Caterer for a Dinner Party

I highly suggest you call Pete Shelsky at Celebrate Food. I've used him for a private dinner party for 20 and he did the most fantastic job. http://peteseats.com/celebrate-Caterers/Home.html

dktochina in Manhattan

Upper Westside Brunch--what's good and takes a res?

Go to Graffit for brunch. You can make a reservation (though its quieter for brunch) and the menu is amazing. Great space. Very cool. I like the eggs scrambled with french fries, chorizo, and peppers.

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Gastroarte
141 W 69th St, New York, NY 10023

dktochina in Manhattan

New York Taste 2009

I went last year general admission. It was great. Crowded + hot, yes. But I don't think we missed a booth and we weren't told any booths were out of food. I think there are a few extra tastings in VIP lounge. If memory serves, Tom Colicchio was in VIP so I missed that - but I met him at Tuesdays With Tom. But otherwise, I was tasting tons and chatting with Morimoto about his unreal concoction. Personally, I probably won't shell out the extra $$ for VIP. I, like you said, would rather save it and put it towards the bill of my favorite restaurants from the night. Also, you get the extra hour beforehand but there's no way you want to try all the food in 1 hour! Which means you'll end up with the masses anyway. When we wanted to get away from the crowd we just took a breather in the hallways or outside.
Last year, the most gorgeous booth was Elettaria which just closed - so sad! They were so creative with this gorgeous faux tree and tastings coming out of the branches.

dktochina in Manhattan