mslex's Profile
Is Christmas Impossible?
I know Batali related places are usually closed on Christmas and Christmas Eve for dinner. You might want to call and see if Babbo is open for lunch. We went to Artisnal for Thanksgiving and the food was amazing for the price- three courses $65ish, plus tax, wine, tip. There was no fois gras suppliment too and it was the best fois gras/duck terreine we have had. The staff was so friendly and great. For holidays, Open Table has a page for each holiday and the pre fixe menu price listed usually.
My Last Meal in NYC: Yakitori Totto!!! [pics]
Your pics look nice. I came on to figure out dinner, that might be it for us. We like near Hagi and that stupid line drives me crazy.
Di Fara--first visit trip report
Honest review! I love the pizza but everyone tries to bully their way to grab the next order. I prefer when his daughter is there because she makes sure he goes in order and keeps control. I also don't recommend grabbing a table and waiting there unless there are two of you. If your order is ready and people are sitting not eating, it is ok to ask them to give it up. They understand and they will probably be waiting a while since they didn't wait at the counter. Also, always be polite, I have seen them ignore someone because he was rude and pushy. His kids help but this is a one man show. Dom also loves interesting orders and combos, if his son is there, it might be put ahead of a regular pie, we love porcini mushroom(marinated) and proschuitto.
LIC Recs
We are going to be in LI today and I am looking for recs for a late lunch or early dinner. No more than $50.pp wine, tax, tip. We are open to anything. I searched old posts for recs but some are very old and newer reviews of those places don't sound positive. Thanks!
Wedding Cake??
I had wedding cake from Alice's Tea Cup, the bride said the price was reasonable and the cake was very nice. Our cake was from Lady M, on the pricer side for some cake options. I recommend going to several places for a tasting and give the baker an idea of what you like. http://nymag.com/listings/stores/lady-m-cake-boutique/
kosher Thanksgiving??
Kosher certification would also mean checked vegtables(for bugs), it is a very tedious process and a lot of vegan places are not Kosher certified because of it. I know I am replying to this post but Gourmet on J was a great recommendation. They are right off the Q train.
Taim doughnuts?
$2.00 is very expensive for sufganyot, they might be awsome or a rip off! I haven't tried them there, I always make a massive batch right begore Chanukah, recipe on Martha Stewart and makes about forty.
Restaurants everyone loves--except you
I agree on Peking Duck. There were so many posts I am not sure if Alta was mentioned- their cauliflower clams were nauseating. I really don't understand why anyone loves them.
Ruth Reichl just fed me Momofuku Ko, Spotted Pig, Jean-Georges, and Florent tried to get me tipsy!
review below
I just got back from the Garden Party, the LGBT Center's annual fundraising event on Pier 54. Ruth Reichl was the event chair and the event was titled "Taste of Pride". I went as a corporate sponsor and attended the pre VIP event where David Chang, April Bloomfield and Johnny(can't remember his last name) Pastry Chef from Jean-Georges had their booths. I tried almost every booth there since I asked for small tastings. Lisa from Top Chef was there, she was a little rude and acted like she was a celebrity(I didn't bother talking to her), she also scoffed at the other chefs and when offered tastings, she fled to the green room. I also chatted up the above mentioned guests. Ruth is a very nice lady by the way, she is just really passionate about food. One one more Florent shebang note- he sponsored the open bar so a bunch of us had one last drink in memory. I forgot my camera but a friend took pics, when he emails them I will give a link to see everything. I just want to say, it is amazing that members of the LGBT and straight ally foodies can get together to keep The Center open for another year, the funds raised tonight will allow them to continue their programming, this is the second largest LGBT Center in the US after SF.
Here is the link-
http://www.gaycenter.org/specialevents/gardenparty
Momofuku Ko- I am saying Ko because David said this is part of their current rotation. They offered a chilled squid salad with radish, the squid was very rubbery and some guests complained it was to difficult to chew. It had nice flavor though. He was also serving chilled shrimp in a sweet puree(as he called it), it tasted like mango and something I couldn't place but it was perfect for the humidity, sweet and refreshing. I sarcastically mentioned to David how much I love the reservation system, he thought I was being sincere. He had a good sense of humor but from the looks of it, the system isn't changing soon, or he has a really good poker face.
