jwobkk's Profile
Details from our recent trip to ROME
Just returned from my trip and my two meals in Rome were excellent and just what I was seeking.
Armando al Pantheon was the lunch spot and everything was just great. Awesome pasta and tremendous veal with roasted potatoes. I highly recommend this place. Very friendly service in addition to the food. Get a reservation as it is very small.
Dinner was Da Felice in Testaccio. This wasn't as friendly as Armando but it was more local and I love local places. My friend asked for a menu because we had trouble understanding our waiter and this pissed the waiter off. Completely rude and uncalled for but we got a good laugh about it. Despite the somewhat rude service the food was off the charts. The signature cacio e pepe was unbelievable. Roasted lamb with potatoes was devine. Artichokes cooked roman sytle were so good I got a second order. Tiramisu served in a glass was probably the best rendition of that dish I have ever experienced. Don't miss this place.
Details from our recent trip to ROME
You are a great source of information. Any thoughts on Felice a Testaccio?
Details from our recent trip to ROME
Thanks mbfant. The other one I am considering is Antico Arco which sounds great but perhaps a tad too modern for what I am looking for. Any thoughts on that place? Armando could be a great call for lunch.
Details from our recent trip to ROME
I'm going to be in Rome next week and I'm looking for a good hearty Roman meal. I was thinking of Al Ceppo but now you are making think of Armando. What did you eat as secondi?
One night in Rome
I'm looking for a great dinner in my one night in Rome. I'd like something more local and Roman in style. Thinking lamb cooked over a fire type of goodness. Al Ceppo looks like it might be the call. What do people think of this place? Should I be considering others?
Plazita Limena in Bonaire
What type of items do you recommend here? What is the location?
bonaire--best food with great ambience?
Thanks Phelana. I'm going back to the DBV again so I booked direct. Menno & Esther are really doing great things there. I will definitely visit Rose Inn for lunch this time. Thanks for all the tips again!
bonaire--best food with great ambience?
Hi Phelana - I'm coming back to Bonaire in a few weeks. My second visit inside of a year. The dining scene was awesome last time so I'm looking forward to more good food.
I have a few questions for you. Do you recommend BBQ at Bonaire Windsurf Place more than Bobbejans? Is the Rose Inn only open for lunch? I definitely want to try the goat stew. Do they serve it all the time?
When will Ippudo Ramen open?
Ippudo is officially opening today. NYC ramen lovers this is the day you've been waiting for.
When will Ippudo Ramen open?
The official opening is supposed to happen in March 2008. Time to get our slurp on!!!
Saigon Grill - Upper East Side
This location is now gone and has been replaced by another restaurant. The delivery was the best ever on the UES.
When will Ippudo Ramen open?
If anyone has any information please pass it along. I can't wait to taste this ramen!!!
New to the SF. Valley. Where are the best places to eat??
Really good thread here on good Valley eats....
Italia Deli on Balboa and SF Mission is truly outstanding for subs, deli, pasta, bread, sweets. I've had their lasagna catered for a few parties and everyone is blown away by it. The subs are top-notch. Tough to decide if I like the hard or soft roll better. The spaghetti with meatballs is great to go. Just a fabulous neighborhood place that has been at the top of its game for decades.
Los Toros in Chatsworth for fun Mexican food including dangerously strong Margaritas, killer bean dip, great fajitas and a festive atmosphere. I love this place.
Top Chef Finale! (spoilers)
Great season - Hung deserved the win last night. I'm shocked that Casey fell apart in the finale. She was really on fire in the later part of the season and the judges loved her flavors.
Patsy's Pizza in East Harlem: Downhill
Definitely agree about Patsy's original location being superior....if I could only bring myself to make the trip to Coney Island to try the original Totonno's....
Patsy's Pizza in East Harlem: Downhill
Which Totonno's? Is there a difference btw the Coney Island branch and the Manhattan branches. I'm guessing there definitely is. I'm getting hungry now - Patsy's sounds tasty!
