ellenb's Profile
Very casual, west chelsea/garment district group dining
Try Zemi on 18th and 9th. It's new (a few months old?) and very casual and has great food and selection for the price. It is labeled as an "asian bistro" - offering anything from lo mein and pad thai to great wraps and sandwiches. I know it doesn't sound possible, but they make it work. We live in the neighborhood and dine or order out from there a couple of times a week. There are always tables available, but I have noticed it's starting to fill up with more repeat locals like ourselves.
Chelsea: eye candy + good food, possible?
Viceroy used to be bad but it has gotten significantly better over the past year. We have been back a few times and pleased, and for what you are requesting, a pretty good scene. Also, Lasagna (resto) is decent basic Italian - It's not like Crispo or LeZie but for scene it definitely has that lively "8th ave" vibe - fun music, fun staff and perfectly fine food. As others mentioned, Elmo is a fun place but the food is either good or terrible. I think you may have to sacrifice amazing food for the scene but it doesn't mean you won't eat anything decent. I had some pretty good chicken quesadillas and watermelon margaritas at Food Bar recently (highest boy ratio no doubt). Viceroy, Food Bar and Lasagna are all within 3 blocks from each other so you could pick after taking a peak inside.
Private Rooms - downtown
Safran in Chelsea is worth checking out. Living in the neighborhood I've dined there a few times and have always been pleased with the exception of one slow waitress experience. The food and cocktails are excellent and both the private and main rooms are sleek and modern. I made a note to keep it in mind for private parties. I think your price point could be well accomodated.
Chicken Soup in Midtown?
I haven't been in a few years but i used to have an office up there and whenever I got sick I would get the matzoh ball soup from Wolf & Lamb on 48th between 5th and Madison. It was the best.
Favorite Seinfeld food moments
just found this post - I know it's late but i've had alot of laughs.
My favorite food-related line (not episode but still funny) is-
Puddy: "Why isn't dip a meal? why is it just a snack?"
Need cheap non-diner for group of 20 in Oct.
I was thinking John's too! esp the Times Square location for the group size
For your "last" night in NYC: Where would you go to get all decked out? (Black Tie)
Yep - the Rainbow Room exists. I brought some out of towners there for a drink last month. From what I understand you have to partake in the prix fixe dinner of about $200/pp in order to enter dining room. The lounge was packed with tourists but we did peak into the dining room - big band playing, lots of couples dancing and black tie. I think it's only open on the weekends, though.
"80's" Cuisine?
OMG RONDO! I grew up with Rondo in the midwest but none of my friends in the northeast have heard of it. How long was that actually around? Great post!
A very specific request (in lower Manhattan)...
Or a few blocks up from the Holland Tunnel is Florent - French/Diner - open 24 hours and a CH pleaser. The only problem i see is it being packed w/ drunk Meatpacking District clubgoers at that hour. But hey! Could be an interesting experience!
Times Square Breakfast
great rec - it doesn't get more old fashioned diner like than this!
Armenian
I don't know of any Armenian restaurants in Manhattan. I'm quoting a fellow 'hound (Thanks Fallon!) - there is "Kalustyan's on Lexington in the 20's which is a spice/grocery store w/an upstairs hot bar w/an old Armenian guy serving food w/limited seating". After i read Fallon's post awhile back my Armenian husband and i went - he was psyched!
Help! Where to Feed Dull Suburbanites?
Trust me, dad is from rural WI, old, cranky, stubborn, and as unadventurous as they come. He only liked one other restaurant in NYC and that was McHales. (*Sigh* we miss you McHales)
Help! Where to Feed Dull Suburbanites?
My parents from Wisconsin LOVED Churrascaria Plataforma so much we had to eat there twice in one week. Everytime they come with friends they go back, and all of their 60 something friends love it too. I think they all were entertained with the skewers of different meats that kept coming out and felt at home with the wonderful salad bar (hello midwest! salad bar!) - This place never fails in this situation.
NYC's Best Cafes/Coffee Shops to write in
Oh, yes! sorry for any confusion....didn't mean to say you can go in and hang for free, more that they advertise you can bring your own wine
what to eat @ cookshop
The fried hominy is my favorite bar snack. It's not light, though!
Delivery in Chelsea
I just thought of another one that is a good staple: Energy Kitchen. Cheap. Healthy.
NYC's Best Cafes/Coffee Shops to write in
Soy Luck Club on Greenwich Avenue has free wifi and is always full of people with laptops - it's BYOB as well! I've never been but it looks like a much better alternative to the starbucks environment
Delivery in Chelsea
Welcome to the nabe! I am psyched to try some of a_and_w's suggestions i didn't know.
It's funny because we don't really dine at these places but they are total staples for delivery:
Lasagna (Italian)
Chelsea Thai or Spice (Thai)
Elmo (comfort food)
Wai Cafe (cheap eats) -nothing special, but it is a staple
Murray's Bagels
Restivo in Chelsea?
Hi Helen - I've lived in the area for years and never been to Restivo - maybe there is a reason? There are two Italian places in the area that are very popular on this board - Crispo and Le Zie. They are both good. I prefer Crispo's atmosphere.
bistro used in amex commercial?
The bistro at the end of the commercial (where he walks in) is definitely Viceroy, but not the entire commercial. I first thought either Bar Six or La Belle Vie, but i don't think it's either one. Fun question!
Good Armenian restaurant on Upper West Side
Hi Fallon - my fiance is Armenian and while we figure nothing is as good as his mother's cooking, we like to keep our eyes open for Armenian fare. After reading your post we visited Kalustyan's this past weekend for Basterma sandwiches. It's a little gem with so much character. We will be back, thanks for the rec!
Child Friendly places in lower Chelsea/Village
I agree with the posts below -you could also grab some things at Balduccis and head up to the "cafe" (tables overlooking the store) upstairs. The building is vast and it's bustling downstairs - you can be comfortable if the little one gets fussy and it's good people watching
Restaurants (not just cafes) with WiFi access?
Lately my fiance and I have enjoyed having "working dinners" while doing our wedding planning. We have found a couple of restaurants that have WiFi and encourage us to sit and dine while working on our laptops. It's been so great to break out of the Starbucks/Cafe routine and actually enjoy cocktails and a full meal. The two which we really enjoyed were Sapa and Les Halles (midtown). I know these aren't necessarily destination places (although we did really enjoy Sapa) but they served this purpose nicely. I also see from Eater that wifi is also now available at Morandi, although I can't see that as being as relaxed at dinner than say, lunch. Does anyone have any other recommendations for restaurants with WiFi that allow for this???
