Has anybody eaten at Ondegud in Amsterdam? Was thinking about hosting a client event there in April, in the private room. Any feedback would be appreciated.

http://www.ondeugd.nl/english.htm

Dkstar1 -- were you kidding about the second incarnation of second avenue deli replacing Marbella?

Melanie,

That's very interesting. As you may have seen, ramen debates can rage on this board. Though I have never found ramen in NY that beats great ramen in Tokyo on a cold day, good places here range from reasonably authentic (Minca) to reasonably nouveau or fusion (Momofuku). I am certain that bad places exist, but have never found a common "New York" ramen which meets your description.

Though Biankee Deli was not the most "chowhoundish" place, it was a great friendly stop for breakfast/lunch in the financial district (corner of Water and Wall) for many years. Apparently the owners have sold the deli, and their last open day was Friday. The place is now closed and the building will be demolished.

I would love to hear any suggestions about good, comparable places in the financial district: someplace for good coffee & egg sandwiches to go in the morning.

Check out the Jive Turkey in Brooklyn.

http://www.thejiveturkey.com/

You can eat there, and order whole fried turkeys. We have ordered their turkeys for Thanksgiving -- quite good.

After reading all of the suggestions on this board, my wife and I went to afternoon tea at the St. Regis. We were hoping for a full experience: great tea, wonderful service, good nibbles, and we were not disappointed.

The cost is reasonably high - $45 per person - but you get several courses of food (a savory tart, some finger sandwiches, delicious scones and spreads, and petit fours) and an excellent tea suggestion. Service was very formal -- and could have been slightly more attentive -- but this was really a terrifc way to spend a relaxing Saturday afternoon.

I just ate there for the first time last weekend. Had some Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki, and both were terrific. You can get a "combo" which includes both, though it's quite a bit of food. Personally, I liked the Okonomiayki better (it's like a Japanese latke!) -- I loved the idea of the Takoyaki but didn't love the consistency inside.

I agree with two things - 1) very different styles, slightly different ethic too with Barber's "farm" bent 2) that reference to "quien es mas macho?" -- that was a great skit.

Sakagura (sake and food) and Decibel (sake bar).

Yes, many places have at least one version...I think the most common is Club Raki. Astor definitely has a few versions.

All,

I am taking 2 clients to dinner, 6 people total. Is Peasant nice enough for dinner with good clients, I'm buying, price not a huge issue? There are plenty of other places I would prefer, but the cuisine is about right and there aren't many other options for a six-top with 24hrs notice.

All input appreciated. Thanks.

All,

I could use some help locating a winery in Napa/Sonoma that could ship a case of wine to my friend in San Francisco for his birthday.

Would like to keep the cost around $250 if possible. Any recommendations? Would be interested in one case of the same wine, or a mixed case.

Bonterra was excellent. The fried lobster tail, pork, ribeye, and wine selections were fantastic. Service was good, and the clients all had a good time.

I held a party in the the private room at GT last year, they did a wonderful job. We had about 15-18 people with space to spare, I imagine you will be comfortable as 22.

EN Japanese Brasserie might work.

Thanks for all of your help. We went to Tosca, and they did an excellent job with the food and private room. I would definitely consider that place for my next D.C. event.

Hello,

Can anybody recommend a high-quality brunch buffet in Manhattan? I imagine some of the good hotels may have them?

Hello,

I would like to find a wonderful location for a client event (10 to 15 people) in Charlotte.

If possible, it would be nice to find a place with a great private room. Outdoor space (for cocktails beforehand) would be optimal.

No specific requirements on food. The most important thing will be a warm & welcoming restaurant with good food. No real price limit, either.

Thanks for all help/responses.

Interesting...very good to know. I havent been to L'Express in years, but I will go check it out again.

Any recommendations for restaurants serving Quenelles in Manhattan?

Bobby Van's is right across from the Stock Exchange, on Broad Street I think. Perhaps their more casual lunch menu would fit your budget.

On Stone Street (a 5 minute walk) there are a few options. I have eaten at Harry's several times since it was renovated, and enjoyed the experience. Also, Brouwers of Stone Street was was recently noted in the Times, though I have not yet eaten there. There are several more casual options (Ulysees, Adrienne's, Smorgas Chef) as well, though reserving for 8 may be difficult. Good luck.

Agree ABP cookies are good, but I would like something a bit more local. What a uniform response to that first post on Cake Love!!

Where can I find a bakery with the best chocolate chip cookies in Washington D.C.? I would like to buy a box of cookies as a small gift. Thanks.

I think J.G. is fine but not in the pantheon of truly great burgers. Worth trying if you are on the UES and like a previous poster said, the cottage fries don't hurt.

I would like to have a clam/lobster bake in the backyard of my building in Manhattan. Has anyone heard of a good company that will do New England-themed catering? Does anybody know if Mary's or Pearl's does any catering?

Thanks.

We are going to Tosca. Will let you know how it goes.

These suggestions are helpful, thanks. Any views on Italian?

Thanks for the suggestion, but I was hoping for something a bit different than a Brazillian Steakhouse...perhaps American, French, Italian. Plus I could not tell whether they had good chocolate desserts, which is key.

Hello,

I need some help finding a good location for a 10 person celebratory business dinner in D.C.

Here are the parameters:

1) Cost needs to be under $200/head, including wine

2) Good chocolate desserts are a priority

3) My client is not a "food person" per se, so simple straightforward food will be best

4) Private room or chef's table is preferred...I would like to do something that feels very celebratory

5) Close to a metro stop is useful, but not essential

Thanks very much for any/all suggestions....

I need to find a good private room in midtown for a mid-week lunch for about 10 to 15 people.

Would prefer to avoid anything super-expensive, or flashy. Any ideas?