Bookistan's Profile
Nice Italian with tourists and a toddler?
Hi, we're taking out-of-town friends out on Friday night - a couple with sophisticated tastes as well as a rambunctious toddler. They would like a nice Italian place, preferably in Park Slope, Clinton Hill, or environs. Would love recommendations for a memorable meal where a toddler would be welcome. Maybe someplace with an outdoor garden or other nice setting? Or at least with tables spread apart enough so we won't bother neighboring diners. they had suggested Marco Polo but we've never been there and perhaps we can do better, food quality wise?
Nice Italian for tourists and a toddler?
Hi, we're taking out-of-town friends out on Friday night - a couple with sophisticated tastes as well as a rambunctious toddler. They would like a nice Italian place, preferably somewhere in lower Manhattan (Union Square, Tribeca, West Village). Would love recommendations for a memorable meal where a toddler would be welcome. Maybe someplace with an outdoor garden or other nice setting? Or at least with tables spread apart enough so we won't bother neighboring diners. Food should also be great but we are not expecting Babbo!
Methodist Hospital Brooklyn
Wow, I hope I'll have such a great friend if I'm ever stuck in the hospital!
Surfish
Agreed - somewhat under the radar particularly given the high quality of the food. I love the ceviche tasting - 3 of any of the ceviches on their menu. Almost too pretty to eat but it's always just scrumptious and they use impeccably fresh fish. We've never had a clunker there either and the service is very friendly and accommodating. I am no expert on Peruvian food, but this place is just great.
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Surfish
351 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Where to eat near BAM?
I've had a couple of very nice meals at Caffe e'Vino before BAM performances. It's charming and the food is really good. Crowded, and sometimes difficult to get a table but maybe OK at 5:30. And it's very close to BAM - a long block away - maybe just the ticket on a chilly night!
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Caffe e Vino
112 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Need Ideas for Private Party on a Friday night in Brooklyn
A couple of recommendations based on private parties I've been to - Bubby's upstairs room although it might be a bit large for your party size. However, great views of the Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan. Also, off most peoples' radar is Gallery Restaurant in Dumbo. They do a lovely job of setting up the space for an evening event; don't be fooled by the casual cafe vibe you'll find at breakfast or lunch. And perfect for your party size.
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Bubby's Brooklyn
1 Main St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
The Gallery
108 Jay St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Tamales, frozen, in Brooklyn?
Just my 2 cents on tamales - I like the F train place and it's a great choice if you live nearby. My only issue is that they are a bit hot - a little heavy on the chiles. But they are big and moist and quite good! We ordered a dozen from the place on 45th and when all is said and done, I think those are the best in Brooklyn.
Surprise weekend trip to New Orleans - where to eat?
What is the difference between Emeril's Delmonico and Emeril's New Orleans? I checked out the Delmonico site and it seems there are different dining rooms - is one considered the most festive of "special"?
We had lunch many years ago at the Old Coffee Pot; our first trip to NOLA. Still have fond memories and it might be fun to go back. Thanks for all the information!
Surprise weekend trip to New Orleans - where to eat?
Greetings New Orleans 'hounds from chilly Brooklyn. I am planning to surprise my husband with a birthday trip to New Orleans. It will be for a weekend in January.
I'd love recommendations for a great, great dinner. He loves steak - which I don't think is a big specialty in NOLA - but keep that in mind. Stellar service and special surroundings will help make this a perfect meal.
Would also love breakfast suggestions - not an over the top brunch but still something nice and fun. We'll likely stay in/near the French Quarter area and with our limited time, I'd prefer to not venture too far.
Price is no object.
Thank you!
Help, need a good restaurant in Dumbo
I like Jack the Horse in the winter. They have a cozy vibe and maybe a fireplace? It's one of your better options in the area While DUMBO has several restaurants, I don't think there's a single "destination" restaurant in DUMBO save for River Cafe and Grimaldi's, which is pretty much tourists only and with a ridiculous line.
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River Cafe
1 Water St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
Grimaldi's
1 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Jack the Horse Tavern
64 Hicks St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Brooklyn bridge marriott area
I work in the area and recently discovered Oh My Pasta, definitely a cut above the more mundane restaurants along Montague. They specialize in house-made pasta and while it is not amazing, it's definitely quite good. Nice, clean, modern atmosphere. Across the street is Armando's, truly old school Italian and very good!
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Armando's
143 Montague St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Oh, My Pasta!
142 Montague St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Seeking a steakhouse with pizazz
OK point taken; I was taken by the pictures of the rooms on their websites. But absolutely, we're going for the meat...
Seeking a steakhouse with pizazz
thanks so much for all these suggestions. What do you all think of Frisco's and Capital Grille on 42nd St. ?
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Del Frisco's
1221 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020
Capital Grille
155 E 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017
Seeking a steakhouse with pizazz
Hi hounds, I need advice on a truly great New York steakhouse that meets the following criteria:
1, Absolutely stellar meat but also very good sides and desserts.
2, We are celebrating a BIG birthday so I'd like it to scream "special occasion" place. All things being equal, I'll pick a place with elegant decor over, say, Keens or Lugers.
