orthorunner's Profile
Good sit down lunch and happy hour spots near 48th & 8th?
One caution: Don Antonio apparently got shut down by the DOH late last week, so it may still be closed next week! Hopefully it will reopen soon...
http://ny.eater.com/archives/2012/04/hot_new_pizzeria_don_antonio_shuttered_by_doh.php
Best Brownie in NYC
I know bacon is kind of a tired-out trend, but when it comes to salty and sweet, the bacon brownies from Mari's NY are amazing. They're small but pack a big, fudgy, wallop.
Lunch/brunch after the memorial
Also consider Blaue Gans~they are a relatively casual Austrian restaurant with a fair amount of space and some lager tables. They have a brunch menu on Sundays (after 11)~ it also has plenty of standard brunch items for less adventurous folks. It should only be ~ 1/2 a mile from the WTC site.
Spice Market
If you really want to try it out, consider going during restaurant week, when you can get a little bit of a discount on the food. IMHO, while some of the better food options in the city can sometimes drop in quality during Restaurant Week, a spot like Spice Market, which is more a draw for atmosphere than anything, is a better spot to pick during RW as the food quality stays about the same-ie, good but not great.
Restaurants in Chelsea
It's a bit of a walk west, but Txikito has great Basque tapas. They have a wide variety of specials in addition to their regular menu; highly recommend checking out some of the specials if you go. It's affordable, though if you have a large appetite would be less so, like most small-plates places.
Hunting for a Specific Spice Store in Manhattan (West 40s/50s)
It is definitely La Boite; Lior has a 7-pepper blend in addition to a lot of other spices. Though officially only open a few days, if you want to try on another day, you can check and see if he'd be around. He is starting to sell some spices around town; I saw some of his spices at Eataly, though it seemed to be more basic spices instead of his blends.
I've searched the boards and now I need an opinion! Midtown visit itinery.
A great option for vegetarian options in midtown is Danji; it is a small spot with a modern/upscale take on Korean food; all small plates. The lunch menu has a few more veg options than their dinner menu, though both have at least a few. It gets busy for dinner and takes no reservations, so expect a wait if you head for dinner.
As re drinks; options in midtown if you don't want to trek as far one night include Lanterns Keep and the Bar Downstairs at the Andaz. Unfortunately as Kathryn noted, the midtown JBird closed. I would choose Lanterns Keep over the Andaz as re drink quality, though it depends on the atmosphere you want as both do turn out solid drinks: Lanterns Keep has a tea-parlor/old fashioned library feel, while the Bar Downstairs is expansive with lots of dark wood and leather couches.
My Vote for Best Falafel In Midtown, whats yours?
These are not one of their mezes, but instead one of their main course options. Regardless, even if you tried the same thing I did, I did preface my post with the fact that they are "unconventional." This may lead to some people not liking them at all. However, for my taste, they are a great twist on falafel.
My Vote for Best Falafel In Midtown, whats yours?
My favorite is a somewhat unconventional style falafel, served at Balakanika, with the somewhat-unfortunate name "curry balls." I have found them to be always fresh, not greasy, and hearty. The curry adds flavor yet does not overpower the dish at all, and the garlic yogurt sauce they are served with is fantastic.
On a side note, I increasingly think that Balkanika is relatively underrated for 9th avenue; it has some great mezzes and is a reliable spot for a quick bite without a wait. And no grumpy proprietor like Azuri!
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Balkanika
691 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036
Unique Food Experience in NYC
Along these lines: Danji, modern/upscale Korean, in midtown.
Of note: I have not been to Jung Sik, though others on this board have been lavish in praise, so for modern Korean it would be another option. I loved Danji enough to recommend it highly as a great and somewhat unique experience.
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Danji
346 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
where to go after art opening
Perilla offers food that is approachable to some while offering plenty for foodies. I wouldn't say it's as quiet as, say, a bistro on the UES, but as far as the West Village/Soho go, it's relatively quiet as it still seems to fly under the radar a bit. (I'd rather keep it that way, personally)
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Perilla
9 Jones Street, New York, NY 10014
favorite food shops?
