Suggestions Re: SAT 6/14/08 Near Jacob Javits

@RGR: West Bank was mentioned by a member of my Thrifty Gourmets Meetup Group. Thanks for endorsing the recommendation.

NYCinephile in Manhattan

Suggestions Re: SAT 6/14/08 Near Jacob Javits

Thanks, RGR! Keen's did look pricey.

I've passed the link to Gelsi on to my colleague....

NYCinephile in Manhattan

Suggestions Re: SAT 6/14/08 Near Jacob Javits

@LeahBaila: Thanks! Someone recommended Keen's burgers to me a few weeks ago....

NYCinephile in Manhattan

Indian on 6th St. that doesn't suck?

Brick Lane Curry House

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Brick Lane Curry House
306-308 East 6th Street, New York, NY 10003

NYCinephile in Manhattan

Suggestions Re: SAT 6/14/08 Near Jacob Javits

I need to tap into Chow's"hive mind"....

I need to make a reservation as soon as possible that meets the following criteria:

Saturday, June 14
8 PM, approximately
4 attendees
Business dinner
Located reasonably near the Jacob Javits Center
Menu that includes a variety of options...beef, seafood, poultry and vegetarian
Atmosphere conducive to quiet conversation
Reasonably priced

I'll value any first-hand recommendations (not search results) that Chowhounders can provide.

Thanks!

NYCinephile in Manhattan

Flay to Open Bobby's Burger Palaces?

This was reported in a Conumer Reports newsletter that I just received:

"The 43-year-old Flay is so enamored of hamburgers that he’s planning to open Bobby’s Burger Palace, a chain of eateries with several locations in the greater New York City area."

Does anyone have any additional details? Will Bobby challenge diners to a throwdown as they enter the restaurant?

NYCinephile in Manhattan

Krispy Kreme

As MMRuth says...DEFINITELY closed. It's been replaced by either a shoe store or a yoga studio.

NYCinephile in Manhattan

Best coffeeshop in Midtown?

I enjoyed a very flavorful cup at the Juan Valdez on...57th St?...between 2nd and 3rd?...about a year ago.

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/29/business/worldbusiness/29coffee.html?ex=1385442000&en=93e3ec4c3125d62d&ei=5007&partner=USERLAND

NYCinephile in Manhattan

Krispy Kreme

>i wonder if their reaction to the transfat ban was to close their stores that sold fresh donuts?<

I believe KK rapidly expanded on the basis of the popularity of its one product line, and then found itself burdened with debt and excessive operating expenses when the tide turned against unhealthy treats. A search of Google News's business section should provide you with more background regarding the company's misfortunes.

Starbucks now finds itself in a somewhat similar position....

NYCinephile in Manhattan

Krispy Kreme

I'm following up on bosox's comment. I walk that stretch of 3rd Ave on the way home from work almost every evening, and haven't noticed that the Krispy Kreme has closed. I'll post an update sometime this week.

NYCinephile in Manhattan

Pistachios

I believe that Whole Foods and Eli's carry pistachios. You might also check Sahadi's in Brooklyn Heights.

NYCinephile in Manhattan

Best thai (lunch)

@cimui & nativeNYer:
>feedback on jaiya, good or bad!

I hosted a group of six pepperheads in a field-test of this restaurant close to a year ago. We thought that our dishes lacked subtlety and that the chef simply piled on the hot peppers.

NYCinephile in Manhattan

soft shell crabs

I dined at NY Noodletown and sampled its soft shell crabs for the first time about two weeks ago. They were pretty tasty!

NYCinephile in Manhattan

Fly Me to Some Rum, Mon!

>I am assuming you don't mean light or flavored rums but premium sipping rums.

That's right. :)

>If you do want an extensive list of rums to choose from, Brandy Library is the best spot that I know of. Here's a link of their selection....

Thanks for the tip!

NYCinephile in Manhattan

Wildwood BBQ

@Gtopp: What's your estimate of the cost of a decently-sized meal for one?

NYCinephile in Manhattan

Best Latte or Cappucino

>Where do I go when I'm out of beans?

I recommend Oren's Daily Roast and the coffee department at Whole Foods. I particularly like Papua beans from the former, and the Red Sea Blend from the latter.

NYCinephile in Manhattan

Wu Liang Ye - Lex - underwhelming

>I have never had hot pot so i can't compare it to any other place.

Check out Grand Szechuan on Canal St. I've sampled its hot pot four or five times and never been disappointed.

NYCinephile in Manhattan

Fly Me to Some Rum, Mon!

Which restaurants or bars in Manhattan offer rum "flights"...the opportunity to sample five or six different rums for a fixed price?

NYCinephile in Manhattan

Cozy, Romantic INDIAN Restaurant for First Date

Vis-a-vis abud's recommendation of Vatan: I passed by the restaurant recently in a cab. I remember noting that it looked as if it had closed (another victim of rising rents along 3rd Ave?). You may want to confirm that it has a working phone number.

I recommend Brick Lane Curry House...although it's often crowded, it has intimate-feeling spaces and offers flavorful dishes delivered by friendly servers.

NYCinephile in Manhattan

Upper East Side -- Recommendations anyone?

I'm seconding thelunchbelle's nomination of Beyoglu. I've always been satisfied when I've taken out its appetizer (mezze?) platter and grilled chicken. The restaurant is fequently crowded, though, and I've been told the servers rush you through your meal.

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Beyoglu
200 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028

NYCinephile in Manhattan

Upper East Side -- Recommendations anyone?

I second UES Mayor's endorsement of Pig Heaven. I take out its BBQed pork butt and dry-sauteed string beans at least once per week. Be forewarned though: while the string beans are almost always fresh and flavorful (a treat for garlic-lovers), the quality of the pork butt can vary. If you take the time to get to know Nancy Lee, its manager, and her staff, you'll be rewarded with warm smiles and gracious service.

I also recommend Totonno's for pizza (the margherita with pepperoni and onions) and Taco Taco (the spicy chicken soup and pork cutlet sandwich).

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Taco Taco
1726 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128

NYCinephile in Manhattan

Upper East Side -- Recommendations anyone?

@MMRuth: Please tell us more about Ichi Ro. My standby for sushi rolls is Tsuki, but I'm always on the lookout for alternatives that offer tasty,affordable options.

NYCinephile in Manhattan

Trip Report

I hosted a group of eight Meetup-ers @ Excellent Dumpling House last night, on the basis of the review currently posted in the New York Times. Most of us were fairly disappointed...many of our dishes were greasy, with somewhat stale ingredients and unexceptional flavoring.

Big Wong King and NY Noodletown have been our favorites so far.

NYCinephile in Manhattan