HomeCookKirsten's Profile
Looking for marrow beans in NYC
Probably not helpful as you likely want to buy them in person, but here is a link to buy online:
http://www.suttonsbayspices.com/Dried_Produce/50056.html
Lotus of Siam in NYC
Reporting back from my first visit (will go again), and it was good...but as I suspected, lacks some of the magic of the not-so-charming (atmosphere)-but-great Vegas outpost.
Tried the boneless stuffed chicken wings, issan larb, pad see-ew and pad prik king. The boneless wings were excellent, the larb was astonishingly hot (which I liked) and the pad see-ew and pad prik king were not as memorable as I recall in Las Vegas, but overall very good, just not head and shoulders above some less expensive neighborhood-type places.
Also, they have not yet built up their wine list and wine options that the Vegas location is so well known for are not yet available, but they were very accomodating and tried very hard to ensure we had what we wanted and within a price range we specified. And they did mention that the list will be growing with each wine order they receive.
Service was accomodating and matched the price point. Going again, will see how the second time goes.
NYC Dec19-23 need suggestions
Not sure where you are staying, but consider the subway. At least for daytime and to dinner treks, can always cab back to hotel. But as stated, 20-30 mins in a cab covers much of Manhattan.
I would try the East Village and/or Lower East Side one night, maybe Motorino or Hearth or Dieci or Momofuku Noodle or Ssam followed by Terroir wine bar or similar if you are feeling low-key, or any of the many bars in the area.
For LES, maybe Stanton Social or Inoteca or Beauty & Essex (just opened, same people behind SS, can't vouch for it but sounds fun and interesting) followed by wandering around some LES spots.
Or, you could go W Village and perhaps dinner at Alta (tapas, great brussels sprouts and good locals-on-a-date or night-out scene) or Spotted Pig (or just go there for drinks) and then some other bars, or pizza at Keste.
And yes, give us a few more specifics (like, do you prefer larger more traditional meals, or small plates, or wine vs. cocktails, or areas/cuisines you prefer) and can weigh in more.
Have fun and congrats to you both!
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Spotted Pig
314 W 11th St, New York, NY 10014
Stanton Social
99 Stanton Street, New York, NY 10002
Momofuku Noodle Bar
171 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003
Dieci
228 E 10th St, New York, NY 10003
Terroir
413 E 12th St, New York, NY 10009
Motorino
349 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003
Beauty & Essex
146 Essex St, New York, NY 10002
Lotus of Siam in NYC
Heading there Friday so will weigh in, but as a former southwest long-time resident and now a year-old New Yorker, I was SO excited LOS was coming, but was also concerned about how it would translate.
First, for me, the magic of LOS was not just the food (which was always good to outstanding) but how sharp of contrast it played against all things Vegas. So it IS cheap compared to restaurants in casinos on the strip, but against a lot of other great Manhattan restaurants, even Vegas off-strip prices would not seem cheap. So the value thing is a bit of a misperception in my opinion. When I moved to Manhattan I was shocked at how inexpensive some restaurants/wine lists/cocktails were as compared to Scottsdale/Las Vegas/Los Angeles.
Then, beyond price, the atmostphere of "authentic" is also so much more elevated because Las Vegas can be so surreal and the strip so fake and perfect, but against what I think is authentic "real-ness" in Manhattan, not sure how it will hold up?
And while people speak about (myself included in the past) the cheap, authentic cheerfullness of LOS Vegas, it honestly is not that cheap or authentic...just as it compares to Vegas. And, the food and service were always excellent. But there is a lot of competition in NYC.
Anyway, I am very excited to try it, but the key attributes that I think helped elevate it's fame to almost mythological standards (aside from Johnathan Gold's infamous opinion as printed in Gourmet) aren't applicable in the NYC location, so I am actually curious to see how I will feel about it. Nostalgia may prevail for me personally, but again, curious. Will report back!
We got soft shell crabs yet, or what?
Had a fantastic SSC sandwich at Perilla Sunday for brunch. Delicious!
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Perilla
9 Jones Street, New York, NY 10014
Chow Challenge: Good Food & Wifi (PHX)
UPDATE!!!!! Now seeking same info - but looking closer to the Scottsdale/Paradise Valley area.
Terroir has wifi I believe, and I LOVE that place, but their food options are lacking a bit...
Any ideas? Any of the restaurants in the Hilton Village/Borgata area have free wifi?
Can't-Say-No Lunch Invite, Vancouver
Thanks everyone! I ended up going with Il Giardino and was very, very happy with the result.
