I'm meeting my parents for lunch near 32nd street tomorrow, and I thought we'd go to one of the K-town restaurants. Does anyone have a recommendation for a place that's pleasant to sit, but (possibly) not crazy crowded? Somewhere with good bibimbap, and also BBQ. It could anywhere between 36th and 32nd. Thank you!

looks like it's X20. Thanks everyone! And I will be sure to ask for a table away from the door to the deck. Thanks again.

We are looking to have brunch (about 6 people) somewhere in Southern Westchester for my father's 65th birthday. I haven't been, but my parents mentioned X20 or Bedford Post, basically somewhere that is 'special'. Price isn't an issue, just looking for somewhere that has good food with a nice atmosphere, is a bit upscale and appropriate for a Birthday milestone. Any suggestions? Thank you very much!

We went last night. Food was exceptional. I actually didn't love the server that worked in the middle, but she was fine. We had a total of 26 courses, including 3 or 4 largers ones. It is hard to remember exactly, because everything was so quick, but we definitely had more than 2. The whole thing took 2 1/2 hours. It felt rushed to me.

if you can make it to midtown west, Minar has Chai to go. I think they usually serve it only in the afternoon though.

I've tried Juvetino twice for brunch, it's better than most in the area. If you are close to union street you could also try Kiwiana.

that is very good to hear. We will probably go to Noche Mexicana. Thank you!

Hi, I'm searching for a Mexican place with good food, that also has descent margaritas. We've been to Gabrielas, and don't love it. Anywhere from midtown west to around 110th street. It looks like Noche Mexicana and Taqueria Y Fonda get mentioned on the boards, but I'm not sure if they serve drinks. Any suggestions? Thanks so much.

Hi, I'm looking into places to eat and stay in the Hudson Valley for my husband's 40th birthday in late March. I found the Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa which looks promising but I wasn't sure about food there, or in the surrounding area. Looking for something very special for dinner. Price is not an issue, just want something as delicious as possible. Any recommendations (and any feedback on this Inn or other places to stay) is much appreciated! Thank you so much.

We will be staying at a resort on Canandaigua Lake next week, and I'm trying to find good places to eat. We're a family of four, our children are 4, and 17 months, but they are well behaved and used to going to restaurants. Looking for family friendly places for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Anything from diners to something a little more upscale, any price point. Any recs would be great!

Thanks!

I was there for a private party a few months ago. the food was cold, they kept messing up orders (repeatedly bringing meat pirogies to vegetarians that specifically ordered veggie), and nothing was particularly tasty.

if you find something you like, report back!

I also recommend Porto Rico. I think the place on Mott is Ten Ren? They have mostly Chinese teas, concentrating on oolong and green.

A fairly new Chicago import is Argo Tea, I know there is a cafe in Columbus Cicrle. It feels like a starbucks, but it is a tea cafe and they also sell loose teas. I've only tried a basic black (didn't care for it) and an oolong (good) from here, but it may be worth a visit if you are in the area. I think there are a few other locations as well.

if you are ok ordering online, I second Uptontea.com

We have been there recently, but just for brunch. We always get there as soon as they open at 11am, and haven't had a problem getting seated. But even when it's empty the service isnt' very good. We always wait a long time for entrees, drinks, etc. Some of the brunch options are great, some just ok- love the pancake, frisee aux lardons, beans on toast. reuben was 'ok', as was an egg dish, but i can't remember what it was. the side of pork sausage is very good. Definitely a great place to have in the neighborhood, but wouldn't bother to travel there.

thanks, all! we actually ended up getting delivery from Mr. Wonton the day we moved, before I had read this thread. It actually wasn't awful, tasted like what i'd expect from a mediocre take out place. but we were exausted, so it worked just fine. once we settle in more, hopefully we will find some descent options for take out and also dine-in.

