crsin's Profile
Trip Report from (another) SF hound - Thanks Portland!
Shame you didn't have a good experience at Bijou. It's one of my favorite brunch spots on Portland. Simple, fresh, everything made from scratch with care (exception being bread, I believe), heavy emphasis on quality ingredients and letting each shine. They have a way with the eggs in their omelets--super fluffly and beautifully cooked. That said, I've never had any of their hashes or lunch items. Usually don't make it past the eggs or brioche french toast.
Leonardo-where would you suggest for Donuts? I've only had Voodoo once, and only because it was right there while waiting to be seating at a nearby restaurant. They were good enough, but I thought the lines were mostly for the kitschiness and novelty, no?
Return Trip: Help me narrow down my dinners
Will do. The other menus don't appeal to me as much for lunch.
Any insight re: TB tasting/chef's choice option?
Return Trip: Help me narrow down my dinners
Interesting, thanks. I'm leaning toward dropping Ned Ludd from the list, but I'll see what the June menu has to offer.
It's really down to CC, Toro Bravo and Laurelhurst Market. Will probably do Laurelhurst, and play the other by ear, depending on the time we end up being ready to eat. If we're going to dinner during peak hours, I'll probably head to CC, since our hotel is down the street (assuming it's okay to put name on the list and come back later?) plus more seating it sounds like. If we end up eating early enough to avoid the crowd at TB, that will probably be the one.
Then again, if by some freak chance the stars align and I'm able to get two walk-in dinners in this trip, might just have to do both!
Return Trip: Help me narrow down my dinners
Thanks for recs! Ate at Gruner during my last visit and loved it. Hate to repeat places when there are too many others to try (even though I'm already reapeating LP :)). Might reconsider beast, as I've wanted to go there for years. Communal seating doesnt bother me, either. It's quite easy to ignore the other people, then it's not different than eating in a resaurant with closely-spaced tables (though I could see how even that might not be desirable for a "special" dinner). Will keep the other choices in mind.
Return Trip: Help me narrow down my dinners
Read a bit on this, but couldn't get a clear answer: is it recommended that people do the tasting menu at Toro Bravo, or piece together their own? How many plates do you usually get per person with the $30pp tasting?
Still having a hell of a time deciding between TB, CC, and LM. Would it be worth it to skip a lunch at Pok Pok for a lunch at LM or CC, instead?
Return Trip: Help me narrow down my dinners
Thanks! I'm definitely leaning toward biting the bullet and doing Toro Bravo. My fellow diners won't be happy about the wait, but we usually do brunch and don't eat again until dinner so maybe we can get over there by 5 and avoid the crowds. After that, leaning toward Laurelhurst Market, but it's essentially tied with CC for me.
I love the idea of Ned Ludd, but the current menu doesn't really grab me as much as the others. Also, maybe I'm imagining things, but it seems like it's more limited than it was when I looked at it for trips in previous years (fewer sections, no more meat pies, etc.)
Babbo dish recommendations please (researched)!!
I would leave the octopus on the list. When I tried it, it was very good and probably my favorite dish of the night. It did have a distinctive char to it, so you need to like that, but I could see how it could be possible to go overboard if the person doing the cooking isn't careful. Regardless, I'd think the chances of you getting a good one are high enough that it's definitely worth it to have at least one order to share.
The boar head ragu is pretty good, but I found it kind of boring. I understand that some people love it, so I would probably throw one order in as you already have planned, but don't shed too many tears if you decide to bump it for something a little more unusual.
Return Trip: Help me narrow down my dinners
Thanks for the St. Jack rec. Worried it'd be too much French in a short trip with Le Pigeon (not that they're exactly serving up the classics at LP...). MsMora: already have plans for Le Pigeon, and therefore won't be doing Little Bird. Thanks for the other tips.
Tanuki also looks cool. Unfortunately, a couple people in my party aren't fans of Japanese or Korean, so probably won't be going.
I'm leaning toward crossing Nostrana, Aviary and Castagna off my list...at least they're at the bottom for now. So if you all had 2 nights, would you choose Ned Ludd, LM, Toro Bravo, and/or Clyde Common? I'm sure they're all great, but surely there are a couple that rise above the rest?
Still open to suggestions, of course, if my list is missing something....
Return Trip: Help me narrow down my dinners
Thanks for the replies! Wildwood has been on my radar the past few years, but have always gone with something else, thinking that it seemed a bit more staid than I was looking for. The current menu looks really good though, so I'll definitely add it to the list.
This is too tough, everything looks great.
Is Beast still good? Doesn't seem to get much note on CH anymore...
Return Trip: Help me narrow down my dinners
Hey all,
Heading back to Portland from NY in a few months for three nights, and looking to narrow down some choices. One night will have to be Le Pigeon (I go here every time I'm in town, can't get enough). That leaves two night, and so far I was thinking about...
Nostrana - Eat a fair amount of Italian in NY. Still worth it?
