Oh sorry, didn't even seen you had an article linked. It seems to explain that restaurants interpret that restriction applies to fisheries only, not eating establishments. Until enforcement cracks down with fines, I guess restaurants will continue to sell them.

I don't know the specifics, but I don't think Kumamotos are illegal in Texas. I've seen them on Nonna's menu several times before.

Haha you have a point. In fairness though, it is supposed to be a seafood restaurant. Even still, it's not as balanced as Oceanaire or some other seafood palace. Spoon does offer a good steak and a designer salad-of-the-day. Still, it's not a place I would take people that hate seafood.

Another irony is that you really only get a spoon in the end for dessert and coffee. Why they named it Spoon, I have no idea.

You remember right, foiegras. I actually loved The Commissary back in the day and walked there all the time for great burgers. The farmer burger with the duck egg -- superb. But the service sucked, they jacked up their prices, and the place inevitably imploded after 18 months I think. It's been replaced by The Greek, a Mediterranean spot I haven't tried yet.

Wow, this place is fantastic. I'm predicting that Leslie Brenner will give this a five star alongside Tei-An.

I've been several times and had different things each time. As you'd expect, John Tesar is a master. He's in rare form with seafood, and everything is executed perfectly. Something as imaginative as a "mosaic" of crudo to simple fish with veggies, all done with confidence. I can't think of another place with this caliber of seafood (or food for that matter). Without going into details, suffice it to say that everything was terrific. I know that's cliche, but it's the truth. There wasn't a single misstep.

The only thing I see holding back this restaurant is the service. It's friendly but inattentive. They almost always mess something up - sometimes it's leaving my obviously empty drink unattended (it ended up staying on the table the entire meal, until it was filled with melted ice cubes), they forget the bread, they once forgot the menu until I had to ask for it. On and on. That's a no-no at a restaurant that charges as much as they do (they even have the gall to charge for plain water!). I hope they can iron it out before the reviewers pounce.

Another odd annoyance - they don't have a bartender. The bartender's just another waiter. On multiple occasions, I saw my waiter go behind the bar to make the cocktail I just ordered. That's bush league. The cocktail menu isn't very imaginative either. The wine menu is oppressively short as well. You'd think they could hire a dedicated bartender.

But none of this matters because the food truly is that good. It overrides everything else. Go soon if you haven't already! I see this place getting white hot and impossible to reserve in the very near future.

I hate to be "that guy," but I just didn't like FT33. Aside from the uni pancakes, the rest of the food didn't work for me. I thought the flavors were weak and simply not good, despite the wizardry that went into it. It feels more like a faux Alinea; the plates are pretty to look at but bland to taste.

Spoon, on the other hand, I think is incredible. The price point may be a little high, but I really feel like Spoon is worth it. I think they're bringing some East Coast style and caliber to Dallas! I really think they're doing something special here.

I got back from my NYC trip, thankfully right before Sandy hit. I can only read about all the damage, so I hope you guys are safe and sound. Here's my recap:

Monday
L: Luke's Lobster in the Plaza Food Hall. This was terrific, and the first true lobster roll I've ever had! Thanks for the tip kathryn!

D: Per Se - In a word: underwhelmed. I'm glad to have had the Per Se experience, but I doubt I'll be going back. Particularly at their price point! Full review here: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/876133

Tuesday
B: Dominique Ansel: BIG thanks go to tpigeon for pointing me here. I just had a DKA and a cup of coffee. Nothing better than a perfectly crunchy pastry with a gooey center.

L: Russ & Daughters - Another great meal for me. I got a simple bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese. This truly did taste superior to anything in Dallas. Fantastic.

D: Eleven Madison Park: Tons of fun! I loved this place; both food and service were above reproach. Full review here: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/876133

Wednesday
B: Skipped. I was so stuffed at this point. I went for a run around Central Park instead.
L: Momofuku Ssam Bar. The duck lunch was great, but I thought it was nothing special. I felt the duck portions were a little on the skimpy side and not near enough to finish all the rice. Orange creamsicle sherbert was underwhelming as well.

