New York City - Recommend restaurants with good live entertainment / music?

Thanks for taking the time to add your suggestions.

Funny about Lily's. I have gone there a few times, and never knew they had some good craic. I must just miss it.

Any other great suggestions?

SmeagolDobby in Manhattan

New York City - Recommend restaurants with good live entertainment / music?

Hi Chowhounders,

I am looking for a Manhattan or Brooklyn restaurant that has some fun live entertainment or live music.

I am pretty open to types; belly dancing, flamenco dancing, live folk music, opera singing, string quartet, Irish music sessions, you name it.

I have been surfing the internet, and it's oddly difficult to find this correctly in a category. Looking for a unique New York place. Nothing cheesy like jekyl and hyde.

What are some of your faves? Hoping the food is pretty good too.

Appreciate your expert advice. Thank you in advance for taking the time to help in this dining / entertainment search.

SmeagolDobby in Manhattan

Bath - recommended places for afternoon tea and other yummy bites?

Hi Chowhounders,

I am going to Bath in August, and would appreciate your recommendation on some good food places.

Would love to find a place that had a good afternoon tea, cafe, as well as good dinner options. Looking for mainly British places but perhaps you can suggest some Italian and Greek places as well?

I've been surfing the net, and Sally Lunn and the Pump Room seemed to get a wide mix of reviews (not the greatest). The Raven seemed to have a lot of potential (mmm, British pie!), and I love Ask and Brown's.

Please let me know what your thoughts are on this. Really appreciate your expert advice.

SmeagolDobby in U.K./Ireland

Boston - Italian dining recommendations? (especially for great pasta)

I've been poking around the Chowhound site for some yummy Italian options. As per the usual, Chowhounders always have great advice that folks can learn from . Would really appreciate your advice on the following.

Looking for some great (but not outrageously priced) Italian restaurants. Love Northern and Southern Cuisine, and go crazy for places that have home-made pastas.

Hoping for Boston restaurants either in North End, Downtown - Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Fanieul areas... Also open to Cambridge near Harvard Square.

Really appreciate your advice. Thank you for taking the time to share.

SmeagolDobby in Greater Boston Area

Good eats near Harvard Square area? Please recommend some of your yummy faves

Hi Chowhounders,
Hoping to get your expert feedback on this.

Looking for some good dining options, and staying near Harvard Square. Hoping for some places that aren't too pricey (hopefully with some main entrees no more than $20-28 range).

It's been a while since I lived in Boston (as a student). Needless to say, only went to the cheapest places then, when I wasn't cooking Ronzoni at home. :) So not as familiar with the 'grown up' dining options., especially in Cambridge :)

Hoping you can recommend some yummy options. Italian (mmm, homemade pasta), English, American, Southern, Eclectic, Cajun, Greek, French, Seafood, Mexican, etc. Looking more for dinner, but am sure will need some lunch type options as well. I've been looking over the boards but haven't found one yet that was very specifically only for this area yet.

Really appreciate your help with figuring this out. Thank you for taking the time to share.

SmeagolDobby in Greater Boston Area

Mail order source of whoopie pies [Split from "msp - whoopie pies" on Midwest Board]

[This was split by the Chowhound Team from this thread http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/631366#4803662 ]

Yup! www.wickedwhoopies.com I've ordered whoopie pies a bunch of times from them. Very fresh, they last a while. They send it right away. They are the 'correct' type of whoopie pies.

It's hard otherwise to find a good one. I tried one recently at this bakery I like. Awful!! Yuck. They certainly didn't make it well.

Wicked Whoopie was featured on Food Network a few years ago. And yes they have all these different flavors, mint, peanut butter, chocolate-chocolate, but in my opinion, you can't beat the classic.

Enjoy!

SmeagolDobby in General Chowhounding Topics

Chicago - Best Deep Dish Pizza, and the specific locations that are best to have it at?

Hi Chowhounders,
Great stuff!! Thanks for taking the time to weigh in on this. Decisions, decisions!! So many interesting choices. Muffs, your reply was hysterical. :) You Chowhounders really make me smile. Now a few more places are added to the mix. I will certainly have to extend my pizza experience while I'm there.

SmeagolDobby in Chicago Area

Chicago - Best Deep Dish Pizza, and the specific locations that are best to have it at?

