rosiemac75's Profile
Fried Clams in Manhattan?
According to Luke's Lobster's website and the in-house menu: "Fried whole belly clams coming soon to the Upper East Side." :-)
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Luke's Lobster
242 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028
Sharz Cafe on the UES - Did it close?
Tried to go there last night and there was a sign on the front that said "Sayanora?" The Zagat 2010 sticker was in the window, so this must be a recent event? I am a little disappointed. I thought for the UES it was a decent place, especially with the numerous wines by the glass selection.
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Sharz Cafe
435 E 86th St Frnt 1, New York, NY 10028
Jerusalem Grille UES
I got take out there last week. Got the simple falafel sandwich for $5. It was hearty and the fafafel was good. The vegetables in the sandwich were fresh and lots of them which made the sandwich a meal bc it was pretty big. Totally going to go back.
Le Fooding?
I also went on Saturday evening and did the VIP upgrade which was well worth it. It included Vueve for the 1st hour and no lines from 6pm-7pm. You could walk right up to any of the booths without having to wait. There were only about 75 people at the event from 6-7pm.
I also agree that the best dish of the night was Stephane Jego's simmered beef cheeks and camembert meringue. My friend wanted to originally avoid the dish and when I asked why she said it looked unappetizing and that it didn't even look like beef. Once I convinced her we should try it, we went back for 3rds! So I think bc the event was such a "scene" with a lot of people there who didn't seem to have a clue about food, maybe Stephane Jego's dish was avoided bc it was not as easily identifiable? Worked for me though. I went back numerous times and got to speak to him and his staff.
El Porron: 1st Ave betw. 61st and 62nd. General review
We didn't have any wine/sangria and for the 7 tapas and dessert it was $82. So on average about $10 each. I thought for the amount of food, it was reasonably priced. Like the shrimp, there were about 9-10 of them. And we didn't even finish the octopus there was so much of it. The tortilla also was a decent sized portion.
El Porron: 1st Ave betw. 61st and 62nd. General review
Chowhounders - my first review. Forgive me, but I hate to write extensively so better to ask me what I don't address for you!
Went this past Friday evening (Labor day weekend), early, 6:00pm. So needless to say it was the "early bird special" type of crowd BUT I was surprised how many tables were taken, about half the restaurant, given the holiday weekend. A couple, next to us, were already on a first name basis with the staff, having been about 5 times already. I was hoping this was a good sign.
Decor is modern, not too uptight and stuffy. Brown hues which were inviting, the type of place you walk by and you stop to read the menu because the decor draws you in. A point to note, it would be a great spot for solo diners as there is a bar in the middle of the place designed for eating, with high backed stools and a server/bartender who stays behind the counter. I wouldn't exactly call it a bar area though. Only about 4 seats. I will have to revisit to get my take on whether it could be a spot to "grab a drink."
I know this sounds nit-picky but the physical wine list is a bit strange. Not the wines on it but it's presentation. Basically it looks like it just came off the printer and they put it in a plastic sleeve. Very flimsy. Whites are on one page and reds one another. Just seems strange juggling 2 pieces of flimsy, paper. Hopefully this is just part of the growing pains.
Was it a mind blowing experience like EMP or Babbo? No. Was it better than Boqueria? No. I'd compare it to Las Ramblas. BUT it does serve a purpose in an area on the UES (east 60's) that is frankly lacking in decent places to go and any sort of diversity in terms of cuisine. Forget even the east 60's, I don't even think there is a Spanish Tapas place anywhere uptown. Will I return? Yes. Why? It was good (not great), it's local and it's not Italian which dominates the UES. The portions were pretty big for the price points and the atmosphere was great.
On to the important stuff:
There is an entree section of the menu. We skipped it entirely so I can't comment on them.
