digitalburro's Profile
Need resto recs for parent's first visit to NYC
My parents are coming to NYC to visit me and I'm looking for some guidance in selecting a restaurant for us to visit.
Price isn't a factor, but my parents are small town, down-to-earth people so I'm looking for something on the more casual end of the spectrum. The food should be what makes the meal memorable--this is a treat that they never, ever get so I want it to be unforgettable!!
One thought was Gramercy Tavern, although I've only eaten in the front room and I'm judging the "casual" factor by that--I think the main dining room is a bit dressier? I've never been to Union Square or Gotham B&G so I don't know if they would also fit this bill.
I was also thinking about Lupa (if I can get a reservation).
I've even thought about WD-50 just for the MG experience, but I've never been so that's a big gamble because I don't know if they'd be up for that much adventure :)
Any other suggestions for "sure fire winners" that might fit my requirements?
Late Night Post-Theater Best Street Food/Lounge - Dessert?
For dessert, Kyotofu hands down. We went there after a show and did their tasting menu and it's one of my top NY dessert experiences. Order a bottle of Kome Kome sweet sake and knock down some treats--everyone will have fun!
Best Delivery Upper West Side
I live across the street from Lincoln Center, and here's what we rely on in the delivery realm:
Chinese - The Cottage
Thai - Siam Inn NY
Indian - Sapphire
Comfort Food/Breakfast - Manhattan Diner
Sandwiches - Lenny's
Bagels - 72nd Street Bagel
Italian - Parpadella
Sushi - Matsu
Random Fav - Pita Grill of Hell's Kitchen
These are some of the best I've found in lower UWS--sadly we miss out on a lot of the good stuff in the 80s
Sunday breakfast Broadway & 77th
Second the recommendation for Good Enough to Eat. It's at Amsterdam @ 83rd so it's not far. The food is very down-homey and delicious, esp. for the price. It may not meet your definition of "nice" though.
Carrot cake on the UES
Two Little Red Hens
I know that doesn't meet your location requirement (they are at 86th & 2nd) or your time requirement (they close at 8pm) but the carrot cake there is really great (ok, so I had it in cupcake form, but it was still heavenly).
What is the best open-kitchen restaurant in Manhattan?
Another vote for Degustation. It's not just the open-kitchen aspect, it's the feel of intimacy that the space also brings. Add in the quality of the food and you have a winner!
ISO: A Cup of GOOD Cheap Joe
I work in midtown and I rely on the ING Cafe (yes ING the financial institution). The serve Peet's coffee, and a large is 1.50. They even have a frequent drinker card, I think it's every 5th cup is free.
where to find king cake???
A friend actually asked me this today, and I found this for him:
http://nymag.com/nymetro/food/features/10777/
Am I crazy for thinking that Magnolia cupcakes suck?
When I first moved to NY I went on a cupcake binge. Magnolia was by far the biggest disappointment--the most hype for the most pedestrian cupcake. I don't think they "suck" per se, but I do think they are very run of the mill (I liken them to cupcakes bought from a grocery store bakery).
I've made the cupcake rounds (although I have not tried SSS) and so far my favorite cupcakes are from Two Little Red Hens. I tend to agree with scarlet starlet--I'm not the biggest fan of buttercream frosting--and 2LRH uses cream cheese frosting on most of their cupcakes, so thats a large reason why I enjoy them so much.
Degustation
Ask them if they are doing two tasting menus. When we went, they had two distinct tasting menus so I got one and my girlfriend, the other. This allowed us to swap dishes as will and sample a much larger variety of what they had to offer. I really enjoyed the whole experience. I found the place to be "intimate" but charmingly so, and the staff were all very friendly. I look forward to another visit.
stanton social. thoughts?
Buy a reservation? What? No!
If you're DYING to try it, just call and opt for a later time.
We called just before the ballet one night and got a 10:45 reservation without any problems ON A FRIDAY.
Don't get me wrong, I loved the food, and I actually found the space to be fun, albeit a bit crowded. But I find the idea of paying for a reservation to be somewhat preposterous.
Borough Food and Drink for Brunch?
I went there for brunch a few weeks ago. A friend selected it, and so I came to CH to do my initial research. While I definitely like the concept of the restaurant, the posts here left me with a less than spectacular impression and some apprehensions about it's viability as a brunch option. My fears weren't assuaged in the least when I arrived and found a completely empty dining room.
HOWEVER, the space was inviting in a rustic sort of way, we receieved a warm reception (benefits of being the first diners of the day perhaps), and once food was on the table, I felt that I had to commend my dining partner on her selection. The food wasn't kiss-the-chef-on-the-lips good--I can't remember exactly what I had although I believe chorizo was involved and I've never met a pig I didn't like--but it was tasty.
If you want a good meal to help combat a hangover, I'd say it will fit the bill. If you're looking for a transcendent brunch experience, it may fall a bit short.
Cheesecake to bring on plane!
2nd for 2 Little Red Hens.
After I read Ed Levines list of "Best New York Cheesecakes"
http://edlevineeats.seriouseats.com/2007/09/best-cheesecakes-in-new-york.html
I decided to defer my typical cupcake selection and give the cheesecake a sampling.
I'm very glad I did as the cheesecake was light, creamy, but not excessively heavy. I think New York style cheesecakes gets a bum rap due to the typical density of the dish, especially those prepared by the ubiquitous chain restaurants, but the one I tried from 2LRH really broke that perception.
I guess I need to try this S&S place (I'm not familiar with it) to see how the two stack up.
The best place you have eaten in the past 4 weeks in Manhattan.
Degustation. The little lady and I each got a different version of the tasting menu, so we had quite the variety of dishes. Everything was good if not amazing. The only dish that I found to be a "miss" was the dessert that I had, the chocolate covered bananas.
Being such and avid cook, I really loved the layout and intimacy offered by the space, but I can see how some may feel it's a bit cramped. All in all, we both felt it was a wonderful meal--even though neither of us was "stuffed" and we wound up grabbing a late night hamburger later on :)
east 80's good place to study and have coffee
Seconded. Rohr's is a great study place--always seems like the vast majority of the customers in there are studying.
Degustation - Our Experience
Sounds amazing. I've got a reservation for next Saturday, and after reading this, I'm even more excited!
One NYC cupcake
I've tried Crumbs, Magnolia, Buttercup, and Two Red Hens.
Perhaps I'm biased being a UESer myself, but Two Little Red Hens always comes out on top. I actually think it's because I prefer icing made with cream cheese instead of the traditional and ubiquitous buttercream.
I recently flew back to Texas and smuggled several 2LRH cupcakes to take to all of my friends who have raved about cupcakes since Sprinkles came onto the scene in Dallas. Needless to say, I've been asked to bring more on my next visit :)
Good, authentic Mexican in Manhattan?
I just moved to NY from Texas a month ago. I desperately need answers to this question!!! :)
Best Carrot Cake
I've only had Two Little Red Hens' carrot cake cupcake, but if that's any indication, they make an outstanding carrot cake