Spotted Pig- First, April Bloomfield is so polite and sweet. We were talking about her Iron Chef win and she was just so sincere. She served pureed cream soup with bacon bits, very good. It was nice it was a small portion because it was very heavy.
Jean-Georges- sorbet/jelly with assorted berries, I expected much more from them. It had no taste and was amaturish.
I am not going to mention every place just because they were not all impressive. That was their purpose, to give a range of restaurants and cheap eats. I will mentioned what I liked-
Rickshaw Dumpling bar- one giant pork dumpling with a wasabi and vineger dip, it was so good, if the line wasn't so long I would have gone back for more. I laughed a bit when some people didn't ask what they were having and found out there was wasabi the hard way, it wasn't really spicy.
Smorgas Chef- I love Swedish meatballs, with lingonberry sauce, when I went to Smorgas it tasted like Ikea but today it was really good.
Pong- mini carrot cupcake with cream cheese frosting, like Jean-Georges, less than what I expected from a pastry chef. It was ok though, light sweetness and they offered milk(I would have had it but there was open bar and wine to drink).
Supermac- I hope it will be this good in the winter when I will need mac and cheese. They offered two- elbows in white chedder, portebello mushrooms, and white truffle oil, it was very good and it all worked. The second was deep fried mac and cheese, yellow chedder, elbows, deep fried in nuggets, so good.
Treats Truck- every time I look for where they will be on their site I miss them, they were there and all mine, some people didn't get that they were a stand since they served out of the truck, once friends circled, it was all over. I had the caramel sandwich, though it was ok, then craved it again. Their Mexican brownies have cinnamon and very nice.
Wine Cellar Sorbet- this is an amazing product, they offer wine sorbet with alcohol in port, reisling, red sangria, champagne, cabernet, and rose. I tried the riesling and champagne, both very good. They sell it at Whole Foods and I bought riesling and cabernet on the way home, the perfect dessert in this sticky weather.
Ko reservation system - rigged?
I disagree for several reasons, first- the reservation scalpers are doing well, second- the reservation scalpers have several email lists going because I have been contacted but refused their service since DC is against selling reservations, third- a friend at work has gone there bi-weekly for the past two months, he calls his "guy" and he gets a reservation within two days. I am not paying a scalper to get me there.
The system isn't fair, at all. I would rather deal with a phone system and for them to be willing to take a reservation one month ahead.
Ko reservation system - rigged?
I try every day and am still not able to make a reservation. My first try it went to the Momofuku home page, some tries resulted in "sorry there was an error processing your request", and I also had the someone else got your seat message. I have a very quick network and I think some of the seats have been rigged. I asked a friend who does IT and he said it is possible at 10:00:00am, a generator can grab a number of spaces via codes and that may be why I have those error messages. Regardless, that is wrong, wrong, wrong. They should have a better system to work off of. Open Table does have similar programming limiting available dates, the issue is Open Table charges a fee they probably don't want to pay. Their site is not fit for the volume it gets every morning.
Carnegie Deli or Katz's?
Katz's, hand down. Their food is better, more authentic type of old New York deli service, the prices are better, note, deli is always pricy. Don't do waitress service, get on line for the deli men, the prices are better and the portions seem bigger. The deli man will give you tastings of what he has in front of him, don't ask, they just give. I suggest you get on the Russian's line- he is the oldest one there, white hair, rolling his eyes sometimes but he gives the most generous portions. Make sure you have a couple singles visible to tip. We always order(for two)- pastrami on rye, half corned beef with matzoh ball soup, round kinish, and two sodas with mixed pickles, mustard on the side. It is plenty of food and you get good taste of deli.
Gascogne info?
I have never been there but I have been past a few times. I saw a recent mention here and I was wondering about their brunch. Their site has a nice garden and a $20.00 pre fixe brunch. I liked some of the menu items. How is the food and service? Do they require reservations? Is it casual for brunch? I called and there was no answer.
ISO Subterranean Drinking and Dining Spots
Sub Mercer. Red door, long ally of a hall, suprising to be there. Under the Mercer Hotel.
