A brief sojourn...
Hello to the good folk of 'chowhound'... Longtime reader, 1st time poster (more of a sap on the resource than offering anything of any merit) Any way, introductions out of the way..
I'm over in NYC in december with my young lady friend (from london) and have booked a few restaurants, just wondered if y'all reckon I've made any schoolboy errors?
We're not into anything too fancy, la de da, or anything you've got to 'make an effort for'. We're after places with relaxed 'laws' on dress (we're not 'punk rockers'), the sort of places you could walk into off the street and feel right at home..
Any how, I've booked in at 'Forge', 'The house', and 'the river cafe' (i am aware that a jkt is required here, but then they've got that view!) and 'balthazar' for brunch...
The other 2 places we're definitely attending are 'Blue Smoke' and 'Katz'...
Any thoughts on the aforementioned places? I'm thinking that 'forge' and 'river cafe' have a star apiece, so they must be pretty decent. 'The house' just looks like a good place, and I gather 'Balthazar's a bit of an institution?
all opinion welcome!
cheers, don
By yes_don
on Nov 20, 2009 01:25 PM
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I have to confess, I've never heard of Forge or The House, and have never been to The River Cafe. I like Balthazar v. much, though I usually have lunch there, rather than brunch. Could you give us more of a sense of your budget, any particular foods that you like, and/or can't get in London? How long will you be here?
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P.S. - Where did you see the "stars"? I just ran into a chef from Greece at a bookstore today, and he'd eaten at Cirpriani and Buddakhan, b/c they were touted in guidebooks. I reassured him that neither is representative of the food that NYC has to offer (not that either is dreadful, just over priced).
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All of my research has been based on blogs really, plus the michelin guide..
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I haven't been to Marc Forgione (it looks like they dropped Forge from the name), but I've heard it's quite good. It received a Michelin star in the 2010 NYC guide, and the style seems somewhat similar to Craft.
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Budget-wise I'm reckoning on about $100 a head-ish, but it doesn't really matter too much. Grub-wise, we seem to be able to get pretty much everything here in london. I guess BBQ n Pastrami aren't really readily available... Looking for places with good food in nice establishments with relaxed atmospheres..
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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.
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If you speak of Michelin stars, be aware that they aren't as authoritative here in NYC as they are in the UK, and much more stock is put into the New York Times rating system.
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I agree.
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I do indeed to refer to the stars handed out by the tyre company. I'll check out the times' ratings too, cheers for the tip.
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Had dinner andn drinks at House recently. You will definitely enjoy your meal especially if you enjoy good wine in a cozy atmosphere.
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That's exactly what I'm all about PoP!!!
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