Dining in New York City

[cucas87]

A very quick overnight trip to NYC this past weekend. Thought I'd let you know of a few inexpensive and fun places I visited.

First, a quick burger lunch at the Burger Joint at the Parker Meridian hotel. Burger Joint This is not fancy dining. The Burger Joint is just off the hotel lobby, around the curtains, and looks like a wood paneled old fast food place. You order at the counter and then wait for your name to be called and hope that during that time, one of the tables opens up. My friend and I each had a cheeseburger and fries and soda and spent $21.00 (in total). They have beer on tap, but I knew I had a long night ahead and needed to conserve calories. The verdict: good, not excellent, but fun. I haven't had a chance yet to have a burger at Danny Meyer's Shake Shack, but that's on the agenda for the next trip.

Second, some wonderful gelato at Il Laboratorio del Gelato, on the lower east side. Gelato The toasted sesame gelato is incredible. And then some green apple sorbet. Also phenomenal. Then I had just enough time to walk a few blocks to Rockwood Music Hall to hear my brother's last NYC gig before he heads off for Europe. Afterward, we walked a few blocks over to Apizz and somehow, without a reservation, managed to snag a table and share a pizza. Apizz.

I love the lower east side, or as I now call it, the upper lower east side.

[bonaire]

I've been living in NY for a few months now on a temporary rotation with my company. Have had a few memorable meals (and definitely a few not so memorable ones!).

Want to recommend Jewel Bako to anyone looking for great sushi in New York. It's a tiny restaurant (only seats about 30 people) with melt in your mouth sushi/sashimi. What's particularly wonderful about it is that the sushi chef seasons the fish with slightly untraditional sushi items -- a small jalapeno slice added to a mackerel, a scallop seasoned with sea salt. I didn't think it was overly expensive -- for a plate of sashimi, a plate of sushi, a bottle of sake and some cocktails, it came to about $130. Miso soup is also included. (239 East Fifth Street b/w 2nd and 3rd)

The much vaunted Esca, however, was quite a disappointment. Went after seeing "Sweeney Todd" on Broadway (gotta love a musical with gushing blood everywhere). The service was poor, despite it being a much-hyped after theatre dinner spot. I ordered the salt cod ravioli, which was supposed to come with a pesto sauce. I've never had a pesto that tasted so much like the wheatgrass shot you force yourself to do at the gym. It was actually inedible. I got some fancy version of a creme caramel for dessert and it tasted so burnt I couldn't eat that either. Disappointing for a place that gets talked about by so many New Yorkers.

Last recommendation (I have many more but I don't want to fill up three pages!) is brunch at Felix (340 W. Broadway at Grand Street in SoHo). Oh, those yummy yummy mussels! I actually picked up the bowl and drank the broth it was so delicious. The service can be a little gruff and unattentive, but most of them are beautiful young girls and boys from South America, so I give them a pass. On Sundays, around 3 or 4, they clear out the tables and it turns into a free for all salsa (lambada?) dance hall, with everyone just kicking back.

One final comment -- why oh why can't we get the restaurants in DC to deliver like they do in Manhattan? It kills me that after months of ordering fresh sushi, yummy Italian, delicious Greek, etc that I'm going to come back to pizza and a 30% markup from Takeout Taxi. This is one thing that could truly keep me in New York forever (that, and someone does my laundry for me and gives it back to me folded in saran wrap).

If anyone Rockwellians come to New York for a visit, give a shout! I'd love to meet up to explore some more of the dining scene.

[JLK]

I finally made it to Otto Saturday night. The food we had was great (not to mention inexpensive), but it was the overall experience that has me excited to return.

Given that it was primetime on a Saturday night, and that we were a group of uncertain size (either 5 or 7), we went expecting a wait, and we got one. But this was a happy, convivial bunch, most of which has known each other for 10+ years, so we didn't complain. We checked in, received a train ticket for "Cosenza" and snagged space at one of the stand-up bar tables.

[Don't know if anyone has described this previously - apologies if they have - but during peak times customers watch the train station-like Departures board for the Italian town named on your ticket. When your destination pops up, your table is ready. Cute!]

Given the size of our party and the large number of people already lingering in the bar, I was surprised that our service was rather attentive. We drank lots of wine and enjoyed prosciutto, a cheese plate (including truffled honey, sweet cherry and apricot preserves) and Otto's version of insalata caprese (basil and olive oil are made into a paste that coats the buffala mozzarella), but learned that you can't order pizzas or pastas in the bar. Oh well, we survived.

The back dining room feels like a spiffy cafeteria with long communal tables stuffed in the room. It's very casual, but it suited our now-buzzed-on-wine group just fine. Among our group, we sampled pretty much all of the pastas (I think). Mine was a delicious, though highly salty, spaghetti carbonara. My friend's penne alla Norma was on the extreme end of al dente, but the sauce tasted delicious. I'm a sucker for Batali's bavette cacio e pepe (although I could probably make it at home).

We also tried $4 portions of Otto's english peas & prosciutto (tasty, but not extraordinary) and lentils "Toscana" (delicious with a dash of salt).

But the real reason to come to Otto is the much-lauded gelato. OH MY! I chickened out and ordered Meyer lemon with lavender and caramel (which unfortunately tasted burnt), but ended up eating at least 50% of my friend's olive oil (heavenly) and buffala ricotta (a rich and creamy delight).

I will definitely return to Otto and I won't make the mistake of ordering "safe" flavors.