X-Ray and go with .99 Pizza?
In regards to .99 cent pizza, does anyone remember the $1.00 pizza on McDougal in the mid 90's? It was on that horrible block where there are now all tourist stores. It was a solid slice.
A rule of thumb- stay away from any pizza that has "Ray" in the title
In Love With Lupa
Last Friday wasn't my first time but it was the best I had there. I remembered a few years ago they would have obnoxious staff and some items didn't work or the kitchen didn't pay attention. We were walk ins and waited fifteen minutes at the bar with wine at 7:pm. I think eating out in general, there is one item that wasn't as good as everything else you ordered, not the case the other night. Everything was amazing-
Antipasta- proscuitto, asparagus with pecorinno, and octopus
the proscuitto was so fresh and the fat melted in my mouth, the asparagus was the perfect match, and the octopus was tender, flavorful, probably the best I had
Primi- spaghetti with pork ragu(special), ricotta gnocci with sausage
the spaghetti bowl was filled almost to the top prefectly al dente pasta and the pork ragu made me want to lick the bowl, the ricotta gnocci was very hot when it arrived and I was happy, when ever I order gnocci the second it gets cold it turns to gum, the sausage was garlicky and full of spice
Secondi- veal with proscuitto(satli something), sea bass with onion and fennel
the proscuitto crusted the veal, so big it couldn't fit on the plate, the veal under was juicy and tender flavored by the proscuitto, the sea bas was fish of the day, cooked perfectly, not dry and the onions underneath were well matched, I used the fennel garnish for lemon, it may have been marinated in it
Sadly, we had no room for tartufo with a bottle of wine and everything we ate. We did finish off with their limoncello since it helps me digest my food. It was so sweet and cold, I loved it but my date thought it was too sweet. I am not good with reviews and am not trying to be. I am just in love with Lupa and I plan on seeing her tomorrow for the duck of the day.
Big Apple BBQ
I was almost shocked that we were able to finish the fast pass(two of us). One that wasn't mentioned here is Mr Cecil's California Ribs. I heard alot of suprises while standing on the longest line I saw(late afternoon) that people were waiting for ribs from California. It had a bit of Asian flavor and I thought it was one of the suprises of the day. You always expect certain flavors but it was different and it worked. I am another local fan of Hill Country so I thought it would be ok to let it go- someone sitting next to me eating the beef ribs with sausage, smelled amazing. I ended up getting it, suprisingly, it tasted better than at the restaurant. 17th St did have the worst containter but I also thought it was one of the best.
Israeli Restaurant & Falafel
As someone who lived in Israel for a few years, I know about authentic and good. Twelve chairs, as mentioned has the best schnitzel and good, fresh hummus. For the best, best authentic felafel I suggest Moshe/Moishe's truck(which is very clean and Kosher, very high standards) usually on the corner of 5th Ave and 17th St, on 17th. I recommend picking it up and eating a block a way at Union Square. When Chickpea was open on 3rd Ave and St Marks, they were the best for chicken and turkey schawerma(all the Israelis pack in the back watching football(soccer) would agree with that). They have moved to 14th and 3rd and I haven't been there since they moved. It is still the same owners and the same menu. If you want good Israeli coffee and burekas go to Aroma on Houston near Greene. It is the same coffee as their Israeli locations but the menu is different.
Lower East Side, need cheap or reasonable and good!
I don't eat out much on LES except for brunch at Essex and Katz's here and there. I am looking for a place for dinner tomorrow night on either cheap eats or reasonable. Near Grand and Essex would be best. I am also curious about insane wait times and would prefer some where that doesn't take forever(asking alot!).
Rooftop drinks @ 205 Fifth Avenue?
The views are great. The bottle service is on the cheaper side compared to other bottle service places in NY. It does get packed. I recommend you have bottle service reservations if you want to be comfortable and sit. They also take walk ins and they are not an intimidating place. We usually use them for after work drinks. 230 5th
Madison Square Park Big Apple BBQ?
