conniemcd's Profile
Coterie Room or Quinn's Early Sunday Dinner
Be there a good solid half hour ahead of time. We came close to an hour ahead of time and wandered around only to return at opening time. It was already full.
Lobster roll in Virginia Beach
Thanks for your suggestions. I've been getting some good suggestions from other posts as well. I was told the very same thing about lobster in Seattle restaurants. We finally zeroed in on mostly oysters and crab and were very happy. Are there two or three kinds of fish or seafood to zero in on in Virginia?
Lobster roll in Virginia Beach
Coming to your area in a week. Would love to find a good lobster roll or any excellent seafood at a reasonable price. Not picky about type of restaurant. TIA
very old metal fry pan and 7 x 10 baking pan--giveaway?
Thanks so much for your replys. These pans belonged to my husband's grandmother. Knowing that is meaningful to me. They're quite lightweight, and the only writing is what I mentioned in my original post. I definitely have to get more information. Actually, there is a bunch of other kitchen stuff I want to get evaluated.
very old metal fry pan and 7 x 10 baking pan--giveaway?
I have two very old pans passed down from a great aunt. I was going to put them in a white elephant sale. But something gives me pause. One is a 7 x 10 baking pan that has definitely seen better days. Has anyone resourced old pans, and if so, how so? The other is a 6 inch fry pan that could still be used. It has a nice medal handle that has the number 40 on it with the words, "Before Using Scald off Lacquer."
Anyone have an opinion about this type of thing? Thanks
Seafood in Seattle this weekend/LOBSTER
Many thanks for your suggestions. I'll report back.
Seafood in Seattle this weekend/LOBSTER
Thanks to the posters for some great ideas on seafood. What I really need are suggestions for Lobster, either lobster rolls, reasonably priced lobster dinners and places to buy lobster for cooking at my daughter's place. We're staying in Kirkland, but have car and will travel. I'm from the midwest--good lobster will be a fantastic treat.
Conniemcd
Need a good takeout place in southwest subarbs, even in the Edina area.
We are visiting our daughter and her family in Chanhassen. We would like to treat her and her husband tomorrow to some good takeout.
They're open to anything, wanting us to pick out food we like, We'd be open to any highly recommended place for good food. We can drive anywhere in the area.
Saturday we'll be treating their three children. Is the Malt Shop still a good place to take kids?
If you have any ideas, please let us know. tia
Mediocre in Theatre District
Once we rushed through a pre theatre dinner at Keen's. I would have enjoyed the dinner and atmosphere so much more if we hadn't been rushed. Food was good but we didn't have time to savor the experience and surroundings.
COCKTAILS from the 60's???
How about slo gin fizz? I think that was around way back when.
High-quality desserts in a fancy atmosphere
Just checked their website. I'm putting Cafe Sabarsky on my list for my next New York trip. Looks awesome
-----
Cafe Sabarsky
1048 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
New York restaurant report
New York restaurant report (belated)
At long last we were in New York for our 45th anniversary visit.
After our midtown arrival, we chose a close-by restaurant, Oceana, for a late lunch. I was eager to give it a try after reading so much about it on CH. It was a lovely way to start our visit. We had stuffed calamari for an appetizer. My husband liked it, but for me it lacked something, just wasn't appealing.
My mouth had been watering for fish and chips, but I asked my waiter for recommendations. He recommended the lobster cobb salad or lobster sandwich. I chose the salad with blue cheese, bacon and tomato confit. It was delicious with nice chunks of lobster throughout. DH chose seared big eye tuna with apple and fennel salad, walnuts, and mint cider vinaigrette. It looked wonderful, but he found it a little dry. He would have preferred it with less salad. I was surprised to find the rolls on the dry side. The amount of butter served was skimpy, and we had to ask for more. We were impressed with the excellent service; one of our waiters was especially attentive. The cobalt blue glass lobster tank between the kitchen and dining room was stunning, and I had the pleasure of having it in view. Do try Oceana--I would definitely return to give it another try. Later that evening, we had food from a close by deli. It was awful.
