David W's Profile
pre-theater near 59th and 10th?
I recently ate at Hanci. The space is pleasant (and pretty quiet early in the evening) and the folks who run the place are very nice. You get a nice basket of Turkish bread. It was a cold night, so the chicken soup was a welcomed treat (very rich) and I enjoyed the eggplant and pepper salad.
I'm not as big a fan of grilled meats, which is mostly what you'll get for the second course, along with some tasty rice and some basic vegetables.
I really enjoyed the kazandibi for dessert (custard-y) and the coffee was good. Pretty small, very basic wine selection-passable, not great.
I've also eaten at the Greek Kitchen on several occasions recently. I think the quality of the food is pretty high for the price point, and the seating is pleasant if you are out in the glassed-in sidewalk area. The wines by the glass are decent, and the service is friendly, if a bit slow.
Note that you get a salad when you order a main course, which is enough for me. The shrimp was nicely cooked, the pastichio very good, as was the moussaka.
Another nearby spot is Kennedy's-don't be fooled by the bar in front-the back room is comfortable and pleasant, and very able service. I've enjoyed the crab cakes (though I'll say not packed with crab-but average ratio) and the chicken pot pie.
While none of these are "destination" restaurants, they are all basic, solid and modestly priced.
Dine In Brooklyn
While I can't speak directly to the menu for Dine In- I was very favorably impressed with Benchmark in Park Slope when we ate there recently - they have very good steak, and I note that they have a NY strip on the $25 menu...
http://www.benchmarkrestaurant.com/
Dinner in Indianapolis - March 17 - Suggestions Please!!!
I wonder if anyone who's been to Libertine could tell me about how many dishes are on the menu? I can't find a menu anywhere. While I'm not averse to mixed drinks, wine is more my style and I'm always looking for somewhere interesting to eat when I visit the area. I loved L’Explorateur, so I am quite curious about the range of food available at Libertine. Thanks.
Where to find Nduja?
If you just want to eat it and not take it home, A Voce at Columbus Circle has it.
Scholium Project in NYC?
I first had it with an aged Comte cheese (also from the Jura region), which is the classic pairing.
At Bar Boulud I think it pairs well with the pates and sausages, especially the boudin blanc with truffled potatoes.
I've also had it with just Marcona almonds.
Scholium Project in NYC?
I especially like the "Prince in his Caves" style- I find them almost impossible to describe.
Union Square seems to have the most choices, in my experience, though I've never been to Mister Wright...they do seem promising.
Note that you can buy directly from the vinyard, too:
http://www.scholiumwines.com/
If you like this sort of thing-have you tried Arbois savagnin from Puffeney? Bar Boulud's had it by the glass the last couple of times I've been-it's one of those wines that when you order it they ask "have you had this before?" because it's so - different.
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Bar Boulud
1900 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
Bloomington In question
Thanks for the input-I'm not sure how things will work out come spring, but will at the very least make it for dinner one night.
Bloomington In question
I was unable to visit Bloomington this summer but am now planning a spring visit (advance planning is the only way I'll make it)- I was wondering if it is worthwhile to plan an overnight stop on a Friday in order to go to the farmer's market Saturday morning- how much would be available around the 20th of April, and how many vendors could I expect? My main goal is to return to Tallent for dinner, but I always love the summer market.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
What's the best brunch in DC right now?
How tough is it to get a table for 2 at Palena Cafe on a Sunday, and it that parking I see on the map next to the place? Thanks.
And I would second Blue Duck Tavern-we had lunch there on a Saturday on our last visit and really enjoyned it (though it's true, it is not cheap.)
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Palena
3529 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Need a recommendation for a bar for daughter's first legal drink
My pick would be the Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle.
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Bemelmans Bar
35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021
Quiet wonderful dinner?
La Mirabelle is an old-line French restaurant-as are many of the patrons and waitstaff. I like the place, and it is fairly quiet. They make a perfect calf's liver, among other things. I do recommend it. I would think of it as an old standby, and not a special night out. You will want to make reservations, as I think half the place has standing reservations.
