Business lunch without the boring?

Thanks, and you're certainly right that I should clarify. I mostly meant 'central' in terms of multiple subway accessibility - We're all coming from different places, so it would be nice if it were reasonably walkable to both a east-side line (4/5/6 or maybe N/R) and a west-side line (A/C/E or 1/2/3). Cookshop and Del Posto, for example, would be a little too much of a trek for our friends coming from the east side, even if they took the L.

Hundred Acres and Caffe Falai really jump out at me - great suggestions. Thanks so much!

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Del Posto
85 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10011

Caffe Falai
265 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012

Hundred Acres
38 MacDougal St., New York, NY 10012

LaLaLisa in Manhattan

Business lunch without the boring?

I'm looking for a place to have a business lunch with 6 people, preferably in NoLita, Union Square, the Flatiron or someplace similarly central and south of 34th St. We'd like to talk without having to talk over the whole room, so it should be quiet (or have a table where we might be a little separate).

The other requirement is that it be a little less upscale than something like Tocqueville - entrees in the $17-20 range are ideal, and I'd like it to be on the "fun and friendly" side rather than the "formal and stuffy" side. The things that came to mind are Craftbar and i Trulli (the latter I've never been to, but have seen on these boards), but I welcome your sage advice!

LaLaLisa in Manhattan

Brunch downtown that takes reservations?

I'm looking for a brunch spot this weekend south of 23rd St for three people. I'm not too picky -- just good food, with the brunch entree less than $20. But is it just me, or is it getting extremely difficult to find a place that takes reservations anymore. I love Prune, Cookshop, Westville, etc, but sometimes I'm with a party that just can't wait that long for a table!

Thanks so much.

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Westville
210 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014

LaLaLisa in Manhattan

Meatball Shop...Anyone?

Went there on Sunday afternoon and completely agree. For being a meatball place, the meatballs are far less than I was expecting. I got three sliders so I could try three different kinds: the chicken (with mushroom sauce), the salmon (with tomato sauce) and the special lamb (with yogurt sauce). The salmon was barely spiced and COLD in the middle. Chicken was tasty, and I might order again but the sauces were quite bland. Also ordered "polenta" which was more like grits with a gross puddle of orange oil on the top.

The ice cream sandwich was by far the best part of the meal. The chocolate chip cookies are buttery and delicious, and the chocolate "brownie" cookies hold up very well. Caramel ice cream is to die for.

LaLaLisa in Manhattan

First date on the Lower East Side

Add Kuma Inn and Cafe Charbon. Barrio Chino is great but the seating is (as I recall) all bar height not as comfy as I would like for a first date.

Not sure how Zucco is doing now since the passing of Zucco himself, but it was always a nice date spot. I've never been to Sorella - that's also an idea?

LaLaLisa in Manhattan

Casual restaurant recs in the Flatiron?

I just started working in the Flatiron and, from what I can tell, the food situation is bleak. I'm looking for casual, moderately priced (entrees ~$15) dinner options for after work, between 23rd and 34th streets near Broadway. Can it be done?

LaLaLisa in Manhattan

Brunch spots in Park Slope?

I'm looking for a brunch place this weekend in Park slope or thereabouts. Boozy is better - I kow about W&D's list of spots, but it seems like Brooklyn options on the list are limited. Any good recs?

LaLaLisa in Outer Boroughs

Peking Duck pancakes in Manhattan Chinatown

They have Peking Duck pancakes at Vanessa's on Eldridge for $2.50 I believe - the thicky, awesome spongy kind. I know some people have issue with Vanessa's Dumplings and I agree - not my favorite - but the pancakes are great, and huge!

LaLaLisa in Manhattan

One Big Dinner in Manhattan

Thanks for all the help everyone! We ended up at Le Bernardin, and the meal was fantastic! I had the fluke sashimi with crispy kimchi and citrus/jalapeno nage, escolar with potato crisps and red wine bearnaise, codfish with stuffed sweet peppers, and chocolate ganache with chicory ice cream. A little disappointed by the cod, but everything else was great - especially enjoyed the first and second courses.

Thanks again!

LaLaLisa in Manhattan

Tribeca Coffeeshops

Does anyone have good coffeeshop/teahouse recs in Tribeca, preferably in the Greenwich St. area? I just moved here and am looking for a place to read and write with a relaxed vibe and a good selection of teas.

Thanks for the help!

LaLaLisa in Manhattan

One Big Dinner in Manhattan

Thanks so much for your help! I've "narrowed" the original list to Le Bernardin, Convivio, and Marea (in that order). I'm also throwing Jean Georges into the mix.

From what I can tell from the online menus, Le Bernardin and JG are similar in scope of prix fixe offerings and price (~$100/person), while Convivio and Marea offer a la carte and seem to be ~$60-70/person for a similar meal. Seasoned diners - is this the case? Just want to know what to expect.

Any more feedback is welcome!

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Jean Georges
1 Central Park W, New York, NY 10023

Le Bernardin
155 W. 51st St., New York, NY 10019

Convivio
45 Tudor City Place, New York, NY 10017

Marea
240 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019

LaLaLisa in Manhattan

South Asian or Japanese in East Village?

Thanks so much for the recs. I've been to Ippudo and Kanoyana before, but have to try the others.

And I ended up just going to Motorino. But now I know!

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Ippudo
65 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003

LaLaLisa in Manhattan

One Big Dinner in Manhattan

My friend is coming into town and we want to go to, in his words, "a big expensive dinner." We'd like to stay in Manhattan, but otherwise it could be anywhere.

The details: he can be choosy, so we'd like to avoid places with only tasting menus and just be able to order a la carte. Seafood emphasis is great, although not required (I don't eat red meat, so no Peter Luger).

Other places we like: Locanda Verde, Falai, Ki Sushi, Calle Ocho, Allen & Delancey.

Some of my ideas are: Convivio, Corton, Marea, Market Table, Le Bernadin.

Other thoughts?

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Calle Ocho
45 W 81st St, New York, NY 10024

Locanda Verde
377 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013

Falai
68 Clinton St Frnt 1, New York, NY 10002

LaLaLisa in Manhattan

South Asian or Japanese in East Village?

I'm having dinner in the East Village tonight and am looking for some South Asian or Japanese/sushi suggestions. I'm still trying to find places that are more delicious and authentic than things like Kurve or Spice, both of which are not my cup of tea. I've been to Sea, and think the food is a little better - but still not a real find.

Any suggestions? And yes, I know about Momofuku.

LaLaLisa in Manhattan

Affordable East Village dinner?

I'm looking for a place in the EV tonight that takes reservations and won't break the bank. I'm going with my boyfriend, so I'd like it to be somewhat intimate and just generally have a cool vibe. Eclectic food is good - I'm avoiding Italian places because we do that all the time - something like Graffiti or Caracas Arepa Bar. Thoughts?

LaLaLisa in Manhattan