City Kid's Profile
Need the ambience says "Wow! We're not in Kansas anymore!"
I see your point about less accessible Chinese regional cuisines, but dim sum is pretty nonthreatening and mild, even to those who have only experienced their local Chinese restaurant in the hinterlands; every town has one. I wasn't suggesting highly spiced cuisines. Most people find it's a great experience, even for small children who are picky eaters and sensitive to strong tastes...The Oyster Bar is a real NYC institution, for limited items, but maybe a bit pricey for the OP.
Looking for breakfast, W. Stockbridge, MA area
I have to agree about the portions at Reva's, I have been unable to finish their huge breakfast plates on my own. Coffee is not a strong point there or at Martin's. Still, I love the atmosphere at both places, very homey. One favorite special at Martin's: a kielbasa omelet that is to die for (perhaps literally!).
Looking for breakfast, W. Stockbridge, MA area
Well said, rhoneranger! That's exactly why I like it...comfortable place, comfort food. It doesn't it any culinary heights but it's a nice hub.
Looking for breakfast, W. Stockbridge, MA area
You won't regret Martin's, a breakfast institution, and convenient for you (GB is a lovely town). But the most awesome breakfast spot I have found yet, especially awesome omelets, is farther north, in Pittsfield -- a place called Cafe Reva. It's a funky old-fashioned spot. Worth going out of the way for or bank it away for next time.
Anyone been to Lina Frey recently?
I ate there over the summer and really enjoyed it, thanks for reminding me to go back. Very sweet French servers, not too professional but who cares...it's a quirky, laid-back place. I believe I also had the grilled calamari, very good, and hanger steak, which I also enjoyed. Just the sort of little bistro I'm always seeking but are hard to find.
winter restaurant week
We had a terrific RW meal at Perilla two nights ago. Started with mussels with ham & chervil in a light riesling cream sauce; followed by braised goat neck atop quinoa with eggplant purée & greek-style yogurt; dessert was apple crisp with bourbon ice cream. Inventive, delicious cuisine, generous portions, and warm, friendly service. A hit!
Best mexican food in spanish harlem?
I'm a fan of El Paso Taqeria. There are a few locations, but my favorite, mainly because the decor is much nicer and it is spacious and comfortable, is the one on Lexington @104th St. Much more than tacos, some very good, authentic Mexican dishes.
http://www.elpasotaqueria.com/
ABV Wine Bar on UES/East Harlem
I've been meaning to try this latest development of a couple of very ambitious entrepreneurs. They are changing the eating scene in East Harlem, very much for the better. Thanks for the reports! I peeked in again after a first dinner at Judy's (Dominican) across the street a couple of nights ago...BTW: it was quite good, despite some weird and apparently inaccurate reviews on Yelp.
any seafood markets left in manhattan?
Last time I was at Sea Breeze (on 9th Ave, south of Port Authority) a few months ago it was still very good.
Need the ambience says "Wow! We're not in Kansas anymore!"
Hi want2go: If you are exploring around Chinatown (one last plug!) and want something to grab and go -- especially if the weather is nice enough to eat outside -- visit the remaining classic, century+ old places on Grand Street, namely Aleva Dairy and Di Palo's, for outstanding Italian antipasi and hero sandwiches. They are both fabulous, and Aleva has the best homemade smoked mozzarella anywhere, made fresh everyday! May be interesting alternatives to pizza and chicken fingers.
http://allevadairy.com/
http://store.dipaloselects.com/contactus.html
Need the ambience says "Wow! We're not in Kansas anymore!"
To each his or her own but I totally disagree. I have enjoyed dim sum at Jing Fong, Red Egg and other places. I choose what I like and have avoided "grease and grizzly mystery meats." And I think a variety of dumplings is a very safe bet for virtually any group.
Need the ambience says "Wow! We're not in Kansas anymore!"
We have taken many out-of-town, including foreign, visitors to Chinatown and it has always been a hit. Most impressed were a couple of post-college kids from Wisconsin, who were totally wowed. Just the new and exciting sort of experience they came to NYC for. That said, there are provincial people everywhere and some even live in Manhattan. Dim sum would be a pretty safe meal for the OP with no need to communicate with the waiters beyond pointing to what you want on the cart. The visual presentation makes it easy to steer clear of the chicken feet if that is too much of an experience!
