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rdnnyc's Profile

Park Slope CSA (Windflower Farm) vs. Greenwood Heights CSA (Hearty Roots Farm)?

Hey - great! I hope you like them as much as I do. Cheers!

Best place in Williamsburg/LIC area for party subs?

I was just going to suggest Lorimer Market as well. They're perfect for that. You might also want to try Carmine's (graham) or Carmine's II (union). They do 3 or 4 foot heros.

Frozen Pizza

You have probably bought your pizza by now but Revolution Flatbread pizzas are great.

Your favorite gluten-free blog or website?

Start with Shauna at Gluten Free Girl and go from there. Her links represent a wide gamut of resources.

Quiet restaurant for a friend in need

I once had a very distressing dinner at Cafe Cluny. It was a good location for the whole thing. Takes reservations. Was very quiet.

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Cafe Cluny
284 West 12th Street, New York, NY 10014

Barbuto on Sat night - Any Must haves. Also need reco for drinks after

If the Standard Beer Garden is winterized it might be a good place for a drink with a group. The crowds can get to be a bit much in the summer - could be that December is the perfect time to swing by the place without the overwhelming frat boy atmosphere.

The Other Room on Perry is also a nice spot but most likely wouldn't fit all 12 people.

The Gluten-free trend........ Why?

I developed a gluten intolerance after major surgery. That and a feather intolerance! I had to get rid of all my bedding:( And relearn how to eat:( I do not have Celiac but a beer will incapacitate me. Sadly. This sort of thing can and will happen to people after a major physical event like surgery or childbirth or even after a major psychological trauma. The body does what it wants when it wants.

And - although I find the tone of that article a little disingenuous perhaps - all the increased discourse is just helping people identify what is going on with their bodies. It took me a year to figure out why I felt like hell all day every day and the doctors couldn't help me. I was able to diagnose myself because I could do research thanks to people like Shauna Ahern. I think the internet has helped tremendously.

I'm mostly thankful for the increased awareness. And I'm thankful to have (mostly) understanding friends. You can judge and question all you want. But unless you are feeling sick and are in pain all day, every day, all of a sudden, and the doctors make you think you are crazy when you know - you KNOW - something is amiss; then you should really try not to judge because you haven't lived it. And I'm one of the lucky ones who doesn't have full blown celiac as agoodbite describes!

Peter Luger's from Grand Central [moved from Manhattan board]

I live in Williamsburg and I say take a cab. Over the Williamsburg Bridge of course. Shouldn't cost more than $20 depending on traffic/time etc.

But no one has mentioned the option of walking the two blocks from GCT over to Bryant Park and hopping on the M train which will take you right to the Marcy Avenue exit of the J/M/Z. From there you can walk a few blocks down Broadway to Luger's. No transfer needed these days since they rerouted the M line.

Both options have their liabilities but I don't think you should worry too heavily about safety.

Where to eat in NY for 3 nights?

You may want to hit up The Breslin for things like sweetbreads and terrines in a hip atmosphere.

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The Breslin
20 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001

Vegans: What do you eat when you're hungover?

I'm not vegan myself but I used to live down the street from a vegan fast food joint that delivered. When I was hungover I would order their mashed potatos and their tempeh reuben. Every single time it did the trick.

Scandinavian restaurant in NYC?

There is Smorgas Chef which has three locations. I've been to the one in the West Village and enjoyed it. Herring is on the menu...

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Smorgas Chef
283 West 12th Street, New York, NY 10014

Park Slope CSA (Windflower Farm) vs. Greenwood Heights CSA (Hearty Roots Farm)?

I belong to the East Williamsburg CSA supplied by Hearty Roots. I love it. Really do. In prior years I belonged to the separately run Greenpoint-Williamsburg CSA which is supplied by Garden of Eve and I am much happier with Hearty Roots.

And - it did take a while for me to get in after sitting on the waiting list. I felt just as bewildered as you did - until I got the email that there was space available. Then I jumped on it and am very happy with the CSA.

One quibble is that I also do a flower share. Which is supplied by someone other than Hearty Roots. And I like them - but the flowers aren't as spectacular as in my previous CSA. They're still beautiful - but I preferred the others. Anyhow - it's really all about the veggies and I'm rah rah Hearty Roots!

Will my friends be impressed by Bobo?

My vote - Perilla. Perfect restaurant for the group you describe. I go to the bar here frequently when I need a break in the village. Good location - updated seasonal menu. Great drinks. Nice staff. Make sure to get a reservation in advance... Have fun - I'll be at the Open on Labor Day! Love the Open!

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Perilla
9 Jones Street, New York, NY 10014

Drinks and Sides at Peter Luger

I was there yesterday and IMO the fries were better than the german potatoes. They were fantastic.

Will my friends be impressed by Bobo?

Bobo was kind of super hip quite a while ago. We used to really like the cocktails but they've really been in a tailspin and the bartenders have declined as well. That said - the location might be pretty impressive to out of towners - because it feels like some kind of secret. IMO - you'd probably be better off with any multitude of places with better food and better attitude.

