Birthday weekend in NYC

[Lynnenrich]

Would love recommendations for dinner for two (Thai, Korean, Indian) in Midtown or Chelsea, and could we keep it for less than $100? I turned (gasp) 50 and we are celebrating mostly by eating and shopping (bless my husband's heart) our way thru Manhattan.

[Pan]

Thai for as much as $100 for 2 would be hard to find, unless you went to Kittichai, but that's in a different neighborhood than the ones you mentioned. Thai cuisine is a lot better in Queens, but in Midtown, I'd give somewhat of a recommendation for the original (and only the original) Wondee Siam on 9th Av. between 52nd and 53rd, providing that you stick to the "secret Thai" menu and have them make everything very spicy (if you can handle it) and not sweetened for Americans. It will cost more like $40 for two, if that, than $100. My Korean recommendations might stretch your budget a bit, but consider going to Madangsui or Don's Bogam for delicious Korean BBQ (and there are other good dishes at Don's, if you choose to go there). If you want more inexpensive Korean food and like hyaemul dolsot bibimbap (mixed seafood bibimbap, cooked in a very hot stone pot), you can get that and a generous banchan (though not one as good or big as those you'll get at Madangsui or Don's) for about $20/person at Han Bat.

Edited to add that Wondee is super-informal and a cramped little restaurant, while of the Korean restaurants I mentioned, Don's has the most in terms of ambiance. Han Bat is somewhat of a diner-style place, yet has elegant decor and art on the walls. Madangsui is brightly lit and can be a bit glary, but you're there for the meat, and stick to marinated items there.

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Madangsui
35 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001

Han Bat
53 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001

Don's Bogam
17 E 32nd St, New York, NY 10016

Wondee Siam
792 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019

[RGR]

Is that <$100 for two people? Is it for food only? Or does it also include beverages (wine, cocktails, etc.), tax (nearly 9%) and a 20% tip?

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

[Lynnenrich]

We are flex on the budget, knowing more or less what it will cost helps, I think. I might have a glass of wine, but we are not big drinkers. Thanks so much for the help so far. How is Chom Chom?

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Chom Chom
40 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019

[Riverman500]

Chom Chom is mediocre. I wouldn't recommend it.

Try Ma Peche instead, which is nearby and offers several asian-inspired small plates to suit your budget.

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Chom Chom
40 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019

Ma Peche
15 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019

[RGR]

Tulsi, on 46th St., just east of 3rd Av., serves superb Indian cuisine. Depending on which dishes you choose, it is possible to stay within your budget.

Tulsi photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157625768378231/

You might also want to consider doing Korean bbq at Kang Suh, on the corner of B'way & 32nd St.

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

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Kang Suh
1250 Broadway, New York, NY 10001

Tulsi
211 E 46th St, New York, NY 10017

[Simon]

Kin Shop...a little below Chelsea (6th Ave betw 11th/12 St)...under a 100 might be a little hard but almost doable before tax/tip if you split a dessert and don't drink too much...

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Kin Shop
469 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011