Looking for great seafood in Sheepshead Bay ala Lundys

we just went to Liman yesterday. Turkiish Salad, GRilled Fish were terrific and we had a great meal. But its really not the quintessential Sheepshead Bay experience (that may not exist any more).

BillyBob in Outer Boroughs

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge..great lunch deal for a foodie....

I agree with "the don't take the Manhattan bridge" comments - not nearly the same experience. Its noisy and dark and the view is cut off by the roadway above and the cables to the sides. Also, you have to walk on the northern side of the bridge and you dont get to see both sides as you do on the Brooklyn Bridge. While the Brooklyn Bridge is slow going, the panorama and the people are the experience. I vehemently disagree with the Grimaldis suggestion. We live in the neighborhood - would never go there. It is mediocre at best and represents what is the worst about food experiences in NYC. Long lines to wait for food that is so forgettable it would be a waste. Juniors is worse. Never never go there. The food is awful - there are plenty of posts on the board about Juniors - avoid it like the plague. Here are several ideas, depending on the time of day. If you are considering going on the morning side of lunch, take a stroll further into Brooklyn Heights and go to Iris Cafe, a tiny little coffee place tucked into a very pleasant little edge of the neighborhood. Great stumptown coffee, homemade bakery items, they even have salads/sandwiches for later in the day. Its in WIllowtown, a cute area of brownstones and cobblestone streets about a 10-15 minute walk into Brooklyn. (Columbia Place between Joralemon and State). If you want to go for lunch and want something more than Iris, on the corner of Columbia Place and Joralemon is RIver Deli, a Sardinian italian restaurant that would be a good stop for brunch (or for dinner for that matter). Its a small neighborhood kind of place but it is authentic. The benefit of walking down to Joralemon Street and these two places is that you can loop around by the water and experience the new Brooklyn Bridge Park, which is a very exciting place these days - a new park on the waterfront with incredible views. That can lead you back up to the Brooklyn Bridge. I walk the Bridge frequently - the walk through the Park can be even more spectacular - doing both together would be a great combination. l prefer the PArk to the Promenade, which is the other place from which to view Manhattan. Another idea for lunch is Gran Electrica, a new upscale Mexican right next to Grimaldis that is owned by the people who started Colonie. If the weather is nice, they have a beautiful back garden with flavorful margaritas - the tongue tacos are good (it is overpriced, but that is what fancy Mexican food seems to be all about these days).

BillyBob in Outer Boroughs

Grimaldi Pizza Brooklyn NY

We end up at lucali's (it's close to us), Toby's ( we like the pizza and the space on a nice afternoon), totonno's when we want to drive to coney island, and sometimes franny's We used to make the trek to Di fara's but lost interest with the hype and the wait. We liked Sotto casa on Atlantic but the pies tend to come out a little undercooked. When we just need quick delivery, usually Ignacio's.

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Lucali
575 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Di Fara Pizza
1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn, NY 11230

Franny's
295 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Totonno's Pizzeria Napolitano
1524 Neptune Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224

Toby's Public House
686 6th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Ignazio's Pizza
4 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Sottocasa Pizzeria
298 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201

BillyBob in Outer Boroughs

Top 5 restaurants to try in Brooklyn (or 10)

It's funny, both my wife and I have warm, nostalgic feelings for Henry's end. We went tonight and both of us left thinking that one of the formerly great brooklyn dining experiences has passed its time. The food was just Ok. No, actually, that is being too generous. I had the duck - I don't remember it having the gloppy overly sweet sauce It was not properly cooked, tough as leather. I remember the skin being crisp and the meat moist and tender, but not any more. My wife's salmon was just ok, nothing more. It made us sad. Even though it might have just been an off night on a Monday night, I just don't think we will make it back.

