iloveguacamole's Profile
Sachiko's On Clinton
I was recently at 15 East and chef Masa told us that his former sushi chef (the white guy!) is now the sushi chef at Sachiko.
Need help! Pick 4 of these restaurants...
Not sure if your trip is already over, but I also highly recommend 15 East. Sit at the sushi bar closest to the window, by Chef Masa and order the sushi omakase. Experience not to be missed. I rarely visit a restaurant twice in NYC since there are so many to pick from, but my goal is to be a regular at 15 East, so long as my wallet doesn't start complaining. I wouldn't bother with the cooked food, even though it is tasty. I like 15 East over Yasuda. In my mind, sushi dining experience can't get better than this!
My other favourite NYC restaurant is Crispo for Italian. I haven't been following what others have to say about it recently but they have an all-season garden, half-order pastas and great service.
Malaysian restaurants in NYC
I am also a Malaysian living in NYC and I love Nyonya. I admit they are inconsistent but it's where I go get my Malaysian fix and they are good more often than not. I love the Roti Canai, Nasi Lemak, Asam Laksa, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Char Kuey Teow, Crispy Golden Fried Squid. I'd suggest not writing it off just yet. I think it's pretty authentic and I'm highly doubtful that a trek out to Queens is worth the effort for the incremental improvement in authenticity.
New Coffee Beans at Joe :(
Omigosh, I thought it was just me. Yeah, I haven't been so happy with Joe's new beans :(
Cheap Sushi [Midtown]
Recently went to Tsushima on 47th bet 3rd and Lex recently and was pleasantly surprised (we kinda wandered in not knowing what t expect). Excellent service (tea and water always filled) and it was about $60 including tip for 2 (but we weren't that hungry so for proper dinner it's probably more).
New job = new chow 'hood...Help! (Chelsea)
Nooch on 8th & 17th. Cheap, fast, just not too close to your office. I love their Tom Yum noodles!
Malaysian at Laut?
Laut's pretty good but I haven't tried a lot of their dishes. I really liked their Nasi Lemak and Roti Canai but it's not my go-to Malaysian restaurant (I too grew up in Malaysia). I second Nyonya. Love the Asam Laksa, Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, Char Kueh Teow, Yong Tao Foo, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Crispy Golden Fried Squid... I could go on and on!! I don't care so much for the Indian Mee Goreng
Where do you go for Malaysian cuisine?
Nyonya!! Yummy. I'm drooling just thinking about it.
GOOD EATS IN GRAMERCY
I live in the area and would recommend not limiting yourself to the Gramercy area for food most days since there is so much to enjoy in the city and most are relatively accessible by subway/walking.
I highly recommend Chinos on 3rd avenue and 17th. Asian small plates, relatively low key and affordable with a nice vibe if you're just looking for a non-fussy night.
Also, Amai Tea and Bakehouse next door to Chinos. They have great pastries and tea and are open for breakfast. Their lattes are better than Starbucks but I agree with a previous poster that there's really not much close to your hotel for good coffee.
Taralucci e Vino (18th between Park & Broadway) has the best cappuccino in the area, imo. They are open for breakfast. Also great wine bar if you just want to chill in the afternoon. What I love best though is the service. They are a full-service restaurant but never have issues with me stopping by for an afternoon cappuccino and area always very easygoing (sit wherever you like!)
Pranna on Madison bet 28th & 29th has a cool vibe, except it's not in an area that allows it to be too trendy or pretentious! South East Asian food and as of last week they still had their Restaurant Week menu for $35/3 courses. Many restaurants are extending their Restaurant Week menus so you should see if you can take advantage!
My favourite all-time restaurants:
- Nobu (Japanese): Get the omakase. This is probably not "mid price range" but oh so worth it!
- Crispo (Italian): Sit in the garden!
- Sakagura (Japanese): Completely different menus for lunch and dinner, but I actually really like the lunch menu and think it's a relatively good deal. Favourite soba in the city!
