ggbrock's Profile
Where to hold a beer-tasting dinner for 16 people?
I'm glad I found this as I did the same thing for my fiance as an engagement gift, so just went through this process! Though, he is extremely into all good beer, craft beer, belgiums, etc. so I didn't focus as much on the craft beer. That said:
1. Check out wwww.beeradvocate.com and look for events in NYC. They will have a list of any and all restaurants holding existing beer tasting dinners. This might be a helpful way to start planning/thinking about this.
2. BeerTable (in Brooklyn) is an EXCELLENT choice and I spoke with the owner (Justin) is both an excellent chef and loves beer. He agreed to do a private beer tasting dinner for me, though I opted to go another way (see below).
3. Eleven Madison Park, which was also mentioned, was where we landed. There was a DogfishHead beer tasting dinner (owner, Sam Caglione, I believe?) which was a slam dunk. American craft beer, delicious food, plus it happened to be a beer with a tribute to Sammy Davis Jr., so we got to listen to great music and meet SDJ's son.
4. We've also been to a beer tasting dinner at Craft (owned by Tom Colicchio, owner of Colichio & Sons). Excellent. They have mostly american craft beers & excellent food.
5. Finally, Starfish Productions is a company that puts together events like this in NY. However, they are a little "cheesy" and not quite as authentic. That said, that's where I found the Craft tasting dinner, so its worth a shot.
Good luck and have fun!
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Eleven Madison Park
11 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10010
Upper West Side, Affordable Groceries?
I'm sure this review will be criticized by some (or many), but I cook every single night, love food, and have lived in the 90s on the West Side for 10 years. There are many options beyond what has been said which are far more convenient for you (based on your location), especially if you are busy and cannot stop in the 70s every day or every other day for groceries. Sometimes I have to stop at two places, but I get deals and am satisfied. Here are my suggestions:
1. Gristedes gets overlooked. (96th/Bway). They have very good deals and I get all of my canned/frozen/basic pasta/snacks here. Big selection, not as cramped and crowded as Fairway. They actually do have an organic produce section which isn't as bad as you might think. I would not get meat or fish here, though.
2. Associated (97th/Amerstersdam). Also gets overlooked. Produce is not bad, actually. Its just that the store is set up in a cramped way and gets overcrowded. You can get great deals on items that you need, especially if you are not looking for organic, etc. Also, if you like cooking Mexican and/or Spanish, they have a very large selection.
3. Whole Foods (97th/Columbus). As long as you have time to devote to shopping, its fun to go to whole foods and try out their produce. Fish is also decent. Also, very very good beer selection, including craft beers.
4. Joons (97th (98th)?/amsterdam). This is just a fish shop. Best fresh fish on the UWS, outside of Citeralla in the 70s (and much cheaper and nicer people).
5. Gourmet Garage (96-97/bway). Gourmet Garage is by far the most overpriced place in this portion of the UWS. However, that said, since Whole Foods opened they have been running weekly deals that are actually very reasonable. Just don't get into the habit of frequenting this place often, as it will kill your wallet. Also, best OJ in town, IMO.
Good Solo Dining in Washington DC NW (not too far from Grand Hyatt 10th & H)?
Hi there, I'm from NYC and am traveling to DC for a conference on Thursday - Saturday at the Grand Hyatt on H street/10th. This time I will not be joining friends for dinner so I have a couple of nights to fill ... though conference won't get out until at least 6 or 7, I would like to explore a bit at night. Any suggestions for good solo dining in the area (or within a not-to-far cab ride distance)? Any type of food, so long as its good. Plus it would be great if it were a bit on the low-key side as I'm not a huge fan of dining alone at night. Thanks for any help!!
Your 2010 "Must Try" List
Esca is very good but imho, overhyped and overpriced.
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Esca Restaurant
402 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036
Your 2010 "Must Try" List
La Grenouille is a classic NYC experience, the food is exquisite, the service is delightful (even though you know they are serving many other "more important" people, they make you feel special). The atmosphere is old, classic NY. I suggest saving this one for the Christmas season. I was taken there for my birthday the last 2 years in a row (December 15) and it was incredible. The dover sole...amazing.
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La Grenouille
3 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022
Top 10 Bars for Beer Snobs
I've been to Beer Table, its pretty good, extremely small, very basic but cute inside. Beer selection is not huge but excellent, very unique Belgiums, one sour, one golden, one triple, etc. Food is delicious. All that said, it is extremely overpriced. Honestly, with all the selection of great beer in nyc, wouldn't go back. In Brooklyn I'd rather Downtown Brewery (best selection in town, imho), Bark for delicious red beer on tap & inventive hot dogs, and Biercraft. (Btw, Beer Table is way more expensive than Biercraft.) Cheers!
Sunday brunch uptown"ish" Would like suggestions
Telepan 69th & columbus - excellent
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Telepan
72 W. 69th Street, New York, NY 10023
New to Hell's Kitchen and NYC, recs and help
Thanks for starting and continuing this great post! I work around HK and love checking out all the great food options. One that hasn't been mentioned is La Paloma (for Mexican). There are a few tiny tables but mostly for cheap, delicious, authentic takeout. I also love Tulcingo (to sit down) and Tehuitzngo (for a quick taco) but La Paloma should not go unnoticed. (45 b/w 8th and 9th)
One other good find for great Belgium craft beers and delicous cheese and good sandwiches is the Vintner Wine & Beer Cafe (between 46 and 47 on 9th). Excellent soups during the winter.
Restaurants everyone loves--except you
Totally agree...I live on the UWS and we love Telepan's brunch. Very unique flavors that can be combined in a number of different ways when choosing one dish from each of the menus. The service can be a little haughty, but if you go once or twice they loosen up a bit.
UWS BEST ITALIAN?
I'm really surprised by the recommendations here...especially for Carmine's and Gennaro's. Gennaro's is the equivalent of going to Carmines or Tony's in midtown - reasonably good generic Italian food with huge crowds. For a quality eating experience, go to Lisca - right across the street from Gennaro's. The atmosphere isn't amazing, but the food is delicous, fresh, the price is right, and the service is excellent.
What would be a good appetizer for a fried chicken dinner?
Try a corn salsa and chips, made with corn, black beans, red/green peppers, onions (mushrooms if you want) with a dressing of sherry vinegar, sugar and oil heated together for a few minutes and poured over the salsa. Mango is delicious in this as well.
Oh no! Fleur de Sel is closing!
This is really too bad. My sister used to work here. I agree, a first class French restuarant. Too bad everyone is going towards the "tapas" idea - good old fashioned classic dining will NEVER go out of style.