D: Jungsik: My absolute favorite of the three dinners. Korean cuisine in a French presentation and technique? The novelty of the food and service it came with put this dinner over the top. It somehow made me like things I normally hated, like octopus and kimchi. It was also the cheapest dinner haha! BIG UPS to foodwhisperer and CheeryVisage! Full review here: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/876133

Thursday
B: Bouchon Bakery. Just had a brownie and a coffee. Tried to stay lite because I was really feeling the punishment of all these calories.
L: Marea: Good but not great. Pasta had strands clumped together in a thick cord, a cardinal sin for Italian restaurants. I do want to go back though. Full review here: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/876133

Thanks again everyone for steering me right! Next time, I'm aiming for EMP, Jungsik, and Brooklyn Fare. Unfortunately, Brooklyn Fare only takes reservations for groups of 2 or 4. If anybody want to join me at Brooklyn Fare, chime in!

You did it exactly right ozone81! I recently got back from NYC and was less than impressed with Per Se. The next time I go, I'd only stick to the Salon. I will definitely be doing the tasting menu at EMP -- it's infinitely more fun. I only ate at EMP at night, but I can only imagine what their maginificent dining room looks like with daylight coming in. Have fun!

Thanks plafield!

Keep in mind that I'm only speaking of my one time at Per Se, which is in no way representative of overall quality. Perhaps I just went on an off night, it can happen to the best of places. There are plenty of people here (CheeryVisage and uhockey) that absolutely adore the place. Let me put it this way: I'd be willing to give them a second shot if the price tag were closer to EMP levels. I just can't justify spending that much $$ for a second chance.

As for Italian, maybe consider Ai Fiori (same people as Marea) or Lincoln. I believe CharlesYu recommended Lincoln, which is helmed by the former exec chef of Per Se.

I'm back from my NYC trip and thankfully got out right before Sandy hit. As a rube from Dallas reading about all the damage, I hope you guys are safe and sound.

Thanks to everyone's help on my previous thread (http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/870589), I managed to eat very well in your fine city. Here's my recap and thoughts:

PER SE
Sabayon Belgian Endive Veloute (Banana Ecrasee and Black Winter Truffle
)Tsar Imperial Caviar (Nantucket Bay Scallops, Hearts of Peach Palm, Navel Orange, and Mustard Cress)
Soy Bean Panna Cotta (Sour Apple, Sake, Bonito)
Hen Egg Custard (Ragout of Black Winter Truffles)
Slow Poached Elevages Perigord Moulard Duck Foie Gras (Glazed Huckleberries, Petite Turnips, Watercress and California Pistachio Butter)
Columbia River Sturgeon (Applewood Smoked Bacon, French Green Lentils, Butternut Squash and Frisee)
Butter Poached Nova Scotia Lobster (Charred Eggplant Royale, Thumbelina Carrots and Cilantro Shoots)
Herb Roasted Thomas Farm's Squab (Rutabaga Fondant, Young Leeks, Chustnut Mousse and Tellicherry Pepper Mignonette)
Marcho Farms Ris de Veau (Braised Beef Cheek, Canterelle Mushrooms, Piedmont Hazelnuts and Pettite Lettuces)
Woodcock Farm's Weston Wheel (Greenmarket Brocolli Veloute, Sweet Pepper Confit and Toasted Brioche)
Prickly Pear
Pomegranate Soda
Mignardises

Pre-tip bill (including three cocktails) - $522.60

I actually hate that I typed all that because my honest opinion of Per Se is that it's overpriced and overhyped. The service was stuffy and formal; the waitress dropped bread on the floor trying to pick it up from the basket; servers seemed nervous and uneasy; she also neglected to give me a MOP spoon for the caviar course. I waited for a minute, hoping they'd see the mistake and replace with the proper silverware. After that, I just gave up and used it - terrible shame considering it's a $75 supplement. The food was decent but unremarkable. I'm no cultured haute cuisine curator like some people are, but I just wasn't impressed. The lobster was also overcooked. I'm more disappointed in the service: general behavior cheapened the nice gestures like complimentary glass of champagne and "Happy Birthday" on the menu. I'm glad to have experienced it, but overall, I wouldn't go back.