[jparrott]

I can't stand sitting down at Otto. And most of the cooked food is okay at best (the pizza is vapid except for the lardo, which is really about the lardo, and the rest you can get better at Lupa). Gelato is brilliant.

That said, I spend more time here than anywhere else in NYC, sucking down wine and chatting with the sommeliers. It may be the best afternoon drunk in the world.

[ol_ironstomach]

Continuing the exploration of Park Slope, Gubeen and I had dinner last weekend at Blue Ribbon Sushi. Excellent, excellent sushi, including two types of aji (horse mackerel) and possibly the creamiest, fattiest pieces of salmon I've ever had in any form. Fresh wasabi, not powdered, is standard. The menu divides the sushi/sashimi items into Atlantic and Pacific categories, and a fair variety of sake is available. Service was relaxed, but precise. We watched three sushi chefs work quickly and efficiently as they assembled some beautiful presentations using whole fish, lots of shredded radish, scallop shells (shucked moments before) and not a piece of green plastic "grass" anywhere in sight. They were also quite particular about not using any less-desirable portions of flesh.

Bottom line - there might only be one or two places in the DC area serving better sushi, and this was noticeably better than the rest. This is the expansion location; Blue Ribbon group also operates their original sushi restaurant in Manhattan, along with their other ventures.

[silentbob]

I don't think the non-gelato options at Otto are THAT mediocre. Sure, there are definitely better pizza options in the city. But my friends and I loved their grande seafood antipasti platter. Lots of simple but vibrant flavors. And a relative bargain at $21.

[jparrott]

Yeah, the seafood's pretty good. But by the time I think about ordering food during my normal afternoon drunk, I'm onto red wine .

[amyblues]

Thanks to everyone with recommendations for the trip to NY! After much debate, we attempted a reservation at Gramercy only to make the wait list. We ended up going with a reservation at the Biltmore Room, on 8th between 24th and 25th. 3-course prix fixe ($67) with some amuses from the chef and some lovely glasses of champagne on the house to wish us a happy anniversary.

The amuse from the chef was a spring pea flan in a dashi broth with crab meat on top. Delicious and so very spring-like.

For the appetizer course, I had the roasted beet salad with herbed goat cheese, spiced pecans, mixed greens and a sherry vinaigrette. The pecans were a real highlight, as I was expecting something sweet and they had a bit of kick to them. The +1 had the fried squash blossom stuffed with Maryland crab, which was a fun takeoff on the typical crab cake. I wish the mango chili dipping sauce had been hotter, but it had a nice flavor to it.

For main, I had the cider-glazed roast berkshire pork chop, which was phenomenal. I feel like so many places offer pork that has had the flavor bred out of it, but this was rich and coated in a tangy, mustardy-cider glaze. I ordered the dish for the pork, as well as the sides: whipped sweet potatoes, red wine braised cippolini onions and a belgian endive gratin. Small portions of each item were perfect. The +1 had been hoping for the red snapper in miso-mustard sauce, but it wasn't on the menu. Instead, he had the hazelnut crusted roast halibut with truffle-scented artichokes with ginger-papaya salsa, leeks, fennel, and yuzu-lobster butter (copying that right off the menu...my memory isn't that good!). The halibut was too mild for both our tastes, but the artichokes, leeks and fennel were tender, spring-like, almost sweet.

For dessert, I had the caramelized pineapple and almond cake, with vanilla ice cream and a thai basil syrup. I could have used more of the syrup and a different flavor ice cream (the vanilla was too mild for me). He had the warm chocolate torte with macadamia brittle ice cream. This was lick-the-plate good, with a cookie-like crust and an oozy middle. It reminded me of Corduroy's warm chocolate tart.

The check came with some petit fours - chocolate biscotti, a lemony madeleine, mini blueberry muffin and some others I can't remember. We were both full but didn't let that stop us.

Our waiter was warm, friendly, knew when to leave us alone, and was helpful in picking drinks. The space at the Biltmore Room is lovely, an old bank with marble walls, low plush chairs and romantic lighting. It did get noisy as the space filled up (high ceilings, marble walls) but we never felt crowded, rushed or bothered. With tax and tip, our meals, one cup of coffee, a glass of wine and a Chimay Rouge came to about $210.

[JLK]

If I brought back a t-shirt from my most recent trip to NYC, it might say something corny like "I went to Manhattan and the best thing I ate was...a freakin' french fry??!!" In reality, I had some pleasant meals in New York. Nothing all that exciting, but this weekend was more about friends than food.

The single best thing I ate all weekend were some wonderful frites (that accompanied an OK, but not fantastic burger) at a business lunch at Mercer Kitchen. Instead of serving them in a paper cone, these perfect, delicious, crisp fries were served in a cute terracotta pot. Yum. Still, it's weird how much the stemware sucks at an image-conscious place like this.

For happy hour on Friday, my friends and I returned to Otto, samping a good range of the wonderful cheese and wine offerings, but skipping both the pizzas and pastas.

On Saturday, we indulged in the SoHo Baluchi's half-price lunch special, ordering dal makhani, chicken tikka masala, naan, samosas... <burp> About $24 including tax and tip for two people. Cool.

Saturday night was Ladies' Night - dinner at Suba on the Lower East Side. Great atmosphere from the cozy lounge to the almost-spooky subterranean dining areas. I could have done without the pollen-poison emanating from several huge flower displays (damn those lilies!!) in the bar area. None of us tried the $25 Absente mojito (limit one per customer), but we enjoyed the Idajo Caipiroshka and several other cocktails before moving on to wine with dinner.

