CGeats's Profile
No quality Moroccan in NYC? Seriously?
I used to love Lotfi's.
Zerza in the East Village is a joke.
Never been to Le Souk but from the numerous reviews I've read both here and on various sites say its best for drinks and party/bar scene and short on food.
I am eager to try Tagine Gallery but again, reviews here and elsewhere are spotty at best.
Where in NYC can I go for the Morocan "experience" and maybe belly dancing that ALSO has great food?
Is there no such place?
Bistro Lamazou?
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Zerza
308 East 6th Street, New York, NY 10003
Tagine Dining Gallery
537 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10018
Le Souk Harem
510 LaGuardia Place, New York, NY 10012
Bistro Lamazou
344 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010
Christmas eve: Chinese, Indian, Moroccan or 7 Fishes feast w/o rezzies?
Looking for unusual Christmas eve dinner
The Chinese should be -fancy- banquet hall ish. Something regal. What about the Lobby Bar at the Mandarin or Asiate?
OR
Indian but not on 6th street, also can't be Devi.
OR
Moroccan but must be festive, have belly dancers and great food. Le Souk? We will be with our 9 year old daughter so no drunk dancing on tables.
OR
Feast of the 7 Fishes without reservations?
I know, a tall order.
Ideas?
THANKS all!
Thanksgiving evening in Manhattan or Brooklyn- Vegetarian or Seafood?
Looking to do a special night out in Manhattan or Brooklyn on Thanksgiving night. Must be vegetarian or seafood based. Pre fixe is probably the way to go, but vege or fish. Vegan OK. Chinatown OK too but it better be -royal-. I realize it's short warning for reservations but looking for ideas...
Thanks!
Dessert for kids Birthday party in Hells Kitchen?
I'll have a party of 15 eight year old girls in Hell's Kitchen. After pizza at 2 Boots, where can we go, sit down for dessert/ cake/ice cream? We'll be on 9th and 44th.
What happened to Fairway??
I can't speak for the Plainview store, but the Brooklyn store is up to par. I do have my criticisms of this location but nothing quite on level with the above review of Plainview. Keep in mind when you say "I literally could've done better in a chain store!" that they -are- a chain. They are a family run, small chain. And each store has different managers and a different set of variables. As far as TV ads, maybe thats a LI thing. I can't recall seeing any here in NYC.
Again, sorry to hear about that store but there are many Fairways.
Burger place on Smith in old Patois spot
Odd that you'd review Ultimate Burger and Dogs fries.
THEY DON'T MAKE THEM.
My review from October:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/661965?tag=boards;topic-661965
Spanish or Turkish near the Whitney?
Friday dinner.
And its all about the vicinity. Been to all the places you've mentioned. Not close any of them.
Mothers Day in Brooklyn?
Mother in law is a traditional person but an adventurous eater. Would be just as comfortable with formal, old school white linen place as in a funky, trendy and hip . Want to book this now.
Bonus points for Cobble/ Carroll/ Red Hook/ Slope/ Ft Greene.
Spanish or Turkish near the Whitney?
Going to the Biennial this Friday and am looking for Spanish within reasonable walk/short cab.
Spanish: Malaga? El Porron? Solera?
I'm a bit scared of all 3 based on general online reviews, seem quite mixed.
Turkish: Uskudar? Beyoglu?
I prefer authentic atmosphere to trendy but if the food is better, trendy is fine.
Help!
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Beyoglu
200 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028
Uskudar
1405 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021
Solera
216 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022
Costco meat & fish trip report, not sure about quality & value
While I admire your dogged commitment to your local butchers product accountability, I've gotta say you've been duped. Local butchers really don't know where their meat is from. And that they would know that their ground beef comes from one piece of meat is absurd. They might have an idea of producers and root sourcing, they rarelty have that close a connection. CSAs and farmers markets are a closer connection. Local butchers? Rare.
And they usually don't live in the neighborhood.
Seeking superb 'food oasis' for my wife's 40th birthday - - > details enclosed
Boy is that a tall order. Can't wait for the responses!
