yumpetal's Profile
dinner for 3 Thursday (tomorrow) night. Downtown. entrees $23 or less
I have friends in town for one night, so there will be three of us for dinner. They are a mother daughter duo and have requested something south of midtown, small to midsized with entrees hovering around $20. I would like to suggest something that has charm and is not ancient so they feel they ate somewhere relatively new (within 5 years so doesn't have to be so new). I think they would love the Little Owl but they are of course booked. I am feeling pressure since it will be there only meal in NYC this trip. I have taken them to Supper (they liked) , Giorgios of Grammercy, and Centro Vinoteca which interestingly they were not thrilled with. Suggestions? Many thanks!
private chef for cocktail party needed
A friend is getting married and throwing a celebratory cocktail party for 50 people in a rented loft at the end of March. I am trying to help her find a private chef for the event who can prepare passed appetizers. I believe her budget is some what modest and so well known caterers are out of the question. Any suggestions chowhounds? Thanks!
BEAUTIFUL restaurant Bette or...
Both are beautiful restaurants. Regarding Bette - There is a "buzz" when you walk into Bette, and I would describe it as more "chic" than Amalia. The clientele too. Amalia is more "decorated" but in a over the top way. Bette is more subtle. One thing Amalia has going for it though is a gracious staff. And it is newer than Bette. I am not sure which is more expensive - check out menupages.com for that info. I have not had dinner at Amalia - just drinks. The food at Bette is fine. As for what room in Amalia, ask the manager when you call which is the most festive on the night you plan to dine. For future visits check out Bobo - it is very new - for a Village eclectic feel. http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/bobo/
OUEST VS AQUAGRILL
I had dinner at Oeust about a month ago. The atmosphere is lovely and the food was delicious. I had a slamon dish that was outstanding. SOmeone replied that celebs often dine there...Drew Carey was sitting next to us the night we ate there. I hardly ever get up to the UWS but I would definitely eat there again.
Best Bakery for Birthday cake
I really like the Blackhound Bakery on 2nd avenue. I have gotten cakes there several times and they have all been delicious and beautiful.
The New Provence
I had dinner at Provence last week, and I didn't love it. The atmosphere was lovely, and the service very attentive, but the food was so so. We had codfish fritters with a lemon aoli )fritters and aoli were good but fritters VERY salty), a goat cheese soufle (not very good. Heavy), some sort of escargot appetizer (rubbery), and the hangar steak. The steak was not served with a starch and so we had to order a $6 side of mash. We had plenty of wine, and so the bill was pretty expensive. I will not be rushing back.
B-day dinner party: Les enfants terribles or lil' frankies?
Les Enfants has a great atmosphere but it is a nightmare for 6-8 people. I organized a dinner for five people about a year ago there and will never do that agin. Reservations don't mean much there, it is sooo loud, and the food is mediocre. Again - I love the atmosphere and enjoy going for drinks with one friend, but not a group. But does little Frankie's take ressies?
5 midwest moms take manhattan
Regarding brunch - DO NOT GO TO PRUNE. It is a hassle and it will be a long wait and it is NOT comfortable for a large group. Defintely take the suggestion to go for (an excellent) weekday lunch. If you like to vintage shop you can then head to LES to browse. I would second 5 points for brunch. Very good and they take ressies. Balthazar is excellent for brunch too. Or Barmarche in Nolita and then shop for afternoon. Pastis for lunch is fun because it is always bussing. Last time I was there I sat next to Pedro Almodovar. Fancy dinner - Eleven Madison Park. So good. Cheap pasta - Da Andrea in West Village, Bianca in EV, Cacio E Pepe in EV. For pizza I like Arturos in SOHO, Apizz in LES. Have fun.
Prune -- How Early Should I Line Up For Sunday Brunch?
oops. I meant party of 5!! LOL
Prune -- How Early Should I Line Up For Sunday Brunch?
The time I went to brunch we showed up at 10 AM with a party of 45 and were seated right away.
Best Birthday Cake??
Also - Payard in the 70's on Lexington makes beautiful, delicious cakes.
Best Birthday Cake??
Blackhound Bakery makes delicious cakes. I have tasted several of theirs (I love right around the corner) and they are all good!
Frank Restaurant in E. Village
Frank is okay. Good, as one poster said, if there is no wait. I like Supper (almost identical menu and same owner)a bit better. The ambiance is definitely better. Still no reservations, but a prettier dining area. For a few dollars more, I prefer going to Novita in Grammercy. Great service, excellent food. Not so hipster like. But it is a more money. Worth it in a heartbeat!!!!
Chinatown Brasserie -- Pricey, but good
Xavier,
Thanks for the post! It is on my list to try. Along with Buddaken (SP?). I know they are expensive, but I like the higher end Chinese a bit more and will pay for it for a once or twice a year indulgence.
Dinner for 8-10 people.
Regarding Inoteca. Only do that if you like to be seperate from other diners. I always feel like I am in some sort of banquet room in the area that is less desirable when I do the private room thing. Inoteca is okay, but for the most part I think it is the poeple watching that adds to the experience. Just my opinion of course.
Beating the heat at Tides-Review
I am not a fan of Tides at all. I think it is one if the most overrated places on Chowhound. I feel the same way as the original poster - the wine glasses feel cheap. Our wine was stale and warm, and the server gave us a little "I don't know what you are talking about but I guess I will replace it" and an eye roll. They had a mere 10 oysters left in the whole resto at 7 PM on a weeknight. And they were warm and very big. Ugh. My lobster roll was okay. I guess I just have a problem paying $24 for a lobster roll unless it si the best thig I have ever tasted. Most lobster rolls in the city are as good/better and don't cost $24. And it was accompanied by soggy sweet potato fries. When the bill came my friend and I loked at it and lamented that we could have gone to any retaurant in the city (well many) for that money. I won't be back.
Italian in soho with great fried calamari
I really like Vatutto. I am not sure if they have fried calamari, but their food is v. good. They have an outdoor garden that is enchanting.