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Henry's End
44 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

BillyBob in Outer Boroughs

Grimaldi Pizza Brooklyn NY

I'm piling on - I can't even bear to write anything about Grimaldi's. Its not that it is bad. Its not that it is good. Its really nothing but expensive, with a dollop of rudeness on the top. How about spectacularly mediocre? I drove by the other weekend and there was a long line waiting outside. Already. It made me depressed. I'd like to try Juliana's.

BillyBob in Outer Boroughs

Shake Shack Brooklyn

went today. 1145am, line not too long. Eating by noon.
seemed like a typical shake shack with a few concretes especially named for brooklyn. The windows were large and bright (nice space, good people watching) and the wooden walls (made from recycled bowling lanes) were a nice touch. The hamburgers were juicy but grilled hard / crunchy (might be a personal preference but I am a sucker for crispy burgers from a griddle, especially when there is enough fat content to keep them juicy and certainly more than enough to make my cardiovascular surgeon smile). My double shack burger and my daughter's single with no cheese were consumed so quickly they qualified to be described as rumours.

Fries were also standard enough shake shack fries (not really a big fan about those).
I ended it with a concrete - vanilla with peanut brittle. I am still a little unsure about what I think about the peanut brittle - on the one hand it had the requisite peanut flavor and an unusual "smoky tinge" to it but on the other, it was salty maybe just on the edge of too much.

All in all, a credible Shake Shack effort - cool interior, good burgers if you like them that way, OK fries.

Since I've been to most of them (but not Miami), I guess I qualify as biased. But, it is hard to stop thinking about when the crazy lines will dissipate, after 5 openings in metro NY? 6? 16? When they become as ubiquitous as Starbucks? When will our demand for little hockey puck burgers dissipate to the point where you dont have to go at 1145am or wait for an hour in line? Two hours after eating, I think I want to go back for another.....

BillyBob in Outer Boroughs

Catania Cafe on Atlantic Ave

I'm piling on. After my 8th visit - this is my 3rd post. Better than ever. We keep exploring different things on the menu and each has been terrific. This time for lunch, I had the Cippolina and my now standby, the Arancini with meat. Cippolina is a savory pastry with sweet onion, ham and olives. Delectable. But, I keep coming back to the Arancini - it is a remarkably delicate deep-fried item - so crisp, so light, perfect. THe rice was just a tad overcooked today and a little mushy, but that is a small complaint given the overall experience. The one thing we haven't tried is the dinner selection - but the falso maguro has my eye. This place is "oh my god good".

BillyBob in Outer Boroughs

STK vs Marble Lane, either any good?

Just saw a review of Marble Lane in Timeout that was "cautiously optimistic". Haven't gone to STK yet, either. We usually end up at Keen's or (unfortunately) Del Friscos. Anybody have a view? Is the world of Manhattan steak joints changing (or at least evolving)?

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STK
26 Little West 12th St, New York, NY 10014

Marble Lane
355 W 16th St, New York, NY 10011

BillyBob in Manhattan

Nantucket Expertise Needed!

I second the Straight Wharf recommendation. Bas scene is removed from the restaurant which has nice views of the harbor and a terrific ambience. We find the food to be some of the best on the island (we aren't fans of Toppers at dinner - just seems too stuffy). I wouldn't write off Ventuno. We ahd a terrific meal there. While you seem nostalgic about 21 Federal, they had really slipped downhill by the end - Ventuno was really good and had some of the same feel.

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21 Federal Restaurant
21 Federal St, Nantucket, MA 02554

Straight Wharf Restaurant
6 Harbor Sq, Nantucket, MA 02554

BillyBob in Southern New England

Catania Cafe on Atlantic Ave

Just stopped by for lunch. Awesome and authentic - classic Italian (like from the streets of Palermo). Arancini (I got the one with meat) was done perfectly. The rice had that tinge of pink/red color from the sauce. Meat and peas mixed in. Expertly fried, not greasy, very delicate. Also ordered the polpetto (meatball sandwich). The bread was superb, the sauce perfect and the meatballs not overly heavy. Was not as big a fan of the sicilian pizza, but that might just be my bias. As others mentioned, everything does look enticing - from the breakfast pastries (sicilian "doughnuts" and nutella filled croissant looked ridiculously good even after noon) to the sandwiches - that bread was memorable - to the lasagne, pasta, etc. A couple in the place had ordered pasta to stay and they seemed pleased. I know it is a very low hurdle, but this changes the Brooklyn Heights takeout/delivery scene measurably. This is a must visit, in my book.