_______________________________________________________________________________

ELEVEN MADISON PARK
Black Truffle and Parmesan (Savory Black and White Cookie)
Sea Urchin (Custard with Baby Squid, Manilla Clam, and Apple)
Cranberry (Gelee with Smoked Curds and Agretti)
Cucumber (Snow with Lapsang Souchong and Grape)
Eel (Roasted with Foie Gras and Swiss Chard)
Sturgeon (Sabayon with Chives, Smoked with Everything Bagel Crumble, Pickles, and Caviar)
Foie Gras (Seared with Water Chestnuts, Dates, and Sunchokes)
Carrot (Tartare with Rye Bread and Condiments)
Lobster (Poached with Escarole and Almond)
Pork (Confit with Red Cabbage, Black Bean, and Grey Peas)
Greensward (Pretzel, Mustard, and Beer)
Malt (Egg Cream with Vanilla and Seltzer)
Plum (Marinated with Jasmine and Cashew)
Huckleberry (Goat Cheese Cheesecake and Lime)
Pretzel (Chocolate Covered with Sea Salt)
Sweet Black & White Cookie
Mignardise (Hazelnut Chocolate)

Pre-tip bill (including a half-bottle of Zilliken and a cocktail): $296.14

Wow, I loved this place. The food was unexpected, elegant, and immaculate. But most of all, it was fun. The only course I wasn't fond of was the cranberry gelee with cheese - the flavors didn't work for me. The service was down-to-earth and nearly telepathic. Best foie gras preparation I've ever had, hands down. The lobster tail was perfectly cooked. I could go on and on but won't. I just had FUN eating in this establishment. There was no gimmicky narrative about New York's history, just great food. My server was fantastic and the definition of good service - there when I needed something, otherwise vanished. My one nit is that I didn't get the kitchen tour while tables around me clearly got it. Perhaps the cost/benefit of taking a group of 4 into the kitchen is better than taking just one, but oh well. It's a small complaint that didn't really bother me. I would go back in a heartbeat (and plan to next month). After Per Se, the cost at EMP is much more bang-for-your-buck.

Unlike Per Se, my first thought upon exiting was to turn around and go back in. I just had to see what else EMP was capable of! I think next time, I'll do the tasting menu, then post up at the bar and order a la carte to run the full gamut. Does anybody know what their bar menu is?
_______________________________________________________________________________

JUNGSIK
Foie Gras
Wagyu Tartare
Sea Scallop
Truffle Risotto
Octopus
Happy Birthday Bowl of Some Kind of Rice and Kimchi That was Awesome
Spicy Ramyun
Crispy Red Snapper
Jungsik Steak
Omija Granite
Pumpkin Cheesecake

Pre-tip Bill (including 2 glasses of wine, coffee, and bottled water): $240.71

In my opinion, the best restaurant of the three. I REALLY loved this place. I'm sure part of it is the novelty - I had never had Asian cuisine in this kind of presentation, and every bit of it was a delicious revelation. I normally hate octopus, yet I loved the Octopus course. I dislike kimchi, yet the kimchi Jungsik incorporated was superb. The Wagyu Tartare had a distinct, visceral flavor that I can't articulate. Every course here was flawless, and even the bread selection (raisin, sour dough, olive) was distinctly wonderful. My server was a great gentleman that handled everything with aplomb and ease. Ironic that it's the cheapest out of three dinners I had, yet I liked this one the most. It wasn't as fancy, and there were no goodie bags like Per Se and EMP, but what of it? Sadly, it was dead when I went in (Wednesday night) with only a couple more tables occupied. I know that Eater had them on the "Deathwatch" list, and it's easy to see why. Is it the location that's keeping people away? Did it survive Hurricane Sandy being located so far south? I really hope this place can continue.