I went last year. The lines were a mile long. You never got full because you would eat and stand then eat and stand again. I am thinking about buying the fast pass but I don't know if we can eat $100 of bbq. Is anyone else familiar with the event and how was your experience if you have gone before?
http://bigapplebbq.org/2008/
Which steakhouse of these three would you go to?
I second what GTopp said, I have been to all three more than once. When I saw the subject, I was hoping Keens was mentioned. We are going there for dinner tonight. I recommend the Chateaubriand for two, it has a beautiful crust and an amazing flavor. I am not a porterhouse fan except for when I go to Striphouse. One note on Keens- I saw todays specials on their site and they are offering their lobster bisque, buttery and flavorful.
Moderately priced french in the West Village
French Roast on 6th Ave and 11th has suprisingly great food. I live close by and would leave it to brunch or drinks at the bar. A few months ago I saw their menu improved. I love their duck confit, muscles(their broth is one of the best I ever had), they had a special of crusted fish(don't remember what kind) it was on the healthy side but tasted amazing. Their wine list is not pricy and they have bottles added daily that are not on the menu- ask Roman the bartender what he recommends since he has always given me good suggestions. One more thing, if you have room for dessert, you need to try their hot chocolate cake, prefect for two.
In regards to Florent- I was a "regular" when I lived on LW12th and was invited for their closing party. They may not be romantic in the classic sense but at 3:am, to be whisked away to be fed something tasty is romantic enough for me.
edit-Dinner, wine, dessert, usually runs us at $100., we usually share an appetizer since we drink a bottle of wine, the muscles are good for sharing with their very fresh bread.
Di Fara Questions
Two things I know- Di Fara's and going to Greece(I go every summer). Are you taking the daily Delta evening? Regardless of your flight you have to be there three hours before!!! Take your bags with you to Di Fara as others suggested. The Q train is express in Manhattan and is a pretty fast ride for the most part, enter on 34th St or 42nd St since they have an elevator to the station and escalators. Get off on Ave J, it is right at the corner of the station on J. Grab a table first for your stuff, give his daughter your order(he will not take it or forget) and have one of you standing at the counter at all times. Eat at Di Fara because there is no seating at the international terminal until you get through security and you will not be allowed to have a pizza with you. There are a lot of car services in the are call Masada Car Service(forgot the number), they are the closest one, half way through eating. Do not underestimate Brooklyn Belt traffic, if you get there even four hours early, it is better. In regards to your pizza and what you are having, they are not known for square pies, so stick to the classic. Also know, Dom constantly burns the bottom of the pies, tell him you want it light. You should probably keep it plain the first time but we order- proschuitto and poricini mushrooms on ours. Edit- be prepared to wait at least an hour to eat, even for week day lunch.
Cape May, need romantic and fine dining
It is my fiance's birthday and I am looking for a fine dining restaurant. We are NY foodies who can enjoy both a five star restaurant and a good cheap eats find. We have been to Cape May before and ate at Axsselrod's Blue Claw, Lobster House, and the restaurant across from the turn to Lobster House(forgot the name), the latter two were because it was a busy weekend and we did not plan it(everything good was booked).
Decent restaurants by the Beacon Theatre (Bway/74th)
Nice Matin and Kefi are both reasonable.
Alta - good for large group?
Ask for the dining room upstairs, behind the kitchen. That is the best place for all of you. I also suggest ordering a few of the larger plates because their tapas is very small, even for tapas. Everything was great the last time except this cauliflower and manilla clam mess.
Where to buy Quail Eggs and Duck Eggs?
Dean and Deluca sells them from .60-.70 each. I love how quail eggs have so much yoke and they are beautiful.
Private Room for About 75 on a Friday night
Abigail Kirsh is very over priced to match her ego(she jipped us on two occasions). She uses a couple bare lofts and you will have to rent everything pushing you way over budget. Tribeca Grill is so nice if they could close for you. The same group opened Mai House a few months ago. If you were looking for an Asian or French theme, they could do it. We were there Saturday for 9:pm dinner and they were empty since they had very little press. The chef is Spike Mendelsohn from the current season of top chef. The food was amazing(we had a seven course tasting menu) and priced much better than the other restaurants in the group(including Tribeca Grill and Nobu). They would probably do this with reasonable pricing so they get publicity.
