349736 Sat Dec 09 18:31:39 -0800 2006 7 18 Manhattan 0 2084974 Calling you all "family" by the way! During our 9 nighter here in Manhattan, I posted originally on lower East side tips. The responses from you nice folks made our trip here, about the best one in memory. These 2 nutty fellas walked from W. 64th. Street to Canal St. and back. Every day revolved around miles of walking, including the Brooklyn Bridge, etc. All of the walking let us eat and eat and eat. I think that I will still be able to button my tuxedo pants for spousal unit's nephews wedding in a few hours (please God). Our lower East side stops were selected from the awesome RGR tour, albeit we couldn't pack in all of the suggested foods. Our morning noshing included Russ and Daughters ummmazing lox, Yonah Schimmel's (sp?) potato knish, and exquisite Gelato from Il Labritorio de Gelato. Did peek into Katz's to immerse ourselves in an incredible energy, and for sure will experience their eats on our next trip. In my original post I had said that our dinner plans were set, but we ended up having a home cooked dinner at Owen's cousin's condo cancel. After developing carpal tunnel syndrome from punching "redial", I finally got through to Babbo---OH MY GAWD, what a meal we had there. So many amazing food experiences and memories. A few restaurants excelled on every level for us, such as Lupa, Babbo, and Wallse. A dinner at Picholine will definitely be reprised, but next time it will be their 3 course meal as opposed to their classics tasting. We loved the restaurant, but we were in a little bit of food coma from the richness of the extensive tasting menu. Aquavit is a restaurant that we may not return to, as there were parts of the meal that disappointed. My hot smoked sea trout was sublime. Spousal unit's venison was very heavy handed in the salt department. Yet he was grinning ear to ear from his assorted herring and "necessary accompaniments" of Aquavit and Carlsburg beer. We had a wonderful lunch at Artisinal, and I was able to procure their recipe of Praline Cheesecake, which we ate right after a cheese based lunch---how sick is that??? Their cheescake is on my "must make" list and will be recreated within the week. We had such an enjoyable lunch there, that I am strongly considering a dinner experience there on our next trip. We did a Croque Monsieur and a grilled cheddar/bacon/apple sammich, and we were in heaven. I happen to have an out of control addiction to the Russian coffee cake as sold at Zabars, so you can bet that we spent a morning trying to see how long I could make my piece last---by the way, I would pay for that recipe! Anyone out there who knows the recipe???? These food obsessed fellows are doing something for our final night in New York that is completely unlike us. Our research and help from the hounds have guided us fairly flawlessly through our 9 nighter here. We were booked at Keen's for our final Sunday night dinner, but there is something that enveloped these two 51 year olds which has made us cancel. We're tired. The miles of walking in this cold weather have been a blast, but again, we are tuckered out. We are being picked up on Monday A.M. at 6:45 for our 9 A.M. flight to L.A. Here's our Sunday night plan that is based solely on convenience, but perhaps we may have chosen well---wish us luck. We are a very close walk to Time Warner Center, and as we browsed through the shops we stumbled upon a steak house named Porter House. This is where we will be at 8 P.M. tomorrow. Once again I want to thank you hounds for so many thoughtful tips. I wish I could hug you all and break bread together---and I mean that. Happy eating, happy holidays to you all Jeff Sat Dec 09 18:31:39 -0800 2006 11598 JeffW 1 2085017 Hye, Jeff, Thanks so much for reporting back. I'm very glad you had so many fabulous eating experiences. But don't feel bad about not being able to squeeze everything in. Look at it this way, now you have many eating adventures to look forward to the next time you and Spousal Unit return. Congrats to S.U.'s nephew and his bride. Enjoy the rest of your stay, and come back *very* soon! :-) Sat Dec 09 18:52:15 -0800 2006 2084974 13867 RGR 2 2086424 Nice, nice, nice! Thanks for the wishes. The wedding was off the charts fantastic. It was held at a facility within the naval yard called Steiner Studios (or an approximation of that name). Just as theater and dining appears to be way more passion filled in New York, versus Los Angeles, I have to now add partying to the list. Of course the wedding begain with emotion, lots of kleenex, etc., but it morphed into the most partying I've ever seen. Dancing until 1 and then the busses back to the Manhattan. The "after party" was held at a place called Bar Barn (I think that's the name). The 2 uncles were invited, but we were pooped. By the way, foodwise, I guess the cateress is known well in New York. Her name is Abigail Kirsch, and the chow was indeed "restaurant like". As we left the building, covered cups of hot chocolate were offered to the guests boarding their respective vans. Pure class!!! Forgot to mention one more tasty from yesterdays post. One of our breakfast walks was yesterdays Lincoln Center to 91st. and 1st walk. We had a simple but really delicious version of French Toast at The Vinegar Factory. Today is our final day in New York. I can't believe that I am using the word "tomorrow" as in going home. Glad to be getting home to our 4 legged daughter, "Daphne the magnificent"---but feel a little sad too, in leaving. Our itenerary for this final day: Family brunch to be held at a restaurant called Agave. Then spousal unit and I will walk through the Chelsea Market again. This time to stock up on a bunch of tasty's that I wouldn't see in Los Angeles. Then the nephews want us to walk up 8th. until we get to 23rd. That's where we are to see all the boys walking their dogs. Then I'll make a final run to Zabars to bring home Russian Coffee Cake. Time to pack and then walk the couple of blocks for our final din-din at Porter House. Cheers to you New York, see ya soon. J Sun Dec 10 14:58:40 -0800 2006 2085017 11598 JeffW 1 2086449 Since you are going to be no 8th avenue you might as well walk down to the Chocolate Bar on 8th avenue.. The address is 42 8th avenue. A fun place to grab a hot chocolate. Then you are about a 4 minute walk away from Magnolia Bakery. Sun Dec 10 15:12:14 -0800 2006 2084974 19579 Daniel76 1 2086452 It's always wonderful to hear reports and reviews from visitors - I'm so glad you had/are having a wonderful time. Come back soon, and have a safe trip home! Sun Dec 10 15:13:09 -0800 2006 2084974 14388 theannerska 1 2086846 Thanks for reporting, awesome to hear from a satisfied alum. Now you get to be the hound and those who seek food knowledge, your disciples. Sun Dec 10 18:31:38 -0800 2006 2084974 22662 Nick F. 1 2087016 Thanks Nick F and theannerska, for the nice words. Amazing final gift from New York---today (Sunday) it is the mildest day temperature wise of our trip. About to do my final Zabar's expedition, and I may even leave my jacket in my room---no gloves---no hat---almost feel like I'm naked! Cheers, Jeff Sun Dec 10 20:09:07 -0800 2006 2084974 11598 JeffW 1 2087535 If you're craving sushi, try to see Yasuda-san at Sushi Yasuda at the bar. Expect arond $100-$150 per person but be prepared to be amazed at the rice and the quality and variety of fish. The nigiri is smaller by west-coast standards, but he quality is unrivaled. Mon Dec 11 00:33:09 -0800 2006 2084974 13289 Porthos