Chicgail, Thank you for your response. To clarify, yes, I noticed there's multiple locations, so I'm asking which location of each pizzeria would be the best to go to. I didn't want to go to the 'wrong' Lou's, etc as there are multiple locations of it in Chicago, ditto for the rest. My thinking is that probably all locations weren't created equal. So looking for insight on which location of each establishment would give me the best pizza. Your answer on Gino's East had me cracking up. :) Thanks also for your insight that Lou's no matter which one you go to, is a solid pizzeria. Thank you for clarifying that Due and Uno's just has one location a piece, so no confusion in going there.

Hey Chowhounders, so concensus so far is that any Lou Malnati's is a safe bet for yumminess, Gino's East is still up in the air as far as best location to have their pizza at. Agree? :) Curious also, your thoughts on the pizzerias I've narrowed the visit down to as well...

Thanks in advance for taking the time to share your insight. I am so excited to try the deep dish! I had it once....ummm in Boston. :) I know, I know, not the same.... :)

SmeagolDobby in Chicago Area

Chicago - Best Deep Dish Pizza, and the specific locations that are best to have it at?

Hi Chowhounders,
I always look at this site, a great place to gain foodie knowledge. I've been looking at the Chicago Forum for the best Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. Yummy! (made me hungry :) )

Anyway, based on the tally it seems that Lou Malnatti's, Gino's East, Due and Uno's rate quite high for you experts. Please let me know if you differ in opinion though. Always interested in hearing all sides. :)

I am still trying to decide which to go to, I am traveling to Chicago in July and want to go to at least 2 places while I'm there. First time in Chicago. I want to do this right. Please let me know what are the best locations of these establishments to go to to have the best Chicago deep dish pizza. I know that some or all of these pizzerias have multiple restaurants/chains. I figure not all chains are created equal... and I don't want to miss out by going to the 'wrong address' of these fab pizza places. so would appreciate your insight of the specific locations of Lou's, Gino's East, Due and Uno's to go to, for the best quality deep dish.

I will be staying near the Water Tower but I don't need to eat right near there. Thanks in advance for your help. I'm looking forward to your feedback.

SmeagolDobby in Chicago Area

Chicago - Fun, entertaining restaurants to recommend?

Thanks for adding on. I really appreciate learning about unique Chicago places. Millenium Park has a lot of stuff going on (and not just food related :) )

The Latin American place sounds like fun too. Thanks again for taking the time to write back and share you knowledge and experiences.

SmeagolDobby in Chicago Area

Chicago - Fun, entertaining restaurants to recommend?

Hi There,
Thank you for taking the time to respond and share your insight. Very interesting places you've mentioned. I've been looking up the places you've both mentioned and they sound great. Thanks also for the insight on the signature room. I was thinking perhaps just drinks also. How pricey are they? More than say, $12 for a cocktail?

I should have added Latin American/Mexican/Central American food to the list as well.... Some yummy options below!

Anyone else like to add?

SmeagolDobby in Chicago Area

Chicago - Fun, entertaining restaurants to recommend?

Hi Chowhounders,
Hoping to get your expert insight on this topic.

I've never been to Chicago, and will be there in July. Would appreciate your recommendations on a fun restaurant with good food, and possibly entertainment as well.

I suppose fun is a bit of a vague term. I would like to learn what restaurants you consider fun, enjoyable places. What I'm thinking is it could be the entertainment / live music, the ambiance, the view, or something unusual and unique about the place that one wouldn't find anywhere else . (hoping to get some entertainment options in the mix. :) )

I've been searching the forums, naturally , and have caught a few things,
Ala Turka--they have belly dancing on the weekends it seems.
Signature Room--great view, so I understand
Not sure, though, if the food is good at these places.

Where do you recommend? Would appreciate your insight on what's fun to go to (but should have good food), and is a worthwhile experience.

As far as price range, it's a bit flexible, but hopefully the option is not toooo expensive. (not to risk any ire, but personally moto is not my type of place. )

As far as types of food I enjoy; Turkish, Greek, Italian, French, Russian, Irish, English, American, eclectic, Southern, Cajun, Pan Asian, Seafood (no steakhouses please -- no offense meant, I know there are some great places, but not much of a meat eater).

Thanks in advance for your helpful dining feedback. I look forward to your responses. I appreciate you taking the time to share.

SmeagolDobby in Chicago Area

Monterey / Carmel -Recommend great dining with a view (by the water, etc.)?

I am staying in California for business then hopefully some enjoyment on the weekend when I visit the Monterey / Carmel area.

Can you please recommend a restaurant with a nice view/attractive surrounding? Are there some restaurants by the water you can recommend? I'm thinking that Monterey would be known for their seafood, so I'm hoping there's a great dining establishment you can share your insight on.

Would appreciate your expert advice on this. Thanks for taking the time to share.