We ordered a bunch of tapas:
Manchego with quince paste
Mushrooms in garlic
Chicken croquettes
Crispy sweetbreads
Tortilla with chorizo
Grilled octopus
Shrimp a la plancha (head on)
Churros with chocolate dipping sauce
The manchego was just that. Either you are craving it or you are not. It's not like they made it in the kitchen. Only comment on that dish is the bread served with it, portions like match sticks. Not enough bread to even eat with the cheese. The mushrooms in garlic were my least favorite. Oyster, crimini and shiitakes cooked down too much so that it was basically like mushroom mush. Chicken croquettes were good. Nice and crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside. Crispy sweetbreads also pretty good. I guess I could comment that they were over cooked, but the dish does read "crispy" and I enjoyed them. I have sweetbreads often when I eat out and this was an interesting preparation. I would recommend them for someone who has always wanted to try sweetbreads like "sweetbread training wheels." The crispiness of the dish almost disguises that it's organ meat. Maybe a bad thing for the sweetbread purist but it wasn't a bad dish. The tortilla was fabulous, just the right amount of egg and potato. Not too light but not too heavy. The best 2 dishes were the octopus and the shrimp. The octopus was so tender you could have cut it with a fork. And the star of the night, the shrimp. Head on, which I love, to suck out the brains. Perfectly seasoned. Just enough saltiness and acidity. I would go back for that dish alone. And finally, churros for dessert . Not on the regular menu but the special for the night. They were light and airy, but yet crisy at the same time. Delicious.
Hope this was somewhat informative. Would love to hear other comments. Was told by the "regulars" next to us the squid is very good. Will try that next time!
UES, around 89th, lounge/bar that serves food or snacks late?
Cavatappo Wine Bar is on 90th and 2nd. Has a small plates menu. Food was decent. Wine selection by the glass is great.
BB&R is on 2nd betw. 89th/90th. More of a sports bar. Think wings and beers.
Degustation: Review + Photos
I have had the same unpleasant experience with the reservationist for the last 8 or so months. She seems to have taken a new spin on the way the name is pronounced. Since opening in June-ish 2006, the staff I have encountered and the previous reservationists have pronounced it "day-gu-STAY-shun." Wonder what's up the new pronunciation when making resies? It's just an uncomfortable exchange when she corrects you on the phone but maybe we have all been saying it incorrectly...
Week in NYC; Review my line up please
I'd highly recommend Shopsin's for breakfast. A unique NYC breakfast/lunch spot. Note: Closed on Sunday and Monday's. You will not be disappointed. Recommended pancakes: Slutty Cakes, the bacon and egg or the mac and cheese. Egg Dishes: Blisters on my Sisters or the Castles.
Here's a few chow links from recent converations about Shopsins:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/642004
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/639527
I also chime in with the rest of the gang and add EMP.
I would also look into Degustation. Especially since you eat on the earlier side. Whenever I have gone for a 6pm seating, it's only half full.
And hit up El Quinto Pinofor the Uni Panini - assuming you like uni?
East 50-70's: Restaurants and cafes, the whole shebang!
Coffee shop/breakfast: EJ's on 3rd Ave and 73rd St.
Bagels:
Tal bagels on 1st ave betw 53rd/54th
Bagel Works 1st ave. betw 66th/67th
Baguettes or French sandwiches (stuff to take on the go):
Le Pain Quotidien on Lex betw 63rd and 64th or 1st Ave betw 67th and 68th or 77th betw. 2nd and 3rd Ave
Obika Mozzeralla bar on Madison and 57th
Fresco on the Go E. 52nd betw. Madison and Park
Restaurants to consider in the area:
Fig and olive (which you mentioned) on 52nd and madison or 64th and lex
Felice 1st ave and 64th
Accademio di Vino 3rd ave. and 64th
Sushi Seki on 1st Ave betw 62nd and 63rd
JG Melon (for burgers) 3rd ave and 74th St.
Mia Dona on 58th betw. 2nd and 3rd
Shopsin's still good?
Planetjess - I see people reading all the time. I think you will be fine. If you just order from the menu and don't pull a "When Harry Met Sally" moment and add things, ask for things on the side, etc, you will have no problem. The level of interaction is rather minimal (most of the time) and if Kenny starts talking to you, just go with the flow. He's just very opinionated and likes to swear a lot. Not much different than some NY'ers we know...
Shopsin's still good?
There were 2 of us (girls, good eaters. I had just run 12 miles...)
The first time I went, we did the same type of order: 2 savory egg dishes and one pancake. The son Zach told us it was too much food and that he would only give us a 1/2 order of pancakes. He was right. So I usually stick to this formula for 2 people.
