Foodboy's Profile
Sarge's beats out Katz's
I have to agree that Sarge's is superior to Katz's in many ways, particularily the FOOD! Of course, the Katz's experience is unique and a must for anyone visiting New York. I've been disappointed in the quality of Katz's recently and wouldn't go there unless it was for a hot dog, which are still pretty good. But their pastrami is just OK. I really love a good hot corned beef sandwich, and Sarge's is absolutely the BEST in town. Katz's hot corned beef is, again, just OK.
Jerusalem Grille UES
Has anyone eaten at the new Middle Eastern place, Jerusalem Grill, on 1st Ave/63-64th Streets? Sometimes it's open...sometimes it's closed in the middle of the day. I see customers in there occasionally, but it doesn't look like they're doing much business. The area really needs a decent falafal place.
help at russ & daughters?
The last time I bought bialys @ R&D, they were stale and hard and didn't taste good. The bagels I got there were very dense and heavy. Better bagels can be found at most delis, especially Murray's. Bialys? I actually like the ones that I get from Gourmet Garage. A place called Jumbo Bagels (2nd Ave & 56th) has terrific bialys. It was just surprising that R&D has such sub-par baked goods.
help at russ & daughters?
Two pieces of advice: Get the Whitefish Salad (the best I've ever had) and do not get your bagels or bialys there...they're not very good.
up to me,as always and i'm not motivated - seafood in manhattan
Don't dismiss the Oyster Bar in Grand Central. The food is always excellent, if a little pricey, but it's a classic.
A 2nd Jerusalem?
There's a "Coming Soon" sign for Jerusalem Restaurant in my little corner of of the Upper East Side - on First Ave between 62-63 Streets. The neighborhood could really use a decent falafel sandwich place.
I'm wondering: is this associated with the other Jerusalem on Broadway and 103rd Street on the UWS? If so, is the falafel something to look forward to?
Keen's lunch feedback
Does Keen's offer food at the bar? Is it a good place to get a burger??
53rd and Lex
Ok, for your rather mundane tastes, I would suggest Houston's - 54th/3rd Ave, PJ Clarke's - 55th/3rd, or if you're ready for something more interesting (yet quite reasonable) go to Jubile for French Bistro fare - 54th/ between 1st & 2nd Ave. Their mussels are the best in NYC.
Meli Melo
Someone asked me about Meli Melo the other day, and I recalled a terrible experience that I had there a while ago. I posted the following review on Chowhound at that time, but it bears repeating:
Meli Melo is terrible. The chef-owner is a hot-tempered kook who chases customers out the door with insults and bizzare behaviour. The food is plain poor. I had half-cooked chicken which was actually pink in the middle. I sent it back, but received such a cold attitude, I was afraid to eat the food once it was returned to the table. My friend's fish was overcooked and had that distinctive "old" fish taste. They probably thought that if they cooked the hell out of it, we wouldn't taste how fishy it was.
While we were having this bad meal, we witnessed the owner raising his voice at a couple seated 2 tables away. Apparently the guy had inquired about an item on the menu and the owner rushed over to the table, pushing the waiter aside and started yelling about something. The couple got up and said something to the owner (didn't hear it) and started for the door. The owner followed them out screaming obsenities at them. Everyone in the restaurant was silent for a long time. It was totally wierd.
When the owner came back in, he walked to the back like nothing happened. We quickly finished our wine and asked for the check. The food & service was so pitiful that I left a $1 tip. I was going to leave zero, but I wanted them to know that I didn't merely forget.
My advice: don't ever even think about eating there!
Help me, I'm a tourist...
If you like brasseries, you should consider Marseille on 9th Ave & 44th Street. The food is terrific and you'll love the bustling atmosphere.
Good pizzia on the upper east side
Try John's Pizza on East 64th Street, just east of First Avenue. Thin crust, whole pies only. Among the best on the UES.
Smokin' Q?
There's a new BBQ place on 63rd Street (2nd/3rd): Smokin' Q. There are no reviews anywhere yet, but Menu Pages shows that they offer a $15 iceberg lettuce salad, and an $11 chicken sandwich. Has anyone been to this place?
Felice Wine Bar
I've been anxiously awaiting comments on the food at this new wine bar on First Avenue & 64th Street, but so far nothing has been posted of any consequence. This post is no different, but I did try to have dinner there last night with a friend.
The place was absolutely packed without a single spot to even have a glass of wine at the small bar. The gracious host said that there would be a 45 minute wait for a table, but did show us the menu upon request. Entre prices on the high side - $27 for a salmon dish, I think, but the funny thing was: we didn't see anyone actually eating...just drinking wine. It seemed that every table had those stemless wine glasses and plenty of red wine, but no food.
Well, we didn't wait the 45 minutes, opting instead to share a pizza at Johns around the corner. Maybe someone who has actually eaten at Felice will provide a comment? By the way, the pizza at Johns was excellent as always...and they were packed too. Maybe the result of Felice overflow?
