Did you find a place? I was thinking about getting a lechon as well for my birthday and could really use some suggestions. The party will be in Williamsburg, but I am willing to pay a delivery fee or rent a car or something.

I remember Time Out having a short blurb about a place in Chinatown that does one for $5.50 a pound, but can't find the article. Does anyone know what I am talking about?

Thanks so much!

I have a RW reservation this Friday. And (at the risk of sounding incredibly naive) what is the dress code here?

This is just a general thank you to you SF Chowhounders. I just came back from SF a couple of days ago from my first vacation in YEARS. As I was visiting tons of friends and family (Filipino-style, which means wonderful, endless days of eating homecooked tastiness) I knew that I would only be able to go try one great place.

After scouring the boards, I found Incanto.

I knew it was a good sign when the cabbie that took me there commented that it was a place only locals knew about.

Apps: The Porchetta di Testa was interesting - I really enjoyed the marbling. Though I totally forgot to ask which part of the head it was - I am guessing cheek. (Anyone know?)

Entree: I had the Spaghettini, Sardinian cured tuna heart, egg yolk & parsley which was just...delish. *sigh* My friends had the Braised pork shoulder and the Roasted lamb neck. While both exceptionally tasty, I am glad that I went with the wilder of the 3 (as per the suggestions given by chowhounders).

Dessert: I had the Bay leaf panna cotta which was meltingly good. Though I think my pal's Honey-lavender ice cream with peach crostini was the absolute best. Esp the ice cream. Dreamy.

So, thank you, chowhounders for helping me make the best of my vacation.

*You can always buy a durian, warm it up, crack it open and hide it under the seat of a friend's car.*

HA! Thanks, needed that laugh. My roommate just bought one out of curiosity and before I could warn her, well...let's just say that she was surprised. :)

Do you have addresses for these places?

Thanks so much!
EllyEl

That's pretty much what I was thinking...nothing really tops Bahn Mi So 1. :)

Thanks so much!

Hi!
I am bringing a group of 10 teens to the Bodies Exhibit on a Saturday. At some point, they will need to be fed. Here's the criteria:
*Can't be over $15/pp. would prefer it being a bit less.
*Kid-friendly (In other words, no "wierd" food, like sushi)
*Burgers and sandwiches preferred.
*And the most important - can accomodate 14 people. (If they accept reservations, then that would be a HUGE wieght off my shoulders.)

Any suggestions?

Thanks so much in advance!

EllyEl

Just wonder what the was the deal with Bahn Mi Sau Voi Cafe (101-105 Lafeyette) before I venture out there. Because, really, there is just nothing sadder than a sub-par bahn mi.

Thanks!

I know that this is pretty far from where you are, but on 77th and 5th Ave in Bay Ridge there's this place called Sam's Bagels. Def. boiled and baked. Nice and chewy and crispy at the same time.

And they have a fantastic lox spread. :)

Eating a Dale Bagal right now for the first time. Plain, lightly toasted, cc and lox. Crispy and light on the outside - wonderfully dense on the inside. The amount of cc and lox is just right - enough to ooze a bit, but not gush onto my lap. I have to admit, the best bagel I've ever had.

I am a big fan of 86 Noodle. They have some really great wonton soups. Though I am not a fn of Americanized Chinese food, at least they use a pretty high quality of food. And the dumplings are just great. :)

Cool - I didn't know that they sold zaatar as well. Thanks!

What is this place called?

I just went to Karam and tried the Sujok (spicy lamb and beef sausage) sandwhich.

My mouth is so happy right now. It was spicy, but just enough to keep it tingly, but not overpower the taste of the meat. Perfectly spiced and flavorful. It was enhanced with, I think, pickled beets and this tangy yogurt sauce.

Just what this chilly night called for!

Not at all - most of them make sense to me.

BTW, I'm Filipino-American. :)

Thanks! You guys have been so great. I really appreciate how helpful y'all are! Keep the tips coming!

Oh, if it helps, I am a female in my late-20s.

Thanks again!

I've been perusing the boards, looking for places to try while I'm in Seoul in a couple of months, when it occurred to me: How does one eat in South Korea without offending others? Can someone give me a hand - I've never been to Seoul and I really don;t want to offend people with my "poor" table manners.

Thanks!

I am in need of a place that offers carbonara...either the Roman version (egg on top and little sauce) or the creamy version. Anyways, there are so many places in Bay Ridge that to go door to door seems a bit frustrating. There are SO many places here!

