Olive123's Profile
Breakfast and/or Lunch near NY Hall of Science Museum
I think we went to Empanada Cafe last time and were very happy with our food! The homemade hot sauce was delicious, and we got an assortment of empanadas. We just brought them over to the museum with us. It was only about three blocks away.
La Grenouille, Lincoln or Scarpetta - with a vegetarian?
I switched Scarpetta to Lincoln for now. And both the eggplant and mushrooms sides had already caught my eye!
La Grenouille, Lincoln or Scarpetta - with a vegetarian?
Looking for someplace for dinner for myself (vegetarian) and my husband. We have had a few disappointing dinners recently at different places, and would love to try someplace new but am cautious. I really want to avoid the vegetarian-dishes-as-afterthought issue. I have a reservation for Scarpetta for now, but have already eaten there. I did enjoy their vegetarian menu. We loved Per Se when Chef Benno was there, so Lincoln seems a good choice on that basis. Their current menu seems to have quite a few tasty-sounding choices that would be suitable for a vegetarian. La Grenouille has a separate vegetarian menu, but I wonder if it rises to the level of their non-veggie food? I have reserved and canceled there a couple of times (with plenty of notice) because I was worried about being stuck with mediocre lentils for dinner. Or do you think we should just stick with Scarpetta? I didn't even try the polenta last time, so there would definitely be that to look forward to.
Husband will pretty much eat anything, by the way.
Thanks so much for thoughts.
Saturday Breakfast/Brunch - Kafe Leopold?
Thanks so much for the reply! We will cross our fingers and head over, then. Weather is supposed to be pretty nice, but we can browse the shops if we have a small wait.
Saturday Breakfast/Brunch - Kafe Leopold?
I lived in DC for years but never made it over there. I'll be visiting and including a weekend in my stay. We have dinners booked, but I would love an idea for a Saturday breakfast/brunch. Would there be a wait around 9/930 on a Saturday morning? If there is a wait of, say, 30 minutes, could we wander around and come back, or do they call when the table is ready? Otherwise, is there somewhere nearby that we could visit without a signficiant wait? I usually go for eggy things or sweet things for breakfast.
Dinner near the Wit - steak preferred
Thanks so much! This is very helpful. I have mentioned the options so we'll see if they would like to switch.
Dinner near the Wit - steak preferred
I am an out of towner - and a vegetarian - so I feel lost making a recommendation for this one! I won't be joining the meal, so not concerned about veggie offerings. The closest option seems to be the McCormick & Schmick's around the corner. I have no experience with this place, just know it's a chain with seafood and steak. Any other quite close suggestions? It may be late-ish, say 8, by the time the group can get away for a bite. (This will be on a weeknight.) Any other suggestions? They have already eaten in the hotel restaurant (Cibo Matto?) on prior trips and want something else.
Thanks so much!
On two waiting lists - suggestions for something new to us and delicious?
Pleased to have a reservation now for Rogue 24 on that Friday night (same night we are on the Minibar waiting list). I am leaving Saturday open for now and will continue perusing menus and dreaming that Komi might call. Thanks, all!
On two waiting lists - suggestions for something new to us and delicious?
Rogue 24 looks interesting, though from some of the reviews it looks like people have found the food inconsistent? In any event, I am waiting to hear back from them about a reservation. After that, maybe Equinox? I'll keep considering. Corduroy is one that is always on my short list, but I have never actually been. Thanks for the suggestions!
On two waiting lists - suggestions for something new to us and delicious?
We are on wait lists for Minibar and Komi for the end of the month for a short DC trip from NY. I am not holding my breath for either. Have enjoyed lots of places in DC/Va - Restaurant Eve, Citronelle, CityZen, Vidalia, Rasika, Central, Sushi Taro, Vermillion. I would love to have a reservation in hand for someplace delicious, including delicious for a vegetarian, that we haven't tried yet. We won't have a car, so places farther out/not metro accessible won't work. Any suggestions? Budget is irrelevant. Thanks!
Pasteurized Eggs in Brooklyn?
I found an old thread about this (no one knew anywhere that sold them) but was hoping the scene might look better a few years later. Anyone know of a source? I'm in Cobble Hill, but we have a car and can travel. Thanks!
Anniversary in Brooklyn, short notice
I haven't! That has been on my "list" for a long time, too. We are absolutely planning on trying it. I think it sounds delicious and have read such wonderful things.
Anniversary in Brooklyn, short notice
Thanks so much for all of the input! We aren't decided quite yet, and Lincoln is still a possibility. If we stay in Brooklyn, though, my husband is pushing for Farm on Adderley and I am pushing for Locanda. We may have to flip a coin, or go with our old favorite, Di Fara. In any event, we definitely have a list of places to visit on future child-free nights.
Anniversary in Brooklyn, short notice
We do really like Roberta's, and I am considering Locanda, along with James and Vanderbilt now.