Need the ambience says "Wow! We're not in Kansas anymore!"
Hi want2go: don't get the idea that New Yorkers are judgmental or unfriendly. We are proud of our city, happy to share ideas about restaurants, and very happy to welcome tourists who spend their hard-earned money to visit. I do hope that, especially with the large group and the kids, you will give one of the banquet places a try for dim sum. So much fun, so delicious, and a real NY experience. Have fun planning and report back to let us know what you enjoyed!
Most opulent, lavish brunch in town?
Is the brunch at Terrace in the Sky good? I've had a couple of dinners there and found both the food and service mediocre, perhaps student waiters.
The Modern Bar Room - portions
Wow, can't imagine they would have such an off night there. I have eaten all of the dishes you mentioned, and others, and loved them all -- especially the tuna tarte. I would doubt it has changed in the year since you were there as I've been going over the course of several years and noticed no change. And the comment on the service really surprised me. Sorry you had such a bad experience.
Need the ambience says "Wow! We're not in Kansas anymore!"
One sort of place they don't have in Kansas that would be great even with a large group is one of the banquet-sized places in Chinatown like Jing Fong. Larger than a football field and if you do go for dim sum, women will be going around with carts of steaming food that should please everyone from the pickiest eaters to the most adventurous. A real NYC experience that even New Yorkers love!
http://www.jingfongny.com/
NYC Restaurant Week - Winter '12 - Top Picks?
Hi ellenost, did you see my reply to you on the other RW thread?
So funny, ellenost, I think I was sitting at the table next to you at Le Cirque last night with my husband and father-in-law!! I also found it very enjoyable with warm service and very good food. (Did you notice the identical twin young women who were bussing tables?) My grilled chicken with mushroom and tomato and the whispiest, crispiest fries was terrific, as was the chocolate fondant, hazelnut ice cream. Very enjoyable!
Greek Bakeries
MVNYC: Artopolis does sell a selection of their stuff wholesale to some places in Manhattan including Champignon, which is near me on Madison & 96th St. Not sure about other outlets.
winter restaurant week
So funny, ellenost, I think I was sitting at the table next to you at Le Cirque last night with my husband and father-in-law!! I also found it very enjoyable with warm service and very good food. (Did you notice the identical twin young women who were bussing tables?) My grilled chicken with mushroom and tomato and the whispiest, crispiest fries was terrific, as was the chocolate fondant, hazelnut ice cream. Very enjoyable!
Greek Bakeries
My favorite is the highly rated Artopolis in Astoria. Quite elegant with a lovely cafe, too. The melomakarona (honey cookies) are to die for but everything is outstanding.
http://www.artopolis.net/
Fresh (fish but spoiled veggies) Direct - Why?
Count me among the lucky ones. Though Costco had filled a need for me that non longer necessitates FD so much, my experiences with FD have been generally good. Very fresh fish and the occasional problem with produce, immediately rectified, though most has excellent. Anything is possible, I suppose, but cat pee, as one poster says? Really?
Suggestions near Mt. Sinai Hospital
Can't agree on San Matteo -- my one recent experience was not a good one, undercooked, underdressed pizza and meatballs that were cold in the middle. For real Italian pizza plus a few specialties, a few tables but mostly takeout, I love Little Luzzo's on 96th between Lexington and Park.
Looking for upscale-rustic Italian + critique my lineup
Glad you agree - I find it totally charming!
Suggestions near Mt. Sinai Hospital
Yes and it's way more than tortillas -- terrific, authentic Mexican entrees.
Suggestions near Mt. Sinai Hospital
If you like good Mexican, try E Paso Taqueria on 97th between Madison & Park. Also good for takeout, including excellent desserts is Champignon on Madison between 96th & 97th. Best of luck!
Looking for upscale-rustic Italian + critique my lineup
It doesn't get mentioned a lot on this board, but I love Il Buco on Bond Street for upscale rustic Italian.
