martigrl's Profile
Two Floridians in Midtown in late October... suggestions?
Hmmm. Just had a cabbage/potato knish from Yonah Schimmel a couple of weeks ago and boy was that yummy. The best I've had, I think. Don't know if it's a must have, but it was certainly memorable for me. I'll certainly swing by for the same exact one when I'm back in the neighborhood.
Best Delivery Upper West Side
Just noticing this now-- I agree, it's become more difficult to find good Chinese food. My new discovery is Ozen on Amsterdam and like 97th, I think. It's Asian Fusion-- so they've got Thai as well, but right now they seem to be the only place that has decent Chinese food, consistently. Granted, I've only tried a couple of the items (standards like beef with brocolli, and that ilk) but so far, I'm sticking with them. Also second (or third) Charm Thai. Yuki is great for sushi. Other favorites have already been mentioned -- actually, there is another good Indian place on 94th between Amsterdam and B-way. When I find the name, I'll post. For Pizza I hear good things about Little Ceasar's -- though I'm not a big pizza eater myself.
UWS, here I come!
Welcome to the UWS!
Here are some of my faves -
Spiga (itlaian/eclectic-84th Betw Amst &Bway),
Celeste (Italian-Amst betw 84th&85th),
Gabriellas (fun casual Mexican on Col by 94th)
Yuki Sushi on Amst and 92nd as well as its sister restaurant Kouzan on Amst and 93rd)
Asiakan (Asian fusion on Amst/95th)
Ouest (B-way/84th)
Epices du Traiteur (Tunisian) 70th/Columbus)
Hummus place (lunch - Amst 74th)
Land (Thai - Amst/81st)
Kefi (Greek-Col/84th&85th),
Nice matin (French -79th and Amst)
La Rural (tiny Argentinian on Amst and 97th)
Compass (70th betw Amst & WEA)
Pio Pio for inexpensive but yummy rotisserie chicken takout (the restaurant can be VERY loud)
Bodrun (Turkish - Amst/88th)
If I think of more, I'll let you know.
West 96th and Broadway
I agree, Spiga is lovely, both menu and atmosphere -- though I recommend requesting a table to the left side of the restaurant (if you're facing in from the entrance) -- the other side can be cramped. You should also know that there is a bit of an adventurous, or rather "creative" aspect to the menu -- especially in the desserts -- as in herb ice creams, that sort of thing -- but everything is delicious. I'd totally recommend their pumpkin ravioli to share as an appetizer.
West 96th and Broadway
When you say not adventuresome, do you mean just neighborhood, or both neighborhood and cuisine? How fancy? If you can give an idea of cuisine, and price range, I can probably come up with some ideas in the neighborhood. In the immediate area there's nothing really that upscale, if that's what you're looking for -- but there are a couple worth mentioning for neighborhood places. For starters, there's a pretty traditional french place called Alouette on B-way betw 97th and 98th, then there's an italian/meditteranean/wood burning oven place on Amsterdam and 95th called Acqua. Pio Pio on Amsterdam and 94th has amazing rotisserie chicken (and everythign else for that matter -- and CHEAP) -- but it's CASUAL -- loud and fun and yummy, but doesn't really yell out birthday. There's a bunch of new Asian fusion type places in the neighborhood -- I've been to Asiakan on Amsterdam (by 95th?) and definitely recommend, and they've got a cute little lounge downstairs, but again, more a yummy neighborhood place than a special birthday spot. If you go a little further downtown there are more options Ouest and Aix come to mind (both on Bway in the 80's)
Place to have 40th birthday party in NYC
Further expanding the Spanish idea -- for my 40th birthday, I threw a party at Sala in the East Village (I think it's on Bowery?). It's a Spanish/tapas place with a really lovely private room downstairs with it's own bar. It was perfect for me, and turned out exactly how I had hoped. This was more of a cocktails/mingle/nibble thing, since I had about 60 people and no way could I have afforded a sitdown dinner in my financial situation. Besides which, I had preferred a cocktail party to a sit down, for the social/party atmosphere. I don't know if this is something you would consider, but it was very celebratory, quite nice, and perfect for my 40th. I think I had it on an off day (Sunday or Monday or something) so they did not charge me for renting the room since it would have been closed anyway. I picked from various tapas on their menu which I had them put out on little side tables as well as passed by waiters, and I had a bartender doing a cash bar. We had plenty of food, folks had a lot of fun, it didn't break the bank -- though it certainly wasn't cheap, and they also allowed me to bring in my own cake since it's one of my sister's specialties. I would definitely recommend checking out that room. It's a wonderful space for a small party, and you can work out whatever deal would interest you.