The castles sometimes have sauteed onions on them. For whatever reason, I don't remember them being on there this weekend. And it wouldn't surprise me if it was as simple as Zach forgetting or not wanting to bother. Either way, the burgers are freaking tasty no matter what's on them.
I also recommned the Ebelskivers but sometimes Zach doesn't want to make them bc too many people order them now. They were featured on a show on the Food Network. Aaron Sanchez raved about them and now everyone orders them. But they are also damn good.
Also to note, their guacamole was out of this world. I got a dish called the Egg Chimichanga (not currently on the menu) for my first taste of their guacamole and it was brillant.
Regardless of the quirkyness and gruffness of the service, I think the food is definately worth not getting kicked out or banned.
Shopsin's still good?
I was there on Sat. We shared a 1/2 order of the slutty cakes, the Castles and the Moe II.
I would highly recommned the mac and cheese, slutty, bacon and egg and lemon blueberry ricotta pancakes. I also recommend the Castles, the Piaf, the Blisters on My Sisters and any of the "Pete" dishes.
To answer your question about the Castles:
1) Are the egg castles basically sliders with eggs on top? Yes, the best sliders I have ever had with lots of gooey cheese and an omlete type of egg on top of the burger.
2) Would I be able to request grilled onions on them? I wouldn't try it. Again, they are the no subsitutions, no ommissions, no additions type of place. The second time I was there we had ordered and still hadn't gotten our coffee. (They don't allow you to order coffee first; it has to be at the same time as your meal.) So when I asked for our coffee, they told me to get it myself. So I did. They next time we went, the same thing happened so we went to get our coffee ourselves and they yelled at us. So in short, it's a bit like the old Seinfield Soup Nazi type of vibe. Don't ask. Just order exactly how it is on the menu and keep your mouth shut. I have seen someone ask too many questions. It isn't pretty.
3) Could I ask for them to be cooked rare? I wouldn't try it. Read above.
Also, for giggles, look at the drug test they keep in plain view on the shelf at the counter. Pretty hilarious.
good drinks near degustation?
Here's a small thread on the same questions...
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/624394
Fried Shrimp Heads?
Does anywhere in Manhattan have fried shrimp heads on the menu? I have heard at EN you can ask for them, but they are not on the menu. I have been having a craving, a strange one, I know... Donguri sometimes has the small, little fried shrimp (not sure what they are called) and that would do, although I prefer the larger heads...Any suggestions?
Best inventive sushi: Gari, Sasabune, Seki?
I have to been to all three. Speaking from the point of view that you sit at the sushi bar and do omakase (the only option at Sasabune...) I think Gari is the most inventive in terms of sushi. Sasabune does some "dishes" that are great and part of the omakase but if you are talking strictly piece by piece sushi, I think Gari is the most inventive. You will see identical pieces at Seki and Gari (tuna with tofu sauce, yellowtail with jalapeno...) but Gari seems to push the envelope a little more. And everytime I visit Gari (once a month? for Omakase) I have at least one new piece that I haven't had before. Seki tends to stick to the same pieces in the rotation.
Suggestions for Thai- UES
I also vote for Sala Thai. On 89th and 2nd. The steamed Thai dumplings are great. I also think it is the best Pad Thai on the UPE (and I have tried them all on the UPE) In a pinch Jasmine is also not bad and more "centrally located."
Drinks near degustation...
Mermaid Inn around the corner has a great cocktail list. Although primarily a restaurant, that's where I go before Degusation. Has about 12 bar seats.
Parents visiting - both on ATKINS (arghhh) HELP!
Exactly. My dad already mentioned the sugars in certain sauces (like potentially Indian given he loves Indian).
So that's why I mentioned sashimi or grilled fish (greek) or shellfish. And was looking for other ideas - Shabu Shabu might not be a bad idea???
Parents visiting - both on ATKINS (arghhh) HELP!
Thanks Simon. I didn't think of Aburiya Kinnosuke...
And no, no willpower. I don't want to even put them in the position of sitting down at a Babbo or Scarpetta. They will order everything that they can't have.
Parents visiting - both on ATKINS (arghhh) HELP!
