gambit50's Profile
Babbo- 1st or 2nd floor/ Menu Items?
The front 4 tables are reserved for walkins. You should not be seated there. Yes, they are not pleasant, though the one tucked into the front window used to be fine.
The other tables on the first floor are along the sidewalls. It ain't that bad. I understand there are different vibes for people but if you are that bothered by this atmosphere, move to Idaho and stretch out and have some peace and quiet. Of course, then you miss out on the food.
I like space and a low tone room sometimes, also. This ain't the place, so be it. Go to Per Se, also great.
Note, if you know what you like, I suggest perusing the wine list before you go. The one bad experience I had there(a number of meals) was due to a very poor choice by the sommelier. He used logic like a 10 yr old who knew nothing about wine would. Not that I am an expert but that choice was plain BAD. It was awhile ago, probably someone else, currently, but always a good idea to have a few choices in mind if you know your way around the list.
Babbo- 1st or 2nd floor/ Menu Items?
2nd fl is better, yes, but it won't ruin anything to eat on the 1st if that is all you can get. You won't know if they can seat you up there until you ask. Obviously, the CAN but maybe they will or won't. Go for it, they won't rescind your reservation.
As you claim, you can deal with some noise and a bit of crowding, as you should, it is Manhattan. I don't mind it and I don't find it that cramped and have had great meals on both floors.
Table I like most is on 2nd floor, towards the back but not against the back wall.
As for the food, 4 total pastas and 2 entrees is not much, in terms of sampling the food. If you are going, I would suggest at least 8 total dishes(sans dessert) if you don't go there all the time. Keith mentioned this, as well.But that is up to you.
Pastas, so many, all good, pretty much.
Goat Cheese Tortelloni
Mint Love Letters, people don't mention this all the time? That is why I don't listen to many people.
Chianti Stained Pappardelle
Gnocchi with Braised Oxtail , a must for me almost all the time but had to give it up sometimes to try other things besides a fellow diner's offering.
Just to comment on some others not mentioned. Would skip, as partially mentioned by Keith, those that are typical, Bolognese, Amatriciana. Hard to go wrong, in general, though.
Secondi are the weakest part of the menu, I would be more careful here.
No osso buco or ribeye. Whole fish is probably good though I have never had it.
Chops are usually good but would skip the small birds if you really aren't used to them.
Have not had the duck, someone mentioned crispy? That sounds good.
If you want more info on Apps and Desserts, I am sure people will let you know. Hopefully, they don't lead you astray.
Menu is not the same as website, often.
I am guessing your family is not quite so liberal in palate(ordering only pasta) but if so, consider the tasting menu. I have enjoyed the regular one. Pasta looks good, too, and they excel at them but I just cannot do a whole meal of pasta exclusively.
Enjoy
Looking for a truly authentic Roman restaurant in NYC, one like you would find on the streets of the Eternal City.
Yes, if someone can explain to me why they have those girls getting paid, I would love to hear the reasoning. They aren't even attractive so it makes zero sense. AND TWO usually! Oh, and this is many different girls over years. It is as if they go out of their way to find them.
I assume someone is getting some "benefits" off of them, otherwise it is just complete stupidity which is worse, in my opinion. Again, just bust them about it or ask a manager.
I know how to get around certain undesirable traits of places, in this case it is possible. Sometimes it is not.
So, if you care to go, try again, use some tactics or reserve.
Just saying this so you don't skip the food if you like it.
If not, keep it on your blacklist.
I LOATHE BRUSSEL SPROUTS! Even deep fried in chocolate sauce.
Looking for a truly authentic Roman restaurant in NYC, one like you would find on the streets of the Eternal City.
Not going to happen. Anyone who says otherwise, including anyone from Rome, is, to say the least, mistaken.
Of course, if you include the bad places from Rome, sure, any city has that.
As Renguin stated, Lupa, probably your best bet. Good job, Renguin, considering you never have been and got it right. Now, let us wait for all the schlock joints that pepper this board.