Hi All,

we are moving to Union street near 8th ave from DUMBO, and are looking forward to actually having more than 1 or 2 restaurants to visit and order from. I know there are countless posts on park slope, but I am looking specifically for information on places that deliver to our area. Are there any rec's for good Indian, Thai, and Chinese for delivery to Union st? Also, if there are any good diners that deliver, please let me know. We are looking forward to exploring the new neighborhood!

thanks!

Night's out are rare these days, with two young children at home. I'm meeting an old friend for dinner next week, and looking for a place that is casual and comfortable, with seasonal, and simply prepared food (friend can be a bit picky). Perilla is a place that comes to mind, but I've already been a few times. Thinking of possibly ABC Kitchen, does this fit the bill? Union Square, EV, WV, or LES are all fine, with prices no more than $25pp for the main course. Good cocktails are a plus. :) Thanks!

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Perilla
9 Jones Street, New York, NY 10014

ABC Kitchen
35 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003

hehe, thanks! Perhaps I'll try this recipe for the 3rd birthday party! I will probably make cupcakes again :)

does anyone know if the new location of Rhong-Tiam has the same funky atmosphere that Kurve had? that might be a good option. I love Tabla, but i'm not sure if it will end up being too pricey.

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Rhong-Tiam
87 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10003

Hi, just wanted to bump the post up a bit- does anyone have any suggestions? thanks!

Hi all,

I'm trying to plan a bachelorette party for about 10-12 women, all in our early to mid 30s. We are looking for a place that is festive, but not cheesy. Good food is a must. The bride to be likes Mexican, Thai, Indian, and Italian. I was thinking of a place that could do a set menu, about $40-$50 per person. It would be great if this included a drink, but it does not have to. I was thinking of Otto, because I know they do a set menu for around that price and it is a festive place. But I wanted to come up with a few other options. If there is a place that also could give us a private, or semi-private space, that would be even better.

Thank you for the help!!

my husband and i were shocked at the pick of JJ and James. we couldn't believe they even made it past the first few rounds. We both thought the husband and wife team would have been a better choice for the final. But clearly something has been lost in the editing. i hope! Yes, they thought on their feet in the final, but they didn't deliver what the client wanted. I would think Raymond would take points off for that. JJ couldn't even cook risotto or follow a souffle recipe!

I agree, the result was understandable but a shame. I do wonder though if Badger would be able to stick it out through other stressful situations during the competition, without the support of his buddies. It seems to me that the husband and wife couple may be the ones to beat at this point, unless Chris and Nathan can step up their front of house service. I do hope JJ and James are the next to go.

I was there right before Christmas, and the line was long, but it was moving, maybe a 20 minute wait (and then another 5-8 minutes for my order). I imagine the line could be longer this week, there seem to be even more tourists in midtown than last week.

My turkey is currently brining. It's coming out of the brine around midnight and going into the oven at noon tomorrow. Does it make sense to rinse the bird and leave it in the fridge uncovered so the skin dries out a little?

Thanks in advance.

I'd agree that if you had to choose one of the two, xmas eve may be better. an early hour on xmas day may help as well.

Just another warning that it will be insanely crowded. I tried to go last year on xmas day with my husband and daughter, and we could hardly even walk on the sidewalks due to the crowds. We hit a few of our favorite restaurants, and they all had long waits. This was at lunchtime, when we thought we'd 'beat the rush'. If anyone recommends a place that takes reservations, definitely try that route.

I've done this at the St. Regis, and it was lovely. the quality of the food and the tea was very good.

not a hotel, but you could try bouchon bakery in the time warner center (the restaurant area not take out area), and have tea and pastries there. You will have a view of columbus circle and the entrance to the park. But it does get very crowded at lunch so you may want to go at an off-time for a more relaxing experience.

I've eaten at both Queen of Sheba, and Meskerem, and thought Q of S's food was a little better, but the dining room was very dingy. Meskerem's dining room is very bare bones, but was a little nicer. For the record, I haven't really dined at either one it at least a year or so.