lfjacob's Profile
Engagement Party Ideas...
Although this topic has been discussed on Chow, I'm looking for some new ideas based on the following specifics. I'd like to throw an engagement party this August, for about 100 people, in a space that has an outdoor option (weather-pending). I'd like the party to have passed cocktails (or open bar) and passed h'ors d'oeuvres/dessert. In terms of location, we prefer something below 23rd street, east or west side are both fine. In terms of days/time, we're very flexible-Friday/Saturday night, or Sunday daytime work for us. We're not looking for something super trendy/fancy, just good food, good drinks, and a great vibe. I'm thinking that anything from a restaurant to a 'gastropub' or bar might work. Thanks for your help!
East Village/NoHo suggestions
5 Points, Cafe Gnocco, or Lavagna. All solid food, well-priced, great atmosphere, and not super noisy (5 Points being the noisiest, but my favorite of the 3).
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Gnocco
337 East 10th Street, New York, NY 10009
Lavagna
545 E. 5th St., New York, NY 10009
You're About to Die And You Only have $50
I am really really (really) into the Spaghetti Aglio Olio w/Pomodoro at 'inoteca these days (garlic, olive oil, crushed tomatoes, pepper flakes, with grated parmesan). It's unbelievably satisfying but simple, and done to perfection every single time. That, along with a glass of red wine and then a few City Bakery chocolate chip cookies, is heaven on earth... and possibly even under the $50 budget!
good food late night
I would 100% go for 'inoteca. I live right across the street and am there at least twice a month...the crostinis, pastas, and meats/cheeses lure me back time and time again. It is one of my favorites in the city, and the vibe is just right. Enjoy!
Pizza: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner, help requested
I would definitely try "Co." in Chelsea for dinner. We had two pies--the Popeye and Sausage/Mushroom, and everything from the dough (Sullivan St. Bakery provides the dough) to the sauce to the toppings were absolute perfection. I dream about that dough sometimes......enjoy the birthday!
Late Lunch in E. Village, Chelsea, etc.
Cafe Mogador (St. Marks between 1st and A) serves great Mediterranean food and has a casual and authentic vibe. Prices are definitely reasonable and there are lots of great starters to share followed by delicious entrees (my favorite are the various couscous dishes). Enjoy!
THIS saturday dinner for 15-20 in Flatiron/Gramercy
Pipa is a great option for groups. Delicious food and fun atmosphere along with awesome sangria.
Brunch date options
I just had a delicious brunch at "Supper" an adorable, romantic spot in the E. Village. They have unique brunch options (the Parmesan eggs are to die for) and provide a sauteed white bean and toasted bread to start. Highly recommended!
Food Tasting
I'm trying to plan a birthday dinner revolving around a sushi tasting or sushi class. Would like to keep it as intimate as possible. Any ideas? Has anyone tried "Foods of New York" food tastings? Was just googling around and came across it but can't tell if it's a tourist trap.
Friday Night Birthday 10-15 people, fun dinner spot-something along lines of tortilla flats maybe?
I recently went to a similar type of birthday celebration at Esperanto on Ave C and 9th st. It's Latin food, a casual and really loud/fun environment with a young crowd.
There's also Pipa which is an awesome tapas place on 19th between B'way and park. There are tons of food choices and the sangria is delicious from but it maybe be slightly pricier than Esperanto.
Finally, La Palapa which is one of my favorite Mexican places. There's an east village and west village location, but I prefer the east village one, on St. Marks bet. 1st and 2nd. Fun, young vibe as well.
Chelsea Sushi?
I used to live in Chelsea and liked to eat at Momoya which is on 21st and 7th and also Blue Ginger which is on 15th and 8th. Momoya has an especially cool atmostphere with open front windows in the summer and a modern, clean vibe on the inside.
First time in Chicago...3 Nights
We'll be staying around north Michigan Avenue and we are comfortable with public transportation as well as taking taxies (no limit on $ for that). We won't have a car and I guess more towards $80 including alcochol, $50 without. Hope that helps!
First time in Chicago...3 Nights
Hello...
