Resto, Babbo, and.... some place cheaper (?)

[linguafood]

Got a rez for the goat feast at Resto and another at Babbo.

My man's looking at the pasta tasting menu, but I think the paste on the regular menu look much more interesting -- in fact, I think my head will explode if I just have to settle for one.

How large are the primi? Is it possible to have an app & two pastas (no secondo) without being completely stuffed to the gills? Or do they offer half portions of paste so I could try more than one?

Arriving Thursday, which is the one night that's open still, and I am having a REALLY hard time deciding where to go. One thing for sure is it HAS to be cheaper than Resto or Babbo. Like, preferably $50-60 pp. (plus tip). Maybe a BYOB?

I'm open to any location (staying near TS, but absolutely willing to travel); as far as cuisines go, no Sichuan or Thai or Vietnamese since I can get that at home, and obvy, not another Italian place. Affordable & good sushi? New American?

Lunch on Friday will be at the Oyster Bar. Oh, which leaves lunch on Saturday, too.... Porchetta? Motorino?

TIA for your kind suggestions input!

[CantStopEating]

Since everything on your itinerary is Italian and you're visiting NYC, why not try out one of the Momofuku's? At least you can say you experienced it. Not to mention that they're all pretty damn good.

www.inbundles.com

[linguafood]

Resto is Italian? I thought it was Belgian/French...

I looked at the Momofuku's.... Ko is obvy out of the question, Ssäm Bar just didn't rock my world, and the milk bar... nah.

[ChiefHDB]

Would definitely recommend Motorino over Porchetta. I think I also recommended Shopsin's in an earlier thread (definitely a "new American" type diner cuisine). Prepare for the people downthread who will ultimately disagree.

My blogging partner just wrote a review of the Babbo pasta tasting menu: http://lawandfood.blogspot.com/2010/0...

Since you're so close to to the 7 how about hopping on the train and heading out to Flushing. Lot's of great regional Chinese out there (check out the outer borough board).

I'm really looking forward to hearing about your goat feast at Resto.

[linguafood]

OK, I realize Motorino and Porchetta would qualify as Italian. Duh. Sorry about that. So maybe no pizza or pork sandwich :-D

[ChiefHDB]

Haha, I admire your dedication to the no more Italian rule. To reconcile the problem, you should just think of Motorino as not Napoli-style pizza, but as Italian American. Problem solved.

[linguafood]

How about Greek, Middle Eastern, Turkish? Not something I can get out here in the boondocks...

Or just a low-key 'murrcan?

[sugartoof]

Porchetta isn't really all that Italian once they hand you the sandwich, but the reviews on here have been almost unanimously negative, which for this site, is a bad indication.

For another lunch option, I'll suggest a burger, or since it's a Saturday lunch spot, check out some brunch options.

[linguafood]

I've thought of Corner Bistro for Saturday lunch. Don't want to have a big brunch b/c of the big goat meal that same night. Unfortunately, there is only so much I can eat in three days >sigh<

If we weren't leaving relatively early on Sun (early for me, that is), I'd love to do dim sum, too.

I guess I just have to visit the city more often. Once my money tree is fully grown hahahaha.

[sugartoof]

There are probably better options than corner bistro. With the goat dinner the same night, maybe a burger isn't the best idea after all unless you go for a lighter snack at some place like Shake Shack. Or you can switch the day you try Oyster Bar.

What about falafel/schwarma? Hoomis Asli or Soomsoom would be my suggestions.

A trip to Chelsea Market might turn up some snacks instead of a formal lunch.

There's also Luke's Lobster roll or Caracas Arepas bar down the block from Porcheta (as a replacement). If the weathers decent, you can grab a grilled cheese at Murray's Cheese (no seating). Multiple 'Wichcraft locations are good bets for interesting sandwiches that aren't going to weigh you down. Danny Meyer also has a pop up sandwich shop outside the Whitney Biennele.

One more suggestion, would be the vendors at the Brooklyn Flea. I'm not sure what the food selection is like at their current indoor location, but in the past, it's included local artisan snacks, and mexican food from the trucks normally found at the Red Hook ball fields during summer. http://www.brooklynflea.com/

[prdct]

btw, I'm pretty sure that the tasting menus at Babbo have to be done by the whole table. I may be wrong though...

[phoenikia]

Unless the policy has changed, part of a table can order a tasting menu, but it might need to be more than 1 person. Two people at my table shared a tasting menu, while the other 4 people at my table, including myself, ordered a la carte.

[JungMann]

Linguafood, I think you might enjoy paying a visit to Turkish Kitchen or Beyoglu. If you've not yet been to Kefi or Anthos, you might appreciate Michael Psilakis' sensibilities. For Middle Eastern, try ilili, and you may want to try for Latin as well while you're out here.

[linguafood]

Yes, I was thinking of one of the Psilakis joints. Do you prefer one over the other?

And, btw, I spoke perhaps a bit optimistically about the rez at Babbo.... I am still trying to get through on the phone....

I may well have to find a different Italian. Went to Crispo once per 'hounds suggestion and really liked it. Anything similar (quality and price wise)?

[ChiefHDB]

I've had Beyoglu, I second JungMann's rec. I've been to Anthos but not Kefi. I liked what I had (lamb burger), but it was over 2 years ago.

Maybe you'd like a tapas place? El Quinto Pinto just reopened. There's also a Basque tapas joint called Txikito that has been raved about.

I also really liked both meals I had at DBGB if you're interested in sausages.

[JungMann]

I've not been to Anthos, but if you decide you want something a bit more elevated for dinner, perhaps you ought to choose Anthos over Kefi or vice versa.

I am not much of a fan of Crispo. When I go for Italian in that general area, it is usually to Malatesta, Trattoria Toscana or Bar Pitti.

[linguafood]

Thanks for the suggestions!! I just booked a table at Scarpetta, but unfortunately, it's a 5:30 rez. So I'm gonna check out the restos you mentioned (I am certainly NOT tied to that particular area...) and see what the scoop is there.

I realize 2 weeks in advance for a Friday night table ain't particularly early for NYC. Sigh.

[rrems]

As an alternative to Babbo, and easier to reserve for prime time than
Scarpetta, you could try Convivio or SD26.

For moderately priced Greek, I would recommend Snack Taverna.

[linguafood]

Hey! Guess what? I got a rez at Scarpetta for 5:30 (!) on Friday, but then checked with Convivio thru Opentable and snagged a rez for 8:30!!! Yessss.
The reviews sound great.

Plus Convivio is much closer to our hotel in stupid midtown....

[phoenikia]

Linguafood, you might want to also consider Pylos in the EV or Ethos at 34th & 3rd Ave for moderately priced Greek, in addition to Snack and Kefi.

Diane Kochilas is the consulting chef for Pylos.

http://www.pylosrestaurant.com/PYL_Di...

[daffyduck]

yes they have half portions at babbo.
for your cheaper oprtion maybe degustation, i think u can get away with $50-60 plus tip? if u dont mind a place that isnt high up on decor u can maybe try katz, chinatown, or indian food