Upscale Italian for lunch/dinner: Marea/Scarpetta/Convivio?

I have only eaten at Convivio during restaurant week for lunch. We all found it excellent. I do remember someone ordering the pasta with pork ragu and they loved it. I can't remember what others had since it was some time ago, but the whole experience was great and every dish delicious. We all felt we would go back and really should now that I think about it. Waitstaff great and not pretentious.

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Convivio
45 Tudor City Place, New York, NY 10017

scanmike in Manhattan

Sho or Mas Farmhouse?

I am taking my boyfriend to either of these for his 32nd birthday. Any imput on either would be appreciated. I had considered EMP, but felt it was a bit out of my budget. We love good food and new experiences.

Thanks,
Sarah

scanmike in Manhattan

Short Notice Lunch for Sat. Please Help!

bump for any other ideas

scanmike in Manhattan

Short Notice Lunch for Sat. Please Help!

Yep, Nougatine also booked. Waiting list for both are long.

scanmike in Manhattan

Short Notice Lunch for Sat. Please Help!

Hi,
My daughter's future mother in law and sister in laws are coming to the city this Saturday. My daughter, who lives in SF, asked me to meet them for lunch. They are staying somewhere in the 50's and they mentioned Columbus Circle. They want to meet for lunch on Saturday. Not too expensive as they have two wedding to plan this year and I know money is an issue. However, I would like good food. I tried Jean George but all booked up. Someplace cozy, nice atmosphere where 6 women can sit and talk and drink over lunch is perfect. I was thinking of Fig and Olive on 52nd. Heard good reviews from people at work. Any help would be appreciated. Short on time obviously. Thanks in advance.

scanmike in Manhattan

Eleven Madison Park or Gramercy?

I am looking for a restaurant to celebrate my birthday in Feb.. I have always wanted to try EMP but am concerned about reviews that say the waiters' fussing detracts from the atmosphere. I have been to Gramercy before, but not with chef Michael Anthony. I like the intimacy of the dining room as well as the food. Looking for great food and preferably not a pretentous atmosphere. While presentation is important, I don't want miniscule portions. Other suggestions are welcome.

Thanks

scanmike in Manhattan

Restaurant Week, help me decide.

Thanks for the input. You are right about being able to eat lunch at Fleur de Sel anytime for the same price. We don't get to eat out in the city that much so either way it will be a treat. I will leave the final decision to my daughter. Both have reservations open. I will let you know how it goes. Tamarind is out, even though we love Indian.

thanks.

scanmike in Manhattan

Am I crazy for thinking that Magnolia cupcakes suck?

I had Magnolia's once and felt they were just super sweet with alot of icing to make up for the lack of flavor. I used to bake for a store in Park Slope called Our Daily Bread, so I am pretty familiar with baking. I agree with two other posts about Downtown Atlantic having good cupcakes, especially the one that looks like the old fashioned Hostess (with the squiggly white line down the middle). It's super moist, flavorfull dark chocolate with a vanilla mouse type frosting in the middle. Not overly sweet. Also, Baked in Red Hook has some good brownies, peanut butter rice crispy treats. That being said, I am sure their cupcakes are worth trying.

scanmike in Manhattan

Restaurant Week, help me decide.

Thanks RGR. YOu have never steered me wrong yet. We are leaning towards Fleur de Sel also. Not much out yet on Convivio, but as you said L'Impero was supposed to be excellent. As long as the portion size is adequate, that's fine. Thanks for the info.

scanmike in Manhattan

Tamarind, Fleur de Sel or Convivio??

Going to lunch for RW and can't decide which to try.
Have never been to any of the three. Concerned about portion size because my husband is joining us and in the past some restaurants gave miniscule portions. Haven't been to a RW in 2 years, so I am looking forward to it, especially after being stuck in the house most of the summer with my husband, who is recovering from a bad car accident. Read many reviews and of course there are good and bad. I am more concerned about the food, not so much the service (although I hate snobby waiters, who make you feel uncomforable). Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks.

scanmike in Manhattan

Restaurant Week, help me decide.