Pastas are the best thing, overall, and specific entrees are done very well.
I am looking at the menu, now, as some items are different.
Personally, I don't get salumi or anything else that I can pickup at a store and slice myself. If you never do it, I guess it is different.
Seems they have rabbit sausage instead of lamb sausage for Mon special, too bad.
The latter was great, though the former could be good.
I would skip saltimbocca, perhaps fish(consistent) or a pork dish.
Not sure about the Hangar steak.
Check out the menu, luparestaurant.com
It is not too expensive for Manhattan. Desserts, nothing to worry about(but that is mostly standard for Italian desserts, though some are good).
I see that Lamb Sausage is the special on Mon for LUNCH.
Wine list is good, by the glass too, though expensive.
They don't juice you based on price either, they will recommend the proper wine based on the food and your specifications, not the price.
HINT:If you go with no reservations, the hostesses are completely idiotic. They might give you a wait time, let's say 30 min. If you see a bunch of empty tables, bust their humps about it. They are just really incompetent.
After about 15min(no matter how long they quoted you), unless you see it is totally jammed, ask again. If you spot a manager, he is more helpful, sometimes will seat you right away. Of course, given there are 6 empty tables you shouldn't be too thankful. It is amazing how they have 2 girls in front usually and they still hose everyone with their stupidity.
I am not sure I need my second hand to count the Italian places I would eat at in NYC.
Lupa is one of them.
Il Giglio is the dim witted brother of Il Mulino. The latter which is many a B&Ter with their kids in tow(weekends) thinking they are living it up in Manhattan. Mediocre food,high prices, cheesiness galore and a real pain to eat in.
I liked Il Mulino very much the first time I went, many years ago and at that time was disappointed in Giglio. Now, Mulino is poor, no reason to ever go. But again, these are less geared toward authentic Italian, anyway. But they are not good at what they do either.Well, maybe ok but they charge way too much for it and the setting is poor.
Just noting it.
So, drop by Lupa anytime(though I would skip the prime, prime times if you don't want to wait and be jammed in there at the bar).Or you can reserve.
Still ain't Rome, though.
Cheers
Where to? Churrascaria Riodizio ( Roslyn Heights) or Plataforma (Manhattan)
Plataforma is not good. Lots of people might go, lots of people might like it but the same could be said of Applebee's.
We used to go many years ago, it was quite good, then worse and worse and EVERYONE I went with agreed, regardless of their level of knowledge. So, after 2-3 years it was off the list. I really doubt anything has improved but at least the price went up.
I would say these type of ethnic restaurants are better outside Manhattan. In this instance, they certainly are not up to par within the boundary.
I hope Riodizio is enjoyable.
Kyoto help
Which are the better or best Katsukara? What level of difference is there?
I hate faxes, this is not 1986 where I walk around with a 4kg cellphone.
Though, now that you mention it, probably an effective method, so thanks for bringing it up.
Question, if they will take an email address to reply back to me, why not take email?
Not sure if I will do tempura while there. Is Tenyu really good? If it is special, maybe.
Thanks for chiming in, in any case.
Final plea for advice in Tokyo
Bud, I am the wrong person to ask, sorry.
Quick search gives me nothing.
If you like, post a topic question for it.
There are a few people who know their stuff on this board, more than I can say for others.
However, as there are so many places in Tokyo, there is a chance they don't know it but would know how to find out.
great indian food (dinner) in manhattan
Haveli, that was it. Awhile ago.
Had the most kudos back then.
Was definitely not worth the trip, though we had a memorable instance
that is still an inside joke.
Best Porterhouse
How bout Robert's Steakhouse?
Honestly, not quite a guarantee but some people with some real knowledge swear it is top notch. Personally, never been but I would only eat steak at probably 3 places (and I am a steak guy) but would be willing to go to Robert's(if someone else was paying). I get it about the atmosphere, it sucks. Actually that is part of the reason I wouldn't pay for it myself even if it were fairly priced. Not that it is SO much more expensive.