La Boite A Epice for spice blends; note that it has very limited hours, though sometimes you can call and see if the owner, Lior, is in
Also, you may want to consider going to the Hells Kitchen location of Amy's instead of the West Village one; while it is more crowded/cramped, it is the original location and has more character IMHO
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Amy's Bread
672 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036
La Boite a Epice
724 11th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Mooncake Foods, 月餅 (Yuebing) A Restaurant with Inventive Menu of Asian Fusion
Agree with regards to loving the 54th street location; it is a great addition to the area. I don't think that 9th ave is quite as dire as you portray; there are quite a few good-value places on 9th, though of course there are some not-so-great options.
I especially like the octopus over spinach noodles dish- I have never had anything quite like it. A nice blend of hearty flavors while avoiding being too heavy. A great portion size for the price.
Date Spot on UWS/UES
Recipe would be an excellent spot; while small it does not feel cramped, and it has very good meat and fish options.
ISO: something local made with lavender
If you want to go in the other direction from lavender desserts, there are excellent spice blends containing lavender at Boite a Epice on 11th ave. I use the Luberon blend which is excellent. It would certainly be easy to pack in a carry-on and could be used with a variety of entrees.
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La Boite a Epice
724 11th Ave, New York, NY 10019
any seafood markets left in manhattan?
Sea Breeze has some good options, but you do have to be somewhat cautious in choosing. Beware of the flesh-down fillets on display; ask to see the flesh side to make sure it is indeed fresh. I have generally had the best luck with fish steaks such as tuna. They do a nice job with whole fish; they will descale it and take off the head and tail very efficiently if desired.
Breakfast in Hells Kitchen
What is early, and what kind of food are you looking for? For a good cup of coffee and a light breakfast selection (ie a bakery/continental breakfast selection): Amy's Bread and BiscoLatte. For a heartier meal, my SO likes Blue Fin, which opens at 7a. More info would help people steer you in the proper direction.
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Blue Fin
1567 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
Amy's Bread
672 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036
Bis.Co.Latte
667 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036
Classy place for drinks near WTC Path station
Looks like the address didnt pick up; it's at 75 murray street.
Classy place for drinks near WTC Path station
Silver lining is just a couple of blocks north; it is in the lower level of an older mansion. It is a jazz bar with generally classic cocktails with a twist. It is a classy yet not stuffy scene, has been pretty popular since it opened last year. What time in the afternoon, however? This may affect your options.
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Silver Lining
75 Murray St, New York, NY 10007
Chinese grocery anywhere on Upper West Side?
As an alternative to HMart, check out Bread & Honey on 8th in the high 50s. It has an eclectic mix of Asian groceries and prepared foods, and would be worth taking a look at to see if it carries things you frequently use. It's a relatively new place that is a bit schizophrenic (ie Mongolian BBQ, Korean, Chinese, along with European chocolate bars...you get the picture), but does carry things that otherwise are harder to find in the area.
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Bread & Honey
941 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Baby-friendly restaurant in UWS?
Agree; Landmarc seems to be known as the "place to go" among people with babies/toddlers. They are very accommodating, including allowing the strollers to all be lined up right in front of the restaurant, where they can be watched by the front of house staff.
Danji's bulgogi sliders... WOW!!!
Can't complare directly, though IIRC, our server said that the items that cross over on both are just different sized portions but otherwise the same. For what it's worth, the bulgogi sliders at dinner were amazing as well!
We have only been for dinner, but did try most of the adventurous items on the menu. Absolutely amazing experience start to finish. Favorites included:
Steak tartare-has been heralded elsewhere, a not-to-miss dish, in part because of the flavors and freshness, and in part to appreciate the knifework and detail that go into making it
Poached sablefish-also a don't miss item; the fish was so delicately cooked it just melted away in one's mouth, with just enough spice to make it interesting without overwhelming
Spicy whelk salad-the whelk were fantastic, and the buckwheat noodles were cooked to just the right "toothy" texture
Alright if I don't stop here I'll just keep listing out every single thing we had and call it a "must get dish" Really the only thing that didn't work for me was the scallion pancake, which was thin and seemed to have too much oil for the flavors to really come across.