Hi,

I am trying to choose between Fleur de Sel, Convivio and Tamarind for lunch next week. Has anyone eaten at any of the above? I am more concerned about the portions. My husband is coming and I don't want him to go hungry. Also, we hate waiters that are pretentious. And yes, we like all types of food.

Thanks,
Denise
.

scanmike in Manhattan

I need a decent restaurant near JFK Airport.

Don Pepe's is great. It's on Lefferts Boulevard, right near JFK. Ozone Park 135-58 Lefferts Blvd (149th). Amazing linguine with clam sauce, baked clams and veal Don Pepe. I believe cash only.

scanmike in Outer Boroughs

Best time to go to DiFiaras and pizza recommendation

Friday after sundown is a good time to go if you need parking. So is Saturday. I also recommend the square pie with artichokes. I had it once and still dream about it. He uses fresh artichokes, not canned.

scanmike in Outer Boroughs

quick dinner neart Court Street movies?

Not sure if you mean the Cobble Hill movie theater on Court.., but Fragole on Court and President is an excellent little Italian place with fantastic food and friendly atmosphere.

scanmike in Outer Boroughs

Fiore in Williamburg, Bklyn

Just wanted to let people know about this place. My husband saw a tv show that profiled the restaurant and he was intrigued, so last night we went. It was excellent. The place is very spacious and decorated in a welcoming Italian, cottage decor. Very pretty and comfortable. The staff was attentive, but not rude or overbearing. We arrived at 6, without a reservation and it was no problem.
For an appetizer, we shared a warm arugula salad, with grilled fennel and grilled calamari. It was such a simple salad, but the ingredients were so fresh and the calamari so tender, that I could have eaten this as an entree. That's really the essence of Italian cooking- simple and fresh ingredients. Really delicious.
I ordered the gnocchi special and I have to say our family are gnocchi snobs. I have tried all the places reviewed here and elsewhere that praise the gnocchi. Not sure if it was potato or ricotta gnocchi, but it was light, tender and I was almost able to finish the plate. The only thing about it was that they felt the need to top it with melted mozzarella, which wasn't needed. My husband had the lasagna bolognese, which he described as smooth and light. He is Italian by heritage and usually wouldn't order a lasagna since we make it all the time, but even though it's described as traditional, it wasn't. The sauce made the difference. Really delicious and generous portions. For dessert, I forced myself to finish a creamy lemon tart with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. The prices are downright cheap here..averaging about $10 for a pasta entree.Most of the pasta's were homemade. They also had a salmon and red snapper special, which almost tempted me away from the gnocchi. But I felt I had to go with the gnocchi because if it's good, the rest of their menu has to be. It's hard to get those pillows of pasta light and tender. We are definitely going back. Highly recommended. They serve wine, beer and mixed drinks. Sorry, but I didn't see the wine prices. Cash only is the one drawback.

scanmike in Outer Boroughs

Surprised by Tempo

Heard about Tempo and decided to give it a try. We don't live in Park Slope and have never been overly thrilled by the restaurants there. More hype than substance.
After reading some reviews here and on other sites, I was surprised by some people's over critical views of Tempo, in my opinion. I know everyone raves about Al Di La, and it was good the two times I was there, but not great. My husband has a dislike for it, that I can't figure out. Perhaps it is the no reservation policy, the tightness of the place making is not the most comfortable. I did have a rather mushy dessert cobbler there, but still feel it is a good restaurant.
We went to Tempo not knowing what to expect and were so surprised by the quality of the food, presentation, attentiveness of the service and quiet, relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. There is no comparison to Al Di La. Everything we have eaten there has been wonderful. The waitstaff is attentive without being snooty. The owner went through every dish explaining it in a way that made us drool. The food did not disappoint, nor did the extremely reasonable price. We have been back again this past week with the family. We all know good food and everyone was well satisified. Polenta, watermelon salad, goat cheese appet, duck rolls, orata, pistacio pesto pasata, chicken with Moroccan flavors,...all excellent. . Well worth going out of our way to go to. Highly recommended.

