vinogirl212's Profile
Bars with Kosher for Passover Wine?
I want to take my friend out for drinks to celebrate her birthday, which falls during Passover. As she strictly observes the holiday and only drinks KfP wines, does anyone have any recommendations of places that serve KfP wine? A wine bar would be optimal but any place where we can sit and talk would be optimal.
...and now for another report on the new ACME:
Crsin, I would akin the scene to the Dutch, not clubby but definitely vibrant and social. If you get one of the banquettes in the back you should be fine.
Have fun!
...and now for another report on the new ACME:
Great writeup, sgordon. My boyfriend and I went to Acme for dinner last night and I agree with a lot of what you wrote.
THE FOOD: I also had the smoked salmon but found the dressing a little heavy-handed. My boyfriend had the celery soup, which was at first seemed rather airy and foamy but was very flavorful and ended up feeling rich, but not in a heavy, mouthfeel way, more in a concentration of flavor. We shared the Arctic Char, which was cooked perfectly, as well as the lobster with mushrooms. The mushrooms veered on the edge of being too salty but overall still enjoyable. We had a side of sunchokes, which we found to be one of our favorites.
THE DRAMA: However, there were a lot of front of house issues that marred the meal. We arrived at 9:15, anticipating a wait, and as expected were quoted about an hour (which we were fine with as we weren't that hungry). We decided to wait at the bar, but were told bar seating was for people eating and the couple empty seats we spotted were being reserved. My boyfriend and I actually enjoy bar seating so we hoped that something would open up as another option. The hour eventually stretched into an hour and a half, during the course of which we noticed people who walked in after us getting seats and food at the bar (definitely not as a reservation). When we checked in with the host at the hour mark we got the impression he forgot about us. Eventually, I got a seat at the bar (just for wine) and when the seat next to me opened up my boyfriend grabbed it and we were able to order. Finally situated and hungry, we ordered, and after our appetizers appeared, we asked for the bread we had seen other tables receive, only to be told they ran out.
THE REDEMPTION: At that point, I was so frustrated with the wait and the confusion over the seating situation that I told our bartender, Nick, how displeased we were. To the restaurant's credit, they definitely wanted to ensure they remedied the situation, so the host first came over apologizing and gave us his personal email so we could make reservations for next time. They also brought us out dessert on the house, the beer and pretzel porridge, which was delicious. An interesting balance of foamy and creamy with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream in the center. Finally, they took 2 of my glasses of wine off the bill. As a side note, Nick, our bartender was fantastic. He was incredibly friendly and warm. He took time to chat with us and all his other patrons in a genuine way.
Overall, I'd try it again but definitely will wait for a while until they have some of the kinks worked out. My aggravation definitely marred my enjoyment of the food in the moment and it's only in retrospect that I appreciate some of the dishes.
Advanced Certificate Wine Course in NYC - WSET or American Sommelier?
Thank you so much for your response! Can you outline the difference in curriculum between the 2 and why you think WSET might be a bit better? Their course agendas are nearly identical so I couldn't tell where they differ. However, ASA is also 24 weeks - do you know what they cover that's more in-depth?
From a business perspective, will WSET also create good connections in the NY area? As ASA is NYC based they seem pretty linked into the wine/restaurant industry and I want to ensure WSET in NY has the same.
Thanks again!
Advanced Certificate Wine Course in NYC - WSET or American Sommelier?
I'm envisioning consulting for private clients and possibly creating events (such as leading wine tastings at private dinner parties, classes for novices on how to read a wine list, etc) as well as consult for restaurants that won't have an on-staff sommelier. Out of your goals listed above, I'd say I'd like to be as knowledgable about wine as possible. Finally, in regards to your last question, I have some interest in beer but think at this point my main focus is on wine. Thanks for taking the time to dig deeper with me.
Advanced Certificate Wine Course in NYC - WSET or American Sommelier?
I recently completed the Foundation Course from American Sommelier and am ready to start advanced coursework. However, I am torn between the 24 week viti/vini course from ASA or the advanced certification from WSET. While I enjoyed ASA, I've heard several recommendations from people to take WSET. Does anyone have experience with both? Any thoughts to share? My ultimate career goal is to be a wine consultant and hopefully own a wine store.
Bachelorette Party Help
Hi Chowhounders,
I'm looking for a dinner place for a friend's bachelorette party. There will be about 10-15 women and we are looking to spend about $40 - $60 a person. Any recommendations of lively and fun places, not cheesy, though, that you recommend? We are fairly open in terms of cuisine. Thanks in advance for your help!
West Village Pizza - Preferably one that delivers?
I'm having some people over tomorrow night for a pizza party and was wondering what was the best pizza in the West Village, preferably a place that delivers?
Thanks!
Recs for a solo female diner in Scottsdale?
Thanks for the recs so far! I'm open to different cuisines but since I am on the company card and am able to take myself out for a nice dinner, I'd like to take advantage of something a bit more upscale vs. low-key (I do a lot of budget eating at home).
Recs for a solo female diner in Scottsdale?
I will be in Scottsdale for business and looking for good restaurants for a solo diner. I will be staying at the Hilton but will be traveling by taxi so don't want to venture too far. I'm open to different cuisines, especially anything that's a regional specialty, and willing to spend about $50 on a meal (including wine).
I've been reading good things about Sea Saw, Element and Cowboy Ciao. Are these good places? Any other suggestions?
