CDB's Profile
Tangled Vine in UWS?
Probably too late for the OP but Tangled Vine is really quite good. Its reasonably priced (although it can add up relatively quickly) and the dishes range from solid to excellent. Specifically the fideos negros are delicious. Good addition to the neighborhood. I've been several times now since it opened.
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Tangled Vine
434 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
BEST BAGELS IN NYC
Best bagels in NYC are at Bergen Bagels in Park Slope - hands down. I live in Manhattan and reluctantly admit that.
In Manhattan, IMO the best bagels are David's Bagels on 14th and 1st. If you go on a weekend morning, they are always hot and delicious. Their spreads are also top notch as well.
Someone else mentioned Jumbo Bagels on 55th and 2nd. Those are delicious as well.
I'd chose these two over Ess-a and H&H (which aren't shabby).
Nothing wrong with Pick-a-Bagel either if that's closest to you.
A good steak for my man.
I had a terrific meal at Porterhouse the other night. I had been there once before and wasn't blown away, but the Porterhouse we had this time was delicious.
Craftsteak is really expensive, but delicious as well. I took my wife there for her birthday and she loved it.
Suba--menu looks great. What is the reality
Seamus Mullen, the chef from Boqueria, is now in charge of the kitchen. I haven't been recently, but supposedly it has improved on his watch.
Need Help w/ Baby Friendly Restaurants...
Landmarc is our restaurant of choice when we bring out our son for dinner. They are very accomodating and its loud enough that his occasional squeak isn't going to bother anyone but not loud enough that he can't fall asleep.
Private party space for group of Spanglophiles?
Definitely check out Alta....very good food and pretty reasonable too....
Another place you should check out --Pintxos on Greenwich....for that size party, they will probably rent out the whole restaurant.
Best pie (or slice) without the wait?
Second on the Sal and Carmine rec.
Best slice in the city, IMHO
50 Best Dishes in New York
falafel from Azuri Cafe
bucatini from lupa
beef cheek ravioli from babbo
patatas bravas from tia pol
Cheese slice from Sal and Carmine's
hot Onion Bagel from David's Bagels
lobster roll from marys/pob
fondue from artisinal
What should I do? Shimizu/Kuruma
I love Shmizu but i think they are on different levels. Shmizu is great fish for the price, but it isn't a place to go to to impress clients, IMHO. Its pretty subdued (not dingy though) in decor and noise.
I think Kuruma is more of a place to take clients for an all around great experience....probably a lot pricier though (haven't been to kuruma so i can't say for sure).
Lupa Reservations
As long as you don't mind going and getting a drink for 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, its fine.
they usually are pretty good at estimating the wait....
Need cheap non-diner for group of 20 in Oct.
I just recommended this in another thread, but Puttanesca on 56th and 9th, is a good, relatively inexpensive option.
Not sure if they let big groups order ala carte or if they make you have a set menu, but IIRC, pastas are in the low teens and are pretty good. Its a good value overall, and if you are planning it during the week, their private room is usually open, at least it is when i walk by.
2 Couples + 5 days = Dining Dilemma
From your list, Gramercy Tavern is the most "New York" restaurant, IMHO. I haven't been since Michael Anthony took over, but Ive heard great things.
Lupa is not a "fine dining" restaurant, but if you can get in, you should go. I (and most of NYC) love it. If you have the time but don't have a reservation, you can go and put your name down and either have a drink at the bar or go somewhere in the neighborhood. it may take an hour, but they always save some tables for walk ins.
fun/ unusual tasting menu
I highly recommend Degustation --part of the Jewel Bako Empire. Its basically a Tapas menu but high end and really creative.
Its very small --its bar seating only , but it works --its about 15-20 seats surrounding the chef/cooks. Their tasting menu is $50, but you could just order ala carte. Between 2 people, you can try most of the menu.
One of the best meals Ive had in a while.
Party of 16, $50pp, Italian Recs
A good place to have big dinner is Puttanesca on 56th & 9th....they have a great private room (which I don't think they charge for), the prices are very reasonable and the food is very good. Nothing earth shattering, but solid Italian with a nice presentation.
For large parties, they do a prix fixe of $50 (or $55 can't remember) for 4 courses including wine and beer. A friend had his rehearsal dinner there recently and was very pleased.
Post-softball dinner/drinks on UWS for Thurs
All the suggestions here are great. Ive always viewed brother jimmy's as a good post-softball venue. its right in the area you are looking at.
Bethany Beach, DE
Blue Moon is the best of the best in Rehoboth, IMHO. That is our fine dining choice.
For more casual, I like Dog Fish Head....the beer is excellent and there is a wide array of choices on the menu, all pretty decent.
As far as milkshakes, I have tried everyone in town, as coffee milkshakes are my favorite, and I can say with certainty that Double Dippers (across from Nicola's) is the best in town. Try a Capuccino Crunch Milkshake --you won't be disappointed. Ive gotten away from one a night, as that's just obscene. Now its a milkshake 5 out of 7 nights.