- Tamarind (Indian)
- Nyonya (Malaysian, cash only)
Good cappuccino in the city (and I assume lattes!):
- Mercury Dime in East Village
- Abraco in East Village
- Cafe Grumpy in Chelsea
- Any of the Joe's (closest to Gramercy is probably on 13th and 5th ave)
- Ninth Street espresso (I go to the one in Chelsea Market)
My Evening at Momofuko Ko last night
I echo original poster's comments. Went sometime last year. Enjoyed the experience but was not blown away probably due to a combination of really high expectations from all the reviews, and the blah service of the chefs (but mostly the latter) I completely agree that the chefs need to concentrate while cooking but we had asked a a few curious questions about the food as one of the chefs (tall lanky guy) was serving us. He was completely disinterested and could care less that we were interested in what we were eating (we are semi-foodies). Him and the other two chefs spent most of the evening chatting with a solo diner who seemed like he was a regular so they seemed to be cooking just fine while chatting with him, just not with any of the other guests.
For the price and the hype, I just would not recommend it to anyone solely based on my experience with the chefs, unfortunately. Maybe they were having a bad day or we looked at them funny, I don't know. But there are way too many overhyped restaurants in NYC to try that I don't feel the need to ever go back to Ko again.
sushi rec's
I walked in Tsushima on 47th between 3rd and Lex recently and was very pleasantly surprised. Probably on par with Kanoyama.
If you want more fancy rolls (like Dragon roll for example), I'd suggest Yama or Mizu on 20th between Park/Broadway
Lacit - Malaysian/Thai in Union Square
Can't tell you how happy I am that this opened, I'm Malaysian and have cravings all the time. Agreed with it not being worth a trip but worthwhile if you're in the area (or live in the area in my case!). I've only ordered takeout and not dined but I fear it may not survive as the food seems to be delivered a little too quickly which makes me think the kitchen isn't that busy.
So far I've tried:
Yong tao foo - broth was decent but the fishpaste used to stuff the veggies was a little strange, it was slimy and not set rather than having the texture of fishballs/fishcakes that it's supposed to
Chow kuey teow - The noodles they used were thicker than they should be (more like Thai Pad See Eow) but flavour was actually really really good. I was happy!
Nasi Goreng - YUMMY!
Nask Lemak - So, so. Could have used more curry or sambal for my rice.
Malaysian ice coffee - YUMMY!
Midtown for my birthday
L'Impero in Tudor City is great, but I remember it being pricey: http://www.limpero.com/
Dos Caminos on 3rd and 50th: http://www.brguestrestaurants.com/restaurants/dos_caminos_third_avenue/index.php
A Scot in NYC wants to go al fresco ?
I don't frequent this board as some others so I have not seen any recent write-ups on Crispo, but I have been there 3 times, and love it! They have a large garden out in the back which is uncovered. They serve pasta in half portions which was good to know for me since I couldn't decide between two pasta dishes. I've brought 3 different sets of friends there with me each time, and they loved it too!
Also wait staff has always been very courteous and helpful, not too intrusive but not too absent. Busboys are incredibly diligent and helpful too!
Crispo
Italian, Mediterranean
240 W 14th St, New York 10011
Btwn 7th & 8th Ave
http://www.menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp?areaid=0&restaurantid=5051&neighborhoodid=0&cuisineid=0
Anyone been to Gnocco on E 10th st.?
I went last week and was very underwhelmed. The food was so-so. I had the pasta fagiole and gnocchi special. The staff was for the most part lukewarm other than our server who was terrific but it's not like she could call any shots. The most bothersome part was the light above us kept flickering and they could not do a thing about it (we asked). Apparently it had been happening since the night before. They didn't offer to move us or anything which was strange. I guess we could have asked to be moved but when we had entered the restaurant, the guy behind the bar (I'm assuming the owner) had barked at the person seating us something about not letting people move around as they pleased (this was more in reference to people who were sitting in the garden, then asked to move in because they found the temperature too uncomfortable) and we wanted to respect his wishes. At that point, I just wanted to hurry up and leave so we finished, and left. If the food had been more impressive I could have looked past all those annoyances but I probably won't go back there based on my one experience.