Beautiful space, excellent service and even with a large group (20) the food was fantastic and all serving temperatures/doneness, etc. was lovely.
So fantastic!! Thanks everyone for your recommendations!
Can't-Say-No Lunch Invite, Vancouver
Still considering IlGiardino...and will see if Ciopino will open for a private event for lunch
Can't-Say-No Lunch Invite, Vancouver
Thank you all! Unfortunately with scheduling, lunch it must be...
I have (at present) started to narrow the options to Fuel, Boneta (they do private events for lunch) or DB Bistro. Any thoughts? Advice? Additional recommendations/considerations?
Scottsdale- Pure Sushi reviews?
Are you talking about the Old Town new location, or the North Scottsdale location? Either way, I have had nothing but great, fresh fish and a very good experience. Scene is different, which is why I ask.
Highly recommended...just be prepared to wait and perhaps be stared at a bit while waiting, esp at the north location :)
Can't-Say-No Lunch Invite, Vancouver
Thanks JFHarvey,
Would you actually recommend an evening event, or just compromise on location? What is the dining/social scene like for very in-the-know locals? Meaning, do locals (on business) go out for lunch, cocktails, or just reschedule?
Can't-Say-No Lunch Invite, Vancouver
I know, I'm very demanding, but am ideally seeking local, independent, hotel-free, celeb-chef-free, chain-free, MUST go to local restaurant. The one where you get an invite and clear your calendar if you can....does this exist?
If not, what is the next best.?
Thanks!
Can't-Say-No Lunch Invite, Vancouver
Fantastic, no hotel restaurants, so does that leave DB? Any local fav's not a chain or celeb chef affiliated?
RTL could work, right?
Can't-Say-No Lunch Invite, Vancouver
Perfect! Any other ideas? Ideally the place would be a local favorite, chef-driven, farm/local produce driven and maybe even (dreaming now?) Spanish or Mediterranean inspired cuisine? Slow Food? Thanks!
Can't-Say-No Lunch Invite, Vancouver
West appears to be dinner only, what about Hermitage? Other ideas? Thanks in advance!
Can't-Say-No Lunch Invite, Vancouver
Hi all,
If you were hosting a luncheon in Vancouver for a group of 15-20 and wanted everyone to say YES and clear their schedule, where would you host? Ideally centrally located, not overly formal and a can't-pass-up spot for in-the-know types. Budget not major concern...business lunch, but no need for formal...
Thanks! Can't wait to hear ideas!
Scottsdale/Phoenix Great dinners
Hi Jelly Belly,
Where are you all staying, and will you have a rental car? Phoenix/Scottsdale/Tempe is very spread out, so it helps to know if geography is an issue.
Also - do you have any price point concerns, or is price not an issue?
In general, for pasta, I would say Marcellino or La Locanda are my personal favorites. Caffe Boa (on Mill Ave in Tempe) also has fantastic pasta choices and it's a great restaurant overall. There are many other options, so let us know more of your preferences and we can narrow it down.
For celebratory dinner on Sunday, what type of food are you all looking for? And scene? And price? That will help us help you!
Dinner Recs - Phoenix?
I think Tempe might be a bit crazy after the race...I think Cowboy Ciao is perfect, or NOCA, two of my absolute favorites in town.
One thing about NOCA is I believe the entire menu won't be available...which could be good or bad, just be aware...it won't be the full NOCA experience.
Sea Saw is a must-try, and feels like a "treat" place. Can't go wrong there.
Coup des Tartes is fantastic. Love it. Cozy, tiny, great food. BYOB, so if you drink wine you'll want to plan ahead.
Tarbell's is another great choice. Mark Tarbell is an Iron Chef winner and his popular-with-the-locals restaurant is just great and consistent.
I work at the resort where the restaurant is located, so I can't actually recommend Prado per Chowhound rules, but I am sure they would be happy to welcome you. :)
Have fun and enjoy your visit!
PHX-favorite wine bar?
Terroir!
I love the cheese platters and the wine is always fantastic and affordable - either by the glass or from the shelves...the couch seats or the patio are the best
Dying for Thai
Have to agree here. Was visiting Toronto via New York via Phoenix - where I live. I found Mengrai and was thrilled at the good decor, friendly service, etc. It was a rainy cold night (how do people live in Toronto year round? :)) and Thai sounded so good.
The digging into how you found us is great - but when I mentioned ChowHound I got a puzzled look and then there was just WAYYY too much talking and hovering by my table in general. I was alone and wanted to stay that way. :)
Food was WAY underspiced and underseasoned. I ordered everything Thai Hot - or VERY VERY spicy and barely got the hint of a burn.
