Dude, I ate 32 oysters three days prior. It was just NOT going to happen.

Food preferences are the same as all (most) of ours here: authentic, interesting, as local as possible, and non-pretentious. Thanks for the suggestions!

THANKS for these. I had forgotten about the Middle Eastern influence, yum yum. My budget would probably include one nice dinner ($25 entrees type of place) but I will definitely research all these amazing options and make a plan. Not even sure yet what part of town I'm staying in but willing to travel a bit for sure...

Visiting some friends in Detroit in June for 4 days. Cool suggestions from locals, please! Thanks so much all the way from NYC.

either in Manhattan or boroughs??

Ah, so just make the bisque without putting in the actual bits of lobster meat at the end. Got it. Maybe I can add a little crabmeat or so for texture. Thanks!

Saved all carcasses and froze them from a lobster dinner recently, but now all my recipe search results yield recipes using the MEAT of the lobster, too. Am I wrong in thinking lobster shells are usually used for the stock? Anyone have a recipe?

Thanks for the feedback. Eleven Madison has no tables and I have been there (would prefer something new to me, too). Going to stick with Bouley, probably get the tasting... will report back.

This is for my boyfriend's 30th. I really wanted to do it on Saturday night, and Daniel is booked. We could do friday but Saturday is preferable -- unless someone tells me I'm an idiot to go to Bouley over Daniel.

Or other suggestions? Aureole? We're doing a seafood thing on Thursday night so Le Bernardin is probably out...

Thanks!

Grand Harmony on Mott just off of Canal is pretty solid.

How about Robin des Bois (a.k.a Sherwood's Cafe) on Smith Street? I am vaguely planning a far-off wedding myself and have been thinking of looking into it... would love to know their cost per head.

http://sherwoodcafe.com/

Supper in the E. Village has a great little comfortable room under the bar... also Blue Ribbon Bakery has a whole cozy downstairs section that could fit 10.

Go to the Japanese market on Broadway and 101st (Sunrise, I think it's called?) and in the refrigerator section you'll find pre-packaged ramen which is excellent, with fresh (not dried) noodles. Be sure to get the kind where they give you a little blob of fat to add to the broth. I also add the shabu-shabu pork and some choy... delicious...

I am totally loving this thread, too! I have had an absolute fascination with Laos since childhood for some reason but have never sought out the cuisine. Since I don't have time to cook as a medical student, any suggestions besides Zabb of where to eat in NYC?

Might be a bit of a hike, but Our Place (82 and Third) has pretty good Shanghainese (sp?) food.

41 and Lex, but we are walking down for Indian later on like 31st or so... thanks

... or Midtown East. My BF just started working there and we're meeting for drinks only but I always think of that area as a "wasteland." Any beautiful restaurants around there with bar?

I love 5 Points for brunch. Delicious and an airy, elegant interior, and I think you can sit outside too. www.fivepointsrestaurant.com

Looking for freshest/tastiest/most autentic. Atmosphere doesn't need to be fancy (few are I guess) but should be cheap. Thanks.