Carroll Gardens vs. Cobble Hill CSA (Brooklyn)
oolah and BklynChicken,
"Sorry to sound snappy and sarcastic" means please excuse me if my comments -sound- sarcastic. Its not my intention. I too have been frustrated and curious what you find. I'm convinced that its not just weather related but that growers and wholesalers are cutting costs across the board in all markets.
Brunch with Parents in Carroll Gardens/Cobble Hill
I'll throw a peep in for Chestnut, but call ahead for 8.
Carroll Gardens vs. Cobble Hill CSA (Brooklyn)
Sorry to sound snappy and sarcastic but realize you are at the end of Winter season. Its pitiful. Also, there has been a lowered quality all around on quality veges. I've noticed it at every chain, every Mom and Pop and every indie market. I'd be surprised if any one CSA would vary that much in late February/early March. Best of luck!
Where can I buy Venison in New York City?
Staubitz on Court has it or can get it quickly. I'd ask Paisanos as well. Venison is best braised or stewed. Its not a fatty meat, needs a slow cook. Usually unless you are buying -premium- venison pieces, like a tenderloin, you are getting tougher meat. A long slow braise works wonders. If I remember correctly, braising with berries and red wine is a good combo. IF you are lucky to get venison steaks, pan frying works. Usually my budget only affords me the braising variety.
The Vanderbit ripping off The Wing Bar
"The Vanderbilt gets credit for something TWB has been doing for a while, "
And Dumont Burger in Williamsburg ( another " High Art" joint" ) gets credit for something ______________ (fill in the blank with any burger joint) has been doing for s while.
So what? There is a high art version of -everything-.
The Vanderbit ripping off The Wing Bar
Sorry but you can't patent a dish thats been an arab food staple for thousands of years.
Deep fried brussel sprouts? Yummy but how does the Vanderbilt doing the same dish 2 neighborhoods away constitute a rip off? What about the Wing Bar's onion rings, hamburgers and um, wings? Does Wing Bar have a patent on those? I'd say no.
No diss to Wing Bar; I've never been.
And Saul is a bit more than a short stumble away.
Where can I find Ajvar in Brooklyn?
Just back from Fairway. More brands and more vareities than my preferred Sahadi's. I got spicy Ajvar, which rhymes with "have jar" as in " have a jar in pantry at all times".
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Sahadi's
187 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Fairway Market
480 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Tanoreen- uphill alert!
I know it was my fault but....5:30 at a 1/2 empty resto turned away? I agree that its partially due to my raving ( not on Chowhound exclusively but I rave this place whenever I can ). I do reminisce of the old days when you could walk in there any day anytime before 7pm without a reservation and get a seat. My gripe is based in snobbery I guess. I probably won't go back if I have to make a reservation, at least not on a Saturday. I also remember DiFara when you could get pizza in less than 6 hours.
Tanoreen- uphill alert!
I arrived at Tanoreen at 5:30 last night, party of 3, looking forward to supporting Rawia's new restaurant location. The new spot is gorgeous, corner location, tons of windows and a full bar!
I was asked if we had reservations, which seemed odd for a party of 3 at 5:30 in a restaurant 1/2 empty. There were at least 15 tables open. When I said no I was told their first opening was at 9:30. Was there a hovering crowd of 5:30 diners waiting to get in? No. Were there empty tables pushed together waiting for a big party? No.
Tanoreen is not on Opentable nor do they take reservations on their website. As well, I've never recalled needing a reservation in the years I've been going there. Am I missing something?
Oh, how the mighty have risen.
Uphill alert.
Turkish- appropriate for Valentines date?
I'd like to take my wife out for Turkish and am looking for a combo of atmosphere and great food. It won't be on 2/14 but it will be a Valentines date.
I know the turkish players in NYC but many of them lack atmosphere.
Pera? Dervish? Turkuaz? Akdeniz? Pasha?
Tanoreen: NO downhill alert!
There were many mains coming out to our neighboring tables. They looked pretty inspired. Having Raiwa in the kitchen was reassuring. The place has a different vibe when she is around...
Tanoreen: NO downhill alert!