Need to find restaurant near 49th & Broadway for business dinner with 35 people. I have a budget around $120/pp.
If you want to take the 10-15 minute walk to the Time Warner Center, Landmarc has a great private room.
If you want to stay local, Del Frisco's could accomodate you upstairs.
Best Midtown sushi
If you are looking on the Westside, Shimizu is the place to go. Best bang for your buck hands down. 51st bet 8th & 9th
Ceviche and Wine
Bar Americain gets murdered on this board, but the seafood platter it has is one of the best ive ever had.
We were 2 people and we ordered the small platter. I forget how much it was, but it i remember it being pretty reasonable and it was absolutely enormous. It would have been a large app for 6 ppl.
Landmarc Time Warner or Tribeca?
Did you call the Landmarc in TWC? That place is enormous (they can seat over 300 at a time), Im sure they will have no problem seating 11.
Despite its large size and relatively recent opening, I was extremely impressed with the operation they have there. According to our server, no servers transferred over from Tribeca and only 1 manager came up. Despite the relatively green staff and its enormous size, the place is running seamlessly.
Living in the neighborhood, ive been there 3 times in the past month. Huge asset to the hood. Oh yeah, and despite what im sure is enormous rent, they still have the cheapest wine around.
Best Upper West Side ethnic holes in the wall
Pio Pio on 94th and Amsterdam is delicious and very reasonably priced Peruvian food. Can't say it has zero atmosphere, but its pretty casual.
The roto chicken is its specialty. One order (~$25) is enough for 4 people. Make sure you try the ceviche as well. Two apps and a roto chicken and 4 people will leave stuffed.
How is Porterhouse New York?
Porter House is pretty good. Would I go there again? Ummm, not so quickly. As a Luger's devotee like yourself, the porterhouse was not quite up to the Lugers level. It was still pretty good though. The sides as well --all pretty good.
I am of the opinion that its easy to get a very good steak in the city --you'll just pay $40 for it at countless different places. I remember the bill at Porter House being a bit higher (not sure where they got you, but some where they did). Im just not sure if it was up to the level of BLT Prime or Quality Meats (which I happen to love).
The best thing it has going for it is the space. Its quite impressive and does not have the typical steakhouse feel, which is an attraction for some. Also, the bar is quite spacious and is quite inviting --nice place to have a drink.
Good, fun restaurants with gardens below 14th St?
Don't know if you'd classify it as a proper restaurant, but Loreley, the German Beer Hall has a nice garden and is fun.
2007 Big Apple BBQ Block Party
Agree with everyone else that the lines were pretty long. That being said, id recommend going. Ive been the past few years and had a good time, despite the lines. Go with a few friends, split up and then go to the grass and have some delicious bbq. relax, have a beer, and repeat. You will still wait on line with the Bubba Pass, but if they are doing punch cards like someone else said, it will go quicker. last year was a swipe system, and it was a disaster.
Good or Great Pub Food in Chelsea
Im guessing most everyone who sees this thread will have the Half King pop right into their head.
Just a nice bar to relax in with very, very good pub food --great burger. A bit far west, but if you are anywhere close and looking for a pub environment, you should definitely go.
Cocktails (after 4 hour exam) & before dinner at Marseille?
Many of those choices are perfectly good, but if you want a hidden jewel, check out 'disiac on 54th bet 9th and 10th. Small setting with an outdoor garden and terrific cocktails.
If its before dinner, im guessing you won't have to fight a crowd. After dinner, not so sure.
They serve food too....I cant speak to it accept for the apple pie at 2 am, which was delicious, but i suspect most anything would have been.
Daisy Mae carts?
I used to frequent the 50th and 6th cart and I did not see it as recently as last week.
Not sure why they closed up for the fall/winter. JMO, but id much rather have chili in the cold months rather than the summer.
Lupa's Antipasti
The Beets! You must try the beets. Its one of my favorite things on their menu.
The eggplant is quite good. Of the fish, I think I dig the baby octopus the best.
My advice is to get a sampling of the veggies, a sampling of the fish and then, depending on how many people you are, get several pastas to share.
I like the pork shoulder there too, but sounds like you want to just stick to the antipasti and pasta --can't blame you for that.
Good sushi $50 pp near Westside Theatre
For good quality sushi on the westside, the best choice is Shimizu, especially if you are not looking to break the bank. I don't know of a runner up. There are plenty adequate local joints, but none that come close to Shimizu if you are looking for high quality/bang for your buck --JMO.
Ive never ordered anything but sushi, but i believe they have non-fish options.
Lounge area for 20 people times square/mid town for drinks and appetizers
Two suggestions:
1. Kemia underneath Marseille on 43rd and 9th. I was going to have a party for my wife there, but it didn't work out, timing wise. looks perfect for what you are looking for.
2. Disiac on 54th and 9th. Its a very small bar that would probably be willing to rent the whole place to you for a couple of hours --its a bar first, with great cocktails, but they have food too. They have an outdoor area as well, if its nice.
