Looking for help in finding yuzu juice in the area? Coming from Davidsonville.

Lol, we're talking about Chinese American takeout food, yes? The idea that any of these type places could serve up something more than "underwhelming" is baffling (imho).

Sichuan Chinese food, well that's another story.

Have you tried Yang's on Lititz Pike? Or Tony Wang's on Lincoln Highway (across from Tanger)? Both are excellent, with Yang's being our absolute favorite.

Cafe East is nothing to rave about, standard take-out Chinese that most enjoy just fine.

Also, on Rohrerstown Rd (not far from El Serrano) is the large Stauffer's of Kissel Hill. Lancaster based grocer that has fantastic meats, produce, cheeses, etc. Long history and really fantastic hometown feel.

Mountville doesn't have much going on in terms of quality, and you would have to head east and not west (nothing in Columbia). There's not much business and some of the eateries and bars are a bit rundown with a tougher crowd.

-Grand Central Bagel in Centerville (next to Isaac's that you've already found) is great for coffee and bagels.
-Symposium is okay for a casual dinner at the bar. Not the best food since the menu is so vast and clearly everything is frozen, but there's usually the burger special and some other things that are decent. Again, more for casual sitting at bar.
-Avoid Loxleys, food is terrible even if it is nice to sit outside.
-Venice Pizza is actually a really good pizza shop, but my favorite over there is Ruffino's in Centerville Shopping Center.
-Same shopping center has Cafe East, which has great Chinese but just okay sushi.

The rest is downtown Lancaster where you'll find much more selection. Agree with other posters that Central Market is the best market anywhere...and you'll have no trouble getting great meats and produce (grass fed and organic if you so choose). There are a ton of great restaurants, as well as cafe's, for both casual dining and fine dining. Search other threads, most of these are already mentioned.

Had a really nice meal there, but still can't get over the $18 price tag for a glass of wine.

Yes - near the outlets (just down from the new Chik-Fil-A).

Have you tried Manna on Oregon Pike...near the new shopping center next to Universal Athletic Club? Really decent sushi and pan-asian selections.

It's okay - not the best Thai in Lancaster. If that's what you're looking for I highly recommend Lemon Grass, which moved from its Lincoln Highway location to Prince Street (across from Clipper Stadium).

Have you tried Rice and Noodles? Tiny but amazing, with excellent pho and banh mi.

Well, done deal then! Will be fun to people watch :)

Booker and Dax solo?

If you had to pick between bar dining at Montmartre or Bistro La Promenade, what would it be? I'm really interested in trying Montmartre now over BLM.

Looking for suggestions for great lunch near 53rd and Madison where I'll be attending training all week next week. Not looking to spend too much (saving company $$ for nice dinners!).

Ideally some ideas for excellent sushi and thai, but interested to hear ideas for anything people love. Food trucks, take out sandwiches...all of your favorites within walking distance. I don't mind a trek, but something I can accomplish within an hour.

Wow...thanks sgordon for taking the time to write such an informative response. Appreciate the WD-50 tip, that was somewhat of a large concern for me. But I'll just throw myself at their mercy.

Did some review on Soto after another poster mentioned it, and I don't think I'm going to go for it this time around. As big a fan I am of sushi, it really just isn't pulling me in. Though having an uni experience is rather enticing....

I've done Grammercy before, and agree that the bar was excellent (can't speak to the dining room, although it's been said for some time which is more appealing). I'm from Philly so I've done Morimoto more times than I can count on two hands...one of my all-time favorite restaurants.

Hmm, tapas...going to look into that now.

Excellent, I'm seriously considering that now. My choices could use some ethnic variation, and since I'm really adventurous, and love experiencing new Asian flavors, this might have moved to the top of my list. Will search the boards for input as well. Thanks!

Thanks for the heads up on Freemans and Aquagrill. I was really on the fence with Aquagrill, but thought Freemans could be fun.

If you had to pick your top 2 from my choices Kathryn, what would they be? Clearly your input carries some weight with me.

I'm glad you said that about Osteria Morini - hadn't seen anything on the board about lively bar, but it looks and sounds amazing.

Sadly not arriving to the city until around 3:(

Not sure I'm willing to experience Per Se, Jungsik, EMP or any Jean-Georges without the wifey. Looking for more casual this time around.

That being said...would Soto fit that bill? Would love to try 15 East sometime as well, but think my wife would die to try that too.

In the city 3/17 - 3/22, and I've been narrowing down some choices for where to have dinner at the bar. Love chatting up with new people, fun bartenders, and people watching. Staying in Nolita, and while I'm not committed to the area, I'd prefer to stay downtown since I'm working in midtown and won't want to go back up.

Already booked to Public for Sunday supper :)

Here's what I have so far, would love thoughts. And of course open to other suggestions if they're highly recommended:
Ssam (just did Ma Peche, but simply love his food)
Freemans
L'Apicio (or should I do Dell'Anima?)
Aquagrill
Acme
Breslin (sure, midtown, but I'm curious!)
Bistro la Promenade (see above - and he interests me)
Osteria Morini
Kinshop
WD-50
Joseph Leonard

Just a heads up that I've already done Babbo, Scarpetta, Minetta Tavern, The Dutch, Forgione (off the top of my head).

