iforman2001's Profile
Rehearsal Dinner for 50 people in October
I am looking for a rehearsal dinner space to accommodate 50 people this October. I would like to be downtown (below 23rd Street) and somewhat low key. Would like to keep the cost below $50/pp including wine. I would love to do middle eastern/Mediterranean (mezze plates, kebabs, etc.) and am also open to keeping it really casual like pizza (I've contacted Co. on 9th avenue). Any ideas?
Duane Park Tonight?
I have a reservation at Duane Park tonight for my in-laws' birthdays. Has anyone been recently? I've heard good things but I want to make sure I picked the right place. How is the atmosphere? I'm looking for an intimate, chic restaurant with great service but not stuffy. And of course great food!
Thanks!
De Santos - any early reviews?
thanks, I love Bar Blanc too. I think I will stick with Kingswood and wait for De Satnos to get settled...
De Santos - any early reviews?
I have a reservation tomorrow night at De Santos. Has anyone been yet? I also have a back-up reservation at Kingswood - should I wait for De Santos?
Looking for favorite bakeries
Billy's Bakery on 9th in Chelsea. go for the chocolate cake w/vanilla buttercream frosting or the carrot cake.
Brunch suggestions near Brooklyn Museum?
I am heading to the Brooklyn Museum this Sunday and am looking for a great brunch place nearby. Are there any in Prospect Heights?
What Recent Meal "Blew You Away"?
Kyo Ya - sat in the private room at the back. impeccable service & presentation, and delicious authentic japanese dishes.
others that blew me away...
Allen & Delancey
Falai
AOC Bedford (did it really close for good???)
Pink Berry or Red Mango? [moved from Manhattan board]
Pinkberry by far. Red Mango is too bland. But you be the judge...
Non-tourist place- lunch in Times Square
DB Bistro
Brasserie 44 (in Royalton Hotel)
Blue Fin
Theater District - good cheap eats?
I have tickets to a show tomorrow night on 41st & 8th. Where can I go for a great casual meal? I was thinking maybe Nizza or Gazala Place. Any advice?
Wine bar for First date?
Aroma Kitchen & Wine Bar in NoHo (E. 4th Street b/t 8th & 9th St.)
Theater District Recommendations?
I have theater tickets tomorrow night and need some reccomendations for dinner. I have reservations at Cooper's Tavern - is it good? I'd love to find a second option as a back-up. Something casual where my boyfriend and I can share a few dishes over a bottle of wine - maybe Greek or Tapas? does this exist in the theater district? The theater is on 41st street. I'd like to stay above 34th and below 46th.
Thanks for your help!
Babbo VS Del Posto VS Felidia Comparison
I had an awful experience at Del Posto. Read my review here: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/505600
Its a tourist spot and not worth visiting. Go with Babbo.
sugar sweet sunshine bakery and other cupcake ramblings..
try Billy's Bakery on 9th Ave & 22nd St. the cupcakes are very good - but the carrot cake and chocolate cake are even better.
French Romantic Birthday Dinner in NYC?
Le Gigot on Cornelia Street
Tree - 1st Ave near 12th Street
Cocktail Party - Need Caterer Recommendations
I'm hosting a birthday party next Satruday at my apartment in Chelsea - about 15-20 people. I was going to cook most of the hor d'hourves/small plates myself but I'm not feeling that ambitious! Can anyone recommend a great restaurant/specialty market where I can order some platters/hor d'hourves? I can go the easy route with Whole Foods, Balducci's or Citarella, but I'd like to try something more unique.
Thanks for your help!
Del Posto - REVIEW
Let me start by saying I was very reluctant to go to Del Posto - My favorite restaurants tend to be smaller, more intimate spots such as AOC Bedford, Dell'Anima, Apizz, etc.). Del Posto's grand size and close proximity to Meatpacking was an immediate turn-off. However, I was told by many friends that despite all that, Del Posto was worth the trip - that the food and service were exceptional...
I should have gone with my gut.
Let's start with the service: I had an 8:30pm reservation and was not seated until 9pm. Only after I complained 5 times and asked to speak to the manager did I get an apology. The maitre'd fed me one excuse after another and the manager did nothing to help the situation. It was only after 20 minutes that they sent someone over to offer us a tasting from the kitchen - but unfortunately it was a completely unappetizing fried rice ball. Once we sat down the service improved...
Atmosphere - this didn't surprise me at all, but still...the only way to describe it is that it feels like you're in a hotel lobby somewhere in the midwest. And the servers present the menu to you as if you are at a theme restaurant.
Food - I really wanted to love it. I am usually a big fan of Mario Batali - Lupa and Otto are 2 favorites. But nothing I ate was exceptional, or even mildly satisfying. Here's a rundown...
-Amuse Bouche: shot of soup - tasted like watery milk; artichoke chips - ok, not very tasty; fried potato dumplings w/tomato paste - I'll give them a point for this one, but again, nothing special.
-Roasted Winter Vegetables w/truffled hazelnuts: this was actually a good dish - fresh, crisp vegetables and I love the taste of truffles.
-Cauliflower Sformato w/poached lobster: the lobster was cooked well but the cauliflower custard had little flavor
-Rare Tuna w/Bresaola: Loaded w/salt and that was all I could taste. It overpowered everything else on the plate.
-Lamb Chops: tender and juicy but lacking any flavor. The accompanying tomato paste would have been great, but once again they used too much salt
- Dessert: this was on the house - they brought out sorbet/gelato sampler, semifreddo, lemon tart, and panna cotta - all were just ok, none stood out.
The plate of tiny cookies they brought out at the very end was the best part of the entire meal.