I have another thought-it's Austrian, and very relaxed, quiet, pleasant, with excellent food-
Seasonal:
http://www.seasonalnyc.com/post/2195420203/about
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La Mirabelle
102 W 86th St, New York, NY 10024
Seasonal
132 West 58th Street, New York, NY 10019
The House of William and Merry (Hockessin, DE)
Just a note on the name-the restaurant is a venture of a husband and wife who's names are William and Merry...
seven springs resort
I wanted to thank everyone who recommended Out of the Fire Cafe - terrific place. It's an easy stop off I70/76 and there are a couple of hotels within a mile of the place, which gains it extra bonus points for me.
Even though it had been a hot day, by the early evening the back deck was a lovely place to be, perfectly relaxing after a day of driving. I had brought a couple of half-bottles so I could chose one depending on what we ate...and ended up opening both.
A lot's happened since we ate there, so I'm a little fuzzy on details (or maybe it was the wine!) but I clearly remember the terrific crab cake with asparagus and the pork special, which was flavorful and juicy...and the copper river salmon. It was all pretty filling, and my wife couldn't finish the fish. We were travelling, and didn't see a way to take it...our fabulous waiter (Jophiel from the tab) wouldn't let it go-he wrapped it in foil, sealed it in a bag and then sealed that in a bigger bag with ice. Worked perfectly, and we were able to enjoy the rest at the end of the next day.
You gotta love a guy that committed to the food he serves.
We were among the last to leave on a Monday night around 8:30, but they were great and didn't rush us at all. Nice coffee, too.
Great spot - will most certainly stop there again next time we pass that way.
One extra food note-you can take 31 from Somerset, in case you do what we did and stop at the Summit Diner for a little pie-it's an easy ride up the road.
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Summit Diner
791 N Center Ave, Somerset, PA 15501
Out of the Fire Cafe
3782 State Route 31, Donegal, PA 15628
Simon Pearce, Parker House Quechee, Vt
Sad news about damage in Quechee - best of luck.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-irene-vermont-20110831-1,0,1449898.story
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Simon Pearce Restaurant
1760 Quechee Main St., Quechee, VT 05059
The House of William and Merry (Hockessin, DE)
One thought concerning cost - when we travel and stop at a place we are not likely to get back to anytime soon, we tend to overeat...I probably would have been happy just sharing the corn/goat cheese dip and having the burger-you might want to try that before deciding it's too expensive. I'd urge you to give this place a chance-I think it's a labor of love, and the real thing.
The House of William and Merry (Hockessin, DE)
We were travelling by the area the other day - I found this place on opentable.
We were the first to stop by on Saturday morning around 11:30, though several others came in as we ate. It's a very pleasant space, with an open kitchen as you walk in. They do have what looks like a nice porch for outdoor dining as well. I'd also point out that it's well thought out for those who have a little more trouble walking, with ramps all the way in.
The service was pleasant and well-informed.
We were wowed by the corn and goat cheese dip-really nice flavor balance-it is a bit deadly, though, if you are looking for a light starter. We also tried the corn soup, which was very richly flavored without being too heavy-very tasty.
For mains, we had a cheese omlet, which was nicely prepared, but about what you would expect for an omlet.
The mushroom saute with flatbread was excellent, with an interesting tomato-jam concoction-highly recommended.
And I couldn't resist the bacon-bacon-bacon burger, which was pretty much as advertised-a large burger full of flavor along with fries. A serious burger, nicely done.
We shared a blueberry dessert, which was fairly light and nuanced, along with good coffee.
I felt the wine selection by the glass was pretty good, too.
As to price-well, I live in NY, so it seemed cheap to me. Two starters, three entrees, one dessert, one glass of wine and three coffees = 84.50 before tip.
All in all, we were very pleased with this stop. If we lived nearby, we'd certainly be back for dinner, especially the $30 Sunday supper. A friendly, casual, serious restaurant. I wish them well.
Ave B Pittsburgh question
Sorry, we didn't make it - a wild thunderstorm delayed our departure - we stopped at 1:30 in St Clairsville Oh for a quick lunch at Mehlman's instead. Maybe next time.