BillyBob in Outer Boroughs

Baltimore, when its 99 degrees

Taking my 6-year old son and best friend to Camden tomorrow on a day trip from NYC (train and cab). Weather report says 99 degrees and sunny. WHere would you go at 2-3pm (first pitch is at 1230pm) if you want some good food and drink and to escape the sun. Will have the young guy in tow (he is an adventurous eater). Somewhere convenient to either Camden Yards or Union Station or in between....

BillyBob in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Currently, what is your single most addictive chinese dish to order in SF?

Am visiting SF in a week with the family. We usually end up at Hunan or Brandy Hos (just because of convenience, staying at downtown hotels), which I know receive reasonably mixed reviews on the Board. Am game for any region, etc.

BillyBob in San Francisco Bay Area

July 4th - me and 2 kids downtown/Dodgers

Staying in a hotel downtown and going to the Dodgers game - which starts at 6pm. Kids will be on east coast time (we're from NYC), so I'm a little worried they will get hungry before the first pitch. They are adventurous eaters - any suggestions? Any ethnic works, but convenience matters given the tight timing.... Thanks

BillyBob in Los Angeles Area

Staying at the Lodge at Torrey Pines, but transportationally challenged...

I am taking my two kids, 6 and 8, for a railroad-centric tour up the pacific coast (no rental car allowed). In the San Diego area, we are staying at the Lodge at Torrey Pines. I've been to Valentien before and had a good meal, but was wondering if there are places that would be worth hopping in a cab for that would suit better. My kids are relatively adventurous (we live in NYC), love all things Italian, are getting to know "california cuisine" better (whatever that really means). If there are places you would recommend given our special needs, it would be greatly appreciated. A place with some view of the water might be good, but wouldnt want to get sucked into a tourist trap just to see the Pacific. I have read posts about 1540, Market (probably too much, but not sure) and Trattoria Ponte Vecchio. Thanks

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Trattoria Ponte Vecchio
2334 Carmel Valley Rd, Del Mar, CA 92014

BillyBob in San Diego

Sunday Day Trip to Rogers Centre

Thanks for all your recommendations, food and travel. Had a great day and truly enjoyed your beautiful city. Travel worked perfectly. We got to Marben just before 11am and both had the short ribs/burger - truly unique and the big boy loved it. Great brunch crowd. Walked around the City before the game. Left a little early from the game (6th inning) and walked down by the waterfront, stunning. Then took the trolley up to Queen St. and walked over to Terroni. Pizza was good - but those calabrian hot peppers were addictive - we get them at only a few places in New York, fantastic. Also had the spicy rigatoni pasta (spice is a theme...), truly memorable. The ride back to the airport was uneventful and we even had an extra hour to waste despite an hour long customs line. I hear you on the Porter suggestion but Pearson did work just fine (had to go there for free frequent flier tickets). My son told the airline person that he was actually hoping that there would be thunderstorms - he wanted to spend the night in Toronto so he could stay another day. He made me promise we would come back. We will. Thanks again.

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Marben
488 Wellington Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 1E5, CA

BillyBob in Ontario (including Toronto)

Conshohocken area best

this is a grat post. any good cheesesteak in the area?

BillyBob in Philadelphia

Sunday Day Trip to Rogers Centre

thanks again for all your help - we should have a great time

BillyBob in Ontario (including Toronto)

Sunday Day Trip to Rogers Centre

Thanks so much to all for the recs. We will execute on this. Is Marben the kind of place where we can just show up without a reservation? I went to Open Table and they were booked - seems like a real popular place (but also perfect for my son, he loves "the carne").

