Traditional Italian food in Manhattan

My wife and I are having dinner tomorrow with a colleague and his wife tomorrow night. We're staying in mid-town. He likes traditional Italian food. I like good food, good wine and moderate prices. We're not after a trendy, cutting-edge restaurant (like a Mario Batali place). Anywhere in Manhattan is fine but mid-town to the village is better. Someone suggested Nanni's Restaurant on East 46th but I've never been. Also, we'd prefer casual dress. Thanks in advance.

Bob M.

Bob M. in Manhattan

Thanksgiving dinner in Brighton, UK

I'm looking for a restaurant (or hotel) that can make a private American-Style Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, November 27th (American Thanksgiving day) in Brighton, England, UK for about 40 people, mostly Americans. Of course, I've already contacted the hotel/restaurant where we are booked to stay that day/night but I'm searching for a Plan B option as well. As you might think, it will center around roast turkey and a menu designed by the culinary-informed of our group, heavy on the traditional items. Any ideas about who might be able to accommodate us? Any and all suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

Bob M.

Bob M. in U.K./Ireland

Dinner in Pasadena recommendations

We dined at Cafe Bizou after all. The food was not leading edge but some dishes were very, very good and while others good but unexciting. The service was very average. But where else can you drink Chateau Montelena cabernet for $48 a bottle (list price, $45). The wine list has exceptional value. We had a very good time and I wouldn't hesitate to go back. Bob M.

Bob M. in Los Angeles Area

Dinner in Pasadena recommendations

Thanks everyone for the fine recommendations. Although I haven't been, I keep hearing sustained reports on the varying quality, preparation and service at both Parkway/ Arroyo Chop House so I'm not likely to experiment on my friends. I've always wanted to go to Bistro 45 but this particular expedition is slated for a slightly lower price point. For me the Raymond is just ok. I can't really say why but I'm a fan of Cafe Bizou. I hope they've maintained what they used to do so well in years past. Not really destination dining but a nice, reasonable neighborhood place. They used to have Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages on the wine list for a very reasonable price (before it went into the statosphere). Anyway, wish me luck!! I appreciate all your recommendations.

Thanks,

Bob M.

Bob M. in Los Angeles Area

Dinner in Pasadena recommendations

I'm meeting an old friend for dinner in Pasadena on Monday evening with our wives. We traditionally like to eat steak and drink cabernet, as do the girls. I'd think of Cafe Bizou on Raymond but I haven't been in years. What other places should we consider? I live on the East Coast and haven' been back for the last five years so I'm out of the loop on Pasadena dining.

Thanks,

Bob M.

Bob M. in Los Angeles Area

Late night wine & food - Montreal

I'm working downtown this week until 10:30pm. After work, I enjoy sitting, enjoying a nice glass of wine and something lite to eat, in a relatively non-noisy environment, usually with my wife and/or co-workers. We're not interested in dancing, disco-ing or rapping so a restrained atmosphere is a priority. The weather this week in Montreal has been absolutely beautiful so sitting outside on a terrace would be a plus. I've been to Crescent St. in the daytime - I'm wondering if I might need earplugs at nite to be there? We like people watching; I just don't want to have to scream at the person sitting next to me. Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.

Bob M. in Quebec (including Montreal)

looking for neighborhood french restaurant

carswell,

Thank you for your comprehensive survey of the French Bistro scene in Montreal; it made for some good internet reading.

Unfortunately, Laloux, our 1st choice, was fully booked last night and so were a few others we tried from your list (Best Website - without a doubt - Le Continental). As last night was absolutely beautiful outside, walking to our restaurant became a priority within our party (there were three of us). We dined at Bistro L'Aromate, as recommended by our hotel concierge, downtown on Peel street, where everything was sightly above average. My wife and I did have wonderful salads, we had a inexpensive Cote du Rhone that paired well with our lamb and had an opportunity to try some local sparkling Rose cider as an apertif. Everything else was unmemorable except we had a server who was one of the more beautiful young female creatures that I've had the pleasure to spend a few hours with lately and it completely enhanced the dining experience. I'm not sure my wife agreed.

Bob M. in Quebec (including Montreal)

looking for neighborhood french restaurant

The suggestions I have been given so far are:

Le Grand Comptoir

Laloux

Bistro L'Entrepont

Les Caprices de Nicolas

Any comments on these restaurants, or comparisons?

Merci

Bob M. in Quebec (including Montreal)