On Convivium, I REALLY wanted to like that place, and went there with two other couples for dinner some time back. This was soon after Tempo closed - we loved that place and were looking for something else nearby, as one of the couples lived a few blocks away. We had a bad experience and haven't been back. We ate downstairs, which was beautiful and unique, and most of our problems were related to the waiter. For instance, he lied about checking whether a dish was vegetarian, and then when I started eating it it was clearly not a vegetarian dish. We had to hunt him down, and when I asked again, he admitted that he hadn't asked in the kitchen because he thought it was vegetarian and they must have changed the recipe. Not at all apologetic, and he made himself scarce throughout the evening. I recall one laughably small portion of ravioli, too (maybe 4?) and my artichoke appetizer was weak. I love artichokes but am somehow unable to make them properly myself, so I like to sample them out and about. (Love the version at Brucie, by the way.) No one was impressed with their dishes or the service, and I ended up apologizing for choosing the restaurant. I guess it was an off night, coupled with a poor waiter. The space really was warm and lovely, though. We will go back at some point, but I think my husband will be resistant to going for our anniversary after such a disappointing meal. I want to give it another chance because so many people seem to love it and it is such a welcoming space.
-----
Convivium Osteria
68 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Is there a place that sells cheese piroshki in nyc?
I can't point to a specific store, but perhaps someone will have knowledge of a place in Greenpoint with cheese piroshki? In addition, I think Union Market (Cobble Hill/Carrol Gardens location), Fairway in Red Hook and the Key Food on Henry Street in Cobble Hill have them, but would suggest calling to confirm before heading out. Good luck!
-----
Fairway Market
480 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Union Market
288 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Anniversary in Brooklyn, short notice
I have a reservation at Lincoln for next Friday, but I think we would actually prefer to just stay in Brooklyn. We have been to lots of Brooklyn "standards" (Saul, Grocery, Roberta's - though not for tasting menu, al di la, Dressler, Queen, Colonie, Prime Meats, Brucie, Rosewater, Ici, Lucali, Good Fork, Tanoreen, Stone Park Cafe, more that I can't think of right now) and would love to try something different. I'm a vegetarian, so that is a limitation (no point in calling Brooklyn Fare for cancellations), but my husband is not, so a totally vegetarian place probably isn't best. Food is much more important than setting, although a charming setting doesn't hurt. I would wait in line at Di Fara if it wasn't so cold. That is my favorite date location, anniversary or not! Extensive waits in general are not preferred, so someplace like Vinegar Hill House is out, but we don't mind a short (20 minutes?) wait if we can enjoy a drink at the bar somewhere. Also, I'm just not into Applewood. I was thinking Farm on Adderley or Locanda might work. We love Buttermilk Channel for brunch, but I don't know anything about whether the vegetarian dinner menu is actually delicious (I appreciate that they have one, though). We have a car, but will likely subway or cab to wherever we go so husband can imbibe. No cost limitations. Thanks!
Izakaya on Smith - veggie stuff? (Yakitori, fake things)
Every now and again I like me some fake meat. Usually we order Wild Ginger twice a year or so. Can anyone comment on the choices at Izakaya on Smith? On the faux spare ribs in particular? Also, I really like good veggie yakitori (my favorite used to be at Sushi Taro in DC, if anyone is familiar) and I just noticed there is some vegetarian yakitori at this place. Any good experiences? We don't order out often, not even once per month, but it would be nice to have another option.
Thanks!
VIP @Thai on Smith St (formerly EM)
I can only coment on the BYOB point. There is a deli basically across the street on Smith, and another across the street and down a block (Union and Smith). Didn't want anyone to be deterred on the beer point. (Liquor store is like a block down on the same side of Smith - Smith & Vine - if you prefer.) Haven't tried the food in that space in awhile, so good to know the authentic menu is solid.
Business dinner next week, including one vegetarian
Realized I posted this under another post so visitors might not notice it initially:
Walking distance from Palmer House and setting/food are primary. I'm now looking at Rhapsody, Atwood, Vivere and Florentine. Would all of these work for a business dinner? Thanks so much!
-----
Vivere
71 W Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60603
Business dinner next week, including one vegetarian
Walking distance from Palmer House and setting/food are primary. I'm now looking at Rhapsody, Atwood, Vivere and Florentine. Would all of these work for a business dinner? Thanks so much!
-----
Vivere
71 W Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60603
Business dinner next week, including one vegetarian
Not a vgean - bring on the cream and eggs! I'll check out these suggestions. I think closer to Palmer House (thanks for letting me know about the name) is probably best.
Business dinner next week, including one vegetarian
I am not familiar with Chicago at all, unfortunately, and need to choose restaurants for some business dinners for next week (so Alinea is out). Ideally we would like to be not too far from Wacker and LaSalle or close to the Palmer hotel. Proximity and ability to actually snag a reservation are key. One diner is a vegetarian. If it helps as a point of reference, in NYC I would choose somewhere like Jean Georges, Ai Fiori, Lincoln, Yasuda. Thanks so much in advance!
