hey SI-I'm a fellow long islander who just left manhattan after 6yrs for arlington. it has only been a week so i can't offer much yet but i do appreciate your posts. sawatdee for casual, yummy, well priced thai food is really good. it is in courthouse plaza. also the italian store off lee highway is a good spot for an italian hero.

Going to dinner with my dad and his gf (they prefer to not eat meat) tonight for my bday and going away dinner. Is Chinatown Brasserie still good? Thanks.

-----
Chinatown Brasserie
380 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012

the italian shop in chelsea market has the best burrata ever, promise. go to the counter in the back for a fresh order from italy.

i was there earlier this week with colleagues. half my team got the skirt steak, they really enjoyed it. if you like miso the cod was good but i didn't care for the veggies they served with it. the small plates were ok. pork bun was fine, i've had better-needed more sauce. i liked the tuna tacos. skip the gyoza. the thai empanadas were ok, good flavor i just always think empanadas are dry. drinks were tasty but weak and in tiny glasses with too much ice. the decor is really cool though. definitely report back. my family in DC loves Zengo. i feel the dc one might be a little better.

-----
Zengo
622 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016

would peep work for a date?

locanda verde is a good spot.let them you know you want one of the tables in the back of the front room. i had my bday with my bf here, it was great. it is loud but not overwhelming just a nyc restaurant.

los feliz is not fit the bill for a bday dinner... cute spot but not special.

i am going to zengo tomorrow so i'll report in. it is latian asian. menu looks yummy. i would also keep trying la esquina. i did like yerba buena but haven't been to the perry st location so can't comment on atmospher.

we actually work right near la fonda del sol. we are trying to venture out of mid town a little bit as we normally stay near the office. one of our colleagues also had lunch in the main room last week so doesn't want a duplicate.

Looking for a dinner location to go with my team. We are celebrating but not looking to spend big bucks. The head of our group likes Dos Caminos, I'm partial. We are also a fan of Dinosaur BBQ but don't want to go that far uptown. Any thoughts on The Collective or Zengo? I have tons of reservations but Abe & Arthurs and The Standard might be too much for this dinner.

If you could give me some suggestions it would be appreciated. There are 5-6 of us, looking for good food and drinks in NYC, location flexible. Don't have an exact price point but I would say max $100 a head, less is always better. Cuisine is open as well but Mexican and Asian food always go over well this group. Basically we want to have fun, eat yummy food and drink. Sounds so easy.

-----
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
777 W. 125th Street, New York, NY 10027

Abe & Arthur's
409 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011

Zengo
622 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016

i know you asked for west village but clinton street bakery does chocolate chip pancakes.

some restaurants in the area....db bistro auerole, le bernadin, koi,quality meats, blt market, marea.

mercadito has an aycd brunch. the food is good not great but the drinks are strong and yummy. i was at the mercadito grove location but i believe the other ones do it as well . $25 for an entree and unlimited beverages.

it is a bit east but a lobster roll from lukes would probably do the trick.

as a nyc girl who goes to bachelorette parties i say rosa is a good bet. is it my favorite place no but it is perfect for bachelorette party. i think luxemborg is ny but too quiet. they want a place they can laugh be loud have fun. i've never been to calle ocho but i hear good things. you might want to check out landmarc or avoce in the time warner center for more upscale spots. citrus or vai might work as well-i've never been.

i agree with the before subway pick up as well as lennys when you can.

what specifically are you looking for? the patio at rio on 38th is a good spot for happy hour. are you looking for a bar? something a bit classier? inside/outside. how far you willing to travel.

there are the food spots in the penn station part and then there are food spots in the amtrak area. two seperate areas. both have pretty much fast food options-taco bell, pizza, moe's. there are a few make your own salads, there is subway and pizza spot in the penn area near amtrak. i do know the amtrak area has a sushi spot and a deli that uses boars head. personally this deli is probably your best best for a healthy and tasteful meal.

if you are going to be on the west side check out casellula.

My bf recently moved to the Arlington/DC area. He loves to cook and loves to eat out. Any good cooking classes you can suggest? Perhaps for a couple? Any fun cooking activities or experiences? Looking for a gift for our anniversary.Thanks CH!!