I will be dining at The House Tues evening and would appreciate any suggestions for ordering/optimizing the experience based on your experiences. There will be 6 of us so we can try lots of different dishes. TIA.

I don't know if this applies, but we had a co party catered downstairs in the Jazz room.
Everything tasted very good though not luxurious. More casual, almost picnic fare. The salmon was great. Though, the serving size was very small--just asked for extra portions on the buffet. Salad very good too. Corn cobs, mashed, baby backs, chicken. Plus dessert. I have the sense that it is hard to keep the $ down. I didn't see bill though.

I did week day lunch there a few weeks ago and it was very good--eager to try it for dinner next. We also had the smoked salmon galette (could have eaten 2 more at least) and a great fish prep (not recalling what it was exactly). I liked the Vacation cocktail too (sweet and decadent).

HI RGR,
I just posted a request for a group dinner elsewhere and perhaps this might do the trick. Any more details on Kang Suh? Or have you posted elsewhere in more detail? Eve

I would appreciate suggestions for dinner for early September (so no book 1 month ahead options) to celebrate a good friend's 70th Bday. The rest of us are a wide range of ages and tastes. But, the guest of honor likes fairly quiet dining, nice decor, nothing too exotic but still fun and interesting. And not too dark--we all find it funny when we can't read the menus!!!
The rest of us would like about $50 - 60 per person after tax/tip with 1-2 drinks, Midtown to Downtown, not stuffy. TIA.

My favorite is Artisinal--the 24.07 prix fix is great or ala carte--so many choices and very yummy. At peak times, a bit zooey but I like to ignore and sit back and people watch (32nd between Mad and Park).

I like the VP at Roberto Passon, it is near the theater district (around 9th ave and high 40s). You can do a search here for more info

Cibo-41st and 2nd Ave--they have good prix fixe dinner for about $30--not sure if that $ is up to date. I suggest a reservation but if not, likely aok. They have great booths for 4-those need to be booked. Also, a few large tables.

Thanks, we postponed but I will look into these.

Or within 10 blocks--North or South...

I am having dinner with old and new friends after work tomorrow. We are on budgets but want to be able to have a drink or two, eat a good meal and relax and chat without being hurried. Some of us are out of work. I would like to use Penn as the point of area definition so some of us can easily come and leave via LIRR.
No particular cuisine other than good but not too spicy or heavy.
Thanks.

Last week Aureole celebrated it's 20th anniversary and it was a once in a lifetime dining experience (the special menu was offered for 2 days only). To note the occasion, one dish was selected from each year and served in tasting size portions (most were actually multiple tasting size portions so this was a full evening occasion--almost 4 hours). Multiple dishes were served as a course so it ended up at about 9 courses, perfectly paired wines too. (Menu is posted as of today on www.charliepalmer.com

Frankly, the last entree course I looked at longingly and then asked for it to be packed up since I would not do it justice at the time (though yummy for lunch the next day).

I appreciated that the staff made adjustments for certain food/wine type preferences.

Charlie Palmer welcomed each person with warmth and expressed appreciation of our patronage.

The food was incredible and clearly showed the consistency in performance over the past 2 decades. Alex, the maitre'd and Justin, the sommelier were wonderful and conveyed warmth and appreciation of our patronage over the years. The rest of the staff is warm and efficient.

While I only began dining at Aureole about 4-5 years ago, I look forward to another 20 years+, continuing when they move next year to 42nd and 6th.

Steak is good. Other entrees available. I rarely have cheese at my meal. But I tend to buy some to go on my way out.

Definitely not quick to go to Shake Shack. Suggest Metro Bar on 21st and Bdwy. Or L'Express on 20th and Park Ave South.

Best chopped liver in Manhattan, hands down, is Sarge's. Perfect blend of ingredients, without being mealy or pate tasting. I like mine a bit coarse with sauteed onions and detectable smaltz. I love Russ & Daughters, but only for the smoked fish. Sarge's is about 3-4 blocks north of 2nd Ave Deli (up 3rd Ave, same west side of the street). My favorite challah's are at Trader Joe's on 14th and 3rd Ave but the supply is inconsistent.

Punch, 21st and Broadway--a bit less pricey (and less crowded) than Avoce.

Not my first, second, third, etc. choice. Please repost a new topic for what cuisine/budget/atmosphere you have in mind--beside Serendipity.

Yes, make me feel old. I used to eat at Tokeubei at least 15+ years ago. I returned recently and was well satisfied. I will return soon when in the area.

Sorry, I fell off CH for awhile and never got back to your Vienna dining solo question. For myself, I need something--whether it be a book, a diary, a clipping I have been meaning to read. I may not sit the whole time reading but I can go back and forth from reading, watching, talking to the staff or neighbors. I recently ate in New Orleans solo and found enough to watch that I never read. Lunch is more comfortable but I do dinner and lunch solo if I don't want to miss out.

How were the burgers? I have always enjoyed them there.

I prefer the early side but more so 6pm and near theater, telling server of the curtain time (if 8pm). I like Roberto Passon and Marseilles.

Recently, I visited Aureole after a break in upscale dining. Wow, it was like visiting for the first time. Everything served was fresh, delectable and interesting. We were celebrating a Bday so we added an extra course to the 3 course dinner. I started with the refreshing cream of tomato soup with crab, followed by the seared foie gras prep (over and over again, I find the best preps here in NY), followed by a wonderful (not boring like some can be) salmon dinner. We were served a few extra desserts (Bday, candle etc) but my favorite was the Maple Corn Flan.

Service was perfect, as usual. The place was packed so make your reservation...soon.

My one time there (mid week), I also found the place noisy but as the evening wore on, it did quiet down--as did the after work bar scene. Food was so so. Nothing for me to ever return for.

I consistently have great Seared Foie Gras at Auerole. Every time it is perfect.

It is a real mix of table types. My suggestion is if calling, to ask/make a preference when reserving. I wouldn't consider it a small restaurant but it is not a large, rambling place either.

Tomorrow afternoon, with offices closing early for the holiday weekend, a friend and I wanted to have a late lunch/early dinner (meet at 2 or 2:30 pm) and catch up. We can sit for 2-3 hours nursing a 1-2 cocktails and not too expensive fare ($100 for 2?). We can meet anywhere from the hi 40's to 30's West side to about 5th Ave.

I would not like to hang out in a diner. We are celebrating a birthday too.

Any cuisine but Italian (just had) is fine. Not noisy also.

Suggestions are appreciated.

Not sure about the buying by weight. Can't hurt to call first. I think it is a hand slicer. and, the slices are thin. but, again. not sure if you can specify. It is perfect for me but each their own taste. Not sure about phone number but know they have a website. Prices online are not up to date though.

Besides R&D (don't laugh) I have had very good babka from Zaros bought at Penn Station and Port Authority

I have had this happen and called as well and told "no problem".

Russ & Daughters-on Houston, east of 1st Ave. The best!!!

Sarge's Deli on 3rd Ave and about 36th Street. I always ask for fatty end since this is more flavorful. And, their Pastrami (again, fatty) rivals that of Katz's. I haven't yet made it to 2nd Ave Deli though will shortly.