Need a bit of help...my pick this time (fun time, good food) The Dutch? Public? suggestion...? thx

[bigB123]

Hi, I’m looking to have a great dinner w my wife in 3 wks. I’d prefer a place that takes reservations as it makes life easier these days. It’s my pick this time and I am thinking more along the lines of The Dutch, Public, Tertulia (no rez for party of 2), Maialino….or even a gastropub such as the SpottedPig (also don’t think they take rez). But using the priors as examples of the type of place I am looking for. Any help? I have never been to The Dutch (over hyped?) but I’ve been to Maialino, Minetta, Spotted Pig, Breslin to name a few…I actually prefer them for late night or brunch/lunch etc…but not relevant.

I know I risk critic by lumping these next places together but risk I shall….I’m not looking for a place like Ai Fiori, Le Bernardin, Gotham, EMP, Per Se or Daniel. $ is not really an issue for this dinner…I’m but looking for a great meal and a great time as opposed to being catered to our every whim.

Any help, suggestions or comments are appreciated.

Cheers

[bigB123]

Hi, TVM for all the suggestions. We managed a semi prime rez at The Dutch so I think we might just keep it. Saxon and Parole sounds perf and is officially on the list now. Thx. How's Acme? Have not heard too much about it...might pop in for a drink one night to see what’s going on in there (website was just a placeholder). Locanda Verde is great. It's funny how tightly woven the NY restaurant scene is. Locanda/Dutch... Public/Saxon...all great just same ownership etc...I guess if you like one you'd like the other.

Thanks again.

[kathryn]

Some Acme reports:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/829575
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/829056

[bigB123]

thx

[squid kun]

And the short version ... http://www.chow.com/digest/104392/now...

[uhockey]

I was shockingly impressed by both the food and the service at the Dutch. I went in with modest expectations and both the savories and the sweets shined while service was better than it needs to be at such a place.

Get the forbidden rice pudding and the chocolate devil's food cake - don't let 'em talk you into the <yawn> pies.

http://endoedibles.ocm

[crsin]

How about Acme? Vibrant/fun atmosphere, surprisingly good service, really great food. Reservations might be tough, but I managed to get a primetime Saturday night res just two weeks in advance a few weeks back. Worth a shot.

Unless they've gotten their kinks worked out, you might have to be fairly persistent when trying to make reservations...lots of busy signals and endless ringing. I wouldn't email them as it says on their website--try to call and talk to someone.

As an alternative to Maialino, how about Locanda Verde (may also be a difficult seat to get on this short of notice).

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Acme
9 Great Jones St, New York, NY 10012

Locanda Verde
377 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013

[kathryn]

You may not be able to get a reservation at The Dutch only 3 weeks in advance, especially if you want a primetime slot like 8pm, on a weekend night.

Public is much easier to book, they are on OpenTable.

For Tertulia, if you want to go on a Friday or Saturday, get there no later than 5:45pm to be seated without a one hour wait.

If you like Maialino, Minetta, Spotted Pig, Breslin, I would recommend you check out Fatty Cue.

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Public
210 Elizabeth Street, New York, NY 10012

Tertulia
359 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Fatty 'Cue
50 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014

[loratliff]

Fatty 'Cue was going to be my rec too. I've had several good dinners there over the past few weeks. I don't know if they take reservations, but it's been virtually empty every time I've been in.

[kathryn]

They do take some reservations on OpenTable; not sure about over the phone.

We were there for a late-ish lunch on Sunday and it was pretty packed. I had the Smoky Johnson burger and a coconut water (the kind where the poor bartender has to hack open a coconut with a cleaver).

I dare say I now like the Smoky Johnson more than Minetta's Black Label burger, but that might have more to do with the meat-to-bun ratio (FC has a smaller patty) and Fatty Cue's excellent pickles.

http://www.nycgo.com/slideshows/must-...

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Fatty 'Cue
50 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014

[loratliff]

Is the Smoky Johnson the same burger that they served when Fatty 'Cue was Fatty Johnson's? If so, that burger is delicious and I'm glad it's still on the menu!

[kathryn]

They have tweaked it slightly, but it is essentially the same. Absolutely delicious.

[thegforceny]

I love the Dutch and find it very fun.
Along similar lines - great cocktails, even better than those of the Dutch IMO - Saxon and Parole

Pig and Brez - no reservations

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Spotted Pig
314 W 11th St, New York, NY 10014

The Breslin
20 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001

The Dutch
131 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012

Saxon + Parole
316 Bowery, New York, NY 10012

[jovialetr]

I also really liked Saxon & Parole on my last trip to NYC. Went to The Dutch the on my previous visit, and enjoyed Saxon & Parole more overall.