rjs3 
NJ
Barrel Filler
Posts: 1124
 | | 06-27-2007 01:34 PM |
| Since the old "Where: NYC" topic dates back to 2006, wanted some help with a restaurant decision. Our friends want to go to Le Cirque. I never see it mentioned. Where else would you go? We've been to Veritas, Daniel, Cafe Boulud and Gotham (and some more I can't remember right now). My husband's real picky so I think Babbo is out, and I can't get a reservation for Felidia, which I'd love to try. Opinions?  | | |
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scottj
Houston, TX
Barrel Filler
Posts: 1113
| | 06-27-2007 02:25 PM |
| Eleven Madison Park had some mentions on the old thread, and is still generating a lot of buzz on Ebob. It's on my list of places to visit when I'm next in NYC. I ate at Campton Place twice when Chef Humm was there and both meals were spectacular. Recent reviews indicate he's better at EMP, if that's possible.
I understand they're corkage-friendly, with a $25/bottle charge. Their online wine list is quite impressive - as are some of the prices ...
Scott | | | |
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JimmyV
Central Connecticut
Wine Connoisseur
Posts: 5224
| | 06-27-2007 03:25 PM |
| Eleven Madison Park is a good call. Not sure what it is about Babbo that would be unacceptable to a "picky" eater. Nothing there out of the ourdinary. Or at least, no more so than Felidia. Del Posto is a good choice, but, again, if Babbo is a "no", I don't know what to tell you. And I guess WD-50 is a definite no-no for a picky eater. Le Bernadin should be on your short list, assuming seafood is OK. Grammercy Tavern is always a steady choice, but not easy to get into. Jean Georges is still going strong. L'Aletier de Robuchon is supposedly turning out the best food in the city. But again, for a picky eater? Maybe not. Gordon Ramsay in The London is very straight forward cooking. Too much so for my taste, but may be what you are looking for. Alto is very good, as is the less formal L'Impero. And then there is always Craft, (and its progeny). Since you build your own meal, a picky eater should do just fine there. | | | Beta testing a new signature. | |
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Randy Wigginton
Master of Wine
Posts: 10871
| | 06-27-2007 07:51 PM |
| Lots of steak places as well. Morimoto and Del Posto are both very good; Del Posto is much more upscale than Babbo, and I did not spot anything on the menu that would be challenging. 11 Madison is a very good suggestion. DB Moderne is a pricey place that is reliable and not particularly challenging.
What kind of food does your husband like? Without something to go on, the suggestions could go on forever. | | | |
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rjs3
NJ
Barrel Filler
Posts: 1124
| | 06-28-2007 12:15 PM |
| We like French, Italian, etc. Just about anything. But he doesn't eat seafood, veggies, pork, cheese. I had looked at Babbo's and there seemed to be some more adventurous food. I had looked at people's descriptions of what they ate, especially on the tasting menu and it looked like it might be an issue. Anyways, our friend has pneumonia and it looks like we'll need to cancel.  Good to get an update on NYC, though. | | | |
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J cocktosten
Grape Fermenter
Posts: 532
| | 06-28-2007 01:28 PM |
| Although not for the non-seafooder - I have always enjoyed Oceana - Haven't been there in about a year though- Had a lovely 03 Kosta Browne though | | | |
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Pool Boy
Laurl, MD (DC suburb)
Master of Wine
Posts: 13785
| | 06-28-2007 10:16 PM |
| Your husband's food issues are quite numerous. Who doesn't like cheese?!?! | | | www.roguefood.com -- www.cellartracker.com | |
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Randy Wigginton
Master of Wine
Posts: 10871
| | 06-29-2007 03:01 PM |
| He doesn't eat veggies? What does he live on, beef & chicken? And how can you eat Italian without eating cheese? Sorry for your friends Pneumonia... | | | |
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love_cab_chard
Master of Wine
Posts: 12714
| | 07-01-2007 07:28 PM |
| rjs, how much are you looking to spend per couple? | | | |
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rjs3
NJ
Barrel Filler
Posts: 1124
| | 07-02-2007 01:21 PM |
| We cancelled due to his pneumonia.Â
I still don't understand my DH's food issues - he needs to ask what is in everything. I just eat it, unless I'm allergic (shrimp and strawberries only).
As for next time, we're open to almost anywhere other than the ridiculous - Per Se and those other $300-500 pp. which although I'm dying to go to, cannot see spending that, esp. where we are going to SF, Napa and LV in Oct.