So my family and I have never been to Chicago and we are taking a short 3 day, 3 night trip during mid-August. We're huge foodies and we lean more towards great local favorites rather than trendy names. What do you recommend for 3 lunches and 3 dinners? In general, our lunches will be more casual/quicker (we at least want to try some deep dish as we're coming from NYC and must compare!), while dinners should be slightly more upscale, solid food, and nice atmosphere. Japanese, Asian Fusion, and Mexican are not my parents' favorites, so recommendations leaning more towards Italian, Modern American, Steakhouse, Greek, and Mediterranean are more up our alley. Lunch prices should be moderate and dinner should stay below $50-$80 per person.
THANKS!
Manhattan First Timer! Help?!
I would tell you to visit either Gotham Bar & Grill or Gramercy Tavern....both are staples in NY in my opinion. I also love Telepan and Ouest, maybe not as high-end as you are looking for, but interesting, solid food for sure.
Best bread and butter basket?
Really not sure what I would say is best but this is a great Topic choice! Although it's definitely not the BEST I've ever had, Mesa Grill's jalapeno corn bread is to die for. Warm with a little butter melting on it....mmmmmmm.
Resturant needed for Anniversary Dinner.
I know they both get mixed reviews, but I had good experiences at Il Buco and Barbone. Particularly Il Buco if you request to be seated in the back room which is so quiet and romantic and gives you a nice view into the kitchen. I took my boyfriend there for his 25th birthday (he's a fairly tough critic of restaurants) and he absolutely LOVED it.
Best high-end Indian in Manhattan for SF visitor?
I went to Dawat last week which used to be a favorite of mine. Although the food was definitely good, it was no better than Sapphire Indian (a less high-end, but tasty spot near Lincoln Center) and it was double the price. On the other hand, I had a phenomenal experience at Devi (last year) and same with Tamarind. Between the two, I'd go with Devi. Classy atmosphere and delicious food.
Where can I get Crabcakes in New York City?
I just had the crabcakes at Aqua Grill this weekend. So deilcious...crispy crust and flavorful center without spices that overpower the taste of the crab, which I find often happens. Come to think of it, I also had the crabcake at Hudson Cafeteria this weekend. Less of a crispy crust but really nice, fresh lump crab meat. (At both places the crab cakes are as an appetizer.) As you can see, like your mom, I love crab cakes too!
Looking for the best lobster risotto
Gotham Bar & Grill has an out-of-this-world lobster risotto appetizer. Not sure about sitting at the bar but excellent wine list as well. Just thinking about that appetizer makes me hungry :)
Your everyday destination?
It's not unbelievable but was a solid staple of mine when I was living in Chelsea--Il Bastardo. Really good pastas and Italian food in general.
West village - inexpensive & interesting w/atmosphere
http://www.leelalounge.com/
If anyone's been, I'd love to hear about it. I've only heard about it and it its Zagat reviews are fabulous (which is never a sure-fire way to tell)
Lunch around 60th and Madison
I've never been but I hear Fig & Olive is nice for lunch. It's on lex in the very early 60's
West village - inexpensive & interesting w/atmosphere
Extra Virgin, Chow Bar, and I heard Leela Lounge is supposed to be fabulous (Indian food, nice atmosphere, and inexpensive) but I've never been. If you do go, let me know how it is!
The Harrison
I love this restaurant. The food is reliable, the atmosphere is dim-lit, modern, and on the quieter side, and the service is impeccable. Same owners as the Red Cat in Chelsea which is also a great spot.
Barbone Review
Wow...I appreciate your review, but my experience there honestly resembled the taste of Italian food in Italy. I had the pesto ricotta/roasted tomato appetizer and the ricotta gnochi with wild mushrooms. Both were to die for...fresh, flavor-full, simply mouth-watering. I haven't been able to stop talking about it for a week. And the others I was with enjoyed their food equally--duck ravioli, lasagna, and calamari appetizers were all delicious. The service was a bit spotty, but was overridden by the fabulous food. Crazy how different people's experiences can be!
Last meal in the city...
definitely one of my top 5 nyc restaurants...actually may take you up on that recommendation even though I've been. thanks!
Last meal in the city...
Actually going to Barbone tonight, really excited--what's good to order?
Norma's or Clinton Street Baking Co.?
went to norma's two years ago for a birthday brunch and really thought the portions were enormous and the food was nothing to write home about. on the other hand, if you can stand the wait at clinton st., it's really quality food for any time of day. if you have a chance, try their apple crumble...it's mouth-watering.
Last meal in the city...
funny, that's what my mom suggested, but I think I'm looking for something with more options than steak...though it is terrific steak.