-----
Alinea
1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Food for a bunch of people (delivery/takeout) in/near Columbia Waterfront District?
Having enjoyed House of Pizza, Teeda, Alma and Calexico and wanting to branch out, we stuck with the Sottocasa and Brooklyn Fare plan. This was partially a success and partially very disappointing. Sottocasa was great. They delivered the pizza in two trips to keep things at the ideal temp and everyone loved the pizzas. I was actually shocked by how awful the Brooklyn Fare platters presented. I didn't try everything included, but thought the cheeses I tried were tasteless. The cheese platter appeared to be comprised of Boar's Head quality (or lower) cheese cubes, grapes, some berries and crackers. This was their "Artisan Cheese Platter" which was supposed to include chef's selection of domestic and imported cheeses, nuts, dried fruits and chutneys. None of the accompaniments was included. The Antipasto Platter was supposed cured meats, salami, various roasted and picked veggies. No pickled veggies, and the meats included what appeared to be kosher salami cubes and cubes of other deli meats (maybe ham? other things like that) plus some higher quality meats. We were thoroughly unimpressed, won't use this service again and won't recommend it. I really thought we would be pleased with the Brooklyn Fare product, but unfortunately we were not at all. I'll let them know, but still have no plans to use them ever again. This was sort of a test run, since we figured if all went well we would use the service for more extensive catering in the future. No thanks. We will use Sottocasa again, though. They were a pleasure to deal with and the food was tasty. (Brooklyn Fare was perfectly pleasant to deal with, too.)
-----
House of Pizza and Calzone
132 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Alma
187 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Calexico
122 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Brooklyn Fare
200 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Teeda
218 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Food for a bunch of people (delivery/takeout) in/near Columbia Waterfront District?
Now leaning toward pizzas from Sottocasa (which normally does not deliver to our area but will make an exception for the larger order) and antipasto/cheese platters from Brooklyn Fare. Other suggestions still appreciated! I was having a hard time choosing between Sottocasa and Luna Rossa for pizza choices; I haven't tried either and it would be nice to try something new. Normally I prefer Lucali, DiFara or Roberta's for pizza but none of those would work here.
-----
Luna Rossa
552 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Brooklyn Fare
200 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Sottocasa Pizzeria
298 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Food for a bunch of people (delivery/takeout) in/near Columbia Waterfront District?
Just moved to the other side of the BQE, so I don't really have a good sense of who delivers there or not. We can pick up food, but delivery is preferred for actual dinner. I need to feed about 14 people, including one who doesn't eat dairy (meat is fine for that person, though) and a few vegetarians. I was thinking cheese/crackers/bread and a crudite tray maybe made up by fairway, plus cookies from one of the nearby bakeries that we can pick up earlier in the day, and then an assortment of pizzas from South Brooklyn which can be delivered for dinner. Not sure what to do with the dairy-free person for that scenario, though. Any other ideas? Budget wise, I was hoping to keep it around 20pp for all food. This is super casual in our apartment and not intended to be at all fancy, just not chips and dip either.
favorite recipes from cooks ilustrated and america's test kitchen
I make the skillet ziti quite frequently, and generally use their method of cooking dried pastas in sauce. I also loved the cheese lasagna (don't recall if it is 3 cheese or 4 cheese). That one is very, very rich, though.
Pre - Theatre Dining - The Book of Mormon - Suggestions?
We had a great pre-Book of Mormon dinner at Toloache. It is basically around the corner. Really fantastic upscale Mexican, with a tasty and varied drinks menu. Note that it gets VERY busy here. In case it is relevant for you, they have a separate vegetarian menu.
-----
Toloache
251 West 50th Street, New York, NY 10019
Ample HIlls Creamery Hype overwhelms reality
Sad to hear that. I have been meaning to try this place, but was going to give it some more time (to avoid ridiculous waits). We are big fans of Blue Marble and I thought this might be of similar quality. Maybe someone can weigh in on more successful flavors?
Late-ish dinner on a Friday, Saturday breakfast - Hudson; CIA brunch
We weren't able to find accommodations in Hudson for both nights, so we are actually staying in Windham now. We are considering visiting Chalet Fondue on Friday night (although we expect more kitsch than good food). We would still like to have breakfast in Hudson on Saturday before exploring that town before our Basement Bistro meal. I made a reservation at The Cookery in Dobbs Ferry for brunch on our drive back to NYC Sunday.
Dinner alternatives for Friday or Saturday breakfast suggestions still appreciated.
Thanks!
Best Breakfast In Queens or Brooklyn?
I do like Cafe Henri, though I haven't been there in ages. One stop on the 7 to Manhattan is pretty close.
Will weekends only work? Our favorite so far is Buttermilk Channel in Carroll Gardens for brunch. It's 4 stops on the F into Brooklyn. Also really like the pancakes specifically at Cafe Luluc on Smith Street (3 stops in).
-----
Cafe Luluc
214 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Cafe Henri
10-10 50th Ave, Queens, NY 11109
Buttermilk Channel
524 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
