almostdone's Profile
Artisinal or Five Points for Brunch
I've been to Artisinal several times for brunch and like it much better than Five Points. The menu has always pleased everyone in our crowd.
Saturday night dinner - veg friendly, south of 14th st.
Also, I've ruled out Blue Hill since they don't REALLY have a vegetarian main dish & Pure Food & Wine since we've been several times.
Saturday night dinner - veg friendly, south of 14th st.
I am looking for a restaurant for dinner with my in-laws (visiting from out of town) on Sat. 10/27. I'm feeling bored with some of my usual standbys (examples: Cacio e Pepe, Palma) and have a few issues that limit the choices. I'm a vegetarian (but also a foodie) and I'm pregnant so I'm not able to handle the spiciness I used to like and I have to avoid unpasteurized cheese. My husband and I haven't been eating out at nicer places since I've been so picky and we've been saving for the baby but since his parents are visiting, we're looking for something new for us, somewhat luxurious and really good food. I considered Balthazar but they don't have a pregnancy safe vegetarian option. I was also considering a few midtown places (Hangawi and Artisinal) but don't want to stay in midtown (we're seeing a matinée).
Recommendations for a culinarily-bored pregnant vegetarian when someone else is paying?
Recommendations in/near Theater District
Cascina is my new favorite Italian in the area. It's located on 9th Ave between 45 & 46 St.
There are several good ethnic restaurants along 9th Ave.
Manhattan Vegies
I've been a vegetarian for 15 years. Generally, I like to eat ethnic food and Indian is my favorite. I've tried most of the vegetarian restaurants in the city at one time or another and don't really love any of them. The restaurants I do love make excellent vegetarian food but include other choices as well.
That said, I've been to Hangawi several times and really enjoyed myself each time.
Pure Food and Wine is really good but it is raw and therefore, I think, tough to enjoy in this weather.
I think both Candle Cafe and Zen Palate are very overrated.
Other than that, I recommend picking good ethnic restaurants (indian, italian, thai, etc...) Almost all non-french restaurants have at least one option, most have several.
Mac and Cheese
Sylvia's in Harlem makes some really good mac n cheese.
I like the one at Artisinal as well.
I think I'll have the try the truffle mac and cheese soon!
Birthday Dinner for 8-12 - Lots of Complications!
I've been reading this board for years and have gotten lots of terrific advice from all of you but have never posted. I'm posting today because I am stumped!
I'm trying to plan a birthday dinner for myself (turning 31) and would really like it to be
1) a place where we can sit for a few hours and hang out, 2) a place with some style, good service and elements of fine dining. BUT, I don't want anything old-fashioned or stuffy.
The group will be about 8-12 people. Most are 30-31 but there are a few in their mid-20s. I'm a vegetarian and like to have a few choices but am fine with others eating meat (as long as my hubbie can also go veggie to share with me on my bday). The other complication is that a few of the people are full time grad students and are pretty broke. I'm not willing to go really cheap but we do need something that can be affordable for the 1-2 who need to chip in less.
I was thinking Mexican, Italian, Middle Eastern, etc... downtown. I don't want to do any asian and don't want to be north of 14th Street.
I'm tired of most of my regular places and am stumped-- it's past time to finally send out the invitation! Please help.