When it came time to order meals, our lovely server was as knowledgable and friendly as she was stylish and skinny. But the food? Nothing all that memorable. Every one of us (there were five in the group) commented that the side dishes were better than the main event across the board. My hangar steak, cooked medium rare as requested, was as tough as a shoe and no steak knife ever materialized. But the potato and mushroom gratin it was paired with had a kick of spice that I liked a lot. Even the garnish of three or four baby asparagus spears and carrots was good. Two friends had the temptingly-described pork chop, but the best part of that dish was the sweet corn and chorizo hash that accompanied the chop. Hmm...

We had two moderately-priced bottles ($49) of a Spanish red whose name has long been forgotten which brought our bill to $65 per person. I think I'd return for a snack, but not a full meal. Actually, scratch that. There are too many other places to try.

The night continued at Fat Baby, a very fun rock club nearby. But no food is served there so I'll spare you the gory details.

Sunday brunch? We headed to Good Enough to Eat on the Upper West Side, which wasn't nearly as good as I recall. My "Lumberjack" breakfast ($9.50) consisted of leaden pancakes, ok scrambled eggs and the thickest thick bacon I have ever eaten. As bacon goes, it wasn't my favorite (and I like thick-ish bacon), but it was still bacon.

[bookluvingbabe]

Heading to NY for the weekend, again...

Many fewer definite plans this go-round.

On the agenda:

Shake Shack after I get off the train for a "light" snack.

Dinner at Craftbar. (Not my first choice, I would rather have gone back to Hearth but since I'm not on the expense account this time....)

Still needed:

A dinner somewhere near the Theater District on Saturday night. Or not near the Theater District that can seat us very early so we can get to the theater.

Sunday Brunch--Park Slope preferred...

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Jennifer

[Keithstg]

Heading to NY for the weekend, again...

Still needed:

A dinner somewhere near the Theater District on Saturday night. Or not near the Theater District that can seat us very early so we can get to the theater.

For the theater district, I'd say DB Bistro Moderne (a bit on the high end, but the much talked about burger is worth it), Amarone (47th and 9th) for a nice, relaxed Italian meal, or Bistro du Vent, which is on 42nd and 10th IIRC, and is a neighborhoody bistro - part of the Batali stable of restaurants. I think that BduV would be my pick overall. Then there's always Siberia for a drink afterward if you are in the mood for a really eclectic scene, to say the least, and have time before the show. PM me for details if you want.

[Gubeen]

"Sunday Brunch--Park Slope preferred..."

As a denizen of the slope, I would recommend the following

- Brunch / lunch; Stone Park Cafe. (3rd Street and 5th avenue. Reservations highly recommended. Great chow, had an amazing BLT there with a slab of Irish Bacon. Good drinks. Nice outdoor cafe.

More Lunch / Less Brunch: La Villa Pizzeria on 5th btwn Carroll and Garfield. They have great DOC pizza

More Lunch / No brunch: Bonnies (across the street from La Villa. Amazing burgers, great atmosphere. Opens at 1pm.

Brunch /lunch: Miriam, 5th Avenue and Prospect? Good value brunch with a Middle Eastern twang.

Hope this helps.

catherine

[ol_ironstomach]

- Brunch / lunch; Stone Park Cafe. (3rd Street and 5th avenue. Reservations highly recommended. Great chow, had an amazing BLT there with a slab of Irish Bacon. Good drinks. Nice outdoor cafe.

If this is the BLT I'm thinking of, I'm not sure I'd call it Irish bacon...more like great chunks of pork belly, roasted to a crackly, slightly chewy consistency. Gorgeous stuff, almost like the crispy fatty outside of a nice piece of schweinshaxen. Very very very definitely what I'm ordering the next time you take me there, G

[Pool Boy]

For the theater district, I'd say DB Bistro Moderne (a bit on the high end, but the much talked about burger is worth it), Amarone (47th and 9th) for a nice, relaxed Italian meal, or Bistro du Vent, which is on 42nd and 10th IIRC, and is a neighborhoody bistro - part of the Batali stable of restaurants. I think that BduV would be my pick overall. Then there's always Siberia for a drink afterward if you are in the mood for a really eclectic scene, to say the least, and have time before the show. PM me for details if you want.

I'll 2nd the recco on dbBistro Moderne. But honestly, I do not think the burger is all that. I'd try their coq au vin, seriously good. If db is booked, try Triomphe, which I think is on the same block-ish.

[TinDC]

Has anyone been to Stanton Social on the LES? From what I gather, it might be a hipster place. Would love to know about the food.

[Woodleygrrl]

we are going to NYC this weekend and are planning on eating at Tao on saturday night before we go see Charlie Murphy at Carolines. Anyone eat theere before?

[sunshine]

On a recent visit to New York, we tried Momofuku Noodle Bar in the East Village. The restaurant is literally a long counter with an open kitchen in front of it. You sit on square stools and can watch your meal being prepared like a traditional ramen shop. David Chang loves his pork and it is featured heavily on the menu. We tried the pork buns (truly succulent and excellent with hoisin sauce already on the pork inside), the oysters with kimchee puree (ok), the shanghai porkneck noodle soup (thick noodles, really meaty broth), momofuku ramen (thin noodles with poached egg and sliced pork), the chilled somen (thin noodles and picked shiitake mushrooms and white pear, with a chilled, pork flavored, gingery broth to either dip or pour on top) and the chicken with rice (huge bowl of rice with grilled chicken, poached egg and scallions). The meats were all very tender and nicely seasoned, but the overall impression was salty. We were gulping down our water. There were many interesting menu options, like crawfish, asparagus and short ribs, but since it was our first time there, we stuck with the noodles. It was definitely a bustling busy place. Interesting but not spectacular.

