MaryishSally's Profile
Eating in Ithaca, NY?
I live nearby and find it hard to drive by Cayuga Creamery without stopping!
Central New York Buffets
The Statler Hotel @ Cornell has a champagne brunch with an amazing spread. Reasonably priced too, considering.
The Ginny Lee @ Wagner's Winery/Brewery on the east side of Seneca also does a brunch buffet. They are right on the lake, so go on a nice day and enjoy the wonderful view.
Will have to check out Springside. Thanks for the tip!
Romantic yet cheap restaurants?
I had a nice meal at Paprika in the East Village. I went with friends but I thought it would be a nice spot for a romatic meal as well. The gnocchi I had were excellent, as were my friend's lobster ravioli. We split the polenta starter, which was also good. I thought it was reasonably priced. If you go before 7pm, you can have a starter and main from the prix fixe menu for $12.95.
Pet Peeve: "Bisque"
I once saw "pineapple carpaccio" on a menu. It was, you got it, thin slices of pineapple, undoubtedly served with some sort of coulis. Arggg.
The Redhead- A new favorite place
I was really surprised as well. I usually don't have a problem with service in NYC. These issues bothered me because they were simple, common sense things.
My friend told the waitress that she is allergic to wheat, so no bun with the burger, etc. Several minutes later, she returned with the bread basket and put a roll on my friend's plate.
Another friend ordered another beer (he was drinking a draft) and she brought him a bottle. When he wanted to try a different beer, she listed what they had on tap, but was unable to describe them.
Our water glasses were filled inconsistently (ie they would miss one of the glasses on the table each time they came to fill them.)
The waitress was generally uninterested and unprofessional. I'm willing to give people a break when they are busy (which the redhead was last night) but she didn't even seem to be making an effort. I don't like to complain, but I did feel like the service (or lack thereof) interfered with my enjoyment of the meal.
NYC's Best Cafes/Coffee Shops to write in
Aroma Espresso Bar on Houston (corner of Greene) is nice. They have good coffee, and also offer sandwiches and soups. Free wifi expect during peak hours. Often crowded, but open 24 hours.
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Aroma Espresso Bar
145 Greene St, New York, NY 10012
The Redhead- A new favorite place
I went to the redhead tonight. We arrived at 7pm and had a 20 minute wait. It was a little crowded and uncomfortable, but we were seated in a timely fashion. We had a nice cozy table in the corner with the banquette and ordered the famous bacon peanut brittle. Yummy! They served us a sweet roll, which while tasty didn't really go with the food on the menu.
I started with the gumbo. It was a pleasantly spicy broth with shredded duck and slices of andouille sausage served over white rice. I enjoyed this dish and could have had the larger portion as a full meal, but I was glad that I had a small portion of shrimp and grits on its way.
The grits were creamy and served with a spicy sauce, sliced andouille sausage and three tasty shrimp. Lovely combination.
My three dining companions ordered burgers that came practically raw. I wish one of them had said something. The staff was aloof and inexperienced. For example, the gumbo was served with a teaspoon, and I was given a soup spoon to eat the grits. The disappointing service put a damper on my experience. I don't know if I would go back, as much as I enjoyed my meal. I would like to try their fried chicken.
I hope they sort things out once the hype dies down a bit. There is potential here.
Good Place for 10 Co-workers near 14th and 8th avenue?
I have been to East of Eighth mainly as a bar, but always enjoyed the atmosphere. I spent NYE there once and had a great time.
Good Pre-Theater Restaurant within a few blocks of the Winter Garden?
Playwrights Tavern (202 W 49th) around the corner is great for pre-theatre. Standard pub fare, done consistently pretty well. Good burgers, shepard's pie and the like. Moderately priced.
Fabulous Midtown Lunch Recs
I know my friend has been to Aquavit, which is why I haven't suggested it. The cafe menu does look nice though. (I'll have the salmon with the salmon, please.) Maybe I'll suggest it.
Does anyone know if the $20 Smorgasbord is enough for a meal?
Fabulous Midtown Lunch Recs
Yes, we'd rather spend her lunch hour(ish) eating than traveling. Also, I think we've decided to scale back and do something a little more moderately priced, although Convivio does look like a wonderful treat!
GREAT but Affordable Sushi
I had a nice meal tonight at Iron Sushi (78th btw 1st & 2nd). The menu had lots of variety, and a couple unusual rolls which is a nice change. Can't say how authentic it was, but it was tasty! The bill came to $40 with a starter each and five rolls to share. This was plenty of food for both of us. I would go back, or recommend it for a casual weeknight meal.
Best Pre-Theater Lunch
Most of the places on Restaurant Row have pre-theatre specials, including pre-matinee lunches. Joe Allen's is a favorite.
There are also several good places on 9th Avenue in the Theatre District which have specials. I used to go to Rachel's (608 9th Avenue) but I don't know if they have the same specials or if it's still good. I also like The Chimichurri Grill.
New to Midtown East
I second the recommendation for Yama. I've never been to this location, but it's always been one of my go-to sushi places.
Paris Sandwich - Good Bahn Mi?