LCC - glad to see you back - you were missed. | | | |
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JimmyV
Central Connecticut
Wine Connoisseur
Posts: 5224
| | 08-17-2007 11:23 AM |
| Eleven Madison Park-Update This is a "must add" to any list of places to go in the city, especially for visitors looking for a quintessential NYC experience. This place has it all. A three-story atrium dining room complete with art deco styling. Great food. A chef who personally makes the rounds in the dining room. And an awesome wine list that looks like it was put together by a Vino Cellar lurker. The list contains such wines as: Bressler ('02 and '03); Drinkward Peschon; Kosta Browne; Peay; Radio Coteau; Pride; Aubert; Sine Quo Non; Hourglass; Hundred Acre; Switchback Ridge; Brewer Clifton; Varner; Martinelli and Sea Smoke, most at only 100% mark-up. (The trophy wines, (Colgin; Bryant; Screagle) were marked up understandably higher). Perhaps this list isn't terribly unique to California diners. But on the East Coast, this is a rare sight. Food was perfectly prepared, although the main course size was a bit small. 3 course prix fixe is $82 which includes 2 savory dishes and one sweet (or cheese). Four courses is $96. There is a tasting menu of what looked to be about a dozen courses for $145. As with most (all?) Danny Meyer restaurants, corkage is $25. Not a place to go everyday at these prices, but for a special occassion or for out-of-towners looking for a "now" place with a real New York feel, this fits the bill. Ask for a table on the upper level of the split-level dining room if you can. It looked like that's where the real power and money were. | | | Beta testing a new signature. | |
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Winetex
Austin, Texas (pretty fall colors here)
Master of Wine
Posts: 11293
| | 08-17-2007 12:00 PM |
| Thanks for the reco, it sounds good! I'm thinking about a NYC trip this fall. | | | |
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J cocktosten
Grape Fermenter
Posts: 532
| | 08-17-2007 12:09 PM |
| Nice write-up Jimmy | | | |
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love_cab_chard
Master of Wine
Posts: 12714
| | 08-17-2007 12:24 PM |
| It is on my list, Jimmy. Thanks for confirming.
By the way, Bellavitae is a very nice place in the Village by NYU & Washington Sq Park. We went there last weekend. A very nice Italian place with great pasta. Parking is another story in that area.
http://www.bellavitae.com/
Also, Fig & Oilve is a nice place: http://www.figandolive.com/
And, Gramercy Tavern is excellent: http://www.gramercytavern.com/gramercy_tavern.html
Just some over the last couple of months or so. | | | |
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Joseph Bembry
Advanced Sommelier
Posts: 9437
| | 08-17-2007 06:39 PM |
| Went to Kittichai for lunch this past week. Very good Thai-inspired menu. Highly recommended.
jb | | | |
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love_cab_chard
Master of Wine
Posts: 12714
| | 08-17-2007 09:42 PM |
| Here are some others:
Una Pizza Napoletana: rated #1 in NYC by many lists. I thought it was very good, very good, but I had better a couple of times. Nonetheless, worth a visit for sure. The hours they work are crazy so be sure to check that they are open. They are so popular that they just don't care. But, they are very nice don't get me wrong.
Tia Pol: rated as 1 of the top Tapas places in NYC. I agree, a great Tapas place & good service. A small place.
Maya: rated as 1 of the best Mexican places in NYC. I thought it was good but not great. Unless one is really into Mexican, & I am not, I would not go out of my way. If you are into Mex places, make it a point to dine here. For sure, on a higher scale of your usual Mex place.
Max Brenner Chocolate Factory: unique, right in Union Sq. Love that area, one of my favs. Skip the regular dishes, stick with desserts, very unique, pricey. | | | |
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Bradley Molzen
VinoCellar.com Admin
Bayonne, NJ
Wine Connoisseur
Posts: 5080
| | 08-18-2007 01:23 PM |
| Went to Otto Enoteca last night with a good friend. The food was the usual, nice and flavorful, and of course the tremendously large Italian wine selection was impressive. However, the service was terrible.
The servers in the bar area were rude and got upset when I decided I really couldn't drink a wine (they purposefully give a taste before pouring the quarto) because it was so green. It's dissapointing because Otto had been a "go to" place to bring friends who wanted to go to a NYC "Mario Batali" restaurant.
After we sat down for dinner andgot a table, the waitress we had was at least personable, but obviously over worked. She would disappear for 10 or even 15 minutes at a time.
In recent weeks I now consider 'inoteca and Aroma Kitchen much better choices.... with my first choice always being Bar Jamon at noon on a Saturday. . | | | If you drink wine, you get smarter.... | |
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love_cab_chard
Master of Wine
Posts: 12714
| | 08-18-2007 01:31 PM |
| I liked Otto, Brad. But, I prefer his Lupa restaraunt. | | | |
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Bradley Molzen
VinoCellar.com Admin
Bayonne, NJ
Wine Connoisseur
Posts: 5080
| | 08-19-2007 01:25 PM |
| I used to like Otto as well... but the service really detracted from this restaurant.
I haven't been to Lupa yet... heard good things though.
Casa Mono / Bar Jamon however... great stuff. | | | If you drink wine, you get smarter.... | |
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wineismylife
Arlington, TX
Master of Wine
Posts: 12532
| | 08-19-2007 04:19 PM |
| Posted By love_cab_chard on 08/18/2007 1:31 PM
I liked Otto, Brad. But, I prefer his Lupa restaraunt. Ditto. PURPLE and I had a really good experience at Lupa. Some of the most unusual and fairly priced Italian wines you'll likely find on any wine list in NYC. We ended up ordering 3 or 4 from the list just for the two of us, one glass each and they bagged and tagged the leftovers for us to carry out back to our hotel for later. Oh yeah, the food was great too. Nary a snooty waiter in sight either. Recommended. | | | Joe-----Wine is like potato chips around me...if it's open, it's gone. | |
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