If you are purely on a meat quest, it seems like the best and most obvious choice.
If you go, hope it is good, otherwise, I will have to revert to basics. Never trust anyone about something I don't think has a chance to be good, just a publicity ploy.
Kyoto help
That is why the Japan board is the only one I can deal with anymore. The percentage of good info is high and it is easy to spot the few who should keep it to themselves.
Nishiki looks very good to me and I appreciate the specifics as I really had none but was confident, nonetheless.
And good looking out on the Tonkatsu(yes,I know what it is) recommendation.
Great post, just what I was searching for.
Looks like Nishiki and Katsukara and perhaps Kikunoi.
Thank you very much, Skyline.
Final plea for advice in Tokyo
Yes, I realize most of you are sick of me by now and I hardly blame you.
I have a list of restaurants assembled and I have the possibility of about 15 meals but I am sure it will end up being about 7-10 of my choosing due to the lack of interest, knowledge and taste of my company who reside in Tokyo. Honestly, if they just would make some reservations for me, I would be happy. I have none, a complete disaster I realize but at this point, I am just going to make them, myself, when I am there by phone or in person.
These are not in any order of preference and has been assembled by filtering results of various guides and sites, including this one. Trying to have spots in different neighborhoods and of different price points, etc. For advice, note, I am not so into spending 30000 JPY on sushi/sashimi or steakhouses.
If there are some to eliminate or add, please chime in. I just have a terrible feeling about missing out on so many I want to go to due to this reservations nonsense.
I have some more rambling after the list.
Ristorante Aso
Takebayu
Kikunoi
Ristorante Honda
Bocuse
Kondo
Kyoju
Tateru Yoshino
Le Manoir d"Hastings
Fukamachi
Chez Tomo
Kyoju
Bon Chemin
Agout Du Jour
Siciliano Masshu
Cicada
Nishi
Vin Picoeur
El Pulpo
Silom Soi
Banrekiryukodo
A Ta Guele
Aburiya Fudo
Tetsugen
Buzenbo
Firehouse
Uguisudani-En
Kurumaya
Le Dessin
Maeda-ya
Isen
Beacon
Lamb Junkie
Tori Shin
Anzai
Homework's
ARMS
Toriyoshi
Iseya
Galali
Bongout Noh
Jusanya
Kaikaya
and I think Suzuran and Sakurazaka in Shibuya for ramen
I am going to make a most concerted effort to go to Bon Chemin, Cicada, Rist. Aso and Vin Picoeur and possibly Kikunoi but I might go in Kyoto. A few others will be right behind those, mostly higher end just that they are more of a pain. Any knowledge of places from the above where I can walk in and get a seat, any time of day, would be great.
Also, have done the search for the "cheap, great" joints, noodles or whatever, for some reason, it is not as well organized and easy to just read off a list as I would have thought.
I admit, there might be ONE more post for whatever I have forgotten.
Thanks in advance.
Kyoto help
Hello,
I have searched the boards already but it is a bit difficult as a few cities are lumped together.
Will probably take a trip up and back to Kyoto from Tokyo in the same day or maybe use the JTB 2 day plan(perhaps if only to feel a bit better than a 300 dollar train ride). Either way, similar amount of time there, basically mid afternoon to the next morning.
I have a few places written down.
Misoka-an
Kinmata
Arashimaya
Nishiki Market
I understand there is the orignial Kikunoi, also.
I don't much need to have a high priced meal, if I do I would probably go with Kikunoi.
Of course, reservations are a huge problem for me but it is what it is.
So, any other recs on places that would seem like a close to must.
Also, I can do without bowls of rice or noodles, 1 of those is enough.
Honestly, I am blanking on what I have read of Kyoto specialties but I would like something in the meat/fish category and in the low to mid budget choice(up to 7k JPY?), unless it is really great and should be tried instead of Kikunoi.
And if anyone wants to chime in if it is worth staying overnight for the next morning.
Thanks.