A truly bizarre restaurant experience at Chez le Chef
Yeah, I went there a few years back with an out of town friend. The wait staff were disinterested as was "Frederick" who was also very strange. Food was blah and not worthy of being served. I felt cheated as I probably could have made it myself (and I'm not that great a cook!). Can't remember what I had since it was awhile ago, but I don't think that was the issue.
Lounge area for 20 people times square/mid town for drinks and appetizers
Cellar bar has no food, but Koi, Japanese restaurant also in Bryant Park hotel is awesome!
The Grey Dog's Coffee- Univ. Pl.
I finally tried their cappuccino this morning with great anticipation, and it was awful! What made the experience worse was I waited in line for 1/2 hour (they have a weird system where people dining and taking out all order from the same counter), and, I had tried to stop by twice before but the first time they were still closed despite announcing in TONY that they were open, and the 2nd time I was turned away because they were not operating their normal business hours yet, even though they had already taken my order (they turned me away after I answered "no" when they asked me if I had ever been there before, wonder what "yes" would have gotten me).
I've never been to the original location, but the coffee there must be completely different because of all the recognition that it has gotten. I would not recommend Grey Dog at University for their coffee, or their service. Don't know about the food, but if a cafe can't get the coffee right, I have no faith in anything else!! I may still try the Carmine location just because I'm always dying to find good cappuccino, but I'm done with the University location!!
Parea for dinner on Sat. Where to have drinks before/after?
Tarralucci e Vino on 19th between Broadway & 5th. They serve food also but don't generally have issues with people sitting for just drinks. This would be a great low-key place for wine and appetizers.
Barna on Park and 26th in the Giraffe Hotel basement.
Japonais on 17th (or maybe it's 18th?) between Park and Irving. They have a lounge area upstairs.
Sugarcane next to Shushisamba on Park, but they tend to get very crowded.
My top pick would be Flatiron Lounge, though
Where can I buy good chocolate covered coffee or espresso beans?
Michel Cluizel in ABC Carpet & Home
Cozy, romantic new american
I like THOR in The Hotel on Rivington, but I think some people on this board may have been critical about this retaurant in the past.
Dinner with Vegetarian
Franchia - Vegetarian-Korean.
Vong - I remember them having a separate vegetarian menu
Mr. K - probably not date-friendly
I'd also imagine most Indian restaurants are vege-friendly
I personally do not like Zen Palate.
Moving to NY. Suggestions on where to reside based on chow?
Although food is a major factor, you should also consider your personality. Here's my take:
East Village for more casual/lively/young feel and you enjoy the bar scene. Seems like people are always out and about
Union Sq if you don't mind being surrounded by college students and commotion. In my opinion, Union Sq in theory sounds like a great place to live, but practically it's become a madhouse
Gramercy (my hood) if you like things to quiet down a little. It's close to Union Sq, Chelsea, 6 train ride to Chinatown, steps away from Curry Hill and a number of dependable staples and Irish bars in the neighbourhood
Chelsea if you like to eat out a lot and enjoy wine bars / club scene (depending how far West in Chelsea).
And trust me, once you are living in NYC, you will not want to hoof anywhere that takes 40 minutes (and neither will your friends) so pick a place near the N/R or 1/9 trains!
Dad's 60th Bday - Sat. night Sushi for 8 ppl
Yama on 49th and 2nd - not as rowdy as the one on Irving, same quality sushi and much nicer interior
Sushi of Gari on the UES
Geisha - Madison, somewhere in the 60s
Japonais on 18th between Park/Irving - a bit of a scene, but the rolls are to die for and honestly in Gramercy, you can't fill up a restaurant that big (and good) only with people who want to be seen.