Oyster Bar in Grand Central--whadd'ya think?
The NE Clam Chowder is barely passable (canned Progresso clam chowder is better); the Pan Roasts, while tasty, are like drinking a quart of heavy cream. The best option is raw oysters & a glass of wine. Don't look for bargains. 95% of the customers are first-timers and/or tourists who make a visit part of their NYC experience. For locals, there are much better places to have lunch for $50.
NYC this weekend
Want to try something different? Taam Tov, Eastern European Glat Kosher cuisine in the Diamond District. 41 W. 47th St., 3rd Floor. They're open M-F only. Stand outs are the Samsa (Baked meat pie) and lamb ribs. Other good choices include their beef stroganoff and salads. Very inexpensive and fascinating clientiele enjoying hearty food. A good NYC experience...Enjoy.
New Top Taco on the Upper East Side
F&HFS: I want to thank you for your post. I had lunch there today and the tacos were quite good. I had one chicken and one beef -- both were made fresh and the quality was there. I also liked their green salsa (I asked for more) -- nice and spicy. The owner told me to be careful because it was "hot," but I just smiled and poured it on. I'll be back whenever I'm in the neighborhood. The burgers looked good too, by the way.
New York Hospital UES take out
Thanks for the info on Tawaa -- I noticed on their menu that they have Chicken Tikka Kathi Rolls (listed under Appetizers), for $4.95. Do you know if these are similar to the ones at Roomali (27th Street) or Kati Rolls in the Village? I go to Roomali at least once a week -- it would be great if Tawaa's rolls were as good since I live in the East 60s.
$100 to burn!
How about Brasserie - 100 E. 53rd Street. There are some reasonable wines on their list, so you shouldn't go too far over $100, if at all. The food is very good, by the way.
Fun BYOB place
A really fun BYOB is Ivo & Lulu - a very small French/Caribbean place. Usually a young crowd, tables VERY close together, short but interesting menu. They have no liquor license and no corkage fees, so it's 100% BYOB-Nirvana. Broome Street at Varick. If you're driving, don't make a wrong turn or you'll end up in the Holland Tunnel and you'll be looking for resraurants in NJ!
Sometimes diners share their wine/beer with neighboring tables.
Eating Alone Before A Broadway Show
If you'd like to dine in the theatre district (as opposed to Flatiron), I would suggest Marseille - French/Med brasserie with terrific food & just far enough off the beaten path to avoid true tourist overload. Ninth Ave / 44th Street. You can take the shuttle to Times Square from the 6 at Grand Central. Eat at the bar or at a table.
Brother Jimmys
In a word, No. It's borderline awful with a fratboy atmosphere. Go for a beer -- eat somewhere else.
Easy Question?
JoanN: Thank you so much for that perfect suggestion! That's a terrific idea...the menu looks great. I might even try the French Onion soup for breakfast.
Easy Question?
I'm looking for a decent breakfast spot near the Port Authority Bus Terminal (8th Av./42nd St.) that I can take someone who will be arriving after an all-night bus ride. We'll be heading to Times Square to catch the 7 train. She's a first time visitor...any ideas for a memorable first NYC breakfast?
Long Lunch - Not returning to the office.
Balthazar is serene, low key and leisurely in the late afternoon for lunch. You can hang out there for 3 hours if you wish - eat plenty of terrific food and drink lots of great wine. What could be better?
ISO: first rate cold take out lobster salad
Sables on 2nd Ave & 77th St...I think. terrific lobster salad.
Top five for $25
How about Florent down in the meatpacking district? Steak frites might go over your $25 limit, but not by much. There are plenty of other cheaper options too.
Strawberry Ice Cream Soda
Ice Cream Sodas seem to be harder and harder to find - I'm talking about classic ice cream sodas. The ones from real soda fountins, served in traditional glass vessels and made from high quality ingredients. Can someone please recommend such a place?
5 Chicks - No Money!
This may be a tough one: Five 30-something girls need CHEAP food after a free visit to the Museum of Modern Art on Friday night! Something within 20 blocks of MOMA would be great, but would consider other Manhattan neighborhoods. Cheap = less than $20/pp...a lot less!! Help!
kosher in ny
Azuri Cafe, W.51 St near 10th Ave, is a casual place with exceptional soups and falafels. Strictly kosher. There are a few tables but lots of people take out.
E 69th Street
Try Per Lei at 71st Street & 2nd Ave. I think it may qualify as "hip," and it's right in your neighborhood. Also, Bistro 61 at 61st/1st Ave is a nice spot for drinks and a casual meal. Maya is very over-priced and the service is rushed and rude. Their bar is nice, however -- go for a drink and dine elsewhere. The bar at Trata is also nice, and the food is usually good. But beware of fish-by-the-pound pricing. You could end up paying $30+ for one of their whole grilled fish.