How far in advance do I need to make reservations?
Yes, nicely parsed, skyline. I need to get someone on these reservations. I would chose Koju myself, reinforced by your piece.
Japanese cuisine recommendations in Tokyo for a particular taste
Thanks, again, squirrel.
I haven't really put together a list of more downscale, local type of places to get feedback on, yet. I hope everything works out better than the outlook is, right now.
How far in advance do I need to make reservations?
Y, I know about Q's time for reservations. No dice.
L'Osier seemed possible but limited, say a month in advance.
Just to clarify on Cicada, would you say reservations necessary even for walking in late, 11 or 12 on a weekday?
I can eat at 11 or 12 at Koju, too.Not sure if I can get others to agree to these CRAZY times. Maybe will just go myself.
Is that acceptable at Koju and/or Cicada?
Going to Buenos Aires in March! [Moved from International board]
Marie,
I have seen many raves for the following, it is quite new, I believe.
Unfortunately, places seem to come and go too frequently, in BA.
La Vineria de Gaulterio Bolivar
in San Telmo
Search the boards. Hope it goes well.
2 weeks of eating in Spain
For San Seb to live up to the hype, it would have to be the BEST city/town/village for food, in the world. If I had to pick someplace to eat for the rest of my life, that would not be it. I like San Seb, very much. People do not understand that. The food there is not superior, or even if you think it is, is it SO superior to other cities in Spain, even? Forget the world.
The tapas there can be excellent but you have to know the spots. Sorry I am too lazy to figure it out but some trial and error will work. Via del Agosto, I think has the most of the better ones, at least for one street. It is the northern most street in the old town. There are probably 3 very good places there, it is a short street.
As for some Mich stars, Arzak has no business at a 3, period. Go to Akelare instead, if you must. Are there worse restaurants that charge just as much, yes, there are but we are not using a lowest common denominator. There are others, too, if you care to try them.
I was underwhelmed by more than one place in San Seb, as other people with proper standards have been. Not that it is worthless, but, surely, not worth the hype. There are so many great places to eat in Spain and this gets for than its deserved share of accolades.
Now, if you would care to try something that I have not but I really did want to try, Bodegon Alejandro(in San Seb). It was booked the day I tried to go.
Calle Fermín Calbetón 4 (address)
Not sure of prices but it is not 20EU and not 100EU.
How far in advance do I need to make reservations?
Thanks for the specific info, Skyline,
I am trying to have someone with access to a couple Japanese speakers to get this reservation, now, anyhow, as I do not want to use my own.
Since time is not an issue for me, and hopefully not my guest, I hope Koju will work out.L'Osier and Quintessens are hopeless, as far as I can tell.
What about reservations at a place like Cicada? Necessary, hard, etc.
Yes, I will have more. Until then...
How far in advance do I need to make reservations?
Aso, thanks.
I am interested in a few Mich 2/3 *, yes, but also the good local joints, as well. Problem with listing names, is I have not narrowed down a list on the latter, yet.
L'Osier, I didn't take a dinner slot(about 25 days in advance)as I had nobody to dine with, possibly, that night.They were very booked up, though, in general. I did really want to go(especially for lunch, like everyone else). Quintessens(backup),either a busy signal or a recording and that was on various days.
After your post,I have added Koju, looks like the menu is about 14kJPY,as you said, low for his ranking. Also,had the Aso restaurants in mind,though it seems that Rist. Aso is superior to the sister.
Now,I only have about 2-3weeks advance notice to get a good slot at one of these.Hopefully, I can.
Dessert truck near nyc
Dessert Truck for sweets, Desert Truck for dry heat.
Website is as above.
It is pricey for the serving(upsetting).
It is very, very good(at least)
Only after 6pm(annoying, at least).
Best restaurant to build menu around the wine?
Why don't you look through the wine lists and select one, first, as you are suggesting that, in essence. Then you can look at the menu or call the restaurant and proceed with food selection or tailoring a tasting menu, a bit, accordingly.