scanmike in Outer Boroughs

50th wedding anniversary dinner

Just got back from montreal. Went to L'express, Holder, a great little Italian place on St. Denis in the Latin Quarter called Amarone, and Bonaparte, where we stayed.
No question...Bonaparte was wonderful. We don't speak French and did not feel the least bit uncomfortable. Food was delicious as was service and atmosphere. We are in our 50's also. I think it's a great choice for your parents. BTW the ravioli stuffed with mushrooms in a sage sauce was truly delicious. They also serve great breakfasts for their guests in case you need a place for them to stay.

scanmike in Quebec (including Montreal)

Looking for Cozy Italian for Bday Celebration

Paprika's menu looks great. Thanks for the recommendation.

scanmike in Manhattan

Looking for Cozy Italian for Bday Celebration

Will check it out. Sounds good. Il Baggatto is closed that week unfortunately. Malatesta sounds good also. Doesn't take reservations though, but I am sure that will be okay.

scanmike in Manhattan

Looking for Cozy Italian for Bday Celebration

Hi,

My husband and I ate at Lupa once for New Years eve. Wasnt that impressed. Food was so salty. Maybe it was a bad night to try it.

scanmike in Manhattan

Looking for Cozy Italian for Bday Celebration

I know. I called. Too bad

scanmike in Manhattan

Restaurant Suggestions for 1st time Visitors to USA

Just to let everyone know who gave me ideas....it worked out great. Went to Marseille for pre-theatre and lucked out- the manager was Italian and helped translate. Also went to Ethos and not sure if they liked it-but we did! Thanks again to everyone.

scanmike in Manhattan

Looking for Cozy Italian for Bday Celebration

Checked out the website and the menu looks good and in the right price range.

Thanks.

scanmike in Manhattan

Looking for Cozy Italian for Bday Celebration

Thanks. sounds pefect. How are the prices?

scanmike in Manhattan

Looking for Cozy Italian for Bday Celebration

Hi,
My son (age 20) wants to take his girlfriend out for her birthday in Manhattan for either lunch or dinner . She lives in Rhode Island and is not that adventurous when it comes to food. However, she loves Italian food, especially homemade pasta (tortellini, gnocchi,) . Can anyone recommend someplace with a nice atmosphere and good food that won't break the bank. A nice summer prix fix would be ideal.

Thank you,
Denise

scanmike in Manhattan

Visiting Italians-Pre-Theater dinner rec.

Hi RGR,

I think I found the tour on a previous post. Thanks
I plan on taking them to deli's, steakhouse, etc. Plus I will do a bulk of the cooking. Just don't know what to do about that night of the theater. I am probably needlessly worrying. . .

scanmike in Manhattan

Visiting Italians-Pre-Theater dinner rec.

We seem to have like minds. I also forgot about him till yesterday and so I just checked out the menus of Roberto Passon, WEst Band and Marseille. I thought the same thing...Marseille does have a pasta and a hamburger. I was just wondering if the hamburger is good. My daughter just returned from Venice and she knows their eating habits better having spent time with them. She said the husband likes pastas and steaks and the boy likes pasta with pomodoro sauce or beef.. Le Bonne Soupe is fine.

Thanks

scanmike in Manhattan

Visiting Italians-Pre-Theater dinner rec.

Hi RGR,

Casual, budget and yes with my Italian visiors. If the cafeteria is fine, that will probably suffice. Also, keep in mind they have a 11 year old boy. A amazingly, well behaved boy who can withstand hours with adults. I have to check over West End Cafe's menu to make sure something will appeal to him. That's why I included Roberta Passon in my choices to you.

scanmike in Manhattan

Visiting Italians-Pre-Theater dinner rec.

It helps immensely. Thank you

You are a wealth of knowledge.
Any recommendations for lunch by MOMA?

scanmike in Manhattan