nychowgirl's Profile
Alta or Tia Pol for birthday gathering
Have been meaning to try both of these places and thought one of them would be a good choice for a group of 6 people in their mid twenties out to celebrate a birthday next Thursday. What are the pros and cons of both places in terms of the food and atmosphere? I know Tia Pol is small, but when I called they said they could take a reservation for 6...
Really important dinner for 2 - Scene, Food, want it all!
I think Mas is a good choice if she's never been. I just think the setting there is very intimate and sets the tone for a perfect night out. Small and cute with solid food to me = Little Owl, but I don't know if this is an occasion where you want to try to get into a place w/o a reservation. That said, if you're willing to risk it, Little Owl could be a good (though more casual) choice.
Underrated chains w/Manhattan outposts [Moved from Manhattan board]
OK, I know 'hounds love to hate on chain restaurants. They run mom and pop shops out of business and are mostly devoid of ambiance or charm. But let's face it, there are a few out there that are pretty tasty, Houston's being the first that comes to my mind.
What chain do you secretly (...or not so secretly) love?
UWS reviews and seeking rec's esp for mex
You've hit some good spots. I'm here to offer coffee recs. The cafe con leche at Cafe Con Leche is outstanding (...and at $1.25 the best value on the UWS). Le Pain Quotidien (several locations including 72 between CPW and Columbus and at the ground level of Bed Bath and Beyond at 65th St.) makes what is in my opinion the best cappuccino in NYC.
Best Cupcakes in NYC?
Sugar Sweet Sunshine makes my faves, though Buttercup is a close second (...and it's closer to my apt!)
Spotted Pig or Little Owl?
I agree with CorgiLover's assessment of the two places but really couldn't pick a favorite. When I'm in the mood for low-key, intimate, great food, Little Owl is perfect. When I want a livelier, more hip NY night with great food, Spotted Pig is always a winner. FYI, SP is also a great choice at off peak times. Easier to get a table and a more relaxed vibe....
Dinner with my aunt and her beer afficionado boyfriend
Cafe d'Alsace on the UES would be my choice. Great beer selection and good, not too pricey food.
best romantic italian restaurant
Po for the tasting menu (about $45 for 5 courses...one of the city's best deals!) Most of the tables are cramped, but see if you can request a table by the window. Lavagna is another one of my faves for this kind of outing....
Quick Dinner near Kaplan? (56th btw 6th and 7th)
Ahhh...I took Kaplan too. I tended to go to Pick-A-Bagel at 57th and 7th or the Burger Joint in the Parker Meridien, which is virtually right next door. A lot of times I would just grab food from the places I like near my office, though...
UWS -- looking for something new or over-looked
Barcibo is a new wine bar at 69th and Bway that's owned by the same guy who owns Bin 71. The menu is similar to Bin's (cured meats and cheeses, panini, etc.) and while it doesn't have the same cozy feel of Bin because it's at least 3x the size, it's a pleasant and roomy alternative to Bin if you plan to stay in the neighborhood and want a better chance of finding a seat when you arrive.
Oldest French Restaurant in Manhattan
The place the OP mentioned is in Soho....it must be Raoul's
Wine and appetizers.
Yes, if you're an out of towner and with a bunch of friends, Otto is probably the best pick. I love Bin 71 but the place is too tiny to go to with more than one or two people.
UWS -- looking for something new or over-looked
PS: I actually prefer the food at Cassis to the food at Luxembourg....also Cassis is neighborhoody while Luxembourg is a little more of a scene (...as much of a scene as you can find on the UWS, that is!)
UWS -- looking for something new or over-looked
I think Bistro Cassis is often overlooked on the UWS. It's probably been open a year and while the food is your standard French fare, it always delivers. Certainly not in the league of a place like Ouest or Telepan, but I think it's excellent and if you haven't been, it's worth a try.
Asia de Cuba, Buddha Bar, Kittichai or Spice Market? Please help!
Asia de Cuba or Kittichai. Personally, I like Kittichai better, but Asia de Cuba is definitely a little more "sleek". If you choose A de C just beware of how enormous the portions are, especially if this is supposed to be a romantic meal. I always leave there totally stuffed!
Mario Batali & Lidia Bastianich: Enough Already
He can't be everywhere all at once, but I'd say Mario Batali actually spends a lot more time in his restaurants than most other chefs with his celeb status. (...I've seen him at Babbo and at Otto...) I give him a lot of credit for that.
Trendy Birthday Dinner Group
I was also going to suggest Asia de Cuba and Kittichai.....
Need restaurant suggestion - bday with inlaws
The Red Cat or The Orchard would be my picks. I've only been to A Voce at lunchtime, but I loved it both times I went and would highly recommend it, though I can't speak for the ambiance at dinner....
Patisserie Claude's Croissants-What's Wrong with ME??!!
OK, I was about to make a very similar post after my first trip to Claude's this a.m. but then I did a quick search and discovered nativeNYer shared my opinion and had already posted on it. I lived in France for a year and must disagree with the people out there who say this is the best croissant outside of France. I live on the UWS and think Soutine's are significantly better, though neither come close to what you get in France. The Claude croissant was only crispy at the very edges and not very flaky at all. Didn't taste much butter after the first bite, though it improved a bit as I ate the rest of it. Claude seemed friendly enough and $2.50 for a coffee and a decent croissant is an excellent find, but I was really hoping to find a stellar croissant that would take me back to my days in France, and sadly, I didn't find it chez Claude :(
Tortilla Flats on Sat. night?
So my sister wants to have her bachelorette party at Tortilla Flats, which I know is not a bastion of chowhound greatness. But since I've never been there on a Saturday night before and she hasn't been there since she left NYC several years ago, I'm wondering whether it will be a fun place for a rowdy group of late 20-ish girls to go at around 8:30 or 9 on a Saturday night. Food and margaritas must be palatable, but given the occasion and how drunk people will certainly be, I'm more concerned with the atmosphere than anything else. Even though it was her idea, if I'm planning this thing and I end up dragging 12 girls to an empty bar/restaurant, I'll be majorly bummed.
If anyone has been there on a weekend night recently, would you let me know your thoughts?
TIA.
Mozzarelli's
I only go for the muti grain pizza but I think that alone is worth going there for.
Help! Foodie student seeks food recommendations for 5 day NYC trip
smilee, i almost forgot caracas arepa bar on 7th and 1st in the east village. it's sooooooooo yummy and super cheap.
downtown rustic italian for a party of 8
Definitely Bianca. I once went with a group of 8 and we had an amazing time. Each had an app and a pasta, shared dessert and three bottles of wine, and when we split the bill it was only about $45 or $50 a person. PS: Get the lasagna bolognese.
Help! Foodie student seeks food recommendations for 5 day NYC trip
I'd suggest Dumpling Man in the E. Village or Rickshaw on 23rd St. for dumplings (...the ones at Dumpling House are just as good but the other two places are more pleasant to sit at...), bahn mi at Saigon Bakery, pizza at Lombardi's, burgers at Corner Bistro. I'd also recommend going to the Bar Room at the Modern for a glass of riesling and their amazing tarte flambee. The list goes on and on!
Monday Night Italian - Bianca, Da Andrea or Crispo
Haven't been to Crispo, but have been to the other two and Bianca definitely gets my vote!!!! I used to love Da Andrea but think it's gone a little downhill recently. You may have to wait a few minutes at Bianca, but the bar next door is so cute and the host will come get you next door when your table is ready...you can even bring your drink from the bar over to Bianca with you!
Lavagna. Yay or nay
Yay on Lavagna in my book. I also love Hearth but it's a little pricier and more upscale so I guess it depends on what you're looking for.
