In search of a new place
I have a friend coming in this weekend, and am in need of a new place to try out for dinner or lunch on Friday. I originally thought either EMP, Perilla, Degustation or Momofuku, but realized those are the places I always go to. I want to take the opportunity to go somewhere new.
As for likes/ price/ setting, any cuisine is game, price up to $100pp (w/o wine/ drinks) and anywhere in Manhattan.
We frequent Dovetail, Ouest, Perilla, Momofuku's and the like pretty often, so maybe something different from that. Maybe something smaller, Apiary perhaps? Any suggestions for smaller, off the beaten path, or just plain delicious places would be appreciated.
Thanks,
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So as a followup. We wound up at Apiary.
Food was pretty good. I had the chicken after not being able to decide on anything, it was great, best chicken i think I've had in a restaurant. It was cooked perfectly, crisp skin, gigantic, and the polenta and carrots were great. I started with the Crudo, and it was pretty good as well. Not quite the best I've had, but pretty good, could have used a bit more spice (heat) but pretty good.We also had the Skate and a special main of Haddock. Both were very good from the tastes I had. The skate was cooked perfectly, and the chowder was pretty tasty, smokey, sweet and briny.
Wine was pretty good, and they had a small selection of beers as well.
The room was very nice, we had the four top to the side of the bar, not ideal, but there were only 3 of us, so it didn't seem too bad of a table. Chairs were very comfortable.
It was a loud place though, and the group near us on the other side of the partition did nothing to help in that aspect.
Really enjoyed it, very respectable cooking, and will be back, but maybe earlier or later in the evening, as I don't really enjoy the din at peak dining.
We then headed to Terrior and had a great blended grenache, the Cotes Catalanes Matassa. Great value for $64 dollars.
We then headed to Ssam bar and had some pork buns and tested the rib sandwich and cocktails. I haven't had the rib sandwich or cocktails since they started doing either, and they were both great. I had the Celery and Nori, which was interesting. As the drink warmed the celery really stood out, and worked great with the apple. I enjoyed the new additions, and will be back soon to have a better run through the menu again.›3 Replies-
re: UWSEater
"It was a loud place though...will be back, but maybe earlier or later in the evening, as I don't really enjoy the din at peak dining."
There were warnings...;)
As I've previously mentioned, we were there early on a Sunday evening, and even though most of the tables became occupied during our stay, the noise level wasn't a problem. No boisterous diners and nobody at the bar were, I'm sure, factors.
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I'm a little late joining the conversation but I'd highly recommend Apiary. I went friday night and it was fantastic. I have an article on my blog as well.
Chef Scott Bryan is now at Apiary. He used to be the executive chef at Veritas several years ago when it received 3 stars from the NY Times. I had the Braised Rabbit Papradelle and it was unreal. This place is going to get extremely popular very fast.
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goodhealthgourmet
Aug 5, 2009 07:57 AM
i say follow your instincts - Apiary was my first thought...perhaps because it's also at the top of *my* must-try list ;)
DBGB could be another option, though i think the reviews here in CH have been mixed, so you might want to do some research.
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re: goodhealthgourmet
We very much enjoyed our dinner at Apiary. Chef Scott Bryan's food remains as good as it was at Veritas though, of course, it's different in style here, i.e., more rustic. We were there on a quiet Sunday evening in February -- nobody at the bar and not all the tables occupied. However, quite a few Hounds have reported that when the place is full, the noise level is insanely high. Just a warning in case that matters to you (which it does to me).
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re: hudsonvalleyfoodblog
While food quality in a restaurant is always first and foremost for me, there is a huge difference between a room having an energetic vibe as opposed yo a noise level that is so hideously high that one cannot carry on a conversation without shouting. I find such an insane noise level a physical assault and refuse to put up with it, no matter how good the food may be.
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I would highly recommend Aldea. Chef/owner George Mendes' Portuguese-inspired cuisine is superb, service is friendly and attentive, and the space has a very attractive modern design. There is counter seating in front of the open kitchen where you can watch your food being prepared and chat with Chef Mendes. Depending on what you drink (there are some interesting Portuguese wines on the list), your $100pp will probably cover everything because prices are ridiculously moderate for food of such high caliber. Dinner only.
http://www.aldearestaurant.com
Allegretti is another excellent choice. Chef/owner Alain Allegretti's Provencal-style French cuisine is seriously delicious, service is excellent, and the relatively small dining room (there's a capacious bar area in front) has lovely decor.
Pamplona would also be a great option. Chef/owner Alex Urena's Spanish-style cuisine is wonderful, service is efficient, and the ambiance is casual and comfortable
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re: rrems
Thanks for all the replies.
Falai is somewhere I want to go again, been there twice and enjoyed it both times.
Compass is interesting, haven't eaten there since the last revamp, but want to go try the lobster some night.
I think we are leaning towards Apiary or Aldea, but might also look into txkito on a friends recommendation. -
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