Va Beh.

Where: PS1
When: January 2012

How about one of the bars at the Merritime Hotel, directly across the street from Buddakan.

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Buddakan
75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011

I tried a glass of orange wine at Masten Lake in Williamsburg. While I can't rave about the meal, I was intrigued by the wine. Orange wine is NOT wine made from oranges. It is a wine that has an orange tone to it (close to the tone of a rose), and, essentially, is made from white wine variety grapes, but unlike white wine, the skins are left on during production.
I am wondering if anyone knows of a wine store that has any sort of orange wine selection. I live in Ft. Greene - so the closer the better - but I'll take what I can get!

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Masten Lake
285 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Concur with your thoughts on Mary's.

My boyfriend and I visited St. Anselm in Williamsburg last nite. We had considered trying it during its first run, when the primary focus was hot dogs, sausages, and entrails. Now, it appears to be more of a steakhouse, where most all the food is cooked on the open kitchen grill. We were worried that we would have a hard time getting a seat, after the New York Times had such wonderful things to say about it. But no problems cozying up at the bar at about 10:30 on a Saturday evening. The decor is also pretty cool - lots of interesting woodwork and a running theme of banners and flags.
We ordered the shrimp and avocado salad, grilled haloumi salad, truffle potatoes as a side dish, grilled mackerel, and butcher's steak. EVERYTHING was delicious! The dishes that were more on the inventive side of things were exciting and tasty. And the more standard fare tasted anything but: the steak and mackerel were cooked perfectly and filled with flavor. My one complaint would be that there was not enough haloumi and long beans in the salad. We topped things off with two glasses of rose and and two mugs of beer, and the bill came under $100.
We'll be back.
I'm wondering what everyone else has tried and would recommend?

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St. Anselm
355 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

San Fran was great. We had a great time sight-seeing, and, quite importantly, eating. Among the list of places we made it to to dine and drink: The Galley at Clooney's Bar, In n Out Burger, Swan's Oyster Depot, Burma Superstar, El Farolito, Tommy's Mexican, 21st Amendment Bar, La Taqueria, Hog's and Rocks, Skool, Tartine, Shotwells AND we finally decided on Ino Sushi.

We were on a race against time by bicycle to get to an 8:30 reservation. That was the latest rez we could snag, as they shut down earlier than we are used to dining. We had a heck of a time finding the place - Ms. Ino gave us horrible directions/address by phone. Looking back, I have no clue why she just did not mention that it is located in the Kabuki Hotel. So we were already frazzled when we arrived.

Small, unspectacular digs. But whatever, we were there for the food. Plus, there was something kind cool about looking out the lone window in the place, we felt like we could be anywhere in the world. My boyfriend was ready to leave the place when he read that crap on the menu about minimum orders and right of refusal to serve. How tacky and lame! Ino San hardly looked at us, but I could feel his icy coldness. He was not happy we were there.
We placed a few orders. We were surprised one order encompassed two pieces. We are used to eating sushi with our hands and already dressed with wasabi - so that was no big deal. Of course, Ino still had to chime in, in a snide way, about how to eat it. When the fish hit the mouth, I have to admit, it was good. How anyone could qualify this food as mediocre is beyond me. It's stunning fish: uni, ankimo (naturally), tuna roll, toro, amaebi, unagi, anago, tamago, ikura, salmon/avo roll, not to mention a few others. All delicious. Excellent rice. Hard to imagine what more better you could want, in terms of the quality of food. They were out of a lot of things we wanted to try - squid legs, scallop. And when we asked his suggestion of what would be a not-to-miss item, he denied us. In the end, the meal was a huge bargain, compared to what we are used to. Under $100 for a full meal for two plus drinks!
However, coming from NYC, this kind of service would warrant a place going under. In Manhattan (though not Brooklyn, by any means), service has to be impeccable to compete with all the other high standard institutions. Otherwise, a high end place simply would not survive. It would do Ino San some good to loosen up, if not for business, for his own mental, physical, and emotional well being.
He did warm up to us and our NY attitudes in the end - I don't think he will ever forget our inquiries about the giant clam shell behind him, which turned out to be a 100-year-old mushroom. I think I actually saw him crack a smile.

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Tommy's Mexican Restaurant
5929 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121

La Taqueria
2889 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Ino Sushi
22 Peace Plz # 510, San Francisco, CA

Burma Superstar
4721 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA

Ino Restaurant
25 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Skool
1725 Alameda St, San Francisco, CA 94103

My boyfriend and I are coming to San Francisco (from NYC) on Monday and we're looking for a great sushi meal. We count Yasuda as our favorite place for sushi. Though we are willing to try more "inventive" sushi, what really helps Yasuda stand out for me is the quality of rice. In other words, if the sushi I am eating happens to be creative, as opposed to traditional, but has excellent rice, it can be just as good in my eyes. We also love Japanese Kitchen and Sushi preparations - especially Uni and Ankimo.

Based on that, do you have a recommendation for a stand out sushi meal in SF? Money is no object. We will be in town from Monday - Thursday, and are planning this outing for Tues or Wed. We would really like to stay in the city for this experience. From my research, it appears as though Sebo, Ino, Aka Tombo, and Koo are possible options. Am I on the right track? Do you have any words of wisdom or guidance? Are there specialty local fishes to make sure to taste?

Your help is much appreciated, as we want our sushi experience in SF to be a memorable one!

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Sebo
517 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Ino Restaurant
25 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Pearl Oyster Bar. My parents came in for a visit, and we decided to have dinner here after our High Line walk. Not super-dee-dooper close to the beginning (or end, depending on how you look at it) of the High Line. But it is a pretty walk. And the seafood can't be beat - best lobster roll in the city, IMHO.
By the by, at the northern end of the High Line (entrance on W. 30th St. at 10th Ave.), Colicchio & Sons opened a beer garden with food trucks. It's pretty fun, especially with large groups. It's called Lot on Tap. Food trucks included were: Eddie's Bar Pies, Korean Taco, and Rickshaw Dumplings.

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Pearl Oyster Bar
18 Cornelia St, New York, NY 10014

Rickshaw Dumpling Bar
61 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10010

Colicchio & Sons
85 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011

The Lot on Tap
10th Ave W 30th St, New York, NY 10001

Have any hounds checked this place out yet? Sounds tasty and interesting - rumblings of foie and truffles, I believe. I would love to hear some feedback, as I know this neighborhood is up and coming in the food scene. Hoping it's a hit, not a miss!!

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The Morgan
25 Bogart St, Brooklyn, NY 11206

This was our second time at Fatty Cue. We first experienced the restaurant a few days after it had opened. To say it was bustling would be an understatement. We were sat in the back room, which had an electric atmosphere. Being brand, spanking new, not much had been written about the place. But, unfortunately, all dishes that had been reviewed favorably were no longer available by the time we had been seated. We has a decent dinner at best. And spent far too much money. No rush to return.
After running out of ideas for a Saturday date spot, last nite was our second try. We were a bit surprised to see the bar a far, far cry from the hustle and bustle of a year ago. We waited too long only to be seated next to the bathroom. I hate to be THAT girl, but the lavatory door opening and closing on top of my back every 30 seconds would've prevented me from enjoying our meal. My bf traded places with me, but even he could not ignore the annoyance. We moved back to the bar. Which is fine. (On a side note, people were seated at the "toilet table" immediately after we requested to move.)
This time around, we came prepared with plenty of reviewers' collective knowledge (including Sifton). However, to our dismay, almost all recommended dishes were once again crossed off the menu. About half the menu was covered in X's. Heartbroken, we discussed leaving. But it was late, we were hungry, and we already had fresh drinks in hand. Speaking of, my South 6th was one of the few highlights from our first experience at FQ, and did not disappoint this time around. We put a ramshackle meal together - the broth, bacon, black-eyed peas, duck (off the specials menu), and beef brisket. Everything (except the the black-eyed peas) was pretty damn tasty. Too much food for not nearly as much money as last time, too! My bf and I were thinking of making a quicker return to the restaurant than our last hiatus. The third trip was sealed when a staff member who had been sweet to us the whole evening made sure to greet us at our exit with a few complimentary drink tickets (perhaps for all the inconveniences).
That all being said, I am baffled that a restaurant that gets so much press would run out of signature dishes on a consistent basis. Has anyone else experienced this at FQ? When we return, we will be sure to arrive far earlier than our usual 10/11pm dinner time. Hopefully the crab laksa is worth it!

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Fatty 'Cue
91 S 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

My boyfriend and waited less than 15 minutes to be seated for brunch at 11am this past Sunday.

100% AGREE! Chicken Biscuit - the honey butter and hot sauce put it on top. At $5.00, you can't complain.
I like all the pies I've tried there, too - nice crust.

APC's version:

Sadly, I have not been to M. Wells yet. After reading the original posting and discovering they were serving dinner, my bf and I got ready to head into LIC for some Quebecois. Thankfully, I prompted him to call up and make sure they were open for dinner. Answer: see above.
I will be sure to report back when we do make it on a random T, W, or Th. Please do the same!
(dreaming of Foie Gras Cromesquis and Pudding Chômeur, in the meantime...)

