Sunday lunch or brunch in the east 90s

[Yaqo Homo]

My best friend just moved to Lexington and 96-ish and we want to check out what's good to eat in the nabe.

Any recommendations for this Sunday? All price points and cuisines will be considered, as long as the chow is good.

So far I was thinking about trying Square Meal or Itzocan but would like to hear if you have any more inspired suggestions.

Cheers,
YH

[frances 50]

try sfoglia lex at 92...great for dinner, but tough to get in..lunch is easier.

[MMRuth]

And, Sfoglia now has the little market next door with sandwiches etc. - perfect for taking to the park.

[MMRuth]

Hi - Nice to see you around. I had dinner at Itzocan for the first time in quite a while on Monday and the food (other than some slightly overcooked pork) was just as terrific as I remember it being. I've never tried their brunch though, and would also mention that the a/c is a bit less than ideal if that is a factor for you.

Have you been to Square Meal? I don't know if it is "inspired", but the food is interesting and very well prepared.

Edit - My favorite hamburger these days is Ottomanelli, which is just two blocks south on Lexington. Excellent waffle fries too.

[Yaqo Homo]

Thanks for the lunch suggestions. There was a last minut change of plans, and we ended up going out for a late Friday dinner rather than Sunday lunch.

We, somewhat randomly, wandered over to York Ave and ate at York Grill which, though not exactly a chow destination (the waiter felt it necessary to explain to us what frisee and gnocchi mean), was delicious, charmingly unfashionable and reasonable (their lobster clambake is 30 bucks).

We almost went to Pampa instead, which appeared to offer authentic-looking Porteño fare. Is that place any good?

When we do go for lunch in the area I want to try the burger at Ottomanelli (thanks for the tip!), and we intend to make our way down to Beyoglu another time.

[MMRuth]

I've read good things about York Grill, but haven't been. Also haven't tried Pampa yet, but did actually have a hamburger at Ottomanelli for lunch. Great as always. I noticed by the way that they have a $10 brunch that includes TWO drinks - bloody mary', mimosa etc. and hamburger or various other food choices. Haven't tried the drinks, but certainly sounds like a good deal!

[goodhealthgourmet]

adding a link for Beyoglu.

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Beyoglu
200 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028

Cafe d'Alsace
1695 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128

[prdct]

And I will add a second for Beyoglu. I had brunch there a couple of weeks ago. We enjoyed the sidewalk seating on a pretty day, the price was right and my salad was huge and delicious.

[mch]

beyoglu is a great spot. nab a table outside. order the mezz plate, a salad and a bottle of wine. great way to spend an afternoon or evening. nicks is good for sit down thin slice pizza. bar vespa has a backyard area, wine & cheese.

[MMRuth]

Beyoglu is pretty far down from the East 90s though, if the OP and his friend want to check out the neighborhood.

[MMRuth]

Oh - I meant to add - I had quite a good slice of pizza on 96th St. - north side, between Park and Lex I think. Can't remember the name right now, but certainly the best pizza I've had on the UES.

[City Kid]

The pizza place is LIttle Luzzo's, but there's not much seating...Nick's pizza on 2nd Ave. and 94tb is great. Brunch at Itzocan is very good. You might also try El Paso Taqueria (97th btw. Park and Madison), good food and pleasant surroundings.

[goodhealthgourmet]

Square Meal is a good bet, it's a popular CH spot. Cafe D'Alsace is another one...just a short walk to 88th & 2nd.

ETA: if you're up for a longer stroll and you want something different, try Beyoglu for Turkish. it's on Third Ave at 81st.

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Cafe d'Alsace
1695 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128