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Marben
488 Wellington Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 1E5, CA

BillyBob in Ontario (including Toronto)

Sunday Day Trip to Rogers Centre

Unfortunately, no, we need to make our way out to the main airport (so, I was thinking that we would leave the game probably a little early and get to some place by around 4pm as you suggest). I like your comment about Brunch being a sport - although I must confess I've never thought of it in those words. Where I come from brunch means: having to hang out with really boring (usually older) relatives while feeling slightly hungover, looking at pretentious overladen buffet tables where most things like salads have a mayonnaise base and avoiding the ubiquitous "omelette station". Your description sounds like something much more interesting. So, what does going to brunch in Toronto really mean (we will change our flights and come into town a little earlier if you think it is worth it)?

BillyBob in Ontario (including Toronto)

Sunday Day Trip to Rogers Centre

I am taking my 6-year old to Toronto for a quick day trip on Sunday for the Blue Jays-Red Sox game. We land at 10am, the game is at 1pm and our return flight is at 745pm. While we are both baseball fans, he is, of course, 6 and his attention span is sometimes limited. I was wondering if expert locals would have any ideas for best places to eat both before and after the game - convenient in some way to transportation from/to the airport. He loves Italian food (I saw some references to Buca being close) and oysters, besides being generally an adventurous little guy when it comes to eating. Thanks for your help

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Rogers Centre
, Toronto, ON M5G, CA

Buca
604 King St. West, Toronto, ON M5V 1M6, CA

BillyBob in Ontario (including Toronto)

Fun (maybe Dim Sum?) but not too noisy Sunday brunch/lunch spot in Manhattan?

Red Egg

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Red Egg
202 Centre Street, New York, NY 10013

BillyBob in Manhattan

Restaurants near USS Intrepid

esca - italian 43rd and 9th (10 minute walk). Best fish

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Esca
402 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036

BillyBob in Manhattan

Jewish food

For a different take, Gazala Place on 8th Avenue in the theatre district....

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Gazala Place
709 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019

BillyBob in Manhattan

Sripraphai - Not overrated

I've always been a supporter but will not return again. We had a terrible meal on Sunday. A few of the dishes, including the eggplant with minced pork and drunken noodles, were almost inedible. My kids, who are generally adventurous, refused to eat anything but rice. We all had stomach issues afterward. It was sad because this has always been a family favorite.

BillyBob in Outer Boroughs

My dad loves little-Italy style red sauce Italian, hate fancy . . . I am the opposite

wait in line at torrisi italian specialties

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Torrisi Italian Specialties
250 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012

BillyBob in Manhattan

Colonie in Brooklyn Heights?

Thinking about going - anybody have a view?

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Colonie
127 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201

BillyBob in Outer Boroughs

Visiting fr SF looking for consensus on best Italian for starter and pasta around$30pp w/o bev,tax and tip thought Scarpetta but

aurora (soho)
pepolino (soho)
lupa (village)
torrisi italian specialties (nolita) - gotta wait in line, but worth it (I think its like $50 prix fixe though)

BillyBob in Manhattan

Looking for party room 30-40 people

Frankies 457. CH. Backyard, separate building. Very cool. Good for kids and adults. Beautiful in May, not today.....

BillyBob in Outer Boroughs

Theater District pre-matinee lunch??

As a thrifty New Englander as well, I would suggest Gazala Place if you like middle eastern (Israeli). Bread is fantastic, food great, decor, though, virtually non-existent). I like Becco too. Also a reasonably good Greek place on 42nd between 8th and 9th (north side). Good Thai on 9th Ave, Wondee Siam and/or Pam's Real THai. Would be helpful to know cuisine preference and/or need for ambience over food quality.

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Becco
355 West 46th Street, New York, NY 10010

Gazala Place
709 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019

Wondee Siam
792 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019

BillyBob in Manhattan