RCC's Profile
Upselling wines
First, rarely have I felt that I’ve been up-sold wines in NYC establishment that I go to. I usually describe to the sommelier what I need/want to drink or ask for recommendation(s) considering my ordered dishes, plus I ALWAYS provide the ballpark price that I’m willing to pay for the bottle(s) or a glass. I would say that 75% of the time, I was actually down-sold to the low or less than low end, of my stated budget. Plus, the sommeliers in NYC restaurant will always provide a sample taste, mandatory if a bottle is purchased, or just so I can approve the by-the-glass choice or recommendation.
I’m sorry that you had to fork over more money due to your wines, but I think asking for the price beforehand is fundamental. My wine ordering process, be here in my hometown of NYC or somewhere abroad, is to ask for the producer’s name, region, varietal and vintage, and I MAKE SURE that I’m told the price(s) of the stuff that I’m about to quaff on before they pour it into my glass. Last thing that I would like to happen after a meal is being left holding the bag after being unknowingly poured a glass of a 1947 Cheval Blanc and suffering the consequences when the bill is presented.
Nutella from Italy
Are you sure?
I just googled a few local merchants that sells Nutella advertised with "MADE IN ITALY".
Nutella from Italy
http://www.cerinicoffee.com/Nutella-Large-750-gr-Glass-Jar-MADE-IN-ITALY.html
As far as I can tell from the website they will ship to your hotel or wherever you will be staying at.
Nutella from Italy
Is it something that you need to buy in Manhattan? I googled and you can order from US-based stores that will ship. One store came up at $9.50 per 750 jar.
Large group dining in Rome
Yes, reservations are necessary. We had a 14-member family reunion during the last holidays in Rome/Venice/Florence. With exception of very few, all meals were reserved in advance and glad that we did because tables were set aside. It'll be hard for all of you to sit together, or even find any table, at good restaurants or pizza places.
Crispo....Again?! Other moderate places for 5?
Calling restauranst may be the better way of reserving for 5.
Aldea or Hearth?
Hearth.
Food at Hearth are better prepared with carefully-chosen ingredients. Better wine list too.
Minetta Tavern - Photography Now Banned
"... a prohibition against non-flash photography is itself rude and intrusive. I might have some respect for it if restaurants also banned people from texting, checking messages, or using cellphones on the premises."
+1
Sunday in NY-lunch before plane to Europe-Upper East Side
"I've been to Café d'Alsace and find it passably good. It's not a destination restaurant by any means - more of a neighborhood standby - a step or two up from a diner."
I agree.
Pop Burger (9th Avenue/Chelsea) review
Nothing wrong with your review, or for that matter, a White Castle review if in case anybody wants to write one.
Haven't been to Pop Burger, but at least now I have some idea about it.
Sunday in NY-lunch before plane to Europe-Upper East Side
One of our favorite bakey in the city is along 2nd Ave near 86th. Two Little Red Hens. Lots of goodies available.
http://www.twolittleredhens.com/
visiting NYC - question about reservations, and itinerary check
Artichoke on McDougal has plenty of seating.
Recommendation for early June visit
No, Gramery Tavern is NOT too good to skip. While it's just 2 dinners over the course of the last 8 months, but both meals got us thinking how this place had not been able to keep up with past culinary successes.
If you are still willing to venture slightly north of Canal, Minetta Tavern should be considered.
Place with good charcuterie (bonus points for great terrine!)
I just had lunch today and definitely sure that the Terrine is available for lunch. It was ordered by somebody in my group. I don't see it on the dinner menu online.
When was the last time you went there for dinner?
Place with good charcuterie (bonus points for great terrine!)
The oxtail and foie gras terrine at Minetta Tavern is very good. Served during lunch only.
Looking for a good recommendation for solo dining spot in NY (preferably new and notable)
+1 on calling MT as"French". It's one of the best, if not the best, bistro food in the city today, imho.
Torrisi's Newest Chef's Tasting Menu: Review + Photos
Not sure if I find the concept interesting. More like confusing. It's a restaurant with "Italian Specialties" on it's name and none of the foods and wines are.
Torrisi's Newest Chef's Tasting Menu: Review + Photos
I've eaten at Torrisi once before and I didn't bother to look at their list as somebody else was paying and taking care of the wine ordering.
Thanks for the information ukitali, and now that I've looked up their online list, you're absolutely right, it's entirely American. I'm with you, as their wine list does not provide much of an encouragement for me to go back with my own wallet at stake.
Torrisi's Newest Chef's Tasting Menu: Review + Photos
"Italian food in New York City is terrible."
To much uber-deneralization there, I'm afraid. You gotta get out of Little Italy to get much better Italian ... even better than Torrisi, imho.
Here's a question:
Were the wines in your review the suggested pairing by the restaurant? If so, was there a reason as to why it was limited to American wines?
Mustard...the fresh wonderful French kind...where to buy?
Will be hard to find anywhere in the US.
It's always worth the15 minute wait at the Maille store in Place Madeleine for some truly great mustard.
Casa Mono - Amazing Spanish Tapas made with the help of men and 'heaven'!!
" Casa Mono may have a few dishes that bear resemblance to certain Catalan dishes, but it does not remind me of Cal Pep any more than it does any number of other Barcelona eateries, and eateries in other Spanish cities as well. It certainly looks nothing like Cal Pep. To me, anyway"
Me too.
However, Casa Mono have always stated that they serve raciones.
Casa Mono - Amazing Spanish Tapas made with the help of men and 'heaven'!!
"... we arrived for our lunch date at Casa Mono over 40 minutes late and way past 3.00 pm!! Upon sitting down, it suddenly dawned on us that our late arrival was a ' God send ',..."
Totally agree about the good timing. We've always preferred our past 2pm lunches at CM as the place is not super-crowded (as it ususally is during peak eating hours) and we feel more relaxed and order as we dine (a la real tapas places in Spain), with a lot more positive attention from the wait-staff and/or bar-keep, when sitting by the bar. One lunch where I had fond memory of CM was eating by the bar and ordering different wines by the glass to try and pair with our dishes.
Inexpensive Restaurants in the Theater District?
Or if you you really want to go cheap-as-cheap-can-be, then the mix up the above suggestions and go to China Gourmet along 8th Ave.
If you do go, just make sure to wear the stuff that you won't plan on wearing again until after they're washed.
Trip report and thanks.
Thanks for reporting back. Good to know that you enjoyed your dining times while you were here.
Where to find Ube, purple yam
Before buying and taking any fresh yams, I suggest you check if Customs will allow you to bring them to Vancouver (assuming you meant in Canada).
Restaurants in Chelsea
Not Italian nor American, but La Nacional on 14th serves pretty good rustic Spanish (real Iberian stuff) dishes.
Also, Jeanne and Gaston along 14th for some good French foods.
Bargain dinner in Manhattan?
To get a reference point and just so you don't get steered into non-bargain dining, where did you eat at before in Manhattan?
