finisterra's Profile
Fun Manhattan challange
In Caracas and other Venezuelan cities there are many arepas bars. These are popular eateries that make arepas from scratch and have sometimes dozens of possible fillings (much like delis in new york). You go up to the counter and choose what fillings to put in. They are really yummy. This restaurant's arepas are quite the real thing with a crunchy/chewy crust and delicious fillings.
Fun Manhattan challange
FWIW, I concur with rose water. Caracas Arepa bar is way superior in my estimation. I have spent a lot of time in Venezuela and can attest thereto.
Pre-Theatre Dinner (Indian, Turkish, South American)
I highly recommend Taboon (middle-eastern). The bread only is worth the visit!
Help! Where can I find good Kuih in NY?
I know of a small store in Flatbush where they sell it, but it's too far from Manhattan for me to go on a regular basis. It's also sold (only one or two varieties) in the thai grocery in Mosco St. in Chinatown, but is not that great. Does anyone now where can I find a wide variety of good quality Kuih in the city???
Dinner & Drinks near E. 4th & 2nd Ave?
Itzocan (9th St. and 1st Ave) is my favorite Mexican in the city. Either of the Momofuku restaurants is a good choice (but you may have to wait for a table). Cuscina de Pesce right at 4th and 2nd is a good value and food is good.
Magnolia Bakery
What can I say. We have more than our fair share of lemmings in NYC.
Fun Manhattan challange
That wouldn't be cheap (just the sandwich is ~$25 - for that they could go to the Jean Georges prix fixe)
restaurant week recommendations?
I'd avoid RW altogether - you'll be fighting crowds, rushed by waiters, and having less-than-stellar food from typically good restaurants.
If you must, from your list I'd pick Tabla, Artisanal, and Cafe des Artistes. I would not even consider Blue Fin, Django, and Spice Market.
For vegetarian, you can't go wrong with Gobo.
Fun Manhattan challange
For the prix fixe take her to Gotham Bar and Grill (it's $20 each!) or La Palapa in the West Village ($10ish?)
Holes-in-walls are difficult to come by in Manhattan, you typically get what you pay for. In Flushing (Queens) I would highly recommend Gu-Shine (cheap and perhaps on the best chinese restaurants east of the Mississippi!). Back in Manhattan I would try Itzocan for Mexican in the East Village (my favorite Mexican restaurant in NY). Finally, Meskel (Ethiopian) in the East Village.
Is Cafe Pushkin (Moscow) really that expensive?
We spent about $100 per person, not including wine. The food was good. People-watching was the best part of the experience. However, this is the type of upscale restaurant that can be found in any large world city (New York, Paris, London, Tokyo, HK, etc.). For a truly memorable experience I recommend you go to the Central House of Writers, where the food is outstanding as is the service and the location (I had the best sturgeon I've ever had there!). Another unique choice is Shinok (Ukrainan), which is extremely bizarre (it has a courtyard with live animals INSIDE the restaurant!!!) but where you can sample really good salo, which is raw pig fat cut in squares.
Where do I find Kuih Kuih Steamer in NY?
I want to surprise my partner with his favorite dessert: Malaysian sweet kuih kuih. I've been able to find all the ingredients in Chinatown (tapioca flour, green bean flour, even pandan leaves!), but I have yet to find a steamer to cook with. I am sure I will be able to find the steamer in NY, but I'm not really sure what to look for. I would be very grateful if anyone could post a link to a photo of the kind of steamer I need to make this delicious dessert. Do I use a large wicker steamer with an aluminum tray? a big aluminum steamer?
HELP RIVERSIDE COUNTY RESTAURANTS? no chains
All you need is a little coal grill that'll cost you $10 at a kmart. No kitchen needed. For restaurants, drive to LA or Orange County. There's plenty of good ones there. In Riverside you'll be disappointed, especially noting the tenor of your comments on other boards.
Recommendations sought for an anniversary dinner - Seafood/Veggie Centered
Alfama is a wonderful small portuguese restaurant in the West Village that specializes in fish.
looking for banana leaf
There's a small (botanica) bodega in Hell's Kitchen that sells them - 53rd btw. 9th and 10th I believe.
HELP RIVERSIDE COUNTY RESTAURANTS? no chains
Just buy a skirt steak, season with salt and pepper, throw it in the grill along with fresh tortillas. Make a salad with avocado and butter lettuce; and candied citrons and vanilla ice cream for dessert. For less than $20 you'll have a meal that'll be more than memorable. Don't forget to throw in a few bottles of beer or icy diet coke. No need to spend big bucks if you have the right ingredients and loved ones with you. It's Riverside anyway.
east village options
The two times I've been to the Mermaid Inn, the food has been terrible, even though the service has been impeccable. I would recommend the Momofuku Noodle Bar.
Suggestion in RIVERSIDE? PLEASE- I am VISITING!
In Riverside nothing beats having a barbeque at home with your loved one as the sun sets. Stay in and enjoy!
