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fresh fish/pastas/risottos/good wine in Tribecca

What a great idea...probably won't be able to accomadate 8 but might be a good place for a drink? Will check OpenTable.

fresh fish/pastas/risottos/good wine in Tribecca

Some out of town friends(8) are visiting this weekend and want to see the (human) Christmas Caroling Tree at the Seaport on Sat at 4 on 12/11...!!!! I''ve explained that there aren't any decent restaurants in that area, more of a tourist area/ wasteland for good food. Little Italy way too average. I suggested that we walk a bit(15 min), find a warm place for a drink or two and then have an early dinner...say 6:30. My friends love good food (ie. fresh fish/lamb shanks, risotto/pasta and lots of wine) but finding a good place for dinner for 4 couples has been a challenge. I haven't found anything available so I have booked reservations at Turks and Frogs Tribecca but, I'm a little worried about quality..any other thoughts in soho. nolita,west village that isn't too large. Thanks so much for any ideas.

Mama Mina's Fairfield

I love this place. Mama Mina and Papa Joe's in Darien are actually brother and sister...the big diff is that Papa Joe's is tablecloth and Mina's is casual and, I think, makes better pizza. We live in Darien and actually drive up (usually in traffic, no less) to this very simple but really good Italian restaurant where they remember you and never rush you.. We typically go and pretty much get the same things every time. We always get the escarole in tomato sauce appetizer, and sometimes a second app of calamari. I love their thin crust margherita pizza with a carafe of some red wine. ..I often call ahead for a few orders of sauteed escarole when I have people over for dinner... The owner, Mina is lovely. I can't comment on other foods but the pizza is really great...

What's going on in Westport?!

I totally agree with you re: Abbondanza (OUTRAGEOUSLY PRETENTIOUS). Over the last two years we have tried to go three times, each time being turned away by the male owner. Instead of going home, three of us arrived at 5:15 only to be told that we couldn't sit there and drink wine before their 5:30 opening. very haughty. The other two times two of us showed up without reservations at 6pm and although the place was still empty, he turned us away...it's all in his pretentious manner because I've heard the food was good...

Caterer Near Darien?

I wholeheartedly second The Pantry. I love that place! You couldn't work with a more easygoing chef as Andy for an event. He'll make suggestions or develop your ideas. We recently had a beautiful wedding and did an amazing cake..You will get hooked on their cookies.I regularly use their meat, the prepared foods are really outstanding, from salmon cakes, crabcakes, veggies, quiche, salads. I have used them for dinner parties, food gifts for new moms, neighbor events as well as ill friends. Hands down my favorite, although Isabel et Vincent make some amazing choc desserts...just too pricey.

Restaurants near Hotel Cavalieri

Once again, Italy Travelista, I found your recommendations for Amalfi-Positano and will research them thoroughly. Thank you.
Thank you, CJT, Dal Toscano gets a second thumbs up. We'll lunch there. I have been investigating 1/2 day tours for vatican . Any ideas?

Restaurants near Hotel Cavalieri

Thank you, ItalyTravelista. Your quick reply and obvious knowledge and love for all things Rome helped tremendously. We will most certainly use your suggestions next week. I will search your past replies for Amalfi-Positano area restaurants too. We will lift our first glass of wine in the Cavalieri bar and toast you!!

Restaurants near Hotel Cavalieri

Thanks mbfant for your response. I will google monte mario area for restaurants. We have always tried to stay in neighborhoods not in heavy tourist areas. Afterall, the local Romans eat out undoubtedly near their homes and,I don't think, they would tend to take a bus intown to tourist areas for wonderful food. Possibly, I am wrong. We always meet wonderful people when we dine in neighborhoods. To us, there is nothing better than a neighborhood restaurant, lots of wine and good, not gastronomique food to allow you to feel the heartbeat of a city.

Restaurants near Hotel Cavalieri

Staying in Rome for only two nights next week and we're staying at the Cavalieri (Marriott upscale, I hope). This hotel looks like it is on the outskirts which is fine with us. I've read all the wonderful recommendations for restaurants but would really appreciate a well loved restaurant (what's the word for bistro/local place?) not too far from this hotel? I know the hotel's restaurant is 3 star but we probably would enjoy finding something where we can drink lots of wine and laugh and then walk back to hotel ....like in Paris.Of course, if this Cavalieri isn't in an upscale area, let me know that too so I can use the recommendations listed on chowhound. Thanks all!

Family style restaurant in the san Juan area

Traveling down next week to the San Juan area, staying at Marriott Stellaris on Ashford and wanted to get some good ideas for local food. On a previous trip to Vieques a few years ago, we stayed two nights in a hotel in the isla verde area and found this wonderful local place a 10 minute walk away. The restaurant was packed with local families and had the best food! ... Not expensive hotel food!! We ate there both nights and want to make sure to return. For any locals reading this, it's located next door to a Cock Fight gambling place of all things!! Local culture, I'm sure. We also ate at a really nice fish restaurant in OSJ that was blue in color...is that still around? Expensive in comparison to the previously mentioned Family style restaurant in Isla ?
Any other suggestions for dinner would be great...fish is our favorite food!
Thanks.