Clyde Common - This menu really interests me. I'm into cocktails, but the rest of my party is not, so that should not really be a factor. Without the drinks, is it worth coming for just the food? If I do go, on a Thursday or weekend night (~6-8PM, 4 people) what kind of wait would I be looking at?
Toro Bravo - Have been wanting to try it for the last few years, but the inability to make reservations along with long waits scare me off. Others in my party are really not fans of long waits. Four people, peak dinner times, Thurs/Fri/Sat nights, how long of a wait should I expect? Is the neighborhood interesting (ie, if we went early knowing we would have to wait, is there stuff to browse in the area for an hour or two)?
Ned Ludd - Looks and sounds very Portland, which is great.
Aviary - A little concerned about the limited menu
Laurelhurst Market - Usually avoid steakhouses but this one looks interesting
Castagna - Also thought about eating here last year while Lightner was still at the helm. Now he's in NY, generating an insane amount of buzz, and charging $150 for meals in his tiny, likely very-hard-to-reserve space. Kicking myself as he's now cooking a bit out of my normal price range. But it sounds like the food is still great here?
Of course, I'm open to all suggestions...just didn't want to make another "tell me where to eat" thread. Staying downtown, but have a car so can go anywhere. Any type of food works, but would probably avoid any asian (although will be hitting Pok Pok for lunch). Prefer bigger, interesting flavors, lots of fresh/local produce, meat, etc.
Thanks!
Minetta Tavern - I didn't order the burger, but I still left very impressed.
I had an ~8PM weekend reservation at Minetta a few months back during Fashion Week...the trick seems to be persistence, as I've discovered with many other tough reservations in town.
I think I eventually found a 9 or 9:30 OpenTable slot, but kept calling and eventually got prime time as I got closer to the day I was looking to book. Seated right away, no problems.
Torrisi's Newest Chef's Tasting Menu: Review + Photos
Heh, my thoughts exactly kathryn. I honestly figured the first sentence was written in a sarcastic tone. When I read on and saw it wasn't, I stopped reading. I can't think of a US city with better Italian than NY...at least not one that I've been to.
Anyway, enjoyed the pics plumpdumpling!
Junoon and The Dutch - a tale of two rice puddings...and chicken, duck, pie, cake, cornbread, naan...
Understandable. You could always fit it in as an after-dinner dinner :)
Haven't been to AF for Lincoln. They're both on my list, but I tend to favor more rustic over refined when it comes to Italian. Both seem to me to be geared toward the latter so I always end up bumping them for something else. Will be able to try them soon, hopefully...
Junoon and The Dutch - a tale of two rice puddings...and chicken, duck, pie, cake, cornbread, naan...
Good god, man, I am never less than impressed with how much you can put away in one day. Nice work. You've also put The Dutch on my "must try soon" list.
On a side note, you've only had breakfast/brunch at Locanda Verde, correct? If so, I'd suggest giving it another shot for dinner sometime. My first experience there was breakfast and--like you--I left not very impressed and without a huge drive to return. I since have gone back for dinner and have had some really terrific food--some of my favorite Italian since moving here, and I'd easily put it above other Italian heavy-hitters I've tried in NY (Babbo included). Just a thought.
Parm
...how was the food?
I can't say it shocks me that Parm isn't a place one might go for a killer wine list (for the record, I've never even looked at it). It's essentially a (relatively) inexpensive red sauce Italian joint, elevated and modernized through use of strong ingredients and preparation. It's largely an Italian sandwich shop, and they don't pretend to be anything other than this.
Top Picks in Chelsea/Flatiron area?
I'll add The Breslin (John Dory also supposed to be solid, but never been), and No. 7 sub for some weird and delicious sandwiches.
ABC Kitchen, although that might be a bit too south and east for what you're looking for. Ciano is in Flatiron--haven't been yet but gets a lot of love on this board. I'll attest to Aldea being very good. City Bakery if you're into the absurdly-rich-hot-chocolate thing (never tried their food).
Coffee-I enjoy Stumptown, Birch
Public or Empellon Cocina?
Not surprising that Death & Co didn't call you really. Depending on when you went, he probably put your name on the list, which was preceded by a dozen pages of other names ahead of yours. They'll call people until the place shuts down, but if they don't get to your name you won't hear from them.
It's a shame you didn't go for drinks elsewhere--plenty of great cocktail options in that neighborhood. Maybe next time...
Making burgers romantic....
A couple of side notes: Minetta will put cheese on the BLB, you just have to ask. They don't recommend it, and will probably tell you so, but it's up to you. I don't think it detracts from the beef, myself (it's a fairly mild cheddar, IIRC). I believe I read somewhere that either Hanson or Nasr even eats theirs with cheese (...or something like that).
Also regarding "most expensive burger" status--that might belong to db Bistro's at $32. I seem to remember someplace having an even heftier price tag for their burger which included gold leaf or some such nonsense.
absolutely delicious take-out snacks/treats around Manhattan?