We also tried SriPraPhai in Woodside, Queens. This place deserves its praise. Cheap, authentic Thai. Perfect balanced flavors with real heat. We had the papaya salad, the drunken noodles, crispy pork with basil and chili and the curry noodle soup. It is worth a trek out to the dumpy area it's in. They have a nice garden and fountain out back with outdoor seating. It was fun to also people-watch. Cash only.

Last but not least, a fantastic meal at Perry Street, Jean-Georges Vongerichten's newest place in a Richard Meier -designed building (Vongerichten reportedly lives in the building). Very modern, sleek yet sterile setting. Suprisingly small restaurant. For an appetizer, I had a very simple yellow and cherry tomato salad with 2 tempura-fried softshell crabs on top (a special). Hubby had an endive salad with poached egg and walnut flavored dressing. I had a crispy chicken dish with meyer lemon gnocchi and chopped broccoli rabe with a smoked jus poured right before serving. Hubby had the rabbit with sriracha chili and soybean puree. For dessert, a banana chocolate caramel thing. There's definitely more experimental cooking going on here - saw foam on the menu, and there were many interesting flavor combinations. The soybean chili rabbit was mind-blowing. My only complaint was that the coffee was weak.

[ol_ironstomach]

Bourbon and at-home cocktail lovers, hie yourselves down to LeNell's Wines and Spirits (416 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn) in the Red Hook neighborhood. It's a gem of a spirits shop in an otherwise debatable part of town. Owner LeNell Smothers has a passion for American whiskeys, and other mixological delights. There are over 100 bourbons (reputed to be the largest selection in NYC), ryes, and other whiskeys, and she's constantly working to source more obscure delights for her few well-stocked shelves. One of her latest projects is to find more corn whiskeys and small-producer legal moonshines to add to the three on hand.

Gubeen and I did the kid-in-a-candy-store dance for about 45 minutes. There were rums, vodkas (including all of the Charbay products), most of the specialty gins I've ever heard of (incl. Hendrick's, Citadelle, a couple of Dutch genevers), various vermouths (incl. Carpano, Vya) a complete set of bitters (Fey's, Peychaud, Regan's, etc), and goodies from Luxardo and Nardini. Besides an assortment of bitters, I snagged a cachaça that came highly recommended - Mãe de Ouro. Prices were modest...I paid $21 for Luxardo Triplum, and $22 for the Carpano. What we didn't find were Scotches, or any ordinary liquors...there simply isn't room. The back of the room contained the "staff" collection of booze and mixers, and LeNell, her fiancé Ben, and assistant Lisa were knowledgeable and enthusiastic about classic cocktails and the differences among the products they carried. They shared whiffs and tastes of various items including a few obscurities not generally available, like the remarkable Hermes orange bitters made by Suntory in Japan.

Visit. Talk. Stock your bar.

[ol_ironstomach]

There once was a fellow named Dave

Some chips and fried plaice did he crave

To the Chip Shop he ran

(a man with a plan)

And shortly thereafter did rave:

Mmmmm, mmmmm, good. Enjoyed the fried Twinkie too.

Now just excitedly anticipating the Eamonn's opening back home...

[JLK]

Making a quick work trip to NYC tomorrow. I'll be staying around 43rd and 8th Ave. Any suggestions for a good breakfast and/or lunch nearby? How about a spot (also nearby) for dinner? I used to live in NYC and can navigate easily, however I have serious time constraints and will essentially be on-call the whole trip, making Times Square locales a necessity.

[Pool Boy]

Making a quick work trip to NYC tomorrow. I'll be staying around 43rd and 8th Ave. Any suggestions for a good breakfast and/or lunch nearby? How about a spot (also nearby) for dinner? I used to live in NYC and can navigate easily, however I have serious time constraints and will essentially be on-call the whole trip, making Times Square locales a necessity.

On the other side of Times Square is db Bistro Moderne. 44th between 6th and 5th (closer to 6th). Not very far of a walk at all. Plus you can book it on Opentable!

[MissCindy]

Making a quick work trip to NYC tomorrow. I'll be staying around 43rd and 8th Ave. Any suggestions for a good breakfast and/or lunch nearby? How about a spot (also nearby) for dinner? I used to live in NYC and can navigate easily, however I have serious time constraints and will essentially be on-call the whole trip, making Times Square locales a necessity.

I like the carnitas tacos at Tulcingo Del Valle on 10th between 46th and 47th...close by yet worlds away from Times Square.

[bookluvingbabe]

Ihad good dinners at Maria Pia last November. (47th at 9th?) Also enjoyed a dinner at West Bank Cafe (42nd at 9th?). Both are on Open Table.

Jennifer

[porcupine]

On the other side of Times Square is db Bistro Moderne. 44th between 6th and 5th (closer to 6th). Not very far of a walk at all. Plus you can book it on Opentable!

I ate there exactly two weeks ago. It was fantastic. I believe our party had two apps, three main courses, three desserts, and two glasses of wine for a pre-tax/tip total of about $130.

