Inthemood's Profile
Alfresco Dining BYOB
Kathryn, please, any recommendations are appreciated. Corkage fee is acceptable. Reference to louder byob people was rather funny.
Alfresco Dining BYOB
Dear chow aficionados, can you please suggest a restaurant (anywhere in Manhattan). Which meets the following criteria:
- Creative menu
- Mexican, Latin American, Middle Eastern, Asian (minus chinese or thai), New American, Non-traditional italian (not really into family style and large portions), Mediterranean, Seafood, French
- Outdoor seating
- BYOB
- Not very expensive (under $20 per entree)
- Pleasant decor
- Not loud
I know that it's quite a lot to ask for, and probably would not fall under the "Not very expensive" category, but I would love to get a few suggestions. Hopefully there are a few options which meet most of the requirements.
My dining companions are very adventurous, and love good food. What they don't care for are very loud, and "slightly'" dirty restaurants. Thanks in advance!
Sripaphai~ over hyped?
We went there twice - once for dinner, once for lunch. I was impressed by their long and diverse menu, accompanied by the photos of each dish, but the food itself was rather blah. It wasn't horrible, but not impressive, just average.
I kind of don't understand the cultish following, there are a ton of places with the same exact quality, only a few are worth returning to. I guess I have ended my affair with Thai food. It's alright, but overall I would pick Korean any day over Thai. So in other words... I agree with you. :) I'm definitely in the minority, I would say.
Sunday Brunch for Husband's Birthday
Looking for a suggestions of good brunch spots in Queens. I was reading some threads, but many of the mentioned restaurants have closed down or changed since the posting date.
I came across Bourbon Street Cafe and Brick Cafe. Bistro33 in Astoria also seems interesting, but doesn't have a great prix fixe brunch deal. Cafe Henry is another one I thought of. We love good affordable (I know it's a relative term) food, and preferably in a clean, and not dingy environment. We always go to Lounge47, but I thought that it's time to explore other options.
Thank you!
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Bourbon Street
40-12 Bell Blvd, Queens, NY 11361
Romantic restaurant for DH
More research and this is what I have:
August
I Coppi
Barbone - but the garden is reserved so...I think it's pretty much out
Which one between the two is better?
Romantic restaurant for DH
I definitely want a place with some outdoor seating. Now it's between:
La Lanterna di Vittorio
Paradou
Bistro Les Amis
August
Le pere pinard
apizz
I Coppi
Barbone
Romantic restaurant for DH
La Lanterna looks charming. I definitely was seduced by the Jazz club downstairs. If I decide to make it a very casual dinner, we can have their pizza, wine, salad and espresso and then go downstairs for some jazz.
I'm still thinking... Perhaps a restaurant closer to their location so that we drop by for music and drinks?
Peasant looks interesting, financial, is that the restaurant you're referring to being not so romantic? How is the food there?
Romantic restaurant for DH
O! I Coppi looks interesting and so does Barbone. Although Barbone looks a bit too tight inside, if it does happen to rain. Love both gardens.
Romantic restaurant for DH
My husband's birthday is this Saturday and I really need some suggestions.
Just to give you an idea of what he likes: Babbo, Jolie + Fragole (Brooklyn), Max (cheap italian), Jojo, Le Jardin Bistro and Gascogne.
Requirements:
Italian, French, Seafood
Outdoor seating (garden, rooftop even better)
Romantic ambiance
Everything included shouldn't exceed $ 100 (bottle of wine, tip & tax)
These are the ones I thought of, although I haven't been:
La Lanterna di Vittorio
Mermaid Inn
Paradou
Bistro Les Amis
August
Le pere pinard
apizz
Bacaro - no outdoor seating
What do you guys think? Perhaps someone can suggest another? I really appreciate all of the wonderful suggestions I receive every time I turn to the Chow experts, never been disappointed. Thanks!
Restaurant for in-laws and parents
D...DF, you are terrific! You've been a very dedicated help! Everything you've mentioned sounds exhilarating and I have so many options in the future. However, Tocqueville's greenmarket is served until Columbus day. I think my husband has been to Keens. The last 3 are so beautiful, but how does Park Avenue fit in with my $65 pp budget? That's a bottle of wine for the table and an appetizer. Do you think it's feasible?
Dinner Menu - What do you think?
So you don't think that potats should be abstinent from the parm invasion?