Day two. Going to the EV I was planning RGR's LES tour and Broadway Panhandler, picking up lunch along the way. I got bywayed and ended up at Balthazar, a restaurant I had wanted to try for so long but eventually lost interest in going there. But it was so highly recommended by a nearby salon, I decided to give it a try, and it did not disappoint. It was packed and noisy and I loved it. I ordered the bar steak and pommes frite, both excellent, the steak done perfectly medium rare. The bread was outstanding, probably the best I had of any restaurant this trip. The service I thought outstanding. The young man, here for only three months from the midwest, did such an excellent job. Definitely would like to return. I asked my waiter if he sees celebrities often. John Cusack had been there two days before. I was tempted to buy an autographed cookbook on my way out. Now I wish I had.
The salon person who gushed about Balthazar also recommended a store close by that sells Japanese items. I just couldn't find it. I think it started with the letter M. Anyone know what it may be? I'd like to check it out online.
That evening was our special anniversary dinner at EMP. It too didn't disappoint, and definitely lived up and over my expectations. I can't praise the service too highly. It was stellar-- attentive, friendly, welcoming, etc. We loved the high ceilings and atmosphere. We were seated in a cozy corner, perfect for us with plenty of private space. The suggestion of a glass of champagne set the tone for the evening. We were then served an amuse of little puffs called georges that were tasty and delightful. I wasn't sure what was in them. Then came a tray of mini appetizers--tuna tartare, another with a light tomato taste; I especially remember the carrot shaped sweet bread. It melted in my mouth. There was another I can't remember. Rolls were delicious. My appetizer was Hawaiian Prawns, roulade with avocado, lime and yogert. DH's was Alaskan King Crab, variations with green apple, cilantro and Madras Curry. He nodded approvingly, and my appetizer was outstanding.
DH's entree was the Black Angus Beef with bone marrow crusted with saffron soubise and braised shallots. He said-- very good. I had the Four Story Hill Farm Suckling Pig with roasted sweet potato, brussel sprouts, pickled plums and amaretti. It had two parts, one in a circular shape and the other in a rectangular shape with a crunchy top. It was tasty, and I enjoyed trying something I hadn't had before. The brussel sprouts surprisingly tasted a little bitter. I didn't keep track of wine selection names, but our bottle of wine was divine. Dessert platter came with several rows of mini macaroons in several flavors. We shared the sampling, five for me, three for my husband. We had wonderful desserts with the words Happy 45th anniversary written in chocolate on the plate. Mine contained caramel; my husband's peanut butter and chocolate--tooth-achingly delish.
We ended with lovely tiny goblets of brandy and an extire bottle of brandy for our pleasure. Too bad we were ready to call it a night after drinking from the goblets and didn't partake from the bottle. I would like to come back and have the five course pre fixe. Or I would love to try a lunch. I must come back. All presentations were stellar. We left with a box of sweet fruit jelly candies called mignardises fruit jellies, thoroughly enjoyed after returning home, and a copy of the menu saying happy anniversary. But wait, Chef Krumm was on his way to Europe. So they will mail us an autographed copy of the menu after he returns. Thank you chowhounds for recommending this experience. I just received a note saying they enjoyed serving us and hoped we were happy with their service.
I know a true chowhound trys new places,but I didn't find any to recommend this trip. I had breakfast at a mexican diner in Chelsea. Food and service were barely ok. When I walked in, my jaw dropped. I could have sworn I saw Mark Bittman with a companion having coffee. When he walked by I asked if he was a food writer. He said no and made a pleasantry Joke was on me. Or was it?
Day three. I had reservations at Jean Georges for 10 am breakfast. I had another wonderful experience and a delicious meal. I had the $28 special in the Nougatine room. Again, service was outstanding. They looked after me very well as I sat and planned my day and enjoyed the atmosphere and view of Central Park. I started with the heavenly freshly squeezed orange juice and coffee. The pork sausage with herbs was excellent. The highlights were the scrambled eggs and potatoes maxine. The scrambled egg dish was practically my favorite food on the whole trip. They were off the wall tooth-achingly delicious, perfectly prepared. You know how eggs can cool off so quickly. Not so this time. There were in a bowl and remained warm for a considerable amount of time. I was intrigued with the potatoes maxine. My waiter said they take considerable time to prepare and that I was lucky to get them on rotation. They are thinly cut potato slices in even cylinder shapes about two inches in diameter overlapped in a circle and resemble the shape of a sunflower. I wasn't rushed at all and would love to return for breakfast or maybe try lunch next time.