[JLK]

I think I'm looking for something a bit more casual, more cozy, than DB Bistro Moderne (although the menu looks fabulous). Any other ideas? Thanks!

[Hannah]

Angus McIndoe on W. 44th does good comfort food and pours a good pint of stout - and shouldn't be too crowded if you catch it after 7:30-8:00, since a lot of their rush is pre- and post-theater. And Esca isn't too far off Times Square, either - definitely worth a visit.

Breakfast-wise, Pigalle (8th Ave at 48th) is reasonably good, and open 24 hours if you decide you'd really like eggs and bacon at 2am. The only thing to be aware of there is that they add service to the check automatically, which if you're insufficiently caffeinated is easy to miss.

[mame11]

Chelsea Market!!! Have you been there yet? Oh go, yes do go... oh, don't go... its all the way down in Chelsea (14th & 9th) so it won't work for your trip tomorrow...

but next time... Chelsea Market

I meant to post about the Chelsea Market after my last New York visit but forgot. It is seriously such a cool place. Must visit.

Making a quick work trip to NYC tomorrow. I'll be staying around 43rd and 8th Ave. Any suggestions for a good breakfast and/or lunch nearby? How about a spot (also nearby) for dinner? I used to live in NYC and can navigate easily, however I have serious time constraints and will essentially be on-call the whole trip, making Times Square locales a necessity.

Seriously could you swing over to Esca for dinner. I know it is a Mario Batali outpost but I had a really good dinner there that made me a fan of Mario Batali... http://www.esca-nyc.com/

[mdt]

Seriously could you swing over to Esca for dinner. I know it is a Mario Batali outpost but I had a really good dinner there that made me a fan of Mario Batali... http://www.esca-nyc.com/

You say that like a Batali outpost is a bad thing.

[JLK]

Too late, but thanks to all. I know and love Chelsea Market, but didn't have time for getting all over the city. I had a so-so breakfast at a diner on 9th Ave and 43rd Street, had pretty good [catered] small bites at the 40/40 Club (yeah, I know) and more snacks at Tao. All in all, it wasn't a great eating trip for lack of time.

[Gubeen]

NY Just a note, many of reservations for lunches at NY's best restaurants have been taken but quite a few places are continuing with their specials through labor day.

Check out http://www.nycvisit.com/RestaurantWeekSear...m?pagePkey=1713

New York Restaurant Week

Gourmet Prix-Fixe Menus

July 10-14 and 17-21, 2006

Enjoy special three-course, prix-fixe menus at some of the city's best restaurants.

Duration: July 10-14 and 17-21, 2006 (Monday through Friday only)

Pricing: $24.07 lunches, $35 dinners; prices are per person and do not include beverage, tax or gratuity

[JLK]

Lounge meal options in NYC

[Josh Radigan]

particpated in the NYC Triathlon this weekend for the 3rd year in a row and as usual, no booze, but did have some great food for dinner last night. at 1st Avenue and 63rd is a sushi restaurant called Toytoya. Simple, but great quality. After the race this morning, had a hankering for protein. usually Tortilla Flats for tex-mex, but this time headed over to baker Street Pub. Decent, but enough to fill the stomach.

[ol_ironstomach]

Quick takes:

It was Gubeen's birthday last week, so we headed off to Mas (farmhouse) at 39 Downing St. (west village). Tasting menu ran about $68 each for three courses plus dessert. My main (Flying Pig pork loins, over polenta etc) was tender and delicious, but paled in comparison to the two remarkable courses preceding it. First up were pieces of thinly pounded wahoo given a sort-of ceviche treatment, and topped with just a dab of American caviar. Eaten more like a carpaccio than a ceviche, the wahoo was meltingly soft, but fortified with the bite of the lime juice and cilantro. I could have killed a couple plates of this alone and been satisfied. Second up was a single, large divers scallop, well-seared, then placed in a bowl of an intense corn soup, with some peas and other nominal vegetables. The scallop was delicious in its own right, but the corn soup was like the proverbial bowlful of summer...that summer you imagine in a Winslow Homer painting, not the summer where your dad has entrapped you in the back of a station wagon for the length of I-95 to Orlando. For dessert, I selected the molten chocolate cake, served with a scoop of housemade vanilla ice cream. Well-executed, with a dark, bittersweet sauciness to the molten cake that avoided the usual batter appearance, but I think I was too full to really get into my dessert. Still, two good courses, and two outstanding courses. Service was excellent (except that they refold napkins ) and inobtrusive; servers coordinated to present each course to both of us simultaneously, flatware was continually replaced with surprising ease on a precarious-looking little flatware rest at each setting.

Joe's of Bleecker Street Pizza at Carroll St. and 7th Ave. (Park Slope). Apparently this place was famous once. What for, I don't know...possibly for feeding tourists. After being chased out of their original location by skyrocketing rents, they've reestablished a foothold in Brooklyn. They fared well a couple years ago in a Slice NYC comparo, but I found their pizza to be lackluster and pedestrian. Meh.

