ethnicchic's Profile
Last minute Valentine's day rec for low budget
Simon is likely right. But if necessary (which is entirely up to how you would like to celebrate with your SO) you might consider Cafe D'Alsace or Marseille. Both are tasty French places with pix-fixe menus that may keep you right at your budget. The food at the former is great and the atmosphere nice but not overly stuffy French Bistro. It seems like reservations are still available on open table...happy eating!
GREAT but Affordable Sushi
What do you think of Poke? I liked it as well as Gajyumaru.
Opus: Quick Report (gluten-free friendly)
Before my sister's Christmas trip to NYC I enlisted the help of fellow hounds to find locations to eat that were gluten-free and kid friendly.
We chose to try Opus on Christmas Eve. I wanted to report back since I hadn't read much about Opus on this board.
First of all, when we arrived they sat us immediately -- we were dining early since my nephew has an early bedtime. The waitstaff was very friendly, but definitely seemed a bit wary of the 3-year old. However, as soon as we were seated, Enzo Lentini (of the Lentini Brothers who sed to own Tini's Italian on the UES) personally came out to speak to us. He addressed all of us including my nephew (who after a few minutes was calling him "Enzi" with fondness). He told us he could make whatever we would like for him. My sister who dines gluten-free also discussed her options with him. He recommended a carbonara made with corn pasta. Unfortunately we had been snacking all day so I can't report on what looked like a great selection of appetizers.
Our main courses were wonderful My sister loved the gluten-free pasta dish and I tried it and thought it was fantastic. I had melt-in-your-mouth Gnocchi and tried some of my nephew's Pizza Margherita which was good -- although not my all time favorite of brick-oven pizzas. My Brother-in-law had the Branzini which he said was also excellent.
Overall I think the food was obviously fresh and tasty and I thought that having the owner come chat with us was wonderful and really made my sister feel at home. I'm not sure this place is perfect for a 3 year-old but otherwise, was a very nice choice. Very good Italian fare overall. Many of the menu-items could be made lactose and gluten free. I would definitely go back to try the other courses. They don't have gluten-free pizza yet, but are planning to.
Links to other Opus reviews:
http://nymag.com/restaurants/openings/48919/
http://www.dailycandy.com/new_york/article/39456/Gluten+for+Punishment
http://www.celiacchicks.com/2008/10/opus-opens-with.html
Cheers and Happy Eating in the New Year!
EC
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Opus
1574 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
Any Christmas Dinner suggestions for NYC
Cafe D'alsace and Marseille have prix fixe menus that are supposed to be nice for tomorrow -- the restaurants are good in general so the food is likely to be good tomorrow as well. I am not sure what's available but you can certainly check open table and their websites have the specific menus for Christmas posted. There is also always Chinese. (See other posts on this board for recs)
HolidayMealsDec24-26:Glutenfree/kidfriendly
RGR,
Thank you again. I called Cafe D'Alsace and they will have their regular menu as well. Any recommendations from either menu that you think are worth trying? Things for those of us who eat gluten as well as for my gluten-free guest that your son-in-law has done well with?
Thanks! Happy Holidays!
Koreatown
I just had an excellent meal with a friend at Kun Jip. We had really good BBQ pork, with all the sides, and a casserole dish that was tasty. Sorry I don't remember the names. But this place is always crowded.
I used this thread and others on this board to select the place I wanted to try first.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/513821
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Kunjip
9 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001
What's open for lunch/dinner on Christmas Day?
i've found that marseille and cafe d'alsace both are open, but open table will have many more suggestions.
Lunch for 25-reasonable but good-family reunion
I agree it's not necessarily the best meal I've ever had. I went to the Midtown location -- but I thought a few of the dishes were really good:
stuffed mushrooms
baked ziti
and this roast chicken with peppers and onions
others liked the mussels
and it really does serve the purpose of feeding a large group well.
In need of help :(
On the upper east side I think UVA (with a reservation in the heated garden) could fit the bill but it is sort of italian -- however you can try small plates there and it's really delicious. This board says a lot of good things about Sushi of Gari. If you search for sushi on the board you're sure to find good places in your price range. Hope that helps a little! Good luck!
HolidayMealsDec24-26:Glutenfree/kidfriendly
Hi -- Thanks RGR I appreciate your information. We may end up at D'Alsace on X-Mas, especially since you say your son-in law has done well there (price fix $37/3courses). This is the Blue Smoke Gluten free menu I found:
http://allergicgirl.blogspot.com/2007/02/blue-smoke.html.
Thank you again for the info!
HolidayMealsDec24-26:Glutenfree/kidfriendly
The Menu Looks Terrific and it looks like they do gluten-free daily -- it's open 24th, 26th, 27th! Thank you! I'll report back.
Indulgent dinner the Monday before Xmas
Joe Allen's in Hell's Kitchen came to mind when I think old school and good food. I'm curious as to what everyone thinks of that place. I've had a few very nice meals there after the theater crowd leaves, but I have friends who are regulars there so I got great service...
HolidayMealsDec24-26:Glutenfree/kidfriendly
Thanks! I live on the UES so these are perfect. Lilli and Loo's is open for Christmas. Peter's and Opus for X-mas eve. Are you familiar with Lumi? Kid-friendly? Have you ever eaten at Cafe D'alsace? Will they do gluten-free?
HolidayMealsDec24-26:Glutenfree/kidfriendly
I am very excited to try S'Mac and Risoterria, but both are closed over the holidays. I will look into the BBQ places. Have heard Blue Smoke has a gluten free menu and so had thought of that. Have you been?
HolidayMealsDec24-26:Glutenfree/kidfriendly
Hi, I have guests coming into town from Dec 24th-26th and am looking for places to have meals over that time. Likely Dinner on the 24th, perhaps something for brunch on the 25th, take out/price-fix menu/goodchinese on the 25th, and then dinner on the 26th. The caveat. We will have a gluten-free eater and a 3 year old. Thought of Candle 79...but not sure it's kid friendly. I know hounds are up for the challenge! Please help!
Murray Hill Restaurant Suggestions - GOOD ONES
Not fancy, but hands down some of the best South Indian food available in the US outside of going to someone's house. Saravanaas. Al lthe standards: Idli, Dosa are great. A pleasant and unusual surprise "Mixed vegetable Parota" -- it's amazing! It's not a fancy place but the food is wonderful.
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Saravanaas
81 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016
Top 10 Bars for Beer Snobs
Just went to DBA last night and was mesmerized by the beer selection. There was a toddler, a dog, and a cat... very family friendly pub feel. Thanks!
Top 10 Bars for Beer Snobs
A few months ago when I was relatively new to the city I met a group for dinner at Spitzer's Corner. Their beer selection was excellent. In addition we had a variety of dishes and all of them were good (especially for the price). Great soft shell crab, a wonderful watermelon salad. A friend loved the sliders, and another the pulled pork. I agree that the crowd was young, but we had reservations and a great table, so we didn't mind. I think earlier is likely better, but think it's also a good location for a beer. In the summer the corner location means more open windows and definitely adds to the atmosphere.
BYOB
If you like Sushi, Poke is an excellent BYOB on the UES. I was there with a friend recently and the Sushi was all fresh and tasty.
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Poke
343 E 85th St, New York, NY 10028
