rrems's Profile
The Manhattan Pizza Crawl, 2012. Maffei, Co., John's of Bleecker, Keste, Rubirosa, Forcella.
I was referring to the crust, not the toppings. I doubt that I would have liked it much more with different toppings.
Last Minute Anniversary Trip to NYC
Great places that are usually relatively easy to book:
Ciano
Millesime
Jeanne et Gaston
Gastroarte
Marseille
Toloache
Kin Shop
SHO
Yerba Buena Perry
and I second Junoon and Oceana, mentioned above.
Dovetail or Picholine?
Thanks for the extensive report, Steak. I think your descriptions are quite accurate. Now try Picholine. I'll be looking forward to that report.
Best Pasta Dish of 2012
I had the Cortecce with Baby Octopus, Pancetta, Fennel and Garlic Bread Crumbs at Ciano last night. The combination of flavors and textures is superb.
Dovetail or Picholine?
Definitely request the front dining room. It's a beautiful high-ceilinged space. The back has low ceilings and is cozier, but it makes me feel a bit claustrophobic.
Dovetail or Picholine?
Dovetail was wonderful when it opened, but then became less interesting, and the menu rarely changes. I have not been in quite a while. If you want to try something that is more like what Dovetail used to be, with really interesting and innovative dishes, look into Gastroarte. For a high-level dining experience, Picholine is a great choice.
Advice - Mains under $30
Another one nobody mentioned, which you should keep filed away for future use, is Jeanne et Gaston.
The Manhattan Pizza Crawl, 2012. Maffei, Co., John's of Bleecker, Keste, Rubirosa, Forcella.
Well, everybody has their likes and dislikes when it comes to pizza crust, but I'll throw in my two cents. As a big fan of Rubirosa, with their wonderful thin, crisp crust, and the very high quality of the appetizers, pastas, main courses and desserts, I was both excited and somewhat skeptical about trying Forcella. As it turned out, the appetizers we had, the polpettone and the mozzarella and prosciutto, were delicious and very plentiful. The disappointment was the pizza. We were intrigued by the idea of fried and then baked, but the tartufo we ordered, with smoked mozzarella, ham, mushrooms and truffle oil was rather bland, and the worst part was the crust was thick and doughy. I would have expected the frying to impart crispness, but it did not. There was no char, just a sort of soggy, soft crust. If this is genuine Neapolitan pizza, I guess I am not a fan of Neapolitan pizza.
Anniversary Dinner in Manhattan
Annisa, but check the menu. I don't consider it "super avant-garde" but definitions of adventurous vary. Another thought is La Silhouette.
Sunday lunch in San Sebastian: What is more unique? Akelarre or a pintxos crawl?
Akelare is one of the best restaurants in the world. The pintxos in San Sebastian are great, but nothing to compare to the food at Akelare, not to mention the total experience, the view, the service. Fortunate as you are to live in Paris, I don't think you have anything quite like this, certainly not for the price. Don't miss it.
Dijon vs Beaune?
Here is a link to my report on Franche-Comte and Bourgogne from last fall:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/811827
Aside from the restaurants in Beaune, most of the others are within reasonable driving distance for day trips.
Dijon vs Beaune?
I've been to both twice. Dijon is a difficult city to get around in by car, and with the construction going on it is a complete mess. We stayed in Beaune last October and took a day trip to Dijon. Beaune is an utter pleasure. We stayed just outside the center and drove in but if you stay in the center you can walk to restaurants. Either way it is a great base for touring and has many excellent places to eat.
Restaurants in Piemonte (Part II from earlier)
Nice report. I loved La Torre and La Libera too. Next trip you must try Cascina Schiavenza and Il Centro.
Italian Restaurant Advice For My Birthday!!!
I have not been to Lavagna or Supper. The others are all good, so I would go with whichever one has the menu that appeals to you most.
Though I agree with Spiritchaser regarding Ciano, be aware it is considerably more expensive than these.
2 Dinners and 1 lunch recommendation
Marseille is a great choice. For near 49th to 52nd I would pick Toloache.
Tremont in the West Village
I will be very interested in your report. I hope it turns out to be exceptional, as it is a pretty place and I live very close by. To me the menu looks rather standard and pricey. $35 for halibut?
Lotus Blue
We were there last week too. I loved the ribs but agree they needed salt. I dipped them in a lot of red pepper oil, though, which made up for that. We also had pork meatballs in mushroom sauce, which were very delicious. The whole red snapper with sweet and sour sauce was very good, though we have had better, and spicier, versions in Thai restaurants, such as Rhong Tiam. Our other main course was the duck, which was absolutely superb. Next time I will probably try the tiger prawns, but did you eat the shells or remove them?
Last leg of FOOD TRIP in Northern Italy
I would drop Piazza Duomo for the reasons Allende cites. I would definitely add Il Centro. I liked La Libera very much when I went there a few years ago. Another place I feel should not be missed is Trattoria Cascina Schiavenza in Serralunga d'Alba.
My report from last fall's trip to Alba:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/810190
Last leg of FOOD TRIP in Northern Italy
You might want to consider Bellagio, on Lake Como. It is breathtakingly beautiful, and there are a number of good restaurants. We stayed and dined at Albergo Silvio, just outside the town, and had memorable meals.
West of Ireland in August - Recommendations, Please?
I was there in 2010 and it was wonderful, the smoked fish is impeccable, oysters exceptional, tempura prawns were the best I've had anywhere, and the Irish coffee is not to be missed.
In Galway, I highly recommend Kirwan's Lane, and Vina Mara was also quite good, though less fancy.
Marea, Anissa or Union Street Cafe for Sunday dinner?
Have the barbecued squid appetizer.
Restaurants in Chelsea
Some excellent suggestions here. I will second these:
La Promenade des Anglais
Jeanne et Gaston
Crispo
Legend
aquagrill
What other places are you comparing Aquagrill to that you pronounce it "best seafood in Manhattan?" It's certainly very good but IMO Oceana is better.
Keen steakhouse
There is really no good or bad place to be seated at Keens. Each room has its own charm. I've never been disappointed with the table I've been given. That said, the main floor room has a lower ceiling so feels more cozy, while the large upstairs room has a high ceiling and feels more spacious. There is no "tourist" room.
Best Paris Restaurants
Take a look at Alexander Lobrano's blog:
http://hungryforparis.squarespace.com/
Using a 30% discount voucher for Sho Shaun
I use Savored all the time at many different restaurants, and I never tell the hostess (it's indicated on their computer screen, so they should notice). Sometimes the server is unaware or forgets, and I have to tell them to redo the check, but I have never encountered any problem. As others have said, I've used Savored at SHO and was treated as well as when I did not. I also tip more when I have the discount, which makes it better for the staff.
Kin Shop Review (Thai Fried Chicken)
We just ate there last week, and I don't recall seeing fried chicken on the dinner menu, either. Our meal was delicious as always (particularly the skate and calamari), but I would like to try the chicken. I'll have to ask about it next time.
Trip to NYC. Any suggestions??
Riverpark is a great choice. The food is excellent and the views and atmosphere are very nice. They also have some great beers, I love the Captain Lawrence Porter.