That evening we dined at DB Bistro before our theater date. Everything was excellent. DH had an appetizer of a tarte flambe with fromage blanc cheese, bacon and onion. His entree was diver scallops--both delicious. I had peekytoe crab and seafood fettuccini with scallops, shrimp, salmon and mussells The crab was excellent and the seafood fettucini was sublime. My delicious dessert was apple crisp; dh's was clafoutis, a chocolate sorbet with vanilla ice cream. The complimentary dessert had "Happy 45th Anniversary" written in chocolate on the beautiful white china plate. Service was attentive and very much appreciated I would definitely return.
Saturday, day four: We had a late quick lunch at a Mexican restaurant in a lower Manhattan hotel, close to the Irish memorial. Service was friendly and willing to please, but the fish tacos were a far cry from the catfish we were told they contained. Instead, they had not very good tasting salmon. The fried beans, and cornbread were barely decent.
Keens was our destination that evening. Service was excellent--such nice and attentive waiters. Overall, the experience was pleasing, though rushed on our part. We had to leave in time to pick up tickets a half hour before curtain call. I wish I'd had time to look around and take in the great ambiance and history of Keens. We had oysters rockefeller for our appetizer. DH liked it, but I've had much tastier. Sorry, can't remember why. I could not believe the gigantic portions of steak being served. Bread was very good, vegies and dip were old fashioned and refreshing. DH had strip steak and I had bone-in sirloin. We enjoyed them, but my steak was medium rare on the thinner parts, which I liked, but overly rare on the thick part. I liked the creamed spinach, though a little salty. I had already left the table when they brought complimentary cheesecake. What a shame to rush off and miss that. Now I know why after-theater dinner can be more appealing and relaxed. They had two daily seafood specials (shrimp and scallop) appetizers that sounded wonderful and wish I had ordered instead of the steak. I recommend Keens and would definitely return, maybe try the bar and a hamburger next time.
Sunday, day five. The Modern at MOMA was close by, and we had enjoyed it before so we chose it for lunch. DH had grilled yellow fin tuna with crispy sweetbreads and preserved lemon. He liked it as well as the flounder tartere with sea beans yuza juice and breakfast radish. I had fresh grilled shrimp with green cabbage and gruyere salad--delicious. I had roasted long island duck breast with peppercorn-crusted apple and toasted pistachio truffle dipping sauce. I hesitatingly ordered the duck well done. It was still a little pink and still tasted good. The truffle dipping sauce was divine. The crusted apple looked like two lonely fried chicken nuggets, but they tasted good.
I was thrilled with our wonderful anniversary visit to New York. I am so appreciative to chowhound for the fantastic advice you gave that enabled us to have a anniversary trip I will always remember with such happiness and great memories.
Postscript: I didn't keep track of wine except for one. It may have been at Eleven Madison Park. 2006, Bourgogne, aligate domaino, Perrot-minot--wonderful.
-----
Eleven Madison Park
11 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10010
Jean Georges
1 Central Park W, New York, NY 10023
Broadway Panhandler
65 E 8th St, New York, NY 10003
Oceana
120 W 49th St, New York, NY 10020
Nougatine
1 Central Park West, New York, NY 10023
Sandwich slicing - whole vs. rectangle vs. triangle
With open face sandwiches, cut in strips, called "bread sticks".
What to do with leftover pancakes?
Take two or three, or how many and tear into pieces. Throw into a fry pan over a little fat. You can use a spray for a nonstick pan; sometimes I use a little butter with it. Than I toss an egg or two over the pancakes and stir everything together and let it cook until eggs are cooked the way you want them. MMMM good. I grew up with this, and now my family eats its it too.
Restaurant recco for marriage proposal
We had an anniversary dinner at Eleven Madison Park. It had an elegant atmosphere. If you go the restaurant route, this would be an excellent choice. Make sure they know ahead of time so you can pick the time (before dessert, after?) that would work for presenting the engagement ring.
Where can you find the GLASS Voss Bottled Water in NYC??
A few years back I bought a regular size glass bottle at Whole Foods at the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle.
45th wedding anniversary in Manhattan Nov 11-15
Many thanks again. Last evening EMP was devine. Will give detailed report of all restaurants.