That said, overall positive experience, just not anywhere I would return compared to about 4-5 Thai places where I live....but if Toronto doesn't have many choices, this would certainly be ok. Noted that I will skip Thai if back in Toronto soon.
Also, yes, agree on price, 1 small soup, 2 glasses white wine and 1 curry was over $60. Perhaps I was just not used to the taxation system in CA? In Phoenix that would be about $35-45 depending on where you dine.
Catering for a cocktail party of about 200 people for downtown Toronto
Not sure if they do off-site events, but what about Jaime Kennedy Kitchens? www.jaimekennedy.ca
30th b-day recs for vegas?? no info on other boards...
Hi Tastycakes,
Wish I could help, but although I have been to Vegas many times, haven't been to any of those, although I have been to Strip Steak and Nob Hill - other MM outposts.
I think in the land of overpriced over-stimulation and high expectations, I would just focus on what menu/cuisine sounds best to you, followed closely by atmosphere and comfort for your group, followed by price/ease of reservation and proximity to your hotel.
Wish I could be more helpful! If it were me I would do Lotus of Siam :)
Quail eggs in Phoenix
Where are you staying?
Yes, Lee Lee's is a very safe bet, they always have them. But, if you can't make it to the southeast valley, the Asian Market at the Chinese Cultural Center at 44th Street north of Van Buren and south of McDowell quite often has them in the egg display case just at the south of the produce section between poultry and the fresh meat counter.
AJ's can have them on occasion, but you will pay MANY more dollars for them.....
Best of luck and enjoy your visit!
PHX Fresh Swedish Potato Sausage
MAJOR nostalgia for fine-ground Swedish Potato Sausage. Wow, everyone please keep this discussion alive for the holiday season! So Schreiner's on Tuesday?
What's The Deal With Sea Saw?
I honestly think you will be very pleased with Sea Saw. I would try the omakase and try to sit at the bar where you can interact directly.
If all goes as it has when I have dined there, you will leave elated, excited and not overly full. Yes, same ownership....but not the same chef or concept at all. All are independent restaurants.
Cowboy Ciao might be my favorite restaurant in town overall...but agree it might not be a good choice for a special occasion (depends on your style)...but Sea Saw has a totally different energy.
Be warned (i am sure you are aware) that it's not sushi per se, nor traditional "fine dining" but it's lovely, lovely.
good luck!
PHX: Congrats to NOCA, Eliot Wexler, et al. Seftel's review 11.19.08
Agree! Was thrilled for Eliot and team because honestly, they deserve it. Tireless work, a fierce commitment to authenticity and dedication that you just can't fake.
But most of all...exciting and GREAT food!
I've brought in clients and hard-to-impress types and every time has been better than the last.
Cheers to NOCA and the NOCA team!
Three restaurants to try in Scottsdale
Hello Kgebhard,
Welcome to Scottsdale!
You are staying in the far northern area of Scottsdale, beautiful and great, but somewhat far from many of the top restaurants discussed on this board. Thankfully, not all of them!
Here is a short list of what is considered by many to be the best of that region of the city. If you are open to traveling further, let us know!
Binkley's (very fabulous, high-end)
Cafe Bink (more casual, still fabulous)
Sassi
Mosaic
Talavera at Four Seasons
Greaswood Flats (for very casual)
Mastro's (fantastic steaks, great atmosphere, a small chain...)
I am sure others will have great suggestions!
[PHX] weekend eating near Civic Plaza / Wesley Bolin?
yikes, hate being negative, but your situation is challenging. I am a quality over quantity, no-kids, Mexican-always-rules kind of eater, so I can't help much. Do you have a car?
AZ Restaurant Week - Sep 20-26: Where to go?
We went to Bourbon Steak last night and had a GREAT experience. Service, food, everything was top notch.
The portions are smaller - I am sure to make it fit the price - but for us it was the perfect sized portions.
A really great meal -3 courses each, 2 cocktails and 1 glass of wine - for $100, plus grat, at a beautiful restaurant.
The chef sends out the duck-fat fries complimentary (amazing), as well as a potato bread with black truffle butter (also amazing), then we each had the wedge salad, I had the short rib and my boyfriend had the skirt steak, then I had the beignets with the vanilla pot de creme and he had the sorbet trio.
Highly recommend! (also, service was great and not at all snotty re: restaurant week menu and check price, which is nice)
Anything new in Scottsdale?
Yes, I mentioned that in line 6 :)
It's not a unique-to-Scottsdale experience, but definitely delivers on extreme cool factor and people watching
