rebus03's Profile
Falai for people who LIKE it...
When I went there I ate a deconstructed ravioli with the tomato water on the side. I thought it was quite interesting.
Pre-theater Nosh?
Lazarra's Pizza... it's not very fancy, but tasty. Otherwise tons of Thai places such as Room Service... they get you in and out in no time!
Sunday night dinner
Rouge Tomate has some really fresh and unique vegetarian options in Midtown (on 60th & 5th) although it is pricey. Otherwise, if you check out Veggiescoop, it will give you some other options
Vegetarian Midtown Lunch?
You should try the following that are around you...
Freefoods on 45th b/w 5 & 6 - they have a yummy avocado tempeh sandiwich
Mantao on 52nd b/w 2nd & 3rd - they have a yummy tofu sandwich in a chinese bun (see review on veggiescoop dot com)
Obika Mozzarella Bar - 55th & Madison - excellent quality mozzarella with a few veggie entrees and sandwiches.
Need Southeast Asian Caterers
Hi! I'm a New Yorker and planning a wedding in San Francisco. I want to have a Pan-Asian reception with Indian and South East Asian (Malaysian, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian-type) food. I've a budget of $90 per person, and am looking for
1) Ideally a caterer that can handle BOTH Southeast Asian food and INdian food
2) If not, recommendations on the good Southeast Asian Caterers in San Francisco.
Already talking to Global Gourmet, and E&O, but looking for something a slight bit cheaper. Talking to New Delhi and Amber on indian... any feedback with those?
Good Eats - 6th & 38th/39th?
Barbes (Moroccan) on 36 between Mad & 5th is great, venture through K-town, Also recommend Lazarra's (voted Top 10 pizza in NYC) on 38th between 7th & 8th.... excellent pizza. Avoid it during 12:30-2pm tho... the lines can be pretty bad.
what's missing from my list of must-try pizzas in nyc?
I think the following belong up there as well:
John's
Lazarra's
PIe
Table for 12: vegetarian friendly
Do NOT do Dos Caminos... there's only one veggie dish. For a party of 12, depending on your budget (assuming it's family), you can do
Dhaba (for Indian) it has a more unique vegetarian seleciton than most Indian restaurants or
L'Annam if you want to do Vietnamese. Otherwise, Thai is always an option... I tend to like Pongsri, but if your family's a fan of the whole mock duck thing, there are many in hell's kitchen.
Tabla is pricey... if you do do it, go to the Bread Bar, not the upstairs. The food upstairs is not worth it. Bread bar is better.
Restaurants everyone loves--except you
The truffle egg toast there is pretty good. I'd recommend giving it a try before crossing 'inoteca off your list permanently. I feel it's better than some of the other wine bars and restaurants in the hood.
Lan Sheng – First Rate Szechuan in Midtown
I had a very subpar experience at this restaurant, with them messing up my order of mixed vegetables twice... she brought it out with meat once!
Vegetarian/Vegetarian-Friendly Near Times Square?
If you're looking for casual and inexpensive-ish options, I would recommend:
- Le Pain Quotidien on 40th & 6th
- Bali Nusa Inda (Indonesian) 46th & 9th)
- El Centro for Meixcan (53rdish & 9th)
- Akdeniz - Turkish - 46th & 6th
- Say Cheese - grilled cheese joint with variety of grilled cheese on 9th bw 45 & 46
- Pongsri (or any of theother Thai places on 9th ave) on 48 bw 7 & 8
- Saigon 48 on 48 bw 7 & 8
Hope this helps!
Canadian's in NYC
If you go to Penelope's, go really early. It's tough to get a table there, unless you are willing to wait for 45-90 minutes. Other brunch options not too far away from Penelope's in case you can't get a table are Dos Caminos (amazing pumpkin pancakes, and other good stuff) and Cinema Cafe.
Good Eats - 6th & 38th/39th?
I work right by there so know the area well:
1- Le Pain Quotidien - they have a bunch of open face sandwiches that are yummy, great cappucinos, etc. It's a table service place... quieter at night, but usually packed for lunch. It's on 40th b/w 5 & 6. Much of the food is creative and healthy.
2 - I second Barbes... great Moroccan place.