I had a wonderful bahn mi this afternoon from Saigon Bakery. I had the #4 (Pate & Cha), The bread was fresh and crusty, the pate and meat were flavorful and the accompanying pickles and greens were fragrant and added just the right variety. I couldn't believe this huge sandwich was $3.75 anywhere, let alone in Manhattan. I could have saved the second half for a snack later on, but it was too tasty so I wolfed it down.
Thanks to all you Chowhounds for your sharp, faithful reporting!
Tomorrow I'm going to try Bahn Mi No 1 (on Grand). So many restaurants, so little time...
Fabulous Midtown Lunch Recs
Thanks for the reply D...DF.
We'd really like to go somewhere new to both of us anyway.
Fabulous Midtown Lunch Recs
Pampano sounds like another good option to throw into the mix. It will also gives us a little more breathing room, budget-wise. Thanks, RGR.
Half the fun of this is the research and decision process. Promise to report back where we go and how it went!
Fabulous Midtown Lunch Recs
I'm meeting an old friend for lunch on Friday. I've been away from the city several years now, after having lived there for almost seven.
We're both adventureous eaters, but will be limited by needing to eat close to her office on 47th & 3rd Ave. (Otherwise I'd love to try Eleven Madison Park after reading so many good things here!)
We're both on a budget, but will happily splurge a bit on this meal. ($50 or less before drinks, tip, etc. seems about right.) Ideally, we'd like to be able to take advantage of a Prix Fixe, therefore trying somewhere we couldn't ordinarily afford.
Currently considering Le Cirque and Convivio. Vong is also an option, but she has been there before. Preferences? Anywhere I'm overlooking?
Making shrimp pizza - cook the shrimp before cooking the pizza, or no?
I've been doing a lot of pizzas lately as well, and toyed with the idea of shrimp on one. What kind of sauce and spices are you going to use with the shrimp?
Canteen (London) - run out of chances
I used to go to Canteen quite often, as I was working just up the road from the Spitalfields venue. I enjoyed it, but did start to notice a decline as time passed. Unfortunately, this is a trend in the City.
Leon next door serves more "granola" fare, but offers and excellent breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner. I have been pretty consistently satisfied with the meals I've had there. I also love S&M Cafe (on the right side of Spitalfields, crossing the road) for breakfast (less variety, but cheaper than Canteen.)
Scarlet Dot (curry on the corner of the strip where Canteen is) really good, if more expensive that you can get further down at Brick Lane. Their take on Indian is elegant and the portions are small, but very tasty. They have a great happy hour as well.
But I digress...
Bottle of Scotch for a gift
Another vote for Aberlour A'bundah. This is what I'm giving my Dad for Christmas. We visited the distillery together in May, and especially enjoyed this offering. Got a nod in the current issue of Wine Enthusiast too, I believe (worth picking up for ideas, and then maybe passing on with your gift?)
I wouldn't completely discount Talisker. It's slightly smokier than some of the ones you've mentioned, but still a wonderful Scotch. He'll want to explore this one. I've found I can spend more time with it than I do the sweeter, more sherrier Scotches (which I really enjoy as well.)
On the other hand, I also recommend Oban. I'm unsure of the price range, but I'm sure you can find something that'll fit. Generally on the more sherried side, a smaller producer than Macallan, but often compared to them.
Glenmorangie, Glenkinchie, Glenfarclas, as mentioned below are all worth checking out in good time as well.
Good luck!
Sobrasada
If you do mean sopressata, I used to get great sandwiches with sopressata, mortadella, provelone, whatever you wanted at an Italian deli in Astoria. They also have lots of imported Italian food products in the shop. It's called Rosario's and it's just as you get off the train at Ditmars Blvd. I'm sure you can find it closer, but it was reasonably priced and would be worth a trip. There is a good Italian bakery across the street.
Is Gin the Best Replacement for Vodka in Cocktails?
I enjoy the combination of apple juice and bourbon (with maybe a splash of seltzer). I've also had a pear juice cocktail with bourbon.
I think it would be worth a try in the drinks you mention. You may not need the cointreau/grenadine though, because bourbon brings its own sweetness to a drink.
Desserts for a vodka tasting party?
Lemon was the first thing that came to mine. The lemon bar suggestion, along with the gingersnap one, above sounds great.
I'd also do some sort of mousse (dark chocolate? espresso?) to add another texture into the mix.
Absolut Ruby Red Cocktail?
I'm looking for a tasty cocktail to start with at a dinner party I'm having this week. I want to use a bottle of Ruby Red I have, and I was thinking of combining it with a ginger flavor. I'd like the drink to be refreshing and seasonally approriate. They'll be served with some spinach stuffed mushrooms.
Alternatively, I have some Absolut Kurant I could use.
I'd appreciate any ideas! Thank you.
ISO great signature holiday drink
This may be too close to what you did last year, but one of my favourite holiday party drinks is the Pomegranate Sparkler:
Soak pomegranate arils in brandy overnight.
Put a spoonful of the pomegranate mixture in the bottom of each flute.
Fill flute with Prosecco (or cava, or your favourite inexpensive sparkling wine!)
The pomegranate arils bob up and down in the bubbly, looking very festive. They taste great too!