Lunch Friday at db Bistro Moderne at 55 West 44th St. (midtown). We had actually made reservations for Restaurant Week, but decided to order off the regular lunch menu after all. First up was a refreshing and thick gazpacho, strong with tomato, cucumber and basil flavors, a sheen of olive oil, and only a very mild spicyness. Perfect, really, for the kind of sweltering weather earlier this week. It was served with a good-sized dollop of smashed Haas avocado in the center, and bits of basil floating on top. I'd swear he's actually using the tiny blossomy tops of basil that has bolted...in any case it was brilliant, and captured that smell on your hand when pinching back basil plants, unlike the more conventional smell you get with microbasil. Unable to resist, I ordered the infamous $29 hamburger. At least, he calls it a hamburger, but what you get is a ridiculously thick patty (formed to approximately the shape and size of a filet mignon) whose center has been stuffed with braised shortrib meat, a small chunk of foie gras, and black truffle slices. It's served on a parmesan roll that's been spread with a smear of tomato sauce and dressed with frisée, and with a side of frites. Before any of this comes out, they set out a small tray with three small porcelain bowls of condiments: Heinz ketchup, Maille dijon mustard, and a fresh mayonnaise. The burger, I am happy to report, was cooked exactly as requested, and was thoroughly delicious, if a bit precious. Try it once in your life. Also worth noting, db's bread baskets contain some very good rolls, but also slices of the best olive bread I've ever tasted. It has a thin yet substantial crust, around a very soft and moist crumb with flavorful dark olive pieces. I wish he'd sell these loaves to take home.

Shake Shack in the corner of Madison Square Park at 23rd and Madison Ave., is Danny Meyer's tribute to the hamburger stand. And what a tribute. They serve burgers, dogs, shakes, sodas, and frozen custard. You stand in one line to order, then move around to the other side to wait for the grill to catch up. The burgers (about $6 for a double Shackburger) were excellent - each patty is a quarter-pound, loosely formed to keep the juice inside, with a good bit of char for a flat-grill operation. Seasoning was a tad on the salt-heavy side, although part of that was attributable to the American cheese on mine. The buns are your typical squashed potato roll-type, flavorful and just sturdy enough to survive the juicy meat. Definitely order the fries. They may look like ordinary Ore-Ida krinkle cut fries, but they seem to have been properly double-fried, with a good crisp exterior and a well-cooked interior, and a good shake of salt. Better, in my opinion, than the db Bistro fries. My strawberry shake was very good, although with a frozen custard base it melts more evenly but is also clingier on the palate than if it were made with a non-custard ice cream.

Not involving an actual meal: the Cooper-Hewitt Museum (admission is charged, but free to Smithsonian Associates) is currently running an interesting exhibition of dining utensils from 1500AD to the present. There are many glaring omissions (no sporks or runcible spoons, no barware, no straws, none of Martin Kastner's precious toys from Alinea, only a glimpse of the height of Victorian extravagance, little attention paid to non-European cultures) but what IS on display is fascinating. Seventeenth century traveling sets, ice cream saws, and a dinner ledger written by George I that includes a half-dozen varieties of game plus ortolans...it'll make you wish for a bigger silverware drawer.

That's enough for now. I'd better get some exercise in tomorrow, or I'm going to need to book two seats for the ride home.

[JLK]

I'm in NYC for a one night, one meal trip (everything else is catered at my conference - blah). I caught up with a friend at La Locando which is near both my hotel and her apartment. 9th Avenue and 50th Street. Pretty good Italian fare at prices some will call moderate and others will proclaim a bargain. Two of us split an appetizer of good bufala mozzarella, sliced tomatoes and prosciutto, two entrees, and a glass of wine each for $80 including tax and 20% tip.

Our server (who announced that he started one hour prior to our arrival) bounced between inept and very kind. He arranged for the kitchen to split our appetizer into two individually plated portions (and now that I think about it, the dish was rather large). But then when my friend splashed some of her dinner salad on her shirt, he watched as she dabbed it with water from her drinking glass. When she asked for seltzer water, he got it, but the glass held less than a finger of the stuff. Odd.

I ordered an entree of large rigatoni with fontina cheese and pancetta, a rich dish to say the least. My friend had a spinach salad with shrimp, cherry tomatoes and...other stuff (I'm not much of a salad eater). The portions were on the big side so we didn't have room for dinner.

Nice cozy room, long and narrow as places on 9th Ave in this part of town tend to be. Good, flattering lighting that wasn't too dark, and nice big windows facing the street up front. Not a destination restaurant, but a decent spot if you're in the 'hood.

[Gubeen]

I quite like La Locanda. Their pastas are very fresh and the service is usually pretty attentive. As far as decent restaurants in the mid-town area go this is one of the better places to get a nice dinner without paying a fortune or eating complete dreck.

Nineth Avenue is usually a safe bet for a decently priced meal.

I also like Thalia on 8th avenue and 50th St. The make a very good cocktail and the herb fries are delicious. This is a nice place to meet people for a drink.

I have been meaning to add this to the NYC thread for a while... This was in response to TFBrennan's request for information on midtown restaurants close to Carnegie Hall and / or Italian restaurants.

Italian you say...I would suggest trying to get in a meal at Luppa, Babbo's sister. The cured meats are fantastic and it is much easier to get into than Babbo. I have also heard great things about A Voce in Murray Hill. The chef came from Cafe Boulud. If you really really want to splurge, Alto is fantastic but a bit pricey.

In the 50s...Near Carnegie Hall, I suggest as my favorite choice the Modern either the bar or the restaurant. Both are great. I love the bar at the Modern for a quick bite, creative food, good cocktails. It is a bit expensive but well worth it. This is a good place to go around 3pm for tapas or early appetizers and a drink especially if you are having a late dinner.