3- Lazarra's -39 b/w 7th and 8th - arguably one of hte best pizza places in NY... It's set on the 2nd floor of the old townhouse. It's crazy during lunch (usualyl half an hour wait for a table), but is really romantic for dinner (they light candles and stuff).
4 - Arno's - expensive, old-school Italian place with killer food. It's been around for about 40 years. All the waiters wear tuxedos. I think they do a nightly show called Murdered by the Mob, but have never been. My boss takes me here often for lunch, and I always love it.
5 - Thai Select on 9th ave b/w 36th and 37th is a good bet for Thai.
6 - Ktown has a host of good korean food. There's a restaurant on the corner of 33rd(?) and 6th that I like to frequent.
Affordable dinner on the UWS
I recommend the following:
- Le Pain Quotidien (one on 72nd St asnd one on 66th St).. exactly the environment you're looking for. Cafeish, with table seating. The only thing is that sometimes there's a line to be seated if it's busy. I don't think they take reservations, but you can check.
- Hummus Place (amazing chain as well... the hummus is incredible an cheap) 75th & Amsterdam. Their sangria is one of the best I've ever had (they infuse it with anise). It's much better than the Noosh. I've been to both... Hummus Place is def. better.
double date w/ mom-where to go?
If you want to do something more tapas-ish, and something that has good for everyone and a great environment, I would recommend either:
Prespa (amazing new rest on 33& lex) or
Alta (W 10th St)
Both have amazing, creative tapas for both meat eaters and vegetarians. Both also have a great ambiance and are not terribly expensive. Avra, Barbounia if you want Greek could be good options, and if you want to do something Asian, Safran is a great place upscale (Vietnamese)... and tell your boyifrend to get the Trio of Tofu there... it's amazing.
Help me find this diner!
I went to a diner a few years ago that was near central queens with a friend, but can't remember tha name of it. can you help me? Here are the details I remember:
1) It is located near Briarwood / Jamaica.
2) It has a fairly typical diner feel
3) I ate a vegetarian gyro there, and they had a good selection of vegetarian items, hence being affectionately known as the "Hare Krishna" diner, or so my friend says.
I don't know if the diner is around anymore, as I dined there a while back. If you know about it, please let me know. Thanks!
nice place in soho that is vegetarian friendly?
Here are a few places in Soho that I have been to, liked and have had vegetarian food there (and occasionally fish)
- Public
- Woo Lae Oak
- Spring Street Natural
- Bread
- Kelley & Ping (though they don't take res and you might have to wait)
Horrible Meal at Counter
I am a pescavegetarian (I eat fish) and I had a really good experience there in terms of food. The entrees didn't seem as exciting as the appetizers, so we ordered some appetizers and the paella special they had that night. It was really good overall, and service and atmosphere were great. I didn't think it was that expensive compared to it's counterparts such as Candle 79 and Blossom.
Creative Cocktails?
Where do you feel they have the best and most creative cocktails in the city? Ideally, I'm looking for places between Houston and 65th St. Among my favorites are PDT (strawberry pisco sour), Therapy (pavlov's dog - an organge based mojito) I've heard that the mushroom margarita at Tailor is pretty good. Any other recommendations? Anyone know if there is a service where one could look up the drink menus of various bars?
San Juan Restaurants (with Vegetarian Options)
Cafe Berlin - greaet veg and nonvegg. It is trendy, has excellent options for both. The mango mojito is great, as is there cappucino. My bf & I went there twice during our three day stay! For fast food, Meson is amazing for both non veg and veg people, and is a must try.
Help! Need a bakery that doesn't use eggs in Midtown.
I've heard Babycakes, TeaNY and Lifethyme Natural market... are there any in Midtown? Also, I'd prefer something that is NOT gluten-free and uses gluten products, milk products and sugar, which is why I'd prefer something other than the ones I've already mentioned. I don't want to compromise too much on taste so mik, gluten and refined sugar are fine. I just have family that is allergic to eggs. So just want to get rid of the eggs. DOes anyone know a bakery that makes their cakes without eggs? Thanks!
Best Vegetarian in NYC
My top 10 list would be as follows:
1) Franchia - Hangawi's little sister on Park & 35th. Awesome decor, amazing food. Try some of the veg sushi... it's great. I recommend the Franchia Meatballs, spicy kimchi tofu and sizzling spinach noodles with veg chicken. They also have quite a few more vegetably dishes. Their tofu cheesecake is amazing.