3. Anywhere in Manhattan, prefer midtown or points south.
4. Birthday boy likes correct, excellent service and we don't want to be rushed.
5. Money is no object.
All recommendations are most appreciated! Thank you.
Burgers in Brooklyn
Don't know Moo Burger but if you are on Court Street try Vinzee's Magic fountain. It's very good; they are making me eat burgers more than I should! At around 1st Street.
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Vinzee's Magic Fountain
412 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Bay Ridge
check out Piattini on 98th and 4th.. It's really a hidden gem. Excellent mostly Sicilian style Italian and yummy gelato!
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Piattini
9824 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209
Park Slope to Sunset Park area, child friendly rec with really good food - Please help!
La Villa has good but not great food. I find it to be reliable and a food value. The menu would please kids, and they are accustomed to big groups. Another possibility is Bogota especially if you go early.
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La Villa
261 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Bogota
141 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Sunset Park/Brooklyn
Lengua and carnitas (the low-cal stuff!). Yummy yummy yummy.
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Tacos El Bronco
4324 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220
Need really good takeout meatballs in Brooklyn asap
Brancaccio's meatballs are great but I would not recommend them for a sauce. If I recall they have a touch of sweetness (raisins or currants?) and I think they are best eaten as a dish in themselves. Looking forward to trying Forninos new meatball outpost in the slope!
Sunset Park/Brooklyn
Just had a casual dinner at Tacos El Bronco and I think they surpass just about every other Sunset Park Mexican I've been to for tacos. They are large, absolutely delicious, and beautifully presented, especially for the price. It's very casual but clean and friendly. Very close to your hotel so definitely check it out - you'll want to go again!
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Tacos El Bronco
4324 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220
Where's the best burrito in Brooklyn?
Calexico is an interesting choice. I think the food is really tasty, if incredibly caloric, but it's not an "authentic" burrito (difficult to pin down what this means because people from different parts of the US have a different take on what makes a great burrito). It's like a gentrified, hipsterized burrito. If you are looking for a San Francisco type burrito, you really aren't going to find it in NY. You'll find attempts, but nothing as good as what you'll find in the west coast. New York is really much more of a taco town.
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Calexico
122 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Calexico
645 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Outer Cape questions
Just back and I really enjoyed the scallop appetizer at Blackfish Grill in Truro. The scallops are served in a pool of creamy parmesan sauce. I know that breaks the "no cheese with seafood" rule, but this was really yummy!
And since Blackfish Grill was so noisy, I'm sure you could bring kids. There were some older ones when we dined; don't remember toddlers but we were dining pretty late.
Adrian's in Truro was always very kid friendly - families and groups always dine there. But now that they have a new chef and $30 entrees, I'm not so sure (although they do have a children's menu).
Restaurants that can host 120 guest weddings, with dancing
Check out Liberty Warehouse, a new venue in Red Hook.
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Liberty Warehouse
260 Conover Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Nutella from Italy: Where to find?
I'm not sure about in Brooklyn but Eataly should definitely have it - Fifth Avenue and 23rd St., and a real treat if you have not been there.
Need recs in Brooklyn for a 30th birthday party for 30-40 people..
How about Bubby's in DUMBO, they have a nice upstairs room with great views at night. I was there for a party for 50 and it was a great environment for this size group. If you'll have dancing then the size should be right, but you have to ask them about their music policy.
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Bubby's Brooklyn
1 Main St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
DUMBO General Store - so frustrating
OK but tell us what you don't like. Seriously I miss Hecho en DUMBO - that was one cool, fun place to hang out in the evening.
Scared to ask. Compatibility-Children and Convivium O?
I suggest looking harder for a babysitter and give yourselves a special evening out. It's one of the true romantic spots in the neighborhood and many there are enjoying a special night out, possibly also taking a break from their kids!
Wedding in brooklyn for 140pp - Prospect Park Boathouse or Montauk Club?
I'm not an expert on caterers but for 140 people, even with a fairly high-end caterer, it's not going to be fabulous - the food is being made in too great a quantity. But here's an idea, if your budget permits: invite a food truck to provide something special, like Calexico of Van Leeuwen ice cream. That could be a fun way to either begin or end the festivities, and will add some foodie cred' to your party.
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Calexico
122 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Wedding in brooklyn for 140pp - Prospect Park Boathouse or Montauk Club?
I've been to a couple of functions catered by Movable Feast and remember the food being quite good. Won't the parking at Boathouse be easier for your guests? That might also sway my opinion.
Dinner and New Year's in the Berkshires
I honestly don't know about the dancing part but figure more romantic and charming than young and hip. Mission might be among the most lively places, but it's casual; I don't see it as a super special destination place. Lion's Den, the casual tavern attached to the Red Lion Inn, will have live entertainment and definitely less stodgy than the Inn itself. You should also check out Jae's Spice in Pittsfield (a large pan-Asian restaurant that has a more urban vibe than many other restaurants. Have fun! The Berkshires may not be known for its night life, but it's a truly lovely part of the world.
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Red Lion Inn Restaurant
71 S Main St, Cohasset, MA 02025