If they do not have the full wine lists on the website, think of some of your choice bottles, call and ask for availability or something very similar.
As for food, well, Cru and Toqueville(as well as many others) should not be in the discussion for the best meal where you don't care about price and, honestly, any of that very small selection will have at least one bottle, good enough to please you/your son.
If the meal is going to be built in the manner that you have suggested, agreement or not, this method seems to make the most sense.
There is, of course, the wine pairings and there are some excellent sommeliers in town. Since there is no budget, the superfine bottle that has been selected could be an addition to this, as a whole bottle, of course, enjoyed at a proper time. Unless, you are searching for a specific 5 figure bottle, to really test the "no budget" constraint(though, my bet is the boss would then be shown the meaning of "no limit" and be taught not to say what you don't mean), then you will have your choice narrowed.
If there are follow up questions to help you select, go for it.
Japanese cuisine recommendations in Tokyo for a particular taste
Hey all, again,
Seems, everyone is sick of me. Cannot blame you.
I will try, anyhow. Looking for Japanese cuisine with some limitations.
So, I am asking for best places for someone with the following tastes.
Not in any true order of exact importance, here we go,
1. Not a huge sushi/sashimi fan
Enjoy it, sometimes, I do not feen for it. Don't care to spend a ton on it, for sure.So if it is 95% as good as the best and half the price(okay, maybe that is tough), let me know. And forget Tsukiji, read the following.
2. No breakfast.
3. Would like to get the "best soba, udon, ramen", yeah, but don't want to be eating starch all the time and I am sure there are too many, etc. and it has been done to death on this board. Would like to know where to get a good fill for meat, fruit, veggies. Yes, I know rice and noodles are staples, I GET IT, but, hopefully, you can see what I am aiming for.
4. Also, please note the prices, I don't need to be going to THE spots and dropping 20k yen every meal. Plus, depending on who I am with or not, I would like to know what I am getting them into(unless, I am paying, then I would like to know what I am getting myself into).
5. I don't booze much, at all. When I go for a great meal, I do wine, sometimes.Will drink more than usual,while there, surely, but do not need to know places that are geared for mostly hitting the tank. Don't get me wrong, if food is great and everyone else is drinking, I am fine with that.
So, hopefully, this gets me some good info. Would like a few "musts" and/or places that are cheaper, to sample the gamut.
Oh, and if reservations are necessary(hopefully not, been a nightmare).
THANKS AGAIN(if anyone responds)
2 weeks of eating in Spain
Jbosh,
San Sebastian is overrated. It is very good but there is alot of mediocre going on as well. I think you should go though and then you go do Bilbao, as well. Great town and the Guggenheim is the least of it. But if you go to that, go to the restaurant in the Guggenheim, really great lunch.
Also, if you are Basque country you can tour more rural areas besides these two towns.
There is a great bakery/patisserie in Bilbao and a place with mind blowing lamb kebabs. If you reply and I check back, I can figure out the names by looking at a map. Sorry, I do not recall them(my brain is feeble).
San Sebastian, there are the many Mich *. Personally, I find Spain's biggest names are hype. I avoid the biggest names, not worth it but you can try one to do it. There are certain tapas bars that are better than others in San Sebastian but I would have to try to remember which are which. Problem with them is that EVERYONE eats inside of about a 1.5 hour window and it is really packed or then closed or out of stuff or early they don't put everything out. Also, skip the poor bread they give with it. I find this the most ruinous trait of tapas. Some of them are great and then some bad bread. Ugh!
Note, house wines in Spain are excellent value and stand out very well even without the value taken into account.
Not clear from your post how long you will be there(one week after Madrid on your way to Barca?) but 4 days in Basque country will be plenty. So, you could do that and another area. Sorry, I am not so familiar with Western Spain.
Have a blast, it should not be too difficult and yes, avoid touristy stuff. Not to say there are no tourists in some great spots but you have the right idea.
