230471 Sat Jan 21 01:49:33 -0800 2006 5 18 Manhattan 0 1224012 This place, on 19th between 6-7, is relatively new (about a year) and, as far as I know, the only moderately upscale Dominican retaurant in the city. Having dined Dominican extensively, both at restaurants and in homes, here and in the D.R., I really wanted to like IDT (Its a Dominican Thing). First, it has some very likeable qualities. The dining room itself is quite attractive with exposed brick throughout, high ceiling, artsy bric-a-brac, and very flattering subdued lighting. The (Argentine) server couldn't have been more gracious. The food, sorry to say, ranged from ok to terrible. The meal starts with a complimentary appetizer cup of nice creamy rice studded with various meats. A small eater could actually call it a night after downing this freebie. Then, along with a couple ice cold Presidente beers, we had the appetizer sampler. Everything was ordinary and mostly deep-fried. The lone stand-out was an ethereally light chicken tamale. The mains (from a rather short list) were a disaster. Girlfriend had coconut shrimp which, while not bad, lacked vibrancy and piquancy. Just drab, though the large shrimp were nicely cooked. Even Cafe con Leche makes a far better coconut shrimp. Red beans and white rice was decent, though a little dull. My conch in creole sauce tasted like canned conch in a boring pepper-onion melange. The dish was maniacally over-salted and inedible. I didn't bother to send it back. The flavored rice with pigeon peas ("morro") was decent. A side avocado salad was barely edible after another over-salting and the maduros tasted like they'd been fried in oil that had been asked to cook one too many batches of maduros. We skipped dessert and coffee. Its not that the food at IDT is inauthentic or overly fancy. In fact, everything was pretty straight-on. The problem was that it just wasn't any good. Dominican food is known for being simple and honest, with a home-cooked depth of flavor. Sat Jan 21 01:49:33 -0800 2006 0 Skillet Licker 1 1224043 Where DO you like? Since you're obviously an expert, I'd follow your recs. I like Castillo de Jagua at 111 Rivington. I'm sure there are some wonderful places north of 175 St... but I don't know which. Sat Jan 21 14:33:04 -0800 2006 1224012 0 Brian S 1 1225904 I am sorry you felt that way, but the food at this restaurant is nothing like you have said. If you did not like it, you are entitled to your opinion and that is fine. However, since it's opening, this place has had nothing but great reviews inluding from the NYTIMES. The majority of the people, including "Las donas dominicanas", who are the most qualified critics, will disagree with you on every count. I know because I took my mother, aunts and grandmother to have dinner there and they loved it. Gracias. Tue Feb 07 11:20:19 -0800 2006 1224012 0 Andrea 1 1225916 With the exception of moro de gandules, those dishes don't sound very Dominican. Sure, you can get rice and red beans with Dominican food, but pink beans are much more common - the rest is unrecognizable (from the descriptions, anyway). Are you sure the "tamale" wasn't made with plantain rather than corn? Good Dominican home-style cooking downtown: Joselito's on Avenue C. Castillo de Jagua is okay, as is El Nuevo Castillo on Avenue C and El Cibao on Clinton. Uptown, Restaurant Margot is generally regarded as the best; I also like El Capri. Margot is on Broadway in the 150s, and El Capri on St Nicholas in the upper 170s. Tue Feb 07 11:51:52 -0800 2006 1224012 0 Wilfrid 2 1226034 I'm surprised that you mention Restaurant Margot and El Capri but not El Presidente (165 & Bway-- specifically, hen stew, stuffed plantains and tostones) or El Malecon (175 & Bway-- specifically, rotissere chicken, oxtail stew, soupy rice, maduros and oh-so-heavy but tasty mofongo). My only experience at Margot wasn't that impressive. What do you like there and at El Capri (which I've never been to)? Tue Feb 07 18:22:48 -0800 2006 1225916 0 pecan pie wife 1 3653368 The food is definitely very authentic Dominican and the taste is just fine. The problem I had as a Dominican was that it tasted just the same as if I were eating at a relative's house; which is fine in some circumstances, but when you pay nearly 20 bucks for a plate (when you can spend half that in Washington Heights for the same thing), you expect something more special, something with an interesting twist. This restaurant is alright, but not special, and I expected it to be special based on the prices. Secondly, I've been small bistros before, but this is as cramped as it could possibly get. When my friend and I arrived there were several people inside just looking at the artwork and it took forever for the owner to notice us and offer us a table. Once we were finally seated and getting ready to order, a large party arrived and they actually made us get up from our table and stand for a couple of minutes while they re-arranged the place to accomodate the party. We were insulted and annoyed, but we stayed for dinner anyway. Throughout our meal we were made uncomfortable by the fact that the staff couldnt get from table to table without walking sideways and squeezing by us, since our table was in the middle of the room. And when a woman at the next table arrived and was getting ready to sit down, her ass was practically resting on my arm--and I mean that quite literally. That's how cramped it was. Bottom line: If you dont mind spending a little extra for your *average* Dominican dinner plate, then you wouldn't mind going to this restaurant--Just DO NOT STAY if they sit you at the table in the middle of the room! Trust me! Sat May 03 12:27:29 -0700 2008 1224012 189217 user99