My bf and I went last nite, for the first time since their opening week. I am happy to report that as with our initial visit, the food is just as wildly unique while sparing no expense to the yumminess. I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu - we have had about a dozen different dishes in our two visits here and regretted nothing.
If you are looking for new and exciting flavors, Traif is a genuinely wonderful restaurant. My only complaint: the decor needs some serious thought. But who cares when everything tastes so delicious and fun!

I am a HUGE Au Pied lover, as well. Sometimes think of planning quick trips to Montreal just to have dinner there. FYI: as of yesterday, 2/19/11, M. Wells is only open for dinner on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Saraghina in Bed-Stuy. Encapsulates what Brooklyn is all about. Italian food made by real Italians. Always delicious. Pizzas are good/great, but the small plates are amazing! Make sure to order the burrata!

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Saraghina
435 Halsey St, Brooklyn, NY 11233

I loved Degustation! My boyfriend and I went there a few months after it opened. It has a down-to-earth feel about it. You can sit sushi bar style and watch them prepare the dishes. All the food was delicious and innovative. And, I can't put my finger on why, but I found it to be kind of romantic and sensual.
I have not been to WD, Corton, or Lincoln, so I cannot compare. But Degustation is in the East Village, which clues you into what the vibe is all about.

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Corton
239 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013

He told my boyfriend and I at the sushi bar on December 23rd that he would be around until the very end of February.

How about Tanoreen? It's a bit of a hike - 3rd Ave. and 77th/78th Sts. But the price point is good (BYOB, I believe) and it consistently gets ranked best Middle Eastern food in the city. My boyfriend and I enjoyed it one night when we went to go see the lights!

Enjoy the show!!

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Tanoreen
7523 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209

Russo's on 7th Ave. and 10th St. They sell fresh bucatini. My boyfriend lives for this stuff. All their fresh pastas are amazing. Really great, reasonably-priced Italian food store.

Check out No. 7. Literally around the corner on Greene Ave.

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No. 7
7 Greene Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Is 7 Smith St. blocks considered far?? Glad I go to the gym..

I wasn't referencing Chowhound as the publication, I was referencing Time Out New York - the root of this thread - their blurb on The Vanderbilt's sprouts.

CGeats: Saul is very close to The Wing Bar.

Lambretta: Have you had the sprouts at TWB? I don't know how you can classify the Vanderbilt's dish as "composed", whereas TWB's is "good old junk food", when they are extremely similar dishes.

HypeKiller is probably bringing up his point, due to the fact that The Vanderbilt gets credit for something TWB has been doing for a while, yet this esteemed publication only takes notice of the higher end restaurant. Quite similar to the age old debate: High Art vs. Low Art. The Wing Bar has fabulous food, and it should not go unnoticed as mere "good old junk food".

The sandwiches at Brooklyn Larder on Flatbush Ave. are delicious. As is all of their products - if you're still in the mood for some shopping! You can sit down and eat your sandwiches in the store. I have also always observed excellent service and advice from all their employees.

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Bklyn Larder
228 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

the adobo pork is on the specials menu regularly. if it is when you visit, place an order! The shrimp are wonderful - in particular, the sauce stands out. It's so good make sure to oder some sticky rice to soak it all up. last week we went, we had a crab special that was delicious. messy too, so be forewarned. the sausage is yummy. the beef noodles was light, with lots of flavor. wouldn't order the bok choy again. haven't had too many dishes that weren't delicious. have fun, lemme know what you think (if you havent already been - sorry about the delay in my report!)

I agree. My boyfriend and I went there to seek resolve from a decidedly boring work party. It was a Saturday evening, around midnite, and the place was packed to the brim. For future note, best to come earlier in the nite and stake out a table. The decor was beautiful. The staff was lovely. The music was perfect. The crowd was happy. And the drinks were superb. (I had the lavender drink) We will be back.

On a side note, does anyone else notice how ubiquitous these high-end cocktail spots are becoming? I hope they don't wear their welcome, cos I can't get enough!

My friends had a beautiful wedding at My Moon, in Williamsburg. It was planned as an outdoor ceremony, but was held indoors due to rain. Either way, it was a spacious and unique venue.

Umi Nom.. on DeKalb Ave. at Classon Ave... My boyfriend and I have been there three times now. Delicious food, very hospitable service (the owner makes the rounds to all the tables, with a huge warm smile), BYOB, and extremely reasonable pricing ($50.00 for four heaping-portion plates and rice). It's the sister restaurat of Kuma Inn in the LES.
yum yum yum yum yum yum