As for reference, I do research, if I must, by cross-referencing multiple sources. Unfortunately, there is no ONE reliable source(WHY, in this day and age?Actually, I know why, because people have no real taste or sense or jare just selling something).
solo female in Barcelona 6 days in Feb
Gaa,
Try Commerc 24(that is the address, too). Not cheap, lunch and dinner are the same price. If it is crowded, perhaps a problem for a solo diner but lunch is definitely nice. Very good service, menus in Castellano, English and I believe Francais. Tasting menu the way to go.
Wine selection is very good, especially for the price, as is usually the case in Spain. I am not quite sure if they have a few choices for glasses. Anyway, they are worth it if you don't want a whole bottle yourself. A bit much for a lady, no? Ha.
Expensive city/country except for the vino, it flows freely and cheaply and well.
Note, I just walk in but perhaps you would feel more comfortable calling for a reservation.
Enjoy
Does anyone think Friedman's the new kosher deli in chealsea market is way over priced
Bryan,
Glad to hear you have the fortitude not to patronize a joint like this.All of the delis are way overpriced. The ingredients are not that expensive and there is little preparation.
Of course, there are many people who will continue to support these ripoffs. It is salted or pickled whatever, people, get over it. Yes, it can taste good but at some point you can do better for that money but people love their own, to a degree.
This place is about as expected, a complete waste, much like the Thai place it is next to. I cannot believe how bad that place is. How can anyone eat that?
Also, the French Oven is what this Friedman's replaced, they had the best fruit tarts in NYC(especially after 5pm, 2/1). Was the same owner as Madeleine's now,where the tarts got smaller and not quite as good and less convenient.
I DO!
Going to Sparks - what to order?
Agreed, I would skip the filet because I never order it anywhere. Yes, it is too lean. HA!
Going to Sparks - what to order?
I cannot speak to much about items besides steak.
I have not had fish there but have had entrees, other than steak.
Not recommended.
And I think Spark's is the 2nd to 4th best option for steak in NYC.
If you are concerned with fat content, one you shouldn't be going to eat steak and two, you are in the world of misinformation about health.
So, you have two choices for sure on the menu, currently, filet and sirloin, that are not straight meat, no sauce, accompaniments, etc. and I suggest you stick with those.
Perhaps they will offer some other nice cut. I forget if it changes sometimes.
It is a place for good meat, not great cheffin'.
Honestly, I cannot recall the sides in terms of portion size, sorry.
I would say they are average steakhouse size. Which means, more than enough for one person but usually you want more than one type of side so order accordingly.
Plus, you can always order more.
The wine list is extensive, also.
Hope it is enjoyable.
Buenos Aires - food & neighborhood recommendations
I didn't read all the replies to your question and perhaps(and probably)I am repeating a few but if it skews the vote towards goodness, nothing wrong with that.
Palermo is the 'hood for you. It is big and there are two parts but just take something closer to the El Centro and not on the outskirts as much.
Puerto Madero is nice and just recently built up, nicely, but not as much in the walking around/hanging/chillin' thing. You will go to all of these neighborhoods, in any case. Taxis are cheap and if you don't act like a total gringo you will not get ripped off.
Steaks, NO Las Lilas, as has been said.
La Brigada
La Cabrera in Palermo, though probably not THE best
I do not know them all and perhaps some other choices mentioned here will do instead.
Have fun in BA, definitely a great time.
Going to Buenos Aires in March! [Moved from International board]
Marie,
Read my other posts in the South America forum. Actually, just the long one.
Use it well and enjoy BA.
Best Restaurants in Santiago and Buenos Aires
YES KARMALAW! Finally, someone who knows better than to follow the nonsense.
Do NOT go there. If not only much cheaper, perhaps better too.
La Brigada and even La Cabrera.
Also, Resto in BA for one of the top there if not the top.
Do yourself a favor and skip Malbecs, as well. They are way overrated and you hear about it because it is indigenous but even a few good restaurants will tell you there is better.
Actually,have had very nice Cab Sauvignon.