Highly, highly recommend going for dinner with adventurous friends so you can try as many things as possible.
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Danji
346 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
serious whole wheat flour
Check with Amy's Bread to see if they have a supplier; they have a whole wheat Irish soda bread which seems to fit your description.
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Amy's Bread
672 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036
Respite
I was actually surprised it was never mentioned here, but took the plunge and visited it about a month ago. We definitely enjoyed ourselves; while the food had a few misses, there were definitely some hits as well. I had a special of hamachi sashimi, which was very nicely done; one of our fellow diners enjoyed the scallop ceviche as well. As a warning, however, avoid at all costs the octopus, which is tougher than an old tire (especially disappointing since I had recently had an excellent version at La Fonda del Sol) For an entree, I had the red snapper, which was moist with a crispy skin-very well prepared. Others had the pork belly and the lamb "under pressure," which were well-received; I have to admit I did not taste these.
In between these and dessert, we were given a drink with pumpkin rum and cider courtesy of the house; that alone may be reason enough to go.
For dessert, had the pumpkin and goat cheese cheesecake. I would have liked a bit stronger of goat cheese flavor, but for those who would rather have only very mild goat cheese, it would have done the trick. My SO had the molten chocolate cake which was your standard molten cake at a decent restaurant. Nothing to write home about.
The space is very comfortable, and it was quiet enough for good conversation. Service was pleasant and attentive.
All in all, a good spot to have in that area, especially if one avoids dishes such as the octopus.
Would like to hear about the tasting menu if you end up trying it!! I don't think they had it the evening we were there as it was around Thanksgiving.
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Respite
247 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022
Bagels/Bialys (to go) in or around midtown
They are pretty good within the first half hour or so, then become absolutely hard and unpleasant later on. For a dozen bagels to take home, agree its probably not your best bet
A Chow challenge: cheap veggie-compatible EV-area restaurant with atmosphere
Cafe Mogador if they'd be up for Moroccan food; they have vegetarian options in addition to meat kebabs and tagines. It is not necessarily quiet, but it is a sit-down spot and you can certainly linger long enough for plenty of conversation. It may not be the most amazing food in town, but it is quite good especially considering the price.
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Cafe Mogador
101 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003
Low sodium diet
What kind of restaurant are you looking for? Just a casual spot to pick up a lunch, or a nice restaurant to go for a meal? There are a couple of healthy options in that area-would especially recommend Fuel if you're looking for a healthy, low-sodium option. However, it's a casual spot, meant for takeout or a quick meal.
Zen Palate does advertise being a healthy option in Hells Kitchen, but I do not know if that specifically includes being low-sodium, and I don't see any info on their website. Might be worth calling to see. It is casual but still a sit-down meal, unlike Fuel.
Mooncake is another place that may have some good options, especially if you stay away from their options with heavier sauces. You could also ask them to hold off on the sauce on their dishes or only put a small amount on. It is healthy Asian-inspired cuisine in a casual setting.
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Mooncake Foods
359 W 54th St, New York, NY 10019
Zen Palate
239 W 105th St, New York, NY 10025
Seeking good tapas bar with at least a few good veg options
It's not as strict a tapas place as Txikito or Boqueria, but Mercat has quite a few vegetarian options; they have a section of the menu with rice dishes, most of which are vegetarian. I haven't tried dishes from that section of the menu, but we did have a good experience overall when we went there.
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Mercat
45 Bond Street, New York, NY 10012
Boqueria
53 W 19th St, New York, NY 10011
Txikito
240 9th Ave, New York, NY 10001
A foodie walks into a bar... (Looking for great a la carte / small plate spots)
Ah, yes, since they have opened up Parm, that would be the OP's option for a la carte. Thanks for the clarification.
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Parm
248 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012