Thanks again everyone!

Looking to catch the Sunday Supper at Public in the next few weeks, but will be dining solo and wondering if I'll be able to just catch a seat at the bar (no reservation)? Haven't been there before so have no idea of the restaurant layout or bar dining.

Thanks for suggestions!

Have a friend looking for a place to take 3 couples, late 30's/early 40's, after dinner at Scarpetta on a Saturday night. They're all staying on the UWS, so they could easily make their way uptown on the west side if there's an ideal spot.

Best description is fun atmosphere, no lines or attitude, and good music to dance if the ladies are so inclined. Not overly familiar with good spots in Meatpacking/Chelsea/Hell's Kitchen - hopefully someone could help me out?

Fanelli's

Wow Kathryn - thank you thank you!! Definitely going to start gathering the ingredients for this!

You wouldn't happen to have the recipe for the doonski as well?

Had a fantastic Saturday lunch at Ma Peche this weekend. Had not realized the menu would be so limited, and was disappointed that the duck ramen was not available. But my goodness did we love the pork buns...and couldn't decide so we tried the fish buns as well. Never experienced anything like that bread, and the fried fish was so light and crisp it was just amazing. We split the brussel sprouts, hands down the best preparation of my favorite veggie. Couldn't get over all the fantastic flavors mingled throughout. The beef ramen was delicious, not much more to say about that. But that crack pie!!! Everything it's hyped-up to be. We all enjoyed various cocktails (set us up nicely for Avenue Q!), but I think my favorite was the seven spice sour...loved how it had a kick but was so subtle. We all commented on the sporadic whiff of wonderful scents and aromas that would fly by our noses at various times. Service was outstanding and we had a lovely time.

Quick round of cocktails at the Pegu Club, was a little slow at 7pm but I could definitely see the appeal. Not sure I really needed genius approaches to cocktails again so soon after our lunch, but now I've been there and I can say so.

Minetta Tavern. How do I love thee? First meal there did not disappoint. Must skip a bit and start with my rave for the Cote de Boeuff. Unlike any other steak I've had in my lifetime, and worth the price tag. The char, the flavor (dry aged!), and the succulent medium rare temperature. Loved the juices that remained on the bottom of the plate, a lovely combination of steak au jus and whatever dripped from those gorgeous marrow bones. Got a side of the potatoes and we all went nuts...love that they got it to that consistency without overdoing it. Delicious.
Insisted my wife order the Black Label Burger and we all agreed it was an extraordinary burger. But not really a burger? If anything it is a delicous "portion" of meat and we all loved the flavor. I'm still reserving my title to the Spotted Pig for best burger though.
We started with the terrine and must say I was disappointed by the minimal presence of the foie. Was decent but nothing extraordinary to me.
Wife loved the mesclun salad and another had the special - duck egg omelette with crab. Simply exquisite and we all loved it.
Overwhelmed by all the meat choices by the three of us, our friend ordered the ZaZa Pasta (sp?). They were underwhelmed and unimpressed...but of course you knew that would happen. Besides, there was plenty to devour and savor all around.

Just wanted to share my experience after soliciting advise a while back. Yet another amazing food trip to NYC.

While I've not been to Esca or Lincoln, my vote is for La Grenouille. Although it's been a little over 10 years, it was easily one of the more memorable dining experiences of my entire life. I love Babbo, probably my favorite restaurant, but I just think the ambiance...combined with the food, iconic history, and rarity of its kind sets La Grenouille apart.

My sister and brother-in-law heading up to NYC in March/April with two other couples. They stay at her in-laws place near Lincoln Center, and have asked me to find a place for them to eat. They are late 30's with kids from Philly suburbs.

She asked me if I could give her a list of restaurants where they could be laid back in terms of dress (done up but not formal), fun scene, trendy, and decent food. Reminded her that I'm not sure UWS has exactly what they're looking for and suggested taking the venture to the Village...where I think options are plenty with what she's looking for. She also mentioned that two of the guys are essentially "meat and potatoes" type. I don't think price is much of a factor, and the priority is likely the atmosphere/scene.

Are there any restaurants in UWS that fit this description? Maybe Hell's Kitchen? Or should I send them further downtown?

She also was hoping for a fun place to hang out after...probably near where they're staying.

For anyone that was interested: I was on hold for a half hour starting at 9am, but finally got through and was able to get 8pm.

So I tried OT at midnight and, of course, the only openings are 6 and 10pm. Such a turnoff. Will try the phone lines this morning.

Even more frustrating is that my wife is not entirely thrilled about ACME. So while I plan to have a backup in place and then try Minetta closer to 2/2, I'm now back to square one. Which makes me almost turned off to the point where I don't want to go to Minetta!!

And no, we can't do 6pm :(

Thanks for the heads up Kathryn! Tried this morning - was reminded that it's 30 days and not month day ahead...so will have to try tomorrow. I am skeptical I'll be able to stay up until midnight though...and wonder if they release those times to OpenTable.

Have eaten there before and found it really overpriced and underwhelming. What did you order?

Though I'm pretty sold on Ma Peche at this point - I'm also considering DB Bistro as well.

Do you think a 12pm reservation at Ma Peche would give us enough time?