May I also suggest the Kati Roll company on 46th between 6th and 7th. The rolls make for a hearty and spicey lunch. They only serve a few different types. I would stick with the Shami or go for the aloo or the paneer. I have found the beef and chicken to occasionally be a bit dry. However, in general, I love their rolls. You can eat here and be stuffed for under $10. I haven't found Kati rolls like this in DC.

You are also within spitting distance of Carnegie Deli. Usually, I prefer Katz's but it is a hike to the Lower East Side. Carnegie gets really full and is a bit expensive but does provide the true deli experience. Having just had smoked meat in Montreal, I am craving pastrami.

Wondee Siam on 9th Avenue and 52nd street has little ambience but excellent Thai food. There are 2 of these restaurants, look for the one with seating not take out. I believe it is on 9th btwn 52nd and 53rd.

For a great falafel, I suggest hitting up Azuri 51st and 10th. It is actually on 51st. They have great Israeli falafel, platters etc.. and the experience is something from Seinfeld. The owner is a disagreeable Israeli guy who doesn't have time for anyone who doesn't know what they want. The food is so good which is why so many people return. I know I am not painting the prettiest picture but really the falafel is worth it and it is sooo New York.

For another quick bite in the hood, Mama's Empanadas are also fabulous but don't get those nasty baked ones. Go for the fried ones, they have the flavor and moistness. Mamas is located on 50th and 9th.

Also, in your neighborhood (57th and 7th), I would also suggest the Eatery(9th btwn 52nd and 53rd). It has decent and unusual food at a good price. Nouveau american food. The fried chicken salad is a heart attack hiding as healthy.

Island burgers serves a decent enough burger but no fries (9th ave btwn 51 and 50th.)

If you feel like a walk west, I also like Druids on 50th and 10th Avenue. It was the first gastro-pub in NYC but few recognized what the chef was trying to do. It serves good steaks, and specials along with draft guiness. There is a nice outside seating area out back.

If you want to go to the best gastro-pub in NYC head down to the Spotted Pig in the West Village. I had an epiphany of a meal here. They have a nice website with their menu (www.thespottedpig.com). I only warn you that you will have to wait for a table, so get there early. It is rather like Rays the Steaks in that respect. There is a nice bar to wait at though.

Avoid at all costs the French place on RUE 57, 57th and 6th, Rue something or other. I also do not recommend Redeye Grill. Remi is ok but very expensive for what it is. I would go somewhere else.

Okay, I think I tapped out on Midtown. I have avoided all the big name restaurants because unless you want to eat at 6pm you won't get a reservation this late. I would check open table.com if you really want to try one of these places. I have not tried Per Se and the other restaurants at Columbus Circle. These places are really really expensive and I am not convinced that they are worth it.

Some other places, i would recommend:

The Cafe at Grammercy Tavern. Go early. This is the front room and offers an abbreviated menu but you can still have the cheese course which is amazing.

Chanterelle, you can usually get a pre fixe lunch here for about $35 -- no wine. I love this restaurant. It is civilized with amazing French food and the best service.

Artisanal - the fondues are excellent. Also an amazing cheese course.

Falai on the Lower East Side produces some very good Italian. It is a bit of a hike though. I had a couple of wonderful meals here.

Le Bernadin -- the best fish restaurant in nyc, also pretty expensive. (If I had to choose between splurging at Le Bernadin and Babbo it would be a pretty hard call.)

If folks are heading to a particular neighborhood let me know. In my 20+ years here, I have lived / eaten in many places.

[DC in DC]

I'll be in NYC with family this weekend, staying on Roosevelt Island. We're looking for a few casual eateries that could accomodate a group of 6. The places need to be convenient to Roosevelt Island (i.e. Queens and the Upper East Side, I think?)-- we'll have my pregnant-with-twins cousin, who won't be in the mood to schlep all over the city in this heat, even for a good meal. We are really looking for low-key and simple, and preferrably not Chinese, sushi, or a deli. I'd appreciate it if we could get a few recommendations of your favorite places that would fit the bill.

[dcdavidm]

I'll be in NYC with family this weekend, staying on Roosevelt Island. We're looking for a few casual eateries that could accomodate a group of 6. The places need to be convenient to Roosevelt Island (i.e. Queens and the Upper East Side, I think?)-- we'll have my pregnant-with-twins cousin, who won't be in the mood to schlep all over the city in this heat, even for a good meal. We are really looking for low-key and simple, and preferrably not Chinese, sushi, or a deli. I'd appreciate it if we could get a few recommendations of your favorite places that would fit the bill.

One pretty low key (for a moderate to sllightly expensive restaurant) Upper East Side place we have enjoyed is Etats Unis, 242 E 81st Street, (212) 517-8826.

[Keithstg]

One pretty low key (for a moderate to sllightly expensive restaurant) Upper East Side place we have enjoyed is Etats Unis, 242 E 81st Street, (212) 517-8826.

I'll second Etas Unis - it is excellent, just east of my old neighborhood (not that it matters to you), and won a Michelin star in the first Michelin guide to NY. I would call to make reservations - despite the city being nearly deserted on August weekends, the place is small. There is also a wine bar across the street that has its own menu, and does not take reservations.

[Gubeen]

I'll be in NYC with family this weekend, staying on Roosevelt Island. We're looking for a few casual eateries that could accomodate a group of 6. The places need to be convenient to Roosevelt Island (i.e. Queens and the Upper East Side, I think?)-- we'll have my pregnant-with-twins cousin, who won't be in the mood to schlep all over the city in this heat, even for a good meal. We are really looking for low-key and simple, and preferrably not Chinese, sushi, or a deli. I'd appreciate it if we could get a few recommendations of your favorite places that would fit the bill.