SmeagolDobby in California

London—What good food places do you enjoy (some near Buckingham Palace area)? Recommend cafes, restaurants, etc.?

Could you please share some current dining recommendations for London? Primarily near the Buckingham Palace area, although I am certainly open to places that are further away as well.

A few years ago I was in London and ate at Ask (fabulous) and had lovely piles of Scottish Salmon in sandwiches at Harrods, and incredible Gelato at Morelli’s. Most of the rest of the food I found elsewhere was just...okay.

I am hoping you will share some of the places you enjoy going to.
Looking for mostly moderate/inexpensive ('some' can be more upscale) places. Cuisine/types--English, Eclectic/nouveau, Italian, some French, fish places (yummy). Cafes, good pubs, restaurants....
(Please no Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, steakhouses).

Greatly looking forward to hearing about the gems you’ve found, and enjoy returning to. Appreciate you taking the time to share.

SmeagolDobby in U.K./Ireland

Edinburgh-Where to go for Breakfast, great Salmon, and other dining recommendations ?

Thank you so much for your recommendations. It's exciting to hear about your fun dining experiences and the places you recommend. I look forward to hearing more insights from you all.

SmeagolDobby in U.K./Ireland

Edinburgh-Where to go for Breakfast, great Salmon, and other dining recommendations ?

Hi Chowhounders,
I am hoping for your expert recommendations.

I am going to Edinburgh in August (staying in New Town, very central location).

Can you please share your insight on some great and inexpensive places to get breakfast?

Also, I am crazy about Scottish Salmon. Are there places that do a particular good job serving Smoked Salmon, and other fish?

Also interested in inexpensive/moderate dining options for the other meals of the day. Lordie, the dollar is in the dumps! I would love to go to some great extravagant places, but I can't do that every day on the budget :) . Would love to get a range of options, mainly inexpensive, moderate--although some can be more expensive.

Looking for--
Afternoon Tea, cafes, Breakfasts, Fish places(especially Smoked Salmon finds), Tradional and modern Scottish food, Eclectic, some French and Italian. Places also where you can 'grab and go'.
(no steakhouses, no Indian, no Chinese/Japanese food)

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Your feedback is greatly appreciated as this is a wonderful forum for the expert foodies. :)

SmeagolDobby in U.K./Ireland

San Francisco--recommend good food shops and places to eat? Please share

Hi Everyone, Thanks so much for your fine recommendations! I am definately interested in fun places to eat at, or buy gourmet foods at. And yes, :), I am a friend of chocolate.

Anyone else care to share? Much appreciated.

SmeagolDobby in San Francisco Bay Area

San Francisco--recommend good food shops and places to eat? Please share

Hi All,
Traveling to California, part business/part fun.
I am hoping to get your expert recommendations.
I am staying in San Francisco, near the embarcadero for a few days, traveling by myself.

Would love to get your thoughts on yummy places to grab a bite, or some good gourmet shops to get some 'not-to-be missed' San Francisco treats (like a good chocolate store or fudge, or cookies, or home-made ice cream, or other yummy places).

As I am traveling by myself I don't think I want to eat at the poshest of places, but rather places I can be comfortable and have some good food. I love fish, vegetarian items (no meat or shellfish), french, italian, American, nouveau/eclectic cuisine, afternoon tea, thai, etc. (not interested in Indian, steakhouses, so-so on chinese and Japanese)

***I will also be in Menlo Park for a few days, on business. Anything there that's good?

Please share your insight. Greatly appreciate.

SmeagolDobby in San Francisco Bay Area

Best Gelato in Venice, Florence, Rome? Please share

Wow, thanks everyone for sharing your choices for the best Gelato in these cities.
Extremely Helpful!

SmeagolDobby in Italy

Best Gelato in Venice, Florence, Rome? Please share

Hi All,
Traveling to Italy and I do love good Gelato!
Hoping you can recommend your favorite places that serve that delicious treat.
I will be in Florence for a few days, Venice for a few days, and Rome overnight.

Please let me know the place you adore for Gelato and those to stay away from.

Thanks, greatly appreciate your insight!

SmeagolDobby in Italy

Brooklyn--Where to dine near BAM? Help!

Actually there's pages of threads to sort thru, much of which is from before 2005. I saw one from 2006 that said to 'sort thru threads'. So any new restaurant advice would be most welcome.

SmeagolDobby in Outer Boroughs

Brooklyn--Where to dine near BAM? Help!

