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NYC Restaurant Report: A Guide To Eating The Apple
#26

NYC Restaurant Report: A Guide To Eating The Apple

Yup Mighty Quinn is amazing. I usually go brisket, but the pulled pork is great as well. And yes the big rib is incredible, but a bit expensive at $23. Where as a portion of the brisket or pork is only about $8 or $9.

It's best if you get there just as they're opening a new slab...Sooo good.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/06/dining...llage.html
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#27

NYC Restaurant Report: A Guide To Eating The Apple

Quote: (03-11-2014 05:06 PM)nmmoooreland20 Wrote:  

Strong co-sign on Mighty Quinn. Their monster rib was actually so good it made me sick.

Disagree on Corner Bistro burger...found it bland. I tend to like more lo-key burgers, but as far as upscale, Odeon is very satisfying.

Will have to try the other recs.

You should give it another shot. First time I tried it a couple years ago I wasn't that impressed, but it hasn't let me down since then.
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#28

NYC Restaurant Report: A Guide To Eating The Apple

I'm a native and long time resident of New York, and even though I haven't been based there for a few years, I spend a few months each year there and could not help chiming in on this thread. NY is a food capital of the world (not the only one, but in the conversation of the very top places) and so to miss out on food in NYC is to ignore a huge part of what makes NYC, well, NYC.

To me, part of the wonder of a city like NYC when it comes to eating is not just the Jean Georges and the Per Se type restaurants, which top Zagat lists and have three Michelin stars, but finding the places that don't require a second mortgage. They can be expensive to be sure, but the quality you're getting makes them a much better value than the places that get all the hype.

When I was an attorney with a Wall Street firm, before all of the market adjustments (the late 1990's, OK, I said it, [Image: smile.gif]), when we had summer associates from top law schools as clerks, we were permitted to take the clerks to fancy lunches every weekday and have the bill paid for by the firm. There was no price limit, you could spend whatever you thought you could reasonably get away with. Nobody pushed that rule too hard, and there was very little lunchtime drinking, but it got to the point where you wouldn't go out because you were still feeling sluggish from the feast you'd had the day before. I'd say 2-3 times per week, we'd go out to a top 50 restaurant (or somewhere else we liked, or had time for, most of the best restaurants aren't in the Wall Street area and taxis take time to get uptown, not always a luxury for a big firm associate). I say this because it gives a sense of my basis of comparison, not because I am going to recommend those restaurants here - its unnecessary too, just go on Zagats and look.

I'll mention some restaurants at various price ranges for consideration. I'm not as tied in, so I'll apologize in advance if one or more of these has dropped off in quality or even closed.

Il Mulino (86 W 3rd) - was the best food I had in NYC for many many meals. If its anything close to what it was as a Northern Italian standout, its worth the money. French oysters topped with caviar (only if a business is paying, hehe), fresh imported cheeses to whet the palette, and don't forget the homemade grappa.

Steak - the unknown champ of NYC steak - Mark Joseph, downtown on Pecks Slip. Unbelievable porter house, because the butcher from Peter Luger in the 1990s opened the place. Great apps and sides, top quality. Not the most beautiful, but you don't have to leave Manhattan for Brooklyn to equal Luger quality, and you can get in, especially after 830 or weekends, without a big wait.

For NYC steak, also, keep in mind that restaurants typically don't do every cut the best. They tend to be more focused on one or two types of cuts/preparation. For that reason, if you want Prime Rib, you don't go to MJ or PL, you're best off at Old Homestead on Ninth Avenue. If you want a NY Strip, Smith and Wollensky might be a better choice (many places serve a good NY strip, actually - hell, it is a NY strip, they should in NY, right?). In keeping with this theme, I'd also say when visiting restaurants, there is no shame and in fact a lot of intelligence in ordering what they're know for - its the item that will likely be freshest and for which they're most expert at preparing. Don't go to a fish house and order the chicken - it makes no sense on any number of bases.

Steak and continental european - the best date restaurant for me in NYC was, and maybe still is, Raouls, in Soho (180 Prince St). . Steak a poivre (your girl will be eating the frites off your plate, guaranteed), great french specialties, one of the most romantic venues in NYC with the coolest crowd. Its small and you need a reservation or to be willing to wait. There is both a secluded balcony to eat in upstairs, or try the garden, which requires a walk through the kitchen to reach for some quiet time. I miss this place just writing about it, and I don't even eat steak anymore. Less expensive than "top" NYC restaurants, and 100 percent of the experience. +1 if anyone can find out if Eddie is still the maitre'd.

Pizzawise - a lot of NYC people love Patsy, on the Upper West Side. But the best pizza in Manhattan is, of course, in Brooklyn. Train taxi or motorcycle over to Grimaldi's (1 Front Street). Don't worry about the crowds, service is fast. Family style seating (but not food sharing) so its not that intimate. Fucking really really good pizza.

For brunch, for years I liked Pastis - got an artsy, film industry (like me) crowd, lot of models/wannabes, and good food. Not crazy pricey, much less than say, Balthazar, which is very good too. The meatpacking district has kