randymac88's Profile
Koto Sushi Prospect Heights: do yourself a favor and don't overlook this place.
My wife and I went there tonight, on your recommendation from this thread. We live in the north slope.
I agree, I was a cut above your typical neighborhood sushi joint. We had a rock shrimp dish that was average, a Miso Tuna that was average, but both were nicely presented. The sushi we had was delicious. In particular, the Hamachi melted in my mouth (they said it was from a different source than most local restaurants), and the Mackerel which they prepared in-house (they were very proud of that - pointed out that most buy it pre-marinated, but they buy it raw and marinate/cure in their own recipe...it showed).
We will definitely be back. While it was quiet in there, they were doing what looked like a brisk delivery business. Thanks for pointing this place out!
Talde: How did he get so far in Top Chef All-Stars?
We had a similarly disappointing experience on a Saturday night that was BANANAS in there. Although we did find enough promising dishes to go back.
We went back on a Sunday night, early (like, 5ish) and got seated immediately in the back with view of the kitchen. Dale was back there expediting. With revised expectations that were lower than last time, we actually really enjoyed our food - everything we ate. We avoided the Perilla leaf which last time we both thought was a joke, went with the Kale Salad which was awesome, the pad thai which as you mention was "good not great" but certainly good enough, and a few other dishes that we really did enjoy. Just good neighborhood food though, not Top Chef-super-fancy-culinary-masterpiece food (which we were expecting the first time). Will go back the next time we crave asian food.
Peking Duck: Really no awesome options?
Hi everyone. I have a friend's birthday coming up, and we have had the idea of doing Peking Duck for a while. There are five of us, and we're all food and restaurant people. We like to eat. And, the birthday girl has some pretty high standards.
I've been doing a lot of research on here and elsewhere, and it seems like there's no real consensus on the best place for a good Peking Duck experience. It sounds like Peking Duck House and Amazing 66 are generally the two go-to places. But, I also read about a lot of negative experiences at both of them as well.
So my question - are these two really still the best options? Its just hard to believe that in a city like New York there is nobody that really nails it, at any price. Seems like PDH reviews a bit better than Amazing 66, so we may just end up there, but would appreciate any updated intel. Budget is no obstacle for us. Thank you in advance!
Willing to make time to try NYC's BEST Southern Fried Chicken - But Where??!!
Surprised to see Hill Country Chicken not mentioned...two different preparations and it's excellent. Of those mentioned on the original list, I've had Birdies which I thought was terrible, and Dirty Bird that was pretty unremarkable as well.
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Birdies
149 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003
Dirty Bird
204 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011
Hill Country Chicken
1123 Broadway, New York, NY 10010
NYC WEDDING RECEPTION VENUE IDEAS NEEDED
I had my reception at Sidecar (part of PJ Clarkes in Midtown, upstairs) and it was absolutely spectacular. We had 87 people total, as well as DJ. It was right around that budget level including alcohol, but potentially a bit higher. It was a perfect place to go after our central park ceremony as it's just so New York, a classic venue. Great raw bar, the champagne and drinks were flowing (most reported offers for new drinks before they were finished with their current one), the service was great and the food was solid. Highly highly recommended. It is slightly less formal than some of the other venues, but depending on how you go about it you can mold it to whatever vibe you want.
Sidecar@PJ Clarkes - Reviews?
Just to follow up on this, we did end up having our reception at Sidecar and it was such an amazing night. The service was jovial and friendly yet professional, the food was great, and the champagne and drinks were flowing heavy all night. You were being offered a drink before you finished your last one. And the room looked great...a really nice balance between class and casual. And once the evening ended, the party rolled on downstairs at PJs. That place will always be a special place for us. Can't recommend it highly enough.
Where can I find cookiehead cookies (in a store, not online)
Why not just buy them online? You must've had a bad experience with this company's website I guess.
Craft, Blue Hill or Mas?
I would actually vote for MAS. I love Craft and MAS, probably equally, but I think Craft is actually better when you're with a larger group. Because they are smaller plates, when you're with at least four people, you can taste a wide variety of their dishes and it really makes for a great experience.
MAS on the other hand has served me and my wife some unbelievable meals. We like to sit at the bar, and you can design your own tasting menu. It is spectacular and in that great are of Greenwich Village West that is just a fun neighborhood. Thats where I would go.
Sushi for dinner, UES or UWS, not too pricey
Im my opinion, sadly, POKE has gone downhill. We are regulars and have been going there for years, and have seen a consistent decline in refinement.
Yuko remains our favorite.
Please, need to know more about 'MAS'
I've been twice and both times my dinner was spectacular. Get the tasting menu...but know that you can customize it to include any dish on the menu. It's great.
del posto?
I went to Del Posto and had the meal of a lifetime. It was spectacular. Caveat: I was on a generous expense account and wasn't paying the bill, so money was no issue. Knowing that going in may have changed the vibe. But, everyone at our table walked out of there being like "was dinner seriously that good?". One of the top culinary experiences of my lifetime.
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Del Posto
85 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10011
Newish restaurant - The Mott - anyone been?
I've been twice and loved it. Very gracious staff and the food was great. Not super upscale great, but definitely solid and tasty. I think it definitely merits a try. Cool location too.
Need Location for a hybrid "Wedding / Ten-year" anniversary celebration.
Yeah you're going to have a lot of trouble at that budget level. We're in the process of planning our wedding and went through a whole rigamoroll trying to find a spot for 75+ at around that budget level. We ended up having to double that price in order to even get anywhere. Try Frankie's Spuntino in Carroll Gardens though. Or, Sidecar at PJ Clarkes.