Momofuku Noodle vs. Setagaya
I had a taste of the ramen at Momofuku on Friday night and it was a big disappointment. The broth had no flavor and the noodles were overdone. The small plates are as good as ever at Momofuku and the ramen remains bad. I love the ramen at Setagaya and based upon the line I saw there on Friday night it remains a popular spot.
Breakfast & Lunch choices in Bonaire
I just returned from a week in Bonaire and I'm happy to report there are several great restaurants to enjoy. I visited El Fagon, Warang Louise, Mona Lisa, Cactus Blue, Capriccios and Rum Runners. All were good. My favorite meal was at Capriccio where I went back a second time due to the outstanding wine list, friendly owners and excellent food. I missed out on a couple places because they were closed or just didn't have enough time so I will have to come back. The places I will visit next time include Bistro de Paris (food looked great), Richard's (closed for holiday), Will's (closed for holiday) and Bobbijian's BBQ (I talked to many people who loved this place). Really a fantastic place to dive if that is your thing.
new to Bonaire/Netherland Antilles
I have just returned from a great week of diving in Bonaire with a fantastic stay at the Deep Blue View. Thanks to all the Chowhounders for the restaurant recommendations. My favorites were Capriccio for the fantastic wine list, great pizzas, tasty pastas and friendly owners; Warang Louise for the tasty Indonesian cuisine; Mona Lisa for excellent fish; El Fagon for the fresh fish and excellent sauces; Rum Runners for a good happy special and a nice cheeseburger and Cactus Blue for a tasty slice of Key Lime Pie.
new to Bonaire/Netherland Antilles
Hi Phelana - any updates on the Bonaire dining scene? My trip is coming up shortly and I'm ready to sample the dining scene. Thanks for all your valuable information.
Momofuku Noodle vs. Setagaya
The reason I say that is my expat Japanese friends always know the best Japanese places to eat in New York and more often than not these establishments serve a clientele that is almost exclusively Japanese. They were onto Yakitori Totto long before it was known to the masses.
La Jolla
My brother who lives in La Jolla is a major foodie and he believes Jack's is the best restaurant. He hasn't been thrilled with the service but loves the food that comes out of Tony DiSalvo's kitchen.
Momofuku Noodle vs. Setagaya
Not many choices. They are known for the Shio Ramen so I would go with that.
Momofuku Noodle vs. Setagaya
I don't think it is a valid comparison to compare the two against each other. Setagaya is a traditional ramen bar that you would find in Japan that makes excellent ramen with fresh ingredients. Momofuku does not make authentic Japanese ramen. I love Momofuku for its small plates, creativity, seasonal ingredients and great flavors. I would not go there to satisfy a ramen craving. Setagaya is a pure play ramen bar with a strong Japanese clientele. In fact, I was the only Gaijin in the restaurant today on the lunch hour. To me that is a great sign. Looking forward to the arrival of Ippudo now. The dismal ramen scene in New York is now looking a lot better. Just wish that Santoka could open a branch in Manhattan - then we would be set.
Ramen Setagaya (らーめん せたが屋) 1st Ave (btw 8 & 9)
Went there for lunch today and this is my review. No lines at all on the lunch hour compared to long ones in the evening.
This is the real deal. An authentic Japanese ramen restaurant has finally landed in Manhattan. The menu is short on items as it principally serves its shio broth ramens - salt based. The broth is light with subtle seafood flavors. Very good and completely different from the rich, hearty broth found at Santoka in NJ. The toppings are all top-notch, especially the pork, which was so delicate and flavorful, basically it melted in my mouth. Noodles are done just right. Looking around I was the only Gaijin in the restaurant on the lunch hour which is a good sign for authenticity. Great addition to the lacking ramen scene in New York. Can't wait for Ippudo now. Solid place.
Best Yakatori
Been to Tory's and Totto. Both are great although I prefer the original Totto. This is the best Yakitori restaurant in Manhattan. This view is shared by all of the ex-pat Japanese I know in Manhattan.