I tried to think of places that I like that are close to the F train which leaves from Roosevelt Island.

I think that Katz's would be perfect. It is only about a 20 minute subway ride (airconditioned) and is about a 5 minute walk from the F train which you can get on Roosevelt Island.

Otherwise, I would try to get a reservation at Five Points in Nolita which can handle a party of your size and has a really good brunch. They are about 3 blocks from the F train. www.fivepointsrestaurant.com This restaurant is owned by the same people who own cookshop. It has a very good menu and uses a lot of organic produce. Brunch is very reasonable, service is good. You shouldn't be disappointed.

[silentbob]

I am heading up next weekend. Has anyone ever been to Blue Ribbon (the regular restaurant, not the bakery or sushi joint)?

Reviews on The Other Board are sparse, although all the comments seem to be positive, especially regarding the marrow and steak tartare.

[DC in DC]

Thanks Gubeen, Keithstg, and dcdavidm for the recommendations. Unfortunately, we didn't venture into Manhattan, thanks to inertia and issues with the F train (could only go into Manhattan but not back into Roosevelt Island) and ended up in Queens for twice-- Anna's Corner (Greek) and Jackson's Diner (Indian)...both were decent, low-key, budget places, but next time, I will try your suggestions!

[ol_ironstomach]

I am heading up next weekend. Has anyone ever been to Blue Ribbon (the regular restaurant, not the bakery or sushi joint)?

Had dinner at their Park Slope location a few weeks back, and found it to be surprisingly un-special. I had the fried chicken / fried catfish combo, and while everything was tasty and well-made, I found nothing compelling about it. My plate might as well have come from the Silver Diner (which I enjoy...it's just not fine dining). Prices were moderate, portions were generous.

If I might indulge in a couple of tangents, their sushi joint is excellent. And assuming you're going to BR's west Village location, you'll see the delectable Mas next door. In my previous quick-take, I neglected to mention that Mas is open until 4am six nights a week, gaining it a reputation for being a place that other chefs hang out at once they've closed up their own kitchens for the night.

[Gubeen]

I have now had 2 completely unmemorable meals at Blue Ribbon restaurant and say give it a pass. There are many better restaurants in the same price range. What made you think of it? Are you looking for something in that price range, location, style?

[Angelicatt]

I am heading up next weekend. Has anyone ever been to Blue Ribbon (the regular restaurant, not the bakery or sushi joint)?

Reviews on The Other Board are sparse, although all the comments seem to be positive, especially regarding the marrow and steak tartare.

Blue Ribbon is great - loud but the food is great especially late night - all the foodies end up there after the other restuarants close

[mtpleasanteater]

I will be in NYC soon and would appreciate information on the following restaurants-

Upstairs at Bouley

Momofuku Noodle Bar

WD-50

Bouchon Bakery (I have a reservation at Per Se)

Also, is there a version of DonRockwell.com for NYC? Egullet seems OK, but is surprisingly inactive. Is there something I'm missing?

Thanks.

[ol_ironstomach]

I will be in NYC soon and would appreciate information on the following restaurants-

...

WD-50

Fascinating place. The food challenges you...some items will completely delight the chemistry nerd in you, others you'll probably acknowledge as impressive technical accomplishments but not so great to eat, and then there are a few things that will just leave you puzzled.

Personally, I think the trick to WD-50 is to sample the regular items, but go for broke on the desserts. As good as chef Dufresne is, pastry chef Sam Mason is a f*'n genius in my book. Heat-stable lemon curd. Pumpkin seed cake with chocolate soil...how does one create such a combination out of whole cloth?

[mtpleasanteater]

I think Sam Mason left/is soon leaving to open his own place & the desserts are now made by the former pastry chef of Alinea in Chicago.

[silentbob]

I can't tell from this article when Sam Mason will be leaving, exactly. If it isn't before next Friday, we'll try to make it down to WD-50 for dessert after Blue Ribbon, because they were phenomenally good the first time I ate there.

http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/07/26/dining/26off.html

I have now had 2 completely unmemorable meals at Blue Ribbon restaurant and say give it a pass. There are many better restaurants in the same price range. What made you think of it? Are you looking for something in that price range, location, style?

You may be right, though I hope for my sake that you're wrong! My friend in NYC recommended it and because we've had great meals in the past (e.g., Cafe Boulud, Annisa, WD-50), I'm reluctant to overrule her at this time. Our first choice was Babbo but it's booked solid, not surprisingly.

[Pool Boy]

I am meeting with a vendor of mine in NYC on Monday with offices right on Time Square. Lunch is included and before I suggest db Bistro Moderne again, I thought I'd see if anyone else has any suggestions for another place to try that is is the same general area. TIA

[Keithstg]

I am meeting with a vendor of mine in NYC on Monday with offices right on Time Square. Lunch is included and before I suggest db Bistro Moderne again, I thought I'd see if anyone else has any suggestions for another place to try that is is the same general area. TIA

Not right in Times Square, but within a short walk, I'd try either Town (56 bet. 5/6), LCB Brasserie (formerly Le Cote Basque - an old school NYC legend turned into a brasserie - 55 bet. 5/6), or The Modern, (53 bet 5/6). I've not yet been to the Modern Dining Room, but the Cafe/Bar was worth the trip. Town would be the pricer option between the three.