th St & 1st Avenue

marlie202 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:32:29 GMT

I just saw the second tamale seller for the first time on the east side of 14th street and first avenue near where they sell the newspapers. My go-to tamale woman sells in the area of Ave C and E 3rd Street through the EV.

Where Can I find Mini Desserts?

daffyduck — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:39:19 GMT

http://newyork.seriouseats.com/2010/02/sugar-rush-mini-cakes-dt-works-new-opening-lower-east-side-dessert-truck.html#continued they also have "bite sized" desserts like macroons 3 little red hens has great mini cupcakes

There's some low-cost, high-quality Mexican in Hells Kitchen

mic9ael — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:26:05 GMT

Went to Tulcinga Del Valle Saturday night. It was superb. I had a Carnitas with a Green Sauce plata. It was $10.50, and nearly the most expensive thing on the menu. The carnitas melted on the tongue, and the green sauce danced all over my palate. And they had Mexican Coke, made with sugar cane. Plus, they deliver www.youcangohomeagainandblog.blogspot.com

Saturday Night Dinner (2/13/10)

RGR — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:18:57 GMT

Pampano serves modern Mexican cuisine with an emphasis on fish and seafood. The food is delicious, service is excellent, and the space is very attractive. A quick check of OpenTable shows lots of availability. Acc. to the website, they are offering a Valentine's Day 6-course tasting menu for $70pp (drinks, tax & tip additional). Menu for Valentine's Day weekend: http://www.modernmexican.com/pampano/documents/pampano_valentine_2010_menu.pdf However, they might also be offering their regular menu. You would have to call the restaurant directly to find out. Photos of our dinner at Pampano in September, including views of the dining room, can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157622437790792/ http://www.modernmexican.com/pampano

Alternative to Bellavitae for wife's birthday?

stephaniec25 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:17:21 GMT

I love Bellavitae and I understand what you mean about the understated setting. Why not try Apizz? It's also very good Italian in a cozy, romantic atmosphere with a nice wood-burning oven. It is reminiscent of Bellavitae but not a carbon copy, so it would be a nice change.

Former NYC dweller needs suggestions for weekend trip - what's new?

stephaniec25 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:10:28 GMT

For a quick lunch near grand central, you can do cipriani dolci if you really want something quick but still good. It's directly outside of grand central. I would also recommend checking out the mexican spot (is it zocalo?) in grand central. Saturday night dinner - on the UWS, my favorite spot is Ouest. Very cozy, comfort food. Also you can try Bar Boulud as recommended, above. Any sort of criteria for this dinner? Sunday brunch - if you like five points, you will love Cookshop brunch. I think it's even better and really a treat. I also really like Resto for brunch, it's a bit different than the usual but the food is wonderful and the space is very nice in the afternoon. Monday - You might like Bobo for dinner, it's romantic and has a very good shortrib on the menu. My other recommendations would be Scarpetta (Italian with great short rib app and steak), Market Table (quite similar to Little Owl), or Minetta Tavern (american comfort food, i.e. burgers, veal chop, lamb, chicken, fish, etc but very good) Tuesday - Try a bahn mi sandwich at Baoguette (I have only been to the lexington ave location)

Scarpetta Review

kathryn — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:56:48 GMT

Stopped in for a "light" dinner of a glass of prosecco, the cream of chestnut soup, and spaghetti. (I say light because I inadvertently ate all the spaghetti and left feeling incredibly full -- and I'd been meaning to save room for dessert. Honest!) The chestnut soup was fantastic! A definite winner. Flavorful cubes of crunchy root veggies. Soft marrow dumplings that soaked up all the broth. Tender bits of gently braised beef. A little bit of herbs. Incredibly flavorful with a lot of textural contrast in the all the little bits of herbs and veggies and beef. Yum.

sf visitor looking for great burger in pub/bar/casual rest bar and good bowl of pho

windycity — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:35:32 GMT

Let's add the Twin Cities to the list of places that have much better pho but I'd probably disagree about Philly. There used to be a place in Chicago-Argyle that had amazing pho, but it changed owners years ago.

Fort Greene to Gramercy Relo' - Neighborhood Recommendations?

Jem57 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:08:26 GMT

Just remembered a couple of more too: Piola on 12th & broadway - thin crust pizza with a large variety Vamos on 2nd & 20th, Mexican - they have specials every night El Cantenero, University & 12th, Mexican

Weekend Visit in March - Looking for suggestions

Jem57 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:04:50 GMT

Asia de Cuba, Madison & 37th, is an Asian-Cuban fusion restaurant. interesting food, good atmosphere.Just keep in mind that for 2 people they recommend ordering 2 appetizers & 1 entree. The portions are very large so that's enough for 2 people.

help me choose! Daniel vs. The Modern

deabot — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:58:33 GMT

holy that's a lot of wine! thanks all for your thoughts, i'm pretty excited to be dining there later this month! the modern and jean georges will have to wait for another time. :)

hound-worthy breakfast weekday near (or in?) Grand Central Station

City Kid — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:17:48 GMT

ITA about Pershing Square, quite a rip-off for what I find not very good food. Cucina & Co. is good -- just above Grand Central in the MetLife building (200 Park Ave.)...excellent baked goods, eggs, and coffee.