_______________________________________________________________________________

MAREA
Tasting of Three Crudo (Clam, Mackerel, Tuna)
Spaghetti (Crab, Sear Urchin, Basil)
Olive Oil Cake (Roasted Pineapple, Green Apple, Olive Oil Gelato)

Pre-tip Bill (including a glass of Aleatico and a cocktail): $101.70

I liked this place, but I'm not sure how it warrants two Micheline *, yet Jungsik gets one. Marea was good but not especially impressive. The freshness of the seafood was apparent, and I especially enjoyed the crudo. However, the spaghetti had some noodles clumped together in a thick strand - unacceptable for an Italian restaurant of caliber. I thought the sauce overpowered any kind of flavor from the sea urchin. I'd still like to go back to try their other dishes - the branzino sounds fantastic.

_______________________________________________________________________________

TL;DR: Jungsik >= EMP > Per Se, and Marea was decent. Big shoutout to foodwhisperer and CheeryVisage for telling me about Jungsik!! This is the reason why Chowhound trumps Yelp. I am very grateful.

If you've somehow made it this far to the end of the thread, congratulations! I'd love to see your comments and reactions!

I definitely will. I only found out about this site last week, and it's already helped me tremendously. Nothing beats local knowledge! Unfortunately, my debrief will be all text. I just don't have the stones to bust out a camera at restaurants!

I like this reply. I'll hit up both, but it sounds like Dominique Ansel is higher rated overall.

Very interesting. I think I'll hit up both! Dominique Ansel looks awesome. I had read somewhere about Milk Bar's Thanksgiving croissant. Hopefully I'll get a chance at one of those if it's not too early!

Sorry, I somehow missed this post.

I don't know what I meant by "big leagues." I don't know anything about Babbo except that it's Mario Batali's place. I guess I'm aiming for a gastrotemple, tasting menu experinece this go around.

Much appreciated! How do these pastries stack up against the much vaunted Momofuku Milk Bar?

Well. . . . .damn.

Babbo was definitely on my radar. I'm not a Michelin snob or anything, but I wanted to hit up the big leagues this go around. I'll most certainly go to Babbo on my next trip.

I also noticed that nobody mentioned Robuchon. The only reason why Robuchon isn't on my list is because I plan to eat there when I go to Vegas for New Year's. What's everyone's take on Joel Robuchon's place in NYC?

I'm not a huge breakfast eater, so I might just do that. But I do want to go to Russ & Daughters -- I don't think I've ever had a proper smoked salmon and bagel living in Dallas.

I've long suspected that all but the most uptight restaurants will do their best to accomodate walk-ins. If you show up, look presentable, and seem like you're willing to pay for quality, why would they turn you down? Especially if there's a cancellation (which seems inevitable)?

The only reason I can see is if they're truly packed with no room.

BTW I considered eating at the bar at EMP, but I've read that they don't offer the tasting menu at the bar. Food for thought.

I used to have an even bigger appetite, but now that I'm getting close to 30, it's starting to slow down :-( A hard truth, but one I must accept. I figure I should enjoy this before I get too old to shovel food into my mouth! I'm also planning to walk around the city all day, something I miss doing now that I don't work in downtown Dallas.

Wow those are some great tips! The Momofuku Ssam Bar duck lunch sounds great -- reservation required or can I walk in?

Thanks for all your help everyone! I'm already counting down the minutes.

