http://www.chow.com/boards/18 Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:44:18 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/668838#5199259 Orwashers E. 78th Street...close to Second Ave. Eli's Third Ave. and 80th St. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:05:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668838#5199259 http://www.chow.com/topics/589457#5199258 Cantonese fare in Manhattan's Chinatown is Old World style, Toronto's New World. Pink around the chicken bones is not uncommon but it should not be dripping in blood. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:04:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/589457#5199258 http://www.chow.com/topics/668323#5199230 Thanks, I'll have to try it. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:48:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668323#5199230 http://www.chow.com/topics/668394#5199095 Thank you both for the great detailed reviews! Think I won't rush in. Will stick to my favorites instead. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:23:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668394#5199095 http://www.chow.com/topics/528440#5199081 Thanks for all the help guys! I look forward to trying all of these places out. I actually have tried the Pretzel place on B (called Sigmund's). They make great pretzels (apparently beer is the secret ingredient in the dough) and even better sandwiches. I highly recommend the turkey (with dill mayo, cheddar, and apples). They also have salmon/cream cheese among others. Also had a cup of potato leek that was good, but nothing to write home about. The pretzels come with different dips (i think you get three complimentary with a half dozen and six with a dozen). The ones I remember are spicy mustard, honey mustard, beet horseradish, and goat cheese. The beet horseradish was really tasty and pretty unique. There are various kinds of pretzels -- classic salted, seeded (poppy or sesame), jalapeno cheddar, cinnamon raisin, and others. I get the impression they're treating their pretzels like bagels at this point, but it's certainly a different treat, and I appreciate the effort. Hope that helps, it's really worth the trip out there. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:17:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/528440#5199081 http://www.chow.com/topics/665940#5199030 Professor, Have you ever been to Irving's in Livingston, N.J.? I'm hardly a deli aficianado, but I liked the pastrami. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:32:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665940#5199030 http://www.chow.com/topics/668887#5199020 I'm looking for a good place to go for brunch when my mom is in town. Any suggestions? Requirements: -Brunch menu on Saturdays. -A good, classic eggs benedict (English muffin, ham, poached eggs, hollandaise sauce. Nothing creative!) -Liquor license. -A place that takes reservations or has little to no wait. Bonus: Complimentary or all you can drink mimosas would be great. Thanks! Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:25:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668887#5199020 http://www.chow.com/topics/668737#5198977 How about Kefi on the UWS? Lots of bars in the area, also cafe lola for dessert Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:01:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668737#5198977 http://www.chow.com/topics/667394#5198841 Either of the Congee Village places http://www.congeevillagerestaurants.com/ would be great, as would Cantoon Garden, already recommended on this thread. We've recently been to Congee Bowery and it was exactly as described. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:31:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667394#5198841 http://www.chow.com/topics/668847#5198745 How about a smaller Thanksgiving day spread? You could buy readymade sides, just reheat them. If you can't make a turkey, oven too small, you could roast turkey breast (s), and some legs and wings. You can even buy a cooked turkey from WF. Perhaps you could rent/borrow chairs and small tables. Get the plates with dividers in them, so people can eat in their laps? I'm sorry your old tradition has ended, but remember, it's about being w. friends and family. And now you can start a new tradition! Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:24:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668847#5198745 http://www.chow.com/topics/658187#5198736 Hmm... I hope it is a'la carte... so you can select want you want and maybe be a little quicker.... similar to Per Se or Daniel Lounge. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:18:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658187#5198736 http://www.chow.com/topics/668852#5198651 I am turning 30 in just about a month and I am looking for a new eating experience in NYC. I live in NYC and my friends and I are quite the foodanistas and eat out a bit. LOL. I am looking for something new. I am looking for a place that will easily accomodate about 10 friends... classy but not stuffy... not so quiet that you can hear forks clinking... but not too loud that you have to yell your order. Price range - $50 to $80 ($100 max) per person. Great drinks (a must)! Any cuisine except French. And any area in Manhattan, even open to Westchester. Thanks! Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:24:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668852#5198651 http://www.chow.com/topics/668835#5198594 Have you asked Caracas Arepa Bar if they will sell you a large quantity? It seems like they would be the best source. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:51:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668835#5198594 http://www.chow.com/topics/668825#5198591 Permanent Brunch in the East Village. Haven't been, but brunch at dinner is their thing. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:50:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668825#5198591 http://www.chow.com/topics/668837#5198563 My friend and I are braving the crowds to check out the Tim Burton exhibit at MoMA tomorrow and have instructions to find an interesting/ethnic/quirky spot for dinner afterwards. Doesn't have to be confined to that neighborhood. I love Caracas Arepa Bar, Yakitori Totto, any number of divey banh mi joints, street meat, etc etc...but I would love to try someplace I haven't been yet. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:34:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668837#5198563 http://www.chow.com/topics/668364#5198560 Dunno about French eclairs, but our family has loved the eclairs at Glaser's Bakery (UES, 87th @ First Ave) for years. When we're in town, we always stop in to get some. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:31:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668364#5198560 http://www.chow.com/topics/666742#5198485 I tried some today. You're right, it's scrumptious. I'll probably buy one for Thanksgiving ($24, I think), plus a Grandaisy cake. There will be no lack of desserts at my place this year! Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:46:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666742#5198485 http://www.chow.com/topics/668787#5198425 at65, the cafe at Alice Tully Hall, would probably be open then. The setting is nice. I've only had breakast-type food there but I would think the food should be on par with the places you listed. My understanding is the normal tables are for table service only but that the tables with stools are for us by people buying food at the counter on their own Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:08:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668787#5198425 http://www.chow.com/topics/668818#5198391 Yes, absolutely worth seeking out. We live in the neighborhood and love this place! My husband always gets the same thing -- the al pastor burrito. He swears by it. I love the chicken mole or the pipian. Don't think you can go wrong. Also, if you are ever in the neighborhood at breakfast time -- the chilaquiles and huevos rancheros are phenomenal! Enjoy! Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:50:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668818#5198391 http://www.chow.com/topics/665885#5198328 I am especially not interested in eating skate after looking at the photos. Blech: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajidae Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:12:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665885#5198328 http://www.chow.com/topics/668720#5198252 Marseille Orso Vice Versa Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:38:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668720#5198252 http://www.chow.com/topics/473420#5198248 Telepan has Goose around the Christmas Holidays. I enjoyed a great dinner on Christmas Eve last year. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:36:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/473420#5198248 http://www.chow.com/topics/668687#5198234 we're booked in at balthazar for 13:30, so technically it's lunch.. Just don't get to say brunch much, it's not a very English notion! I pretty much enjoy all food. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:28:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668687#5198234 http://www.chow.com/topics/466605#5198145 Someone recommended Villa Mosconi, I went there and liked it but I prefer Monte's which is owned also by the Moscone family. It is smaller and more intimate in my opinion. I went a couple of times and loved it. The service is excellent. The waiter remembered me from my last visit many months before. He remembered that I was a high school teacher from Montreal and kissed me on both cheeks. Now that is a welcome! Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:34:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/466605#5198145 http://www.chow.com/topics/668473#5198066 Yeah, I'm prepared to wait. Going to see if they'll serve the shochu straight. As for the bahn mi, I don't imagine price being an issue there. The only limitation is I want to stay in Manhattan, though I know that *maybe* the best one might be in the outer boroughs. And no, you're right, I don't need to stray into innovative territory, what do you suggest? Thanks for the reply. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:50:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668473#5198066 http://www.chow.com/topics/658982#5197543 beaulieu, thank you very much for the wonderful report and pictures! I will report back on our experience. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:37:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658982#5197543 http://www.chow.com/topics/668532#5197386 - Blue Ribbon Bakery on Downing St. (well made comfort food and good charcuterie, lovely service and very comfortable without being sloppy) - Centro Vinoteca on 7th (very pleasant restaurant for decor and service, food is fine, not great; inexpensive $35 three course prix fixe dinner menu; their biggest claim to fame is probably that Leah from last season's Top Chef used to be in the kitchen, but is no longer) - Palma on Cornelia St. (decent Italian with a Sicilian bent) - Home on Cornelia St. (comfy like the name implies, but tight seating, depending on where you are; also not always dim lighting... it depends on who's controlling the lights that night, I guess; food is solid) - Market Table on Carmine St. (I don't love the preparations, which tend towards being extremely simple with some over- or under-salting, but ingredients are usually fresh and good, so very simple preparations like the roasted baby beets salad shine) - Gusto on Greenwich Ave. (I'm mixed in my reaction to the food. Dishes have been either excellent or awful, with little in between. Supposedly the fresh made pastas are good. Wine list is well chosen. There's a prix fixe dinner menu here, as well, but make sure the hostess hands it to you.) Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:49:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668532#5197386 http://www.chow.com/topics/668055#5197316 Have you tried Paola's? It is expensive, and most of the time I've been there as someone's guest, but it really is good. And for value, can't beat the hamburger at Ottomanelli, IMO. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:03:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668055#5197316 http://www.chow.com/topics/668384#5197150 Sorry, I knew I had posted food recs in the past, but when I tried to search I couldn't even find them. So here goes: Sausage-stuffed sage leaves Cured anchovies Bone marrow Mozzarella and roasted peppers Gnocchi Bucatini Carbonara Veal breast parmesan Chicken alla diavola Porchetta Pork shank Saltimbocca The fish of the day is usually very good, too, and any other specials. Enjoy! Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:07:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668384#5197150 http://www.chow.com/topics/642953#5197146 I'll just walk by Our Lady of Guadalupe periodically to check. It's not far from the Greenmarket. BTW, I think I have to take back what I said about the tamales at El Idolo being categorically soggy. The other night, the SO picked up a really nicely made one with green chilis and cheese filling. The masa had distinct grains and was a lot fluffier than the first one we tried. (Also, I didn't realize this, but evidently certain types of tamales -- Colombian ones? -- are supposed to be on the soggier side... Still not my style, but I guess others might like it.) Will keep 'researching'. :) Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:02:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/642953#5197146 http://www.chow.com/topics/668268#5197130 Very detailed info for lemon and non lemon options: http://newyork.seriouseats.com/2009/10/where-to-find-new-york-best-cheesecake-bronx-manhattan-queens-brooklyn-upper-west-side-east-side-little-italy-soho-nolita-s-and-s-juniors-eileens-two-little-red-hens-factory-sara-lee.html?ref=se-do2 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:51:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668268#5197130 http://www.chow.com/topics/310833#5196965 I've lived most of my life in Southern California, so moving to NYC was a bit of a kick in the face, Mexican-food-wise. But my husband and I did find La Esquina Taqueria in Soho, which puts out some really tasty tacos. I really like their aquacate con queso, which is really fresh - mostly avocado, pico de gallo and salsa verde with queso fresco - and i love their hongo y epazote tacos with mushrooms, hominy and epazote. Also, we almost always order their cochinita pibil, which is a pulled pork, shredded cabbage deal, with habanero pickled onions and jalapenos... so good! Whenever friends from San Diego or Santa Ana come to visit us and we're about Soho, doing a little shopping, we almost always stop by La Esquina and eat our tacos standing outside at the outdoor counter. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:37:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/310833#5196965 http://www.chow.com/topics/668645#5196822 It sounds like it's Vietnamese food for people who don't know any better. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:34:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668645#5196822 http://www.chow.com/topics/668603#5196727 I've actually been on the website, and spoken to Elizabeth on the phone (Elena is on maternity leave until after xmas). I'm waiting for her to return my second call. I'm looking for advice from someone who has actually gotten a reservation. If anyone has experience getting reservations, I'd appreciate some tips. Thank you. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:53:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668603#5196727 http://www.chow.com/topics/668643#5196687 I do not excel at making my own and do not like the off the shelf stuff for my purposes (Russian Salad). Many thanks for any suggestions. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:36:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668643#5196687 http://www.chow.com/topics/667317#5196666 I think Tu Do is the best Vietnamese in Chinatown since both Nha Trang and Pho Viet Huong went downhill. I've never understood the appeal of Cong Ly. http://petercherches.blogspot.com Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:31:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667317#5196666 http://www.chow.com/topics/668642#5196665 According to the fellow who was working there (the owner?), this place opened just last week. It has some kinks to work out, but I think it looks promising. We tried: - the "classic sandwich" with pate and Vietnamese ham (banh mi pate cha lua) - the "sardine sandwich" (banh mi ca moi) - summer rolls (goi cuon) Bread was good: relatively light, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, maybe a higher proportion of wheat to rice flour than my favorite banh mi baguettes, but fragrant and fresh. I was only able to take a small bite because of the wheat intolerance, but I really wanted to eat the entire thing. Fillings were generous, including a generous schmear of pate, though I personally like a higher vegetable to meat ratio. The vegetables were crisp and fresh, but the carrot and daikon had not been pickled long enough. (You could barely taste the vinegar.) There was no heat in the sandwiches at all, which I found odd. I suspect part of the problem was that we waited for our order outside, on the bench, with our dog and they weren't able to ask us whether we wanted hot peppers on the sandwich. On the classic sandwich, there was also a meat sung like substance, which added some nice texture. I think might've been bi (thinly shredded pork skin / pork). The summer rolls were decent -- standard -- with soft rice wrapper, average quality shrimp, good, fresh herbs and a peanut sauce that was smoother and stickier than versions I'm used to. Also on the menu were vegetarian banh mi with tofu and mushrooms ($5.50), banh mi with meat balls, grilled chicken, grilled pork patties and beef stew ($5.50 to $7); com dia (rice plates) with grilled, chopped chicken or grilled pork patties ($7); other rice paper rolls filled with vegetables or grilled pork and veggies ($4.50); various salads, including green papaya, mango and/or lotus stem ($6); and a few simple desserts and beverages. It's a tiny place, everything is made to order, including the summer rolls, and it wafts out the most delicious smell of grilling meat, which I intend to try next time. Right now, the flavors are slightly dumbed down for gringo / non-Vietnamese tastes, but the basic ingredients seem to be solid. Maybe if enough of us ask for the real thing, they'll give it to us! Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:30:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668642#5196665 http://www.chow.com/topics/668516#5196627 Artisanal would work too Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:15:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668516#5196627 http://www.chow.com/topics/668103#5196597 i hate to admit it, but YES. it is actually pretty good! it is probably the only time of year i'd go to a fast food place, specifically for this offer. give it a shot Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:01:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668103#5196597 http://www.chow.com/topics/645011#5196584 I like L.A. Burdick; I've been to and ordered from their Cambridge, MA store several times. However, I still think it's a good tier or two down from Kee's, La Maison du Chocolat, Bespoke etc. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:55:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/645011#5196584 http://www.chow.com/topics/668580#5196582 I can't vouch for it specifically, but I believe that Vice Versa is right across the street. They may be able to make a good martini. Enjoy Shimizu! Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:55:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668580#5196582 http://www.chow.com/topics/668582#5196573 Silver Moon seems to me better for breads and pastries, but Georgia's Bake Shop better for cakes. My absolutely lovely next door neighbor when I lived on the UWS gave me a chocolate mousse cake the size and shape of a baseball one year, which might've been the nicest chocolate cake I've had in NYC. It was delicious and beautiful (despite my schlocky comparison to a baseball :). Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:49:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668582#5196573 http://www.chow.com/topics/668598#5196499 bar stuzzichini http://www.barstuzzichini.com/ death and co www.deathandcompany.com/ Pipa www.pipa-nyc.com/ Alta http://www.altarestaurant.com/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:12:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668598#5196499 http://www.chow.com/topics/668601#5196369 As was mentioned on a november 2 post there is a Burdick cafe at the sight of the former Fleur de Sel on 20 st. I had a raspberry jam tart that tuned up my sputtering system. The jam like filling was full of berry flavor and very tart which cut the intense rich buttery crust. It is possible that having hot chocolate with a chocolate filled chocolate dessert was not the most balanced of combinations but the sun had gone down early on a gray day. Both were excellent. Bought a few mice and a penguin to buck up the folks at home. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:58:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668601#5196369 http://www.chow.com/topics/668581#5196299 Cafe Mogador may work for you. I'm not sure if they're open on christmas eve, but they probably are. The food there is inexpensive and very good. It's always bustling and crowded but the noise level isn't normally too bad. I've heard good things about Nomad and Zerza, also in the east village, but I've never been to either of them personally. They may be out of your price range a little bit. I don't believe Mogador takes reservations though, so if you're a big group you may have to wait a little bit. The bar area is good but it gets crowded. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:27:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668581#5196299 http://www.chow.com/topics/666183#5196189 If you're looking up the restaurant, the listed name is Brasserie 8 1/2. I use it a lot for small groups (4-6) for brunch in the main dining room and can recommend it without reservation as an upbeat grown-up experience in a great room. I often see parties in the private room - clearly everything from special birthdays to weddings, to showers. I think you can feel very comfortable inviting your friends there to celebrate your wedding. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:41:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666183#5196189 http://www.chow.com/topics/668579#5196187 Going to Shimizu tonight and looking for a place to have a good martini - like one might get at Keens for example - in the area around 51st and 8th Ave. Some things I'm trying to avoid: loud music, bad bartenders, theater district ripoffs - though I'm happy to pay premium for a well stirred cocktail in a pleasant environment. Any suggestions? Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:40:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668579#5196187 http://www.chow.com/topics/668396#5196113 You'd be surprised how much more affordable it is in comparison to the CIA or Culinary Institute. So happy to hear that the courses and staff were enjoyable. I think they off free flights to go and visit the school so hopefully I can sit in on some of the classes! Thanks for the feedback Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:08:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668396#5196113 http://www.chow.com/topics/668471#5196065 I would go to Yasuda! Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:51:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668471#5196065