Basis Foods - CSA - Home Delivery Service

TheGraduate — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:37:13 GMT

Has anyone ever used Basis Foods? I'd like to join a CSA for the upcoming year, but I'm not sure who to use. How is the quality/quantity? Thanks!

Cantoon Garden long review (w/ pics) - one of the best of Manhattan chinatown

buttertart — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:30:41 GMT

It's around that - has been for a couple of years - lobsters are cheap right now anyway. They are very good.

Please help, searching for great latte, midtown west.....

labrunasf — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:16:27 GMT

Thank you! I didn't see your posting before I left but I found Zibetto. I felt as though I was back in Italy. Good espresso and delcious Apricot Cornettos.

What's the city like on a Sunday evening?

kansel — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:14:22 GMT

I know, have visited 8 times already! For decent chow, have metrocard - will travel!

The Ollie's mystery solved

nativeNYer — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:46:47 GMT

5 napkin UWS is currently open.

Two great dishes at Congee

djk — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:49:57 GMT

agreed. congee at 98 bowery is way better than the other two. and yes - i think about that salt baked squid dish often. seriously. maybe it's the cashews and the shredded jalapeno that puts it over the top. it's just simple and really addicitive.

2 RW mini reviews

maxine — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:27:56 GMT

I went to two restaurant week dinners this year, Rouge Tomate and Maze, both were good experiences, especially the first one and interestingly had similar menues. I had been to Rouge Tomate once before, early on in the restaurant so I understood that while the food is organic and they do not use sugar or butter the food does not suffer, but I was unprepared for how good the food was. They started us off with nice fresh bread and a cauliflower puree instead of butter which was not missed. I had the gravlox for my starter which was nice and mild, my friend had a curried cauliflower (must have been in season) which was also yummy. We also tried the hummus platter served with flatbread as a side. Great humus, unlike any I have tasted. For mains I had the duck leg and confit succulent but not overwhelmingly rich. My friend enjoyed her full trout (I think) that I tried too. Desserts were my least favorite, as expected because of the no sugar. I did not like my baked apple in a dry brioch but my friends citrus creation was nice and refreshing. Oh there was a lovely amuse bouch that I can not remember, as well as a pre dessert clenser) The room was lovely and light and the service was appropriate and did not make us feel unconfortable for getting the RW menu, as I was scared they would be because it is a treandy restaurant. They also had a nice wine tasting to go along with the meal that we enjoyed. I also had cured salmon and duck at Maze, and a friend had the cauliflower soup. But otherwise the places are very different. The room is sleek and clean looking but confortible and the service was also pleasant, if slow. It was empty when we were there so there was no excuse for the lag between meals. The bread and butter were very good, but my salmon was not as good as the one at Rough Tomate, it was a bit bland, overwhelmed by the condiments. My friends enjoyed the cauliflower soup, but it was a bit salty and I thought rich, and I liked the light beef ravioli of my other friend. For manes I enjoyed my duck breast, though it did not blow me away. The beef was nice and eligant (was $10 extra) and my friend enjoyed her risotto. The best part of that meal though were the desserts. I loved my chocolate pudding with stout ice cream, and the chocolate fondont was great too. My friend who had the cheesecake was also perfectly happy. The drink list was nice, but expensive, I had a good gin mixed drink for $17 and an average Burgundy for the same price. I guess with it being a hotel bar they can get away with it. The one complaint that I read was true, the portions were pretty small. But it was ok as that meant we were not sick at the end of the meal. Though I would have liked more dessert which was rare for me. In the end I would recommend both placed for the next RW dinner, but Rouge Tomate had more of a special occasion feel and I think is a better restaurant

Boston hounds with lunch Q upper west side

metfan630 — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:12:48 GMT

Just saw this thread for the first time. You made very good choices, glad you enjoyed!

Eleven Madison Park Gourmand Tasting-- What dishes should I request?

RGR — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:07:47 GMT

Jeremy, When we had the suckling pig tasting, the dessert was different. We were served this: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/3472841514/in/set-72157617285639160/ I think yours was this (?): http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/4250861774/in/set-72157623152781926/ I had it for the first time in August and was very happy to revisit it a few weeks ago. It is on the current dessert menu: http://www.elevenmadisonpark.com/dessert.pdf

best french fries

Miss Needle — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:57:35 GMT

Let me add Mad For Chicken's rosemary steak fries. Not cheap at $8 a pop but delicious.

kolache mama closed already?!

smokeandapancake — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:46:21 GMT

btw, they are closed...for good.