2) Pure Food and Wine - it's all vegan and cooked under 110 degrees. There lasagna is amazing. It's pricey, but good. Some of there other dishes can be hit or miss. Stay away from the desserts... they are pretty bland and not well balanced.
3) Buddha Bodai - down in Chinatown. Favorite dishes are the lettuce wraps, chicken corn soup and general tso's chicken.
4) Saravanas - the best in Curry Hill. The mixed veg dosa is amazing and very unique. Expect to wait a while for a table tho. Also be sure to go to Saravanaas on 26th & Lex, not Saravanaas Bhavan on Lex and 28th.
5) Lan cafe - it's a hole in the wall, but it's a completely veg Vietnamese place and has the most amazing Vietnamese food I've had. It's really a culinary experience.
6) Gobo.
7) Hangawi - stuffed mushroom appetizer is amazing. Todok is also quite nice, if you're into it. It's a little rooty and not for everyone. They also have tofu cheesecake and a really good grean tea cake.
8) Curly's - great comfort food. The 20-item salad is fun. I loved their veg sloppy joe.
9) Happy Buddha - great veg place in Queens. They have an amazing taro bowl with veggies inside if you like taro.
10) Counter - love this place. The paella was yummy, as are some of the appetizers.
I felt Candle Cafe was bland. Eaten there a few times, portions are small and they don't pack enough punch in their food. I like Candle 79 better. I like the appetizers at Blossom. I've had hit and miss experiences at Pukk. I thought Caravan of Dreams was good, but I like the restaurants above better =)
Rec for Veg Mom - Union Squareish
Not too pricey - Galaxy Global Eatery on 16th and Union square. Amazing veg and non-veg stuff. You can get grasshopper legs and she can get barbequed seitan (soy) among many other creative things. The rosemary tofu skewers are really good there, as is the catfish. It's a great atmosphere (trendy but low-key) and they have some fierce drinks.
Mesa Grill - 17th & 5th.... a little pricier, but a really cool spot. Amazing food, great atmosphere, pretty trendy.
Help me with me dining puzzle in Midtown East
While Mama Mexico is nice, just make sure the mariachi band isn't around... it can be such a buzz kill.... unless you feel that your colleagues will enjoy it.
Pampano doesn't have any veg food.
Vong is a great option.
I highly recommend Boi on 44th b/w 2nd and 3rd. It's Vietnamese, it's upscale but still has a low-key feel to it. Great meat and veg options... have been here a few times.
Cibo is good as well... they have a few veg options and it's pretty upscale.
Other good options in the area:
Indian: Amma and Yuva - both are really good in quality, variety and service.
I think Montparnesse is a good option as well, but if you chose Vong, I take it you want something more upscale. Montparnasse is great, but has a French bistro feel... like L'Express and Pastis. Food and atmosphere is great tho.
Chinese: Mr K or Mr Chow (both are better than Chin Chin in my opinion, but Chin Chin is good as well. Mr Chow is quite upscale, Mr K has an upscale and formal feel, but the prices are reasonable).
Hope this helps!
Best Picks for Veg food at a Non-Veg Restaurant
Thanks guys.... Will have to try En.
Snack Taverna - Iin the W Vil and went there this weekend. They had some really good veg items. There cheese selection was strong (I had the saganaki and really loved it) and they had several good veg options on the menu.
Arno's on 38th & 7th - it's pricey, but they have the best vegeatable soup I've ever had. It's just so fresh. There capuccino is also amazing. They are very acommodating. Ask for their pasta primavera with arrabiata sauce and penne. They use really fresh vegetables, and while the dish sounds very ordinary, they really do it well because all
Divine Bar West &Divine Bar East - great place for afterwork drinks and grabbing a snack for big groups. The portions are huge, but they have some creative options such as figs stuffed with blue cheese and a brie puff pastry among many veg options. We had the fruit and cheese platter and the Mediterannean dip selections (which had a black bean w/ olive dip and red pepper w/ feta dip among others). The quality was good, but the 5 of us could barely finish these 2 dishes. They even have a ratatouille with a puff pastry lid.
