Hi Kathryn-

Thanks for the recs. The touristy places I think of are the ones right across from Lincoln Center. Also P.J. Clarke's- $16 for eggs benedict just isn't happening- We would go as far east as Columbus...And aside from brunch, we're looking for some good local ethnic eats in the 60's and 70's. Wondering what the neighborhood gems are...

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P.J. Clarke's
44 W 63rd St, New York, NY 10023

Hi fellow hounders! My SO and I recently moved to 63rd and WEA from LIC. We were initially excited to get back to the city, decent Indian food (our fave) and brunch options. But we're feeling a bit challenged. Have we traded one culinary wasteland for another? The brunch options seem geared towards the tourist crowd and we find ourselves headed to the 80's come Sunday morning. We do a lot of take-out as well as eat-in. Suggestions for Mexican, Thai, Indian- any menu you covet would be appreciated. As well as brunch options, of course. We would consider any place ten blocks north or south of 63rd. Thanks!

This is very helpful. Thank you!

I second Good Enough- My husband is addicted to their Lumberjack breakfast- And the strawberry butter, I could eat by the vat- FYI, there is usually a wait but it's worth it-

These are great suggestions. While our building doesn't have a community room, perhaps a friend nearby might...I believe the JCC quoted upwards of $800. Which just seems nuts when we'll be there for two hours tops

City House looks great- and I could definitely get used to the prices

I second the vote for Cafe Amrita- Great hang

Congratulations!!! How exciting! My only advice to you concerning restaurant week would be to book somewhere ASAP. Most of the good places are booked for dinner by now, if they're even offering dinner. (I know, I tried most on the list two weeks ago and they were full!) My DH and I are headed to The Harrison on Monday, although the only time they could give us was 8:45. I would recommend trying there...but definitely reserve as soon as you choose a place that you like. You can always call and cancel if you find a better option.

Cafe Habana, 17 Prince street although I'm sure you've noticed the lines of people waiting outside by now, particularly on the weekends. Great Cuban food at unexpectedly reasonable prices considering the neighborhood. I've also heard great things about Rice but haven't made it over there yet, 292 Elizabeth street. Described as Asian fusion, whatever that means...

Hi Chowhounders-
Having dinner around 6 with relatives and my DH next Monday. Cousin is picking up the tab to celebrate recent nuptials (DH and I got married in August) She works on 59th and 3rd so were looking for a restaurant within ten blocks in any direction. We like American, seafood, japanese, French. This is a celebratory dinner so nice atmosphere but still fun, not stuffy is important. $40-50 per person, soup to nuts. Thanks in advance for your help-C

Well I just checked this post and it's been a while but...yes it was quite frustrating that no one replied- I just found threads relating to the topic and made reservations. I think our favorite meal was Cochon where we went on Saturday night. It was decadent and delicious and the service was friendly and warm, the atmosphere very comfortable....WE went to August for dinner on Sunday night and I had the best piece of bass(?) in my life but it's a bit proper for my taste- not as relaxed as I usually enjoy...we had lunch at Mother's on Monday which was great fun, felt like we were taking part in a very old tradition, had lunch at Lillette on Saturday- loved the vibe, had a warm beet and goat cheese salad and then...trout, I think- the dessert was pretty wild, some three-tiered caramel deal if memory serves. And I loved the neighborhood, we walked around and sat in the sun drinking coffee afterwards. We also made it to Cafe Du Monde not once but twice, in three days that's saying something. Loved sitting outside,listening to live music and watching the world go by while enjoying our beignets.All in all, we had a blast and cannot wait to return
and eat more!

How about Snack Taverna on Bedford and Morton? They are located on a lovely corner for people-watching and as good as their menu is during the week, the weekend trumps it by offering delicious omelettes and french toast that will knock your socks off. In addition they offer great salads and sandwiches/souvlakis if you're in the mood for that sort of thing. Try the Eggs Avgolemono, not to be missed!

Surprising my fiancee for his birthday with tix to Waiting for Godot on Sunday the 19th. The show doesn't let out until ten. I'd like to take him somewhere special (fairly obvious I know) but somewhere that has an intimate feel, a place you'd have to be looking for, off the beaten path. We recently got engaged so this is our first birthday celebration together- the place ought to be romantic. AS for the food- we love Japanese and Indian. But we are fairly open to new and innovative cuisine with a unique atmosphere. Would like to keep the bill at under $200, soup to nuts. Also while the show is on West 54th, we don't mind venturing out of the area for dinner.
Thanks so much for your help, I'll be sure to let you know where we end up!

Hey there Chowhounders, so my bf and I recently left (fled) Manhattan for the incomparable views and everything else Long Island City has to offer. I know there have been threads on restaurant recs but the most thorough one is from August, I thought there might be some new additions or subtractions we should know about. We're two blocks from the Vernon-Jackson stop and we like to eat out and order in alot, particularly sushi and Indian but we eat it all. Also if there are any great speciality food stores in the area, I'd love to hear about those too. Thanks in advance for your suggestions, can't wait to explore the new hood!

You have to go to Clinton Street Baking Co. off Houston for breakfast. Get there early so you won't have to wait for a table. I love their banana walnut pancakes with warm maple butter, but I usually get the southern breakfast, eggs, fried green tomatoes, heavenly cheese grits, and what breakfast would be complete without sugar-cured bacon? It really is an experience and a staple of the Lower East Side.

As soon as I read your post, I thought of the Bread Bar at Tabla. We were recently there for my mom's birthday and it was quite festive, although we should have ordered more as the portions are not entree size, more like Indian tapas. Unfortunately Tabla doesn't open 'til 5 on Sunday. Are you set on a Sunday lunch?

Snack Taverna on Bedford and Morton is great! The atmosphere is warm and great for couples. I love their saganaki and lamb bourekis. They also have a braised lamb shank my husband is still talking about. It can get crowded on the weekends but if you're going before an 8 o'clock curtain you should be fine. Make sure to save room for the warm rice pudding, you'll be glad you did. Have fun and enjoy the show!!

I grew up going to the Kiev but alas, it is no longer there. All I'm finding are soggy noodles with canned fruit stuffed inside- I'm looking for the real thing. Where can I get my fix??

I'm headed to New Orleans for a long weekend with my bf. We love eating out in NY and want to make sure we don't miss any favorites of our fellow die-hard foodies. Big fans of seafood but we're also looking forward to enjoying some staples of NO cuisine. Can't wait!!!