Thanks so much!
Pre-dinner cocktails before dinner at Little Owl
I also second Employees Only.
I've heard good things about Blue Ribbon Bar and there's always 'ino, also around the corner from the restaurant.
Good cheap eats: Greenbelt/College Park, MD
I went to UMD and one of my favorites was Jungle Grille off Rte 1 in College Park. Very fresh salads and sandwiches. Plus, they serve Thomas Sweet ice cream and hard frozen yogurt (I still crave the coffee oreo frozen yogurt!) They also make really great milkshakes.....
Mmmmm, getting hungry just thinking about it!
Cafe Condesa closed?
Does anyone know if Cafe Condesa (Bleecker and MacDougal) closed? I went over there early afternoon Saturday and the lights were off, chairs were on the tables and newspaper was covering some of the windows.
Has anyone heard anything?
Recs for good organic caterers in NYC?
I am planning an event for work and am looking to use an organic, full-service catering company. I know the Green Table/Cleaver Co. is highly regarded, but does anyone have any other suggestions or recommendations? Thanks!
What is with the smell at Subway??
Actually, that "baking bread" smell from Subway might actually be coming from am electronic scent box (I kid you not!) If you've ever seen an aromatherapy diffuser, these things operate in a similar manner, but on a larger scale.
I used to work at a restaurant and one day a marketing company came in to pitch these things. They are actually commonly used in many retail stores and the scent is customized for the store (aka Subway's baking bread). They can also used like aromatherapy. For example, some stores pipe in the subtle scent of peppermint to energize, other use lavender to make the shopper feel calm.
This company thought that since we were a restaurant, using one that had an enticing food smell and having it released to people walking by on the street would entice them to come in.
I really wish I was making this up but I'm serious. So, everyone is right on the mark when they complain about all the artificial ingredients and preservatives at Subway - even the smell is fake!
Amazing Turkish restaurants?
I agree with Pan and nativeNYer, Pasha didn't strike me as anything special. The ambiance was nice but the food wasn't memorable.
1st Time to NYC.. suggestions?
Although it's not a meal, I would recommend getting a pretzel croissant from City Bakery on 18th St b/t 5th and 6th Avenues. Truly addictive and I make all my out-of-town guests try them (my mom now requests a trip every time she comes to visit).
Amazing Turkish restaurants?
I love Turkish Kitchen on 3rd Ave b/t 28th and 29th. I have found it to be superlative Turkish food. Try to get a table at the upstair balcony if you can, it's a little more romantic than downstairs, which can get a little loud and the tables are close together.
Max in Tribeca - short review
I was there a couple of months ago when they first opened and also had the spaghetti with lamb ragu. It was fabulous and I finished the who thing even though I was beyond full. I've been meaning to go back there, glad to know it's as good as I remembered!
Has anyone tried FR.OG in Soho?
I'm considering this place for a birthday dinner but was wondering if any 'hounds have tried it yet.
If not, I'm also thinking about Thalassa or Kittichai (I know, there is no commonality among any of these :-) ). Any thoughts? Thanks!
Best Manhattan frozen yogurts?
Definitely try Emack and Bolios, there is one on Houston, near W. Broadway and I believe there's another location on the UWS. They serve hard frozen yogurt, which is more of an ice cream consistency, not the soft serve, and it is DIVINE. I recommend the coffee heath bar, milky way or malted malt ball flavors.
24-hour coffee houses in the village/chelsea?
It's more Soho, but Aroma, an Israeli coffee house (I beleive it's a chain in Israel), is 24 hours and has Wifi. It's on Houston, can't remember the cross street, though.
Moroccan in NYC
I second Nomad, I had a wonderful lamb tagine and couscous there. They also recently had a great write-up in the NY Times. Bring cash or an AmEx card, though, they don't accept any other credit cards.
West Village Sushi: Tora/Ido, Aki, or Taka
Funayama on Greenwich Ave near w. 10th. Big, creative rolls at reasonable prices. The owners used to work at Yama so there are a lot of similarities in the menu.
Current Favorite Dish/Item for Less than $10?
Pretzel croissant from City Bakery - I crave these!
Hummus from Hummus Place
I'm limiting myself to 2 contributions, I went with the first 2 that came to mind.
Sushi near 14th & 7th?
I second Momoya
My favorite is Funayama on Greenwich Ave, near 10th St. The chefs used to work at Yama so some of the specialty rolls are the same. Also has the same healthy portion size and everything is very fresh.
Solo female traveler to PDX and SEA
Thanks, everyone!
I'm planning a group dinner in PDX at ClarkLewis for Sat night - is was recommended, any good?
Solo female traveler to PDX and SEA
I'm coming in from NYC for work to Portland, then heading to Seattle. I'm looking for recommendations in both cities where a female solo diner can get a good meal. Don't mind a little bit of a scene, but more importantly, looking for good food that highlights any regional specialties. I'm open to pretty much any type of cuisine except Italian (very common to find in NY).
Thanks for the help!
Portland and Seattle trip - looking for recs
I'm going to be visiting Portland March 23-25 and Seattle from the 25-28th. I'm looking for good restaurant recommendations, primarliy dinners. Since it is a business trip I'm not on a tight budget but can't go astronomically expensive. Am pretty open to any type of cuisine, but particularly interested in any regional specialties.
Thanks in advance for your help!