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Bobo
181 West 10th Street, New York, NY 10014

Suggestions for dinner around Highline Ballroom

Perhaps Sea Thai would be a good option. It's got the meatpacking district vibe with less of the cost. Entrees average $10 and it's only four blocks away. Have fun!

Pop Tart Shop

I work across the street. Personally - I'm a-ok with any pop-up shop in this location. Even for pop tarts. This stretch of 42nd has been underdeveloped and underutillized for years. Sure it's a stupid store and possibly stupid concept. But it's also temporary and it's 'something' on a stretch of neglected boarded up empty storefronts.

Help - Vegetarian + Gluten-Free: Lower East Side, East Village, Noho, Soho

Angelika Kitchen would be a good bet.

Afternoon Cocktail (maybe outside?) Today Near Union Square

It is a little fancy but nice on a hot afternoon - Japonais. They open all the windows, it's not too hot but you feel like you're outside - I think you can sit outside too. I like their cocktails.

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Japonais
111 East 18th Street, New York, NY 10003

230-fifth or Flatiron Lounge

An organization I'm involved in has had an event at 230 Fifth and everyone really liked it. The food was better than I expected and the service was great. The rooftop is a fun part of the experience because you would most likely be able to access the roof in addition to your private room. I think you'd have a good time there FWIW.

OK - now that I read your responses I would double check with them that you could bring food in. Because providing food was a part of the deal with them and was one of the high points of the party there.

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230 Fifth
230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001

Best food and drink near the main NY Public Library? -- restos, markets, bakeries, pushcarts -- you name it

Aureole is very close by in their newish space in the Bank of America Building on 42nd between Broadway and 6th. They have their more casual Bar Room if you aren't interested in the full restaurant.
I also like BXL which is kind of hidden away on 43rd also between Broadway and 6th for moules frites and a solid lineup of Belgian beer. A table by the window is nice.
Woorijip is great for quick cheap delicious Korean. Best for take away and is a bit of a walk for you on 32nd and Bway.
Don't expect much of Bryant Park Grill - looks pretty but that's about it.
Also they have some groceries at Zeytinz on the southside of Bryant Park. Just looks like a deli from the outside but they have fresh vegetables and such inside.

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BXL Cafe
125 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036

Woorijip
12 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001

Bryant Park Grill
25 West 40th Street, New York, NY 10018

Zeytinz
24 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018

Bachelor dinner in w'burg

I think Marlow & Sons is the best choice on that list personally. The backyard at Dumont might be worth it if it's a nice night. I love it back there.

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Marlow & Sons
81 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211

NYC FOODIE AT A LOSS...

Jane might work. It's on the far end but still less than 10 blocks away. Full bar, solid american style food, not too cramped. Was going to suggest Jean Claude but they don't have a full bar.

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Jean Claude
137 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012

Trying to find 4.5" corn tortillas.

I'm also wheat intolerant and the Red Hook Fairway has a few wheat/gluten free corn tortilla options in a few different locations. But IMHO the best tortillas at Fairway are currently inexplicable kept on the bottom shelf under the fairway brand pasta sauce across from the coffees. They moved them there a few months ago. They are the freshest. And it's the weirdest place to put them - but there they are.

Hearty Roots CSA

Does anyone want to tell me how much they love (or are disillusioned) with this CSA? It looks like they operate exclusively in Brooklyn and upstate. I'm trying to get interested in a CSA again after getting burned out for a few years. Thanks for any feedback..

Good Eats at Lorimer + Metropolitan in Williamsburg?

Yola's for Mexican, Saltie for a sandwich or M Shanghai Noodle Shop for, well, noodles.

Acceptability of infant in tow at one of these restaurants: Prune, Salt or HOME

I've been to Salt with an infant (not mine). It was no problem - but I don't recall that they had high chairs. We just kept her on the window seat with us. It was very casual and relaxed - also it was either afternoon or very early evening.

Best French bistro in NYC??

Jean Claude on Sullivan Street is a warm cozy neighborhood bistro. Very solid food. Unbelievably kind staff. It's a great favorite in my crowd.

Question regarding Market Tote bags

I use BlueQ totes. They're made from used grain sacks and plastic water bottles, very sturdy, easily wiped down and hold a nice rectangular shape while folding up easily. And they have adorable designs. I discovered that I was completely incapable of using reusable bags that I thought were ugly. Finicky I guess. For some reason I also hated the tiny envirosax things because I disliked the flimsy feel of them and I guess I just like things structured. Sure I should have used ones that I was given for free but if I couldn't bring myself to use them then they were pretty useless:( I paid about $10-15 retail for my BlueQ's and get constant compliments.. PS I don't work for the company...

Dinner with kids near Times Square

Places I've been with kids that was a hit - John's pizza on 44th and Ellen's Stardust Diner. They sing at Ellen's - the kids loved it. John's is probably cheaper.