Hi All,
Going to a show at BAM 30 Lafayette Avenue (kind of the Brooklyn Heights/Fort Greene area). Can you please recommend a good restaurant near BAM?
Ideally, it would be great to utilize the 'Brooklyn Week' restaurants. (please not Junior's--I don't like it).

I'm fine with most cuisines but am particularly happy with 'eclectic American', Southern, Italian, French, Thai, Continental.

I should have asked you dining experts sooner, but hopefully I can catch some of you in time.

Thanks for your advice!

SmeagolDobby in Outer Boroughs

Recommend great Tribeca Restaurant?

Hmm. Thanks for the interesting comment about Landmarc and danube. I'll have to take a closer look at them. What do you all think of Dylan Prime? Is it a steak lovers haven? And for those non-meat but 'yes to fish' eaters--how does Dylan rate?

The Tribeca area is perfect for the location we need, but I am curious, if there are some amazing restaurants in the general downtown Manhattan region that are absolutely 'can't miss' places that you truly feel trump the Tribeca ones. I'm not sure if our group will have the time/inclination to travel beyond Tribeca for that day but perhaps if there is a true gem that you absolutely adore---well perhaps that could influence the decision.

Love all your feedback. Thanks for taking the time.

SmeagolDobby in Manhattan

Recommend great Tribeca Restaurant?

Hi,
Wow, thanks for the feedback--especially on Tribeca Grill. Any more thoughts on your favorite Tribeca restaurants? Please let me know if you feel any of these place are of the 'high priced, tiny portions' variety as well.

Thanks for your help.

SmeagolDobby in Manhattan

Recommend great Tribeca Restaurant?

Hi Chowhounders,

Hoping for your expert advice on this.
During a weekday this month there will be a very special event being celebrated with roughly 6 people attending. It will most likely be a lunch, maaaaybe dinner.

What restaurants do you enjoy the most in Tribeca? Which one would be the perfect choice for your special celebration? As far as cuisine--we're pretty open but I think ideally 'eclectic' would be most appreciated. I hesitate to get too picky on that score because we all have different tastes. Also looking for a good looking place with great service. It can be a more expensive restaurant but hopefully not outrageously/ridiculously over priced, and it should also be worth the expense.

So far the 2 top contenders are Tribeca Grill and Chanterelle (no one's been to Chanterelle of the group, and of Tribeca Grill--can't remember if it was good or bad).

What do you think? Looking forward to your insight.

Ooh, and by the way, while I have you....I tried doing a search for Tribeca restaurants on the chowhound site and for some reason there is no option to sort by date with a search. It was a big mixed up mishmash of over 1000 posts from 2000 to 2007 in no date order. Am I doing something wrong?

Thanks for you help!

SmeagolDobby in Manhattan

Recommend good cooking class (for pasta making, cake decorating, etc.)?

Hi All,
Hoping to get your recommendation on a good place to take cooking classes at. Am interested in different types of cooking classes particularly ones for pasta making, cake decorating, sauces, and learning about herbs.

Please let me know what you think. And also would welcome your opinion on places you think weren't worth it.

Thanks!

SmeagolDobby in Manhattan

Recommend great chocolate class /or/ event /or/ eatery in NYC?

Hi,
Thanks for the feedback. I am considering Maison du Chocolat. Have any of you Chowhounds been to a class there?

SmeagolDobby in Manhattan

Recommend great chocolate class /or/ event /or/ eatery in NYC?

Thanks for taking the time to share with me. How about tasting classes? Any good ones that you've been too? Anyone else like to share their chocolatey insight?

SmeagolDobby in Manhattan

Recommend great chocolate class /or/ event /or/ eatery in NYC?

Hi All,
Can you please recommend some chocolatey fun things to do in NYC?
(I posted on the Manhattan forum as well)

I would love to take a chocolate class, or be part of some fun chocolate function, or even go to a great restaurant that serves up some great chocolate buffet or other great chocolate desserts....I figure now that it's the Fall/Winter season some new things may have popped up.

Here's what I'm already aware of or done---

Max Brenner--been there a few times, more of a gimmick, the chocolate is not that good unfortunately.

Chocolate show--way overpriced for what you get, so I'm told.

Took a class at New School with Scharffenberger (sp?). More educational than tasty, and Scharffenberger was surprisingly mean and testy to some people in the class. People around me were quite surprised by the attitude displayed.

Jacques Torrez--good choc. chip cookies and hot chocolate

Mariebelle--great hot chocolate

Eleven Madison Park--Superb Chocolate Souffle

Would love to learn your insight on the chocolatey world of NYC! Thank you Chowhounders for sharing. Looking forward to hearing back from you!

SmeagolDobby in The Best