There was chatter of a possible Tanoreen downhill alert on the Sue Perette thread. I did myself a favor and got over there last night. To my delight, Rawia IS back in the kitchen and serving her usual fare of -perfect- authentic Middle Eastern food. Large portion, fresh ingredients and the infamous Tanoreen spice are mixed lovingly into all her dishes. My wife and I ate 5 app platters and called it a night: Musakkan, Labneh, Eggplant Napoleon, and the best Brusell Sprout dish I've ever eaten- fried and caramelized and chilled with tons of garlic.
If you read her reviews ( proudly and loudly displayed on the website and the walls of her restaurant) its hard to disagree with the superlatives. Its in a class of its own above the Atlantic Avenue baba houses, Zaytoons, Olive Vine, Fatoosh etc. This is food your Middle Eastern Mom would make, but better.
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Tanoreen
7523 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209
Sue Perette (on Smith between DeGraw and Sackett)
Tanoreen's uneveness? I'm going to ignore that comment as I owe myself a trip there. Its one of my favorite places in Brooklyn. Uneven alert?
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Tanoreen
7523 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209
Ultimate Burgers and Dogs- A treasure in the old Chicory space
I don't miss the fries and TTs are a great substitute.
They now have a veggie burger and its delish.
Ultimate Burgers and Dogs- A treasure in the old Chicory space
Boy has this neighborhood ( and Brooklyn for that matter ) needed this for a LONG time. I have been a repeat customer regular of this place since they opened a few weeks ago. I was reluctant to visit given the name but one day a few weeks back I ventured into this newly opened burger joint in the space which used to be Chicory( Degraw off Clinton. ) After my first meal there I'll reconsider the name as I did have a rather ultimate burger.
I've tried the beef, turkey and vege burgers and all are perfectly done. To test their grill skills I've ordered rare, medium and medium rare and each time was given a perfect burger to call. They don't serve GIGANTIC burgers ( all too common at the "gourmet" burger joints and they don't serve sliders ( all too common at the pub grub joints ). They serve a REAL hamburger, the American classic. There are a ton of toppings and sauces to choose from. The buns are old school, doughy, small and what they should be- a burger holder. No artisan bread bs, no ciabatta bs, no toast point bs....but a hamburger bun a REAL hamburger bun. The burgers are served with chips and slaw. For an extra buck you can get tater tots ( something more restaurants need to offer). Drinks are standard fare- Boylans, no shakes, no beer.
I've been there probably 10 times and have yet to get a hot dog so I can't attest but they sure look great. A place like this doesnt need a decor or service review but its super comfy and the cooks and staff are very nice. I wish them great success. I have a feeling they are going to be swamped once the word catches on.
Its always the simple fare that is rarely pulled off to such perfection.
Sue Perette (on Smith between DeGraw and Sackett)
I'll be droppingin as well.
Note: the menu on the CHB has been updated. Recent menu posts have the "coming soon" message.
Sue Perette (on Smith between DeGraw and Sackett)
I was unimpressed with their menu consisting of 3 apps and 5 entrees and a long -list- of entrees "coming soon". If you are going to open a restaurant, at least have your kitchen together to the point that you can actually offer some goods! As well, these apps and mains were on the expensive side, so it had better be good is all can say.
I'll give them a try but I'm shocked at how casually they are taking this.
Best upscale Spanish a short cab ride to Lincoln Center?
pssst, hey Coasts
" Spanish" as in food from Spain. " Upscale" as in um, upscale.
I love Victors but asking for upscale Spniash and going to Victors is like looking for sushi and getting Schezuan. Theyr'e both Asian, right?
Italian- Arthur Ave vs. Brooklyn
Just had an -awesome- dinner at Roberto's #2 , Zero Otto Nove on Arthur Avenue.
Can someone explain to this Brooklyner why NO Brooklyn Italian restaurant is on this level? Carroll Gardens? Bay Ridge? Bensonhurst? I have yet to find -any- old school Italian joint in Brooklyn even nearing what Roberto's does.
Why? Why do I have to leave Brooklyn to eat real Italian food?