But if we went to Babbo, I know my parents wouldn't go low carb. :) Hence why they are on the diets in the first place!! So if we went to Babbo, it would be beef cheek ravioli or goose liver ravioli, etc. And I am trying to help them avoid temptation. (hence why my dad said Italian was out - he'd want all the pasta dishes!)
Parents visiting - both on ATKINS (arghhh) HELP!
Stardom - if you do sashimi and not sushi, you are fine since sashimi is without rice. I know Sushi Seki does omakase with sashimi only and so does Yasuda. Was looking for other sashimi only options.
Parents visiting - both on ATKINS (arghhh) HELP!
Parents coming Memorial Day weekend... Alas, there will be no Babbo, Degustation and the like for me that weekend b/c I need to pay special attention to the Atkins thing. Any suggestions ASIDE from the obvious steak house choices? We are doing a steak house on Sat. night in Atlantic City so I need 3 dinner recs for the Thurs., Friday and Sunday.
I was thinking Sushi Seki, b/c Sekisan does a sashimi only omakase? My parents both love Sushi of Gari and we went to Yasuda the last time they were here.
What do you think of Aquagrill? Or Maybe Jack's Luxury Oyster Bar? Or Pearl?
What about Greek - my dad suggested Milos, but I thought it was overrated. Does it deserve another go?
Any ATKINS friendly ideas welcome!!
Prune, Sunday Brunch... how long is the wait? And other questions
I just did Prune this past Sat. If you get there at 9:30, you will be seated in the first wave. If you can get your order in fast, i.e. study the menu before (I suggest the Eggs en Cocette or the Spicy Stewed Chickpeas) you can get out of there at 11:30. You'll be cutting it close if you have to go back to your hotel to pick up luggage but if you bring luggage with you, you'll be fine. It will take you 40mins to get to LGA shooting up the FDR...
Norma's is totally over priced and over-rated.
And if you have eaten at Noodle Bar, try Ssam. It was has a great sweetbread dish on the menu that I had last week. (and a whole section dedicated to offal! since you are looking for that.) I also wouldn't miss the steamed buns, and the Uni.
Here's what I like. Can you suggest others?
Sorry - forgot to answer about Rayuela. We were there I think 2-3 months after it opened. The service was terrible and I thought the dishes were average. Not one dish was memeorable. For all the hype I had higher expectations. I liked the decor though (is that worth anything?). Maybe I need to give it another shot?
As far as Allen and Delancey was concerend, we went before the chef change and hated it. There were four of us and we all shared each other apps and mains. Everything was over salted. They may as well have given us salt sticks to suck on...
One fish dish, I can't remember the fish, smelled so bad we had to send it back. We think the fish was bad. Good fish should not smell fishy!
All four of us (who attack a new restaurant as a group, monthly) hated it...
Here's what I like. Can you suggest others?
BTW - When I said I like the "cozy, smaller" places, maybe those weren't the right words How about "smallER and personal" as opposed to impersonal, large establishments that cater to tourists? Loud is fine. I find the front of Lupa very loud sometimes (especially when they have the music cranked up) and I love it. I liked Kefi bc the food was great. But the lighting was overly bright and we felt rushed so the vibe wasn't my style but the food made the experience.
Here's what I like. Can you suggest others?
I love all types of food. In the Asian space, I tend to favor Thai and Japanese (with Donguri being my favorite restaurant in Manhattan..) My Chinese and Korean experiences have been limited to cheap delivery or over the top banker expensive Chinese and K-town for Korean. Both serve a purpose but not for the vibe I am going for. So if your recs are any different than those vibes, I am all for it!
Here's what I like. Can you suggest others?
rrems - Thanks for the list. I have been to Tailor and Bar Blanc. And to be honest, I didn't love Bar Blanc. Maybe it was an off night.
I have had resies for Olana twice nad had to cancel both times! Crispo and Snack seems to be a consensus from the replies here. So I will be definately heading there soon!
Here's what I like. Can you suggest others?
kim e - thanks for the recs. have been to Yasuda, Five Points (also only for brunch) and Red Cat. Blue Hill has been on the list, just haven't made it yet. I haven't heard of Aroma Kitchen and Gradisca - will look them up!
Here's what I like. Can you suggest others?
Have been to the Harrison (but a long, time ago), Fatty Crab and Bouley Upstairs. Will add the others!