Where to eat in Hell's Kitchen???
For Indian: Bengal Express (789 9th Ave, Btwn 52nd & 53rd). It's a tiny place with very little ambience, but the food is excellent (and inexpensive), and the staff is very friendly. It never seems to be crowded - I'm not sure why, since it's tiny, but I think they prob do more take out than eat in. Bangan Bharta (eggplant dish) is one of my faves.
Top Pizza in NYC
I would second Two Boots in Grand Central. Pizza Rustica (on Lex and 46th) can be good sometimes, but it's hit or miss.
What to order from Cafe Edison
The cheese blintzes are great, though not really the right combo with chicken soup. Actually, I always go for the cabbage soup when they have it, but if you're going for their chicken soup, go for it.
Good rotisserie chicken on UWS?
In answer to plf515, yes Gabriella's has reopened. It has been slightly upscaled, great space and a great outdoor porch seating area as well. So far everything I've tried there has been quite good. A little more expensive than the old one, but also better in quality, and a more festive space. In answer to amyleechen (and comidaqueen) yes, they still have the rotisserie chicken, and it is just as tasty as ever. This is a neighborhood place for me, so I'm there all the time.
Help...reasonable upper west side elderly friendly....
Dinner at Popover's has a very strange energy. I'm thinking of my Mom who is approaching 80-- she likes Vince & Eddies and Cafe Boite en Bois -both right near each other in the Lincoln Center Area, though I think both might have a couple of steps down to get into the restaurant. I hear Bistro Citron is great - though I haven't been, and don't know how the prices compare. There is also a French place called Alouette on Bway betw 97th & 98th. They've got a couple of floors for dining, but I believe the bathrooms are on the main floor (you'd have to check).
Visiting from SF
I would second Pure Food and Wine, if you are willing to go vegetarian as well, though I have no idea if this is something you can experience in SF. It's a really interesting menu and a really beautiful space. I am not a vegetarian, but I loved it there. I had a whole lot of fun ordering off the menu, I thought the food was exceptional, and the whole experience was impressive. I have also recommended it to out-of-towners that were either vegetarians or Kosher looking for a special experience it's always made a hit.
Scones
Oh yes. Those pumpkin scones are just heaven. Definitely not traditional, but so darn yummy.
Best cheese blintz in NYC?
Yup. Edison Cafe is still there. Good soups too. My fave is the beef borscht-when they have it.
Columbus Circle
Just went to Bengal Express the other night on 9th Ave and 53rd. I think this fits the bill perfectly. Tiny divey looking place. Inexpensive, but the food was great! I was impressed and will definitely be back.
Whym (NYC)
I meant to post something about Whym restaurant. After searching this site for someplace to go near Columbus Circle area, I found this restaurant and though it wasn't right for the folks I was with at the time (I was taking an elderly couple from London, and wanted something with a more traditional menu and quiet ambiance), I stored the idea in the back of my mind to check out at another point. (It's same owners as Eatery -- though I've never been there either.) I need to thank all who recommended it. I went with two friends -- one of whom was celebrating her birthday but didn't want to make a big deal of it, but wanted to go somewhere low key that she'd never been to. It's a pretty casual place with a mod/sleek feel and a realy interesting menu. The food was outstanding, as was the service. In fact both of my friends said it was the best meal they'd had all year (and this is not an expensive place)! We shared an incredible gingered squash soup (garnished with fresh peach) and the crispest tastiest fried calamari I'd ever had (both recommended as personal favorites of our waitress). For main course, 2 of us had the pomegrante glazed mahi mahi with curried onion rings and hummus. The fish was cooked perfectly and all the flavors on the plate blended so well, and made for a really lovely dish. My other friend had a brie and pear quesadilla with griled shrimp -- also really yummy, and then we split some kind of chocolatey thing served in a martini glass (it's been a couple of weeks since my visit) but also really wonderful.
Anyway, I did want to post something for the next person who is searching in the Col Circle area for a great menu, really yummy food, low key but nice ambiance, and won't break the piggy bank. I highly recommend.