I thought about the vegetable side, but then I thought it would just be so much food. I don't want to them to roll off the chairs in horror.
I'm afraid that one of the guests doesn't eat any fruit or cheese. It's total madness I tell you, but he is such a lovely man.
Dinner Menu - What do you think?
About the salad, no cheese. :( It's absolutely crazy but this one very special individual doesn't care for cheese and since the dinner is for him and his wife it's a no no. My favorite is greens with goat/Gorgonzola, toasted walnuts and pears/beets with a splash of balsamic.
The original salad is terrific also by the way. Greens with toasted corn and broiled red onions with mushrooms. It has a very earthy flavor with onions and corn adding a touch of sweetness.
Roast pork...ok, it's official the almond and olive stuffing is out. But I do like Giada's port and fig recepie, so I'll have to think about it. It'll either be Giada's or the apricot jelly.
So, no cream puffs, or perhaps profiteroles!!! With some vanilla ice cream! Yup, that sounds better.
Dinner Menu - What do you think?
Hmm, seems like a self invitation to me... :) Will you be willing to provide champagne and a couple of bottles of vintage wine?
Dinner Menu - What do you think?
Roman lettuce is terrific, I love it's crunchy texture and buttery flavor. I used to only eat greens, but for some reason my recent infatuation is with lettuce. However, you are right, romano lettuce is inappropriate for this meal, greens will do much better. Eeek at the image of cafeteria food! Tank you tank you for your comments, I promise not to sadistically add two measly shrimp.
Dinner Menu - What do you think?
You're right, no shrimp in the salad. I thought that I should just stick with greens and roasted red peppers with a salad dressing.
The rub is very interesting, I think I might do that one or perhaps Giada's fig and port sauce (no stuffing). I have a great balsamic fig vinegar it's sweet and tart, it would make an excellent glaze I think. But you're right, perhaps the soup and figs will be an overwhelming combination.
Dinner Menu - What do you think?
And for dessert I guess a pear tart is ruled out. Too much fruit going on. I can't include any chocolate. Perhaps cream puffs? Or maybe a strawberry shortcake? (that's fruit, but at least it's a little more tart).
Dinner Menu - What do you think?
This is the menu I decided on for dinner on a cold winter evening:
Soup: Butternut Squash+apple+leek
Salad: greens/roman lettuce with broiled red onions and mushrooms, sauteed shrimp and pan toasted corn with a balsamic vinaigrette
Meat: Roast Pork Loin - stuffed with dried figs, almonds, lemon juice, parsley and olives
Side: Mashed Potatoes with butter, sour cream, roasted garlic and a tad of Parmesan.
So here is my question, does it sound like a very fruity and inharmonious meal? Perhaps the salad should be a little less sweet and more tangy? Perhaps more fresh? I can't have any fruits or tomatoes in the salad.
And perhaps the pork loin is a little too loaded with fruit as well? Maybe garlic, rosemary and apricot glaze would be a better choice?
I would really appreciate your comments.
Restaurant for in-laws and parents
Great idea! Knickerbocker is an excellent option and there's jazz! Thanks maxine!
La Pampa Argentine on LIE service Horace Hding
Love Pampas Argentinas, better than La Portena. I've always liked their service and the skirt steak is phenomenal.
Birthday dinner in Queens, prix fix or value?
Love Uvarara for their wine selection and their little plates. You can just do italian tapas for dinner, with their gnocchi as the star dish.
I am sorry to disappoint L'Incontro fans, I was not impressed. I think it suffers from the same noisy syndrome as Dee's, presumptuously I blame it on the high ceiling. The service was very attentive, but at times it was a little too motherly. The food was very average, I expected something glorious. Sapori D'Ischia and Uvarara are still on the top of my list for delicious Italian.
I looove Pampas Argentina on Metro, their skirt steaks are unbeatable and I usually get their hearts of palm salad. La Finca Florencia Malbec goes so well with the grilled and smoked flavor of the meat.
Can't bring myself to enter Piccola Venezia, it's just so mafioso and stuffy. I really don't like that rococo look.
Il Poeta on Metropolitan (Forest Hills)
Would you say that the food is pretty consistent?
Short notice: need Queens restaurant tonight
Dee's is excellent for pizza and the rest of the menu is pretty acceptable, but the noise level is deafening. I wish they would do something about the space, I think the sound travel due to high ceilings. For parents with kids this place is ideal.