Need suggestions for EV/LES Dinner Tonite for Friend with "Issues"
You can't beat Max for italian.
Papaya King at 86th and 3rd
I live by the 86th street Papaya King and, as a hot dog lover, I will say this about the location:
a) The service is effective yet not very personal, and any special considerations or requests are generally not met. The guys running it are really just not nice. They serve hot dogs and don't seem happy about it at all. But they get the job done.
b) The hot dogs themselves vary based on when you go. Believe it or not, the best experiences I've had there were actually at peak times, not off hours, as you tend to get the freshest, most recently cooked dogs which makes all the difference. In off hours you'll get a dog that has potentially been sitting for hours and it gets bitter and chewy.
c) The dog, in my opinion, is the best of the "papaya" franchises (Grays, Chelsea, etc.). But, it does not rival the New Yorker found at Crif Dog.
d) another poster mentioned that they recently changed their recipe, so that may be why you think that they don't taste the same.
Spotted Pig: Very Bad Vibes Report
For the record, I went back recently having thought maybe it was just a bad night. Amazingly, when we sat down, it was the same waiter we had when we first went and had the bad experience.
Up we stood and out we walked.
China 1 East Village
Well then, I will never, ever, eat there. Thanks for the intel.
Cyrus vs. Farmhouse
That's great! Thanks for the post...I think we're going to end up at Cyrus, yes. Didn't know about their mixology though...my fiance is a big fan of fancy cocktails so that will hit the spot. Thanks again! I'll post my thoughts afterward.
Which is better GRay's Papaya or Papaya King?
Interesting. I started out going with their Chihuahua dog, often times heading in late night. I'd wake up in the morning and see the wrappers on the coffee table and have vague memories of my experience. After a while though I switched to the New Yorker because I think it makes you feel a little better walking out of the place. Their regular deep-fried dog is just too much for my stomach and I feel like i've eaten too many fries or made a trip to McDonalds for chicken mcnuggets or something. But thanks for the info.
Which is better GRay's Papaya or Papaya King?
Thanks Hotdoglover for defending my honor.
Bugmenot, who FAIL?
I don't really know why people mess around with these dogs though...I guess because they're close by. I was lucky to live around Crif Dog and do firmly believe that they have the best dog in town with their New Yorker.
Group Dinner for 35 w/Back Room?
This is great info...thanks very much! Going to give a bunch of these a call. Much appreciated!
Cyrus vs. Farmhouse
Hello! I'm an NYC hounder and will be in northern cali for a wedding in a couple weeks. I am currently holding reservations at Cyrus as well as Farmhouse for a nice dinner out with some other foodie friends. I've heard great things about both but would be curious to hear any perspective this group has. Money isn't much of a consideration for us as this will be something of a special occasion. Any strong opinions one way or another?
Two of us will be staying in Healdsburg that night, the other will be coming in from Santa Rosa. Thanks in advance!
Group Dinner for 35 w/Back Room?
That's an interesting suggestion...thanks! We hadn't considered that but when you think about it, it's not so bad. 2 hours could be tough though, but we'll see. Appreciate it.
Group Dinner for 35 w/Back Room?
Hello! I'm hoping someone might be able to provide some suggestions for a restaurant that might be able to accommodate a party of 35 for a rehearsal dinner in October. Budget is approximately $100pp, including alcohol, tax and tip.
No real food preference in mind, just looking for a decent atmosphere, preferable on the east side. Had considered Il Bastardo, but would love some other options...thanks in advance for your help!
China 1 East Village
Hello! Anyone have any intel on China 1 in the East Village? I had heard a new chef moved in and it was actually pretty good. The menu looks different too. Anyone been recently?
Fresh, Potent Margaritas
I'm on the same page here with the margaritas. IMO, you won't find a better one than Barrio Chino. But, of that list, I know know that Los Dos Molinos does a solid margarita, and Rosa does a nice job as well.
El Rio Grande is different. Comparatively, they are the worst on the list. However they are extraordinarily POTENT. Drink two and you're in the bag. I'm convinced they use grain alcohol or something...seriously.
Midtown West/Hells Kitchen Evening Out
UPDATE: I have made a reservation at Chez Josephine, so just looking for a solid place to get a nice cocktail tonight around 8:30. Anyone know any good places?
Midtown West/Hells Kitchen Evening Out
Hello everyone! Looking for some recs on dinner with my Fiance in the midtown west or Hells Kitchen area. Price isn't much of a consideration, but I'd like to avoid spending more than 30 on an entree. I don't spend much time in this area so I dont know it all that well! Asian, Mexican, Italian recs are all good. Any cuisine, just something tasty that can likely take a day-of reservation.
After dinner we're meeting up with my sister and brother-in-law for some cocktails, so any suggestions for an interesting place with a decent cocktail list? Preferably a place where you can get a seat around 9pm. They're from out of town. Thank you in advance!
Terrible Service at Lil Frankies.
It's nice to see things haven't changed at Little Frankies.
I live around the corner and used to frequent Little Frankies - was there at least 3 times per month, with another 2-3x per month in delivery. Every time I went, I was dismayed by the service. It was always questionable at best, egregious at worst. Finally, I just started to question whether the food was really good enough to allow me to overcome the bad service.
One day, a little over 2 years ago, I decided that it wasn't. I haven't been back.