*2nd Update*

Well my itinerary is now set. It was much easier than I thought it would be. I decided
against The Modern since I'm already eating at EMP the day before. Here's my schedule:

Monday
L: Crif Dogs
D: Per Se

Tuesday
B: Russ & Daughters
L: Katz (thanks for the heads up on Eataly loratiff and foodwhisperer!)
D: Eleven Madison Park

Wednesday
B: Big Nick's
L: Yasuda
D: Jungsik (thanks again foodwhisperer! Never would've heard of this place otherwise. The menu looks amazing, and it's a nice change of pace from Per Se and EMP).

Thursday
B: Probably just grab a bagel somewhere. I'll have gained 50 lbs at this point!
L: Marea (Cheeryvisage's report put it over the top)

There are still a thousand other places I'm dying to try, but they'll have to wait until next time :-)

Sorry, I don't have any advice or tips. I do have the advantage of living in Dallas, central time. EMP starts taking reservations at 9AM. All I did was call right at 8, got through on the second ring, and made my reservation, easy as you like.

I did try OpenTable, as I had heard that if you check OpenTable right at midnight, it will release the available tables for the next 28 days. I had zero luck. OpenTable has never worked for me.

I really wanted to go there, but:

1. They only take reservations for groups of 2 or 4. I'm dining solo this trip :-(

2. They only take reservations on Monday for the next six weeks out, so I missed the cutoff.

Do you think they accept walk-ins? I hear Brooklyn is the next hot spot now that Manhattan has priced all but the 1% out of the area!

Nice report Cheeryvisage! I've always been too embarassed to take pictures at the table; I don't know how you guys have the balls to do it. Those are some nice food porn shots.

Good point, Scott_C. I think I'll swing for Marea. After Per Se and EMP, I need to ride this good luck wave with reservations.

*EDIT*

Just got a table at Eleven Madison Park! That was easier than I thought.

I'll definitely make a reservation at The Modern and Yasuda.

Now for the final dinner restuarant... Jean Georges sounds very interesting. Does anybody have thoughts on Marea?

Thanks loratliff, that's great to know. I actually despise the French Room haha. I only found this site yesterday, and it's already paying dividends!

So does anybody know if reservations are required at Yasuda or The Modern for lunch? I think I might also stop by the Four Seasons for drinks and admire the indoor pool.

Thanks for the suggestions foodwhisperer! Italian's my favorite cuisine, and you're right about Dallas woefully lacking in the Italian department. Nonna is pretty good in Dallas, but that might be the only decent Italian joint in the whole city.

I can't do dinner on Thursday because that's when I fly out. I have my fingers crossed American Airlines doesn't screw me over on Monday, and I end up missing my Per Se reservation. I will be infuriated if that happens.

Can I ask why you'd go with Daniel over Le Bernardin? Is Daniel simply better? I know Le Bernardin is the classic NYC seafood luxury, but I haven't heard much about Daniel except that it's awesome haute French cuisine.

Hi everyone, I'm going to your beautiful city in late October. It's my first time, and I've always idolized NYC, so I decided to eat exceedingly well. I'd love your thoughts on my itinerary and any tips you might have. I'm particularly looking for advice on good breakfast and lunch spots. Here's what I have so far:

Monday
L: Crif Dogs
D: Per Se (reservation secured)

Tuesday
B: Russ & Daughters
L: Eataly / grab a slice of classic NY pizza (not interested in authentic Neapolitan -- we have that in Dallas)
D: Eleven Madison Park (hoping to snag a reservatioin tomorrow)

Wednesday
B: ???
L: Yasuda (do I need a reservation for lunch?)
D: Daniel or Le Bernardin (I'm leaning more towards Daniel, but I'm waiting to see if I can get EMP first)

Thursday
B: ???
L: The Modern (do I need reservation for lunch?)

What do you guys think? Maybe a little too heavy on the French with Per Se, EMP, and Daniel/Le Bernardin? I'd love to eat at Momofuku Ko, but I hear that reservations are nigh impossible. I'm also planning to hit up NoMad, but are there any other spots you'd recommend for drinks? Other than that, I'm just walking around and taking in the splendor that is Manhattan.

Thanks guys!