Anyone care to help out this Bay Ridge 'hound?

And thamks so much in advance!

Though I thought Buks in Inman Square was okay (more for the beer than actual food), that's just depressing. Though I am entirely biased. Esp. since I remember BU stating that they would keep the Delihaus alive.

*sigh*

Does anyone know what happened to the former owners?

Thank you, nicholson. :)

Chianti is still there. Very charming staff. And Gnochetti to die for!

As charming as Little Cupcake's atmosphere is, the cupcakes just really aren't all that great. It took me a while to sample all of them (because, really, I'd like my hips to not expand), but the cupcakes themselves were on the dry side and the icing so sweet, it made my sweet tooth hurt. Except for the icing on the chocolate cloud - it was blessedly lighter. That icing is the places only saving point.

However, the other desserts there are lovely. The Blueberry cobbler comes to mind. And the coffee is quite nice. :)

Just had dinner at Saint Germain's on 83rd(?) and 3rd Ave, next to Amelia's. Fantastic. Had the duck with a lovely berry sauce and brown rice pilaf. The duck was wonderfully tender with a nice crust and the sauce, while obviously sweet, did not overpower the duck as sometime happens with game meat. The use of brown rice for the piliaf lent a nice nuttiness to the dish as well. The atmosphere was refreshingly casual (I went in with jeans). And for a single girl having dinner alone, the staff didn't make me feel like I was an oddball (as some places have done). The gentleman serving also seemed to be the owner, but that's my guess.

All in all, I found it charming. Made me wish I wasn't too full for dessert!

On 3rd Ave and 83rd St(?), there is Caffe Cafe. They don't have WiFi, but they will let you use an outlet so that you cna work. I find it a nice place to transcribe notes. Coffee is pretty decent, though not as strong as I like it. But the staff is pretty friendly.

Hey, is Au Coin du Feu on Lafayette St. still around? I hear rumors that it was moving but am not sure where or even if it was simply closing down. I hope not - really wanted to try it out.

Thanks!

Honestly, I am super new in Brooklyn. I'll definitely check them out! Is this the Kinara on 9th St and 5th Ave?

Thanks all! I'll definitely be "test driving" these places (some people will be from out of town...I just want to make sure everyone is happy.)!

Keep those suggestions coming! :)

Thanks so very much!

Thanks, MMRuth!

Hi all,
My 28th birthday is coming up and I need to find a spot!
The details:
*Cuisine: I'm pretty much up for anything tasty, but needs to have both meat and veggie stuff to keep everyone satisfied. And desserts and a nice wine/port selection wouldn't hurt, either. :)
*Group size: 10 at most
*Price range: Well, here is the hard part...Average entree price really can't go above $15/person. Lower if possible. But still good quality. Some of us are non-profit strugglers while others are not so struggling - I just want to make sure that everyone is comfy.
*If possible, I would also prefer to be around a few good, not stuffy bars. Example of the kind of atmosphere I dig: Barrow St. Ale House, Belgian Room
*Location: Anyplace below 14th St. or Brooklyn (Park Slope, Williamsburg, Bay Ridge).

I had my birthday at Cafe Mogador last year, which was perfect, so I would say a place that is similar-ish. Great vibe, not stuffy, quality food, priced for everyone.

And thanks in advance for y'alls sugestions!

Hi all,
My 28th birthday is coming up and I need to find a spot!
The details:
*Cuisine: I'm pretty much up for anything tasty, but needs to have both meat and veggie stuff to keep everyone satisfied. And desserts and a nice wine/port selection wouldn't hurt, either. :)
*Group size: 10 at most
*Price range: Well, here is the hard part...Average entree price really can't go above $15/person. Lower if possible. But still good quality. Some of us are non-profit strugglers while others are not so struggling - I just want to make sure that everyone is comfy.
*If possible, I would also prefer to be around a few good, not stuffy bars. Example of the kind of atmosphere I dig: Barrow St. Ale House, Belgian Room
*Location: Anyplace below 14th St. or Brooklyn (Park Slope, Williamsburg, Bay Ridge).

I had my birthday at Cafe Mogador last year, which was perfect, so I would say a place that is similar-ish. Great vibe, not stuffy, quality food, priced for everyone.

And thanks in advance for y'alls sugestions!