I looked at the photos on flickr and those seem like perfectly normal portion sizes particularly considering the array of sides. I think Americans are used to oversize portions and maybe that was part of the problem. We Americans eat far too much animal protein and certainly our portion sizes on animal proteins are oversized. With that said, I find it bizarre that the diners' requests were not immediately met. One time while dining there I told a server that I was gluten sensitive and turned down the bread. 15 minutes later, he was back with three gluten-free toasts from freshly baked mini loaves. They pride themselves on doing whatever they can for their patrons. It's too bad the OP had a bad experience but perhaps EMP just isn't their type of restaurant.

Anyone try Forge on Reade Street in Tribeca yet? Chef/owner very friendly. Menu looks pretty average....

my 5 & 3 year-old loves Otto, 8th betw 5th & Univ - open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Easiest at lunch or early dinner as it gets packed. Pizza is very good - better than pastas imho - and the olive oil ice cream is fantastic! ice cream also available in Wash Sq Park from a cart. Pain Quotidien is on 8th & 5th, great for breakfast. also good for lunch or dinner, Patsy's Pizza on University and....10th? Great siciliana salad, pizzas and basic pastas. also, Whole Foods is on 14th betw 5 & bdwy - good for breakfast, quick lunch or just stocking up. Honestly, you can branch out for dinner as you're so close to Union square, flatiron, soho, chinatown, west village - quick walk or cab ride to excellent food -e sp if you're having an early dinner.

Shanghai Cuisine Mulberry & Bayard. Amazing soup dumplings, delicious chicken noodle soup (with delicious veg my favorite) and great crunchy tasty shanghai crispy noodles.

Advice? yes, I did search. Looking for new opinions. Sunday lunch with kids. thanks.

We're going for lunch on Sunday with kids - any advice? thanks.

If you go before 7pm, you won't have any wait. It's definitely a later spot.

We ate there last night. Live in the 'hood and used to go weekly 'til quality went down & fav bartender left. She's ramped the spot back up. Artichoke hearts were fantastic, tuna app very clean and nice. Went for the signature chicken crispy, salty, nice and steak was beautifully done with a crispy marrow butter on top. Harrison is back and the new bartender is fantastic also. Harrison has perfect bar dining - nice wide bar, plenty of elbow room, same menu as tables but they also have excellent toasted nuts at the bar.