To go along with your compost cookie, I'd say the blueberries & cream cookie, and the cereal milk soft serve
Dominique Ansel's flourless chocolate cookie, cannele, DKA
A malted vanilla or malted B&W shake from Shake Shack
Milk and Honey – worth the membership?
"i drink red wine and scotch...of good quality so i dont need to have it watered down with sugar and bitters and all sorts of funny stuff."
...it sounds to me like you just don't enjoy cocktails? That's fine, but it's not the fault of M&H.
re: old-school dress, I'd chalk that up more to recent style trends than anything else. Go to any number of the more trendy drinking establishments (including coffee *ahem* Stumptown) and you'll see the same...or hipster culture in general. Doesn't detract from the quality of the drinks, or the atmosphere inside.
The speakeasy thing is gimmicky and silly, but it's also a trend that a very large number of cocktail bars are following for the time being.
New York in a few weeks, comments appreciated
Seems a bit repetitive to me. Momofuki Ssam x2, three April Bloomfield restaurants. But if you really love these spots and don't mind going back repeatedly (or there's nothing else you would rather try), go for it.
Manhattan trip report
Agreed. Never had the cumin lamb, but the other hand-pulled noodles I've had from Xi'an have been great. However, I was uhh...less than enamored with the pork burger.
The Manhattan Pizza Crawl, 2012. Maffei, Co., John's of Bleecker, Keste, Rubirosa, Forcella.
Ah yeah, I seem to remember reading you were thinking about it in one of your PHX/Scottsdale posts. Glad to see you're taking the plunge, looking forward to reading more reviews from the area. I haven't been to PB since they started lunch hours, and dinner service at Pane Bianco, but I hear waits are substantially shorter, so easier to go *much* more frequently.
The Manhattan Pizza Crawl, 2012. Maffei, Co., John's of Bleecker, Keste, Rubirosa, Forcella.
Heh, interesting, I would have expected more Brooklyn on that list judging by what I recall from your writeup. I haven't worked up with courage/patience to wait in line at Lucali yet...next on my list. Moved here last year from Phoenix, so glad to see PB on your list--really been missing Chris' pies and spiedini.
The Manhattan Pizza Crawl, 2012. Maffei, Co., John's of Bleecker, Keste, Rubirosa, Forcella.
So, style differences aside, how would you rank the pizzas you tried this go 'round? Sounds like either Forcella or Keste was your #1...
Also, just out of curiosity, how would you compare the best pizza you had in your Brooklyn crawl to the best you had in your Manhattan crawl? Was one substantially better than the other (again, style differences would have to be neglected)?
Best Octopus in Manhattan?
I'm admittedly inexperienced with octopus--it's not something I usually order--but I can attest to the deliciousness of Babbo's octopus appetizer. It's awesome.
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Babbo
110 Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10011
We will see more reviews of Brooklyn Fair on MANHATTAN Board any time soon!:)
The article makes it sound like that's what they're trying to do...
"As at the original, the new venue will include a chef's table, though this one will be smaller in scope and size."
Should be interesting to see what they do.
good coffee in midtown, within a 10 minute walk of 52nd & Madison?
Probably more like a 15 minute walk, but Culture Esperesso Bar (38th & 6th)--also serving Stumptown, I think (at least that's whose beans they are selling). I've only tried their drip, but enjoyed it.
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Culture Espresso Bar
72 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
North End Grill -a special birthday destination?
I really didn't find it all that scene-y. Granted, I was out of there before 9, but the place was full when I left. It seems to me that the small size of the bar restricts it from becoming too much of a scene. Even with little bar space, they have people dining at tables in the bar, and place settings at all of the bar seats. Hardly any room for standing. There was also a pretty mixed crowd (ages 20s-60s), and they certainly didn't look like they were all from the fashion and art world. It's just a regular restaurant. A popular restaurant in Manhattan, yes, but a restaurant nonetheless. To me, it seemed like they were making it about the food (which is excellent, BTW, with surprisingly good service), with scene definitely being secondary.
That said, I'm not sure it's great for a special occasion. My one quibble is that they tend to turn tables pretty quickly (at least on a busy weekend night). I've been in and out of there in an hour and a half with four courses and drinks. Also, despite the fact that I didn't find it to be the ultra-scene that many people say it is, it is definitely "vibrant" in terms of energy/noise (though not out of control)...possibly another strike against it as special occasion candidate depending on preferences.
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Acme
9 Great Jones St, New York, NY 10012
Best Italian/Pasta in NYC--Easter Weekend
Locanda Verde is probably my favorite of the Italian I've tried in the city (including Babbo). Might be a *slightly* easier res to get, but still tough so call well in advance.
If your heart is set on Babbo, don't be disheartened if you don't get in right away. Keep trying as you get closer to the date and you may very well stumble upon a cancellation, especially the day of.
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Locanda Verde
377 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013