Waterfront Dining
Another terrific meal at Riverpark-they really do a great RW job-everything we had was delicious:
Cavetelli with lamb, peas and mint
Ravioli with mascarpone and tomatoes
Flatiron steak with guajillo chiles and beans
Pork chop with fava beans
Lemon pudding with lemon verbena ice cream
Creme fraiche panna cotta with strawberries
It was worth the hot walk from the subway-but if you drive-where else in NY do you get free parking?
There were some people outside-I think they are crazy, but at least it's in the shade!
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Riverpark
450 E 29th St, New York, NY 10016
Waterfront Dining
You get a good view of Long Island City and the old Pepsi sign...I'm afraid Brooklyn doesn't fare as well, mostly being blocked by a large building on the other side of the FDR-but you can see a few of the Greenpoint churches.
I'm looking forward to going back this week for their amazing RW menu (basically the whole menu).
10 Downing Street
I'd note this old thread was discussing the restaurant as it was when it had newly opened.
They've gone through some changes since that time, losing the original chef, and I'm not sure that it's been "well regarded" for awhile now. With the quick turnover in NY restaurants, I wouldn't rely on a discussion that started in 2008 and ended in early 2009.
Fabulous Burgers at the Summit Diner in Somerset
Next time save room for pie-I'm especially fond of the coconut cream pie.
Please help with last-minute Midtown and near-Met Museum recs
It's not too late to make a reservation, depending on where you wish to eat.
If you haven't used opentable, give it a try - you can put in the time and number in your party and get a whole list of available reservations-and note the map feature-you can quickly find what's around where you are.
http://www.opentable.com/start.aspx?m=8
New Indian Restaurant on Coney Island Avenue
Great find, thanks. We ate there the other night. The space is actually pretty nice, with tablecloths, real napkins, music in the background but not loud, and friendly service.
We started with the aloo tikki-potato in mint/tamarind sauce-this was just a terrific dish.
The mutter mushroom with peas had a nice smokey-tomato sauce with mushrooms.
The seafood kurma with shrimp was especially nice - a generous number of shrimp in a creamy almond sauce. All served with a bowl of basmati rice.
The rosemary nan was pretty good, infused with the rosemary taste.
There are a number of items on the menu that I'm looking forward to trying. Here's hoping they make it.
Here's a link with some of the menu-
http://www.seamless.com/food-delivery/Raj-Darbar-Indian-Restaurant-Brooklyn-Manhattan-Consumer.8859.r
Ave B Pittsburgh question
Thanks...yes, I wish I could stay longer, but my time is not my own.
Ave B Pittsburgh question
I'm returning to your lovely city in a month or so to eat at Salt again, and have but one day.
Is it worthwhile for me to get up early enough to make lunch at Avenue B? The dinner menu sounds much more interesting, but lunch is all I have time for...
And - it's BYOB, right? And would I have a problem getting in (for 2) on a weekday without a reservation?
Thanks for your thoughts.
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Avenue B
5501 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Best tenderloin, south side of Indinapolis
This may be too far for you (about an hour from the airport) but we always stop at the Cow Palace - I get a tenderloin and a turtle sundae and feel pretty happy.
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/40/990489/restaurant/Indianapolis/Cow-Palace-Shelbyville
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Cow Palace
318 N Harrison St, Shelbyville, IN 46176
Picnic Table spot in Central Park close to a bathroom for my 90-year old Dad?
Not exactly bucolic, but the courtyard of the former Tavern on the Green now has food carts and tables, with a bathroom right there.
Help me decide - Rigsbys or G. Michael, Columbus, OH
I'm thinking the event has already passed (congratulations) but - I think both spots would serve you equally-both are well run, friendly yet professional places with good, solid food.
I think the choice comes down to the menu - I prefer Rigsby's myself, as I find the food at G Michael's a bit too heavy.
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Rigsby's Restaurant
698 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Indigo Duck Franklin In?
Yes, well, I didn't find it so. We are in the area about 3 times a year, and sometimes I'm looking for someplace new to eat. This won't become one of those places.
On the other hand-if you are thinking of going to an old movie at the Artcraft Theatre, this may be a nice stop just around the corner.