45th wedding anniversary in Manhattan Nov 11-15
Thanks to you and MMRuth for suggestions. Open table shows Locanda Verde not available for Sunday breakfast. I'll check with them. 5am departure tomorrow. Will get back to you
-----
Locanda Verde
377 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013
45th wedding anniversary in Manhattan Nov 11-15
Hello Hounds. We have great restaurants lined up--EMP, DB Bistro, Jean George and Keens. Thanks to all of you for your great suggestions. Still have a few slots to fill. Looking for some great fish and chips at a pub tomorrow. Molly's was recommended. We're staying in Midtown at 51st. It would be handier to stay in the area. Anyone know anything about Kennedys, Clanceys, or Maggies for fish and chips? Oceana has it on their menu, but I'm looking for less spendy.
Thursday and Friday I'll be on my own for taking the LES tour. 8:45 will be a little early for Katz's pastrami so maybe I'll get some matzo soup and pick up something else at Russ and Daughters. Any other food ideas in the area for that time of day? My plan is to end up at the Broadway Panhandler after the LES tour.
I'll be wanting to fit in some lobster dishes along the way. Any recommendations for lobster in Midtown? I'm familiar with lobster in other areas, including Pearl Oyster Bar. The lobster roll and fries are wonderful. Just looking to try new places.
I've yet to figure out Sunday lunch, but I've been studying this board religiously and have lots of ideas. My husband picked the plays, and I am picking the restaurants. He wants everything decided before we go so there won't be room for indecisiveness. Should be nice for a change.
Twenty years ago we had our anniversary dinner at The Plaza Oak Room. They played the anniversary waltz, and it was lovely. Has anyone had Oak Room bar food lately that you can recommend?
After EMP Thursday night, it would be nice to go some place for a nice drink with nice music in the background, once again in the Midtown area. I would appreciate ideas for that and/or former posts with that info. We'll be using the subway and taxis much more than our usual "walk til we drop" mo. I'm still recovering from last year's surgeries which has a lot to do with more careful planning.
Many thanks. I love this website.
-----
Pearl Oyster Bar
18 Cornelia St, New York, NY 10014
Jean Georges
1 Central Park W, New York, NY 10023
Broadway Panhandler
65 E 8th St, New York, NY 10003
Oceana
120 W 49th St, New York, NY 10020
Oak Room
59 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
Can post not completed be found if accidentally lost
I minimized a post I was making. Before I had a chance to finish it and post, it was gone. Is there any way I can find it and bring it back up to finish? Thanks.
Attention Chowhound Administrators
Thanks. I was alarmed and didn't stop to think of that. How could you tell the mods were on it
WHICH DUTCH OVEN TO BUY???????
I bought a blue Lodge enameled cast iron 6 qt DO. It said not to put in dishwasher, but it inadvertently was put in my dishwasher the first time I used it. Sure enough, I noticed a chip on the rim. Since then I've noticed more chips. I wonder if that one washing caused the chips or if it's just plain poor quality.
Last minute question before calling for reservation in NYC
I called, and they answered four minutes after the hour. They are booked for a private party the evening of Wed., Nov 11.
Last minute question before calling for reservation in NYC
Hi Hounds,
I'm going to do my best to get a reservation at EMP for a special event next month. Is it better to call the restaurant directly or go to Opentable.com at 8 am?
Also, does anyone know if their menu will be changed any time soon? I called a few weeks back and was told it would be posted in a few days. It hasn't changed yet. So I'm wondering if the current menu will be the same when I go there in about a month. Thanks.
I'll be running our restaurant schedule by you all sometime soon.
Connie
Where to buy fresh seafood and fish in San Diego
Thanks SD hounds for all the great suggestions
Where to buy fresh seafood and fish in San Diego
Staying in San Diego a week in Northpark area. Would like to cook for my hostess. Can drive but not real far. She's busy packing to move. Crab for crabcakes would be good or anything else reasonably priced.
Mark Bittman's magazine articles in Runners World and Men's Health
"Simply Good" and "Food for Thought" in October 2009 issue of Runner's World, and "Real Food" in October 2009 issue of Men's Health". Not sure if it can be linked.
Lost...one great dish!!
I may be staying at the Michelangelo in November. What restaurant is there now, and what do you recommend from the menu? I'll be looking for other notable places close by to grab a bite, have pre and post theater drinks, etc. I've got our spendy meals kind of planned, and will be asking Chowhounds next month to critique my plans.
MSP - Sea Salt Eatery
Just saw your post. Yes, 5$ a shrimp. No I didn't mention it to anyone on the staff, but it was a zoo. We waited in line long enough--over a 1/2 hour and even longer for the meal. Your point is good about bringing it to someone's attention.