Best Picks for Veg food at a Non-Veg Restaurant
Thanks everyone for the replies and advice! Some of the menus look really good and I'm excited about trying them. can vouch for El centro and Empanada Mama.... have been to both and thought they were really good.
Here are a few more I thought of:
Caracas Arepa Bar - has a good selection fo beggie areapas
Arctica - has an amazing pizza and some really good salads... a good option for drinks / a meal because the scene is much more bar-ish than restaurant-ish but the table area in the back is usually quieter duringn dinner hours
Mottsu - they have a great selection of Veg sushi... some unusual combinations. I like Franchia's veg sushi better, but Mottsu is a good bet for both veg & non-veg people.
Please keep the recommendations going!
Quick review: Lazzarra's
They have pizza on their dinner menu... I've had pizza here several times for dinner.
Best Picks for Veg food at a Non-Veg Restaurant
I am working on putting together a list of restaurants that have amazing Vegetarian food and Non-veg food. I'm veg (occassionally eat fish) and have several friends who are veg and non-veg. It's great to know of places that offer an amazing selection of both. Here are a few selections I've visited.... please do not recommend vegetarian restaurants, because we all know which ones those are =) Also, please avoid recommending places that don't have particularly unusual or good veg dishes... most of us veg people know we can get a salad at most places, but if you've tried something that is unique and will be an experience for a veg person, that would be great. Like mentioning the thai restuarant down the street has a vegetable curry doesn't really help... most veg people already know that =) See below for examples. I want this list to continue to grow over time, and after I have several responses, I'll re-post the list.
High End & Prix-Fixe:
Daniel - have to try this at some point
Aquavit -great prix-fixe for veg
Gramercy Tavern - have to try this as welll... if any one has more input, let us know!
Toloache - amazing selection of veg dishes... tortilla soup is a little salty. Cactus fries and veg tacos are amazing. They have an amazing fruit guacamole and smoky one as vell sa many other veg dishes. They also have a great selection of ceviches.
Smorgas Chef - their eggplant puree (main veg entree) is amazing. They have a few veg appetizers that are quite good. Meat lovers love the meatballs here.
Buddakan - Good veg selection, but can sometimes be too salty. The Fried rice with curry foam is great but a little on the sweet side. Avoid the mushroom noodles... they are quite salty. The edamame dumplings are great. The other vegetables were just ok... oftem steamed and over-salted. Drinks and desserts are great tho.
Serafina - They have a spaghetti squash (spaghetti made out of squash) that is absolutely divine. They have a great selection of salads and other veg entrees as well.
Stanton Social - Amazing french onion soup dumplings, pizettes, brie and peach quesadillas, smoked cheese ravioli. Great for everyone... small tapas-size portions, great for sharing.
Mesa Grill - Sophie's chopped salad is good. They have several other good veg appetizers such as goat cheese fundido and
Hell's Kitchen - has a few veg entrees and appetizers.. the menu rotates, but I've tried their veg stuff twice and really enjoyed their selections.
Barbounia - have some great veg selecitons. The fried cheese dish is great. They have great spreads such as the smoked eggplant. Their fried goat cheese and lavender honey, veg pides are great as well. They have several appetizers and mains (such as baked eggplant and feta gnocchi) that rotate. Their trio of creme brulee (if they still have it) is absolutely amazing... rose, coffee and saffron.
Alta - Amazing veg tapas such as crispy brussel sprouts, fried goat cheese and lavender honey, an amazing cumin spiced cauliflower dish (you can get it without the meat as several other items), smoked mozzerella with filo shreds, etc.
Rice - has some great veg options like ratatouille with green rice, tofu sate with black rice, etc. Really good selection. Not very expensive.
Penelope - Great veg selections such as brie and apple sandwiches, veggie burger with pesto mayo, spinach and beets. Also has great non-veg food. The place gets pretty packed tho, so expect to wait.
If anyone has any other recommendations, please let me know. I want this list to continue to grow and be a great resource for vegetarians and non-veg who are dating / have non-veg friends and want to impress them while getting what they want as well.
Best Gourmet Food Stores In NYC........
There's also the Amish market on 45th b/w 2nd and 3rd.. I believe they have a few more locations.