1 day in Forest Hills, what's not to be missed?
Disagree about Mother's. Their breakfast is cheap and delicious in comparison to most diners in Queens.
I still don't understand the hype about Eddie's Sweet Shop. Yest it's retro, but it's so disorganized and "worn out." I love the retro and antique look, but you have to maintain it so that it doesn't look ancient with aging dust. Their ice cream is mediocre and they don't serve ice cream a la mode. Sweet shop should have some sweets, besides ice cream. Otherwise it should be called "Ice cream shop."
Whole nother world on Metro brought a whole nother traffic congestion. I love the current energy and the variety of restaurants, but I miss the peaceful streets of Metro. It takes me 4 times as long to get home via the avenue than before TJ and restaurants' population. I guess you just can't have it both ways.
Restaurant for in-laws and parents
Yes it is. We might go roaming around 5th Avenue, love Christmas windows display and the intoxicating aroma of roasted cashews, but really abhor the crowds. It wouldn't be bad if we went somewhere closer to Rockefeller center, but it doesn't have to be, as long as the restaurant is good. Then again, everything around there would be very crowded, perhaps not a good idea.
I can't wait to try Perry Street! Thanks so much for suggesting it, I just love the location and the decor the food on the photographs is exquisite!
Restaurant for in-laws and parents
Gotham Bar...love the jazz introduction, like $31 pri fixe lunch, but seeing this:
ROASTED VEAL CHOP
local bean salad, pickled ramps, broccoli rabe and soft polenta
natural veal reduction
$45!!!!!
Sent me to the kitchen for some baked triskets. Oy oy oy
D...DF, what's for dinner? Those restaurants I believe are ruled out.
Restaurant for in-laws and parents
I am hoping that it's Out-the-door. Probably slightly unrealistic, but $455 for 7 people is relatively steep. Of course that won't allow us to dine at EMP. For dinner I was hoping for less upscale, but elegant and moderately quiet. Perhaps we're better off dining in Queens or Brooklyn? Although I can't imagine that it's impossible to find a decent restaurant for that price in the city.
Restaurant for in-laws and parents
We'll definitely try one of those for lunch. Which one would you recommend? Jean Georges, Perry Street, EMP, Tocqueville or Olana? The portions have to be moderate, definitely not the size of one scallop (I wouldn't mind but they may be a little puzzled). I want them to go home with their taste buds pirouetting all the way.
What about for dinner? Any suggestions? Thanks D...DF!
Restaurant for in-laws and parents
It's that time of the year when my dear in-laws are visiting and I need a suggestion for a restaurant (on a Saturday) with a New York flavor but without any snobbishness.
Here is the criteria:
1. Location: Manhattan or Brooklyn (Heights, Carroll Gardens, DUMBO)
2. Cuisine: Italian, American, Seafood or French (but not too exotic)
3. Comfortably accommodates a group of 7.
4. Quiet. We like to be able to have conversation without damaging our vocal cords
5. Decor: Elegant. This is very important, they don't really like noisy and crowded places with dingy decor.
6. Delicious food. Good food is a must, although my in-laws are not adventurous they do appreciate well prepared food. My husband and I are very adventurous and are huge foodies.
7. Price: No more than $65pp.
They enjoyed Water's Edge in LIC, The Boathouse in the city and Jolie in Brooklyn. I would love to make them happy but I realize that with the above guideline it'll be difficult to satisfy all points, considering that it's only $65 pp.
My husband and I have always wanted to try EMP, Daniel, Piccholino, Olana, Convivio but I don't think that the above budget allows. Perhaps for lunch? Which one of these places would you recommend for lunch?
Please help...
Nita's European Bakery --Sunnyside-Queens
Thank you so much for your recommendations! So far my taste buds are similar to yours, which means I will be looking for many more suggestions from you. :)
You were absolutely right, their dessert was just breathtaking. I ordered the creole and everyone was completely wowed. The richness was ideal and it wasn't too sweet. The ganache and vanilla cream were to die for! They probably read your post because I got chocolate sheets with gold swirls.
I also tried their pastries: paris-brest, red velvet cupcake, pineapple macaroon, espresso flavored one and a chocolate one. Everyone was in utter heaven. I'm going to try the Vanilla Mouse next and then the Strawberry Shortcake. That is, of course, after I go on a diet to shed the damages that Creole has done.