Koi in Bryant Park Hotel - more of a scene than Japonais, business-y crowd but it's a very nice restaurant and they have really good rolls
Sorry, don't know any place in the WV
Dining alone in Chelsea, and authentic local Italian anywhere in NYC recs needed
You could try Nooch for your solo night (8th avenue and 17th street). They have both Japanese and Thai food, and have very good Tom Yam noodles. You can definitely be in and out for under $20.
For Italian, I really like Arezzo on 22nd between 5th and 6th but it does feel a little "business" like.
Trying to Impress - Trendy& Delicious?
You have to go to Japonais. I love almost all the restaurants you mentioned (Kittichai, Cafe Grey and Public) and I don't care for Balthazar as well. I've been there twice, first time I was completely underdressed but the matre'd did not bat an eyelash and seated us in the lounge area upstairs. To top it all off, he checked in with us towards the end of our night and was sincerely delighted to talk to us about our experience there. Service had been excellent throughout the night, and the food had been amazing (other than the pork buns, which were very dough-y). Drinks were also very good. There's a salmon/shrimp roll that's to die for. I wouldn't say this is the best Japanese restaurant I've been to, but definitely the best overall experience of any restaurant in NY that I've been to, with Kittichai a close 2nd.
Some other places you may want to consider:
THOR - in The Hotel on Rivington (similar scene as Kittichai, but New American cuisine). Best lobster bisque I've had in my life. Very good waitstaff, attentive without being smothering.
Earth NYC - Meatpacking District. I think they are trying to serve 'world' cuisine, but it's mainly Indian with some Southeast Asian dishes. Very nice interior and I think it becomes a nightclub after 10 or 11. Probably slightly more 'pretentions' scene than the rest, but definitely a scene. Very good food, though the SEA fare is probably not as autentic (though very tasty nonetheless).
Pera in Midtown - anyone been?
I went to Pera about two weeks ago for lunch as I work in the midtown area and was dying for an alternative to the regular fare. I was thoroughly disappointed: food was so-so, but it was really the service that I thought was simply awful. If the food had been excellent, I may have decided to give it another try but based on my experience, I'd rather go back to Naples and Tropica and some other Midtown staples for business lunches unless someone can post and convince me to go back and try it out again. I recently also had a very good experience at Koi in the Bryant Park hotel.
Here are some details of my horrendous experience. We had reservations, and it took them 10 minutes to seat us even though the restaurant was empty and there were a ton of waitstaff milling around. The entranceway was chaotic because there was a table of 10 or so who did not have reservations, and needed to check their coats so me and my friend had to patiently wait until they were seated before anyone could tend to us. Once seated, we were given a dirty look by our waitress because we only wanted tap water, and not "still' or "sparkling", which were the only two options she gave us. She then returned 2 seconds later to take our order, but not before recommending the most expensive appetizer on the menu (without any explanation). We expressed that we needed a bit more time, and she then proceeded to hover and stare at us. Not sure of her intention, since at that point, the restaurant was still relatively empty. We were finally ordered, and proceeded to wait patiently (yet again) for our hummus appetizer. For some unknown reason, they had to change our silverware, but still no hummus. The restaurant started filling up, and other tables were ordering, but still no hummus. Then hot appetizers for other tables came out, but still no hummus. About 20 minutes later we inquired about our hummus, and the sullen waittress said, "Ah yes, I was just wondering about that". The the hummus came out, and a mere 2 minutes later, our main courses followed suit. They again felt the need to replace our silverware and also removed our appetizer plates when we were clearly not done with the appetizer. I couldn't remember what I ordered (I think it may have been a shrimp dish), but it didn't knock my socks off and on top of that, it wasn't piping hot. At that point, I was just ready to leave. I didn't finish my meal, didn't bother with dessert or coffee (which I love), left a less than desirable tip and left as quick as I could! With so many good restaurants in Manhattan, there's just absolutely no excuse for a place like that to exist and it made me so angry!
They do have a nice bar and lounge in the front area, which I may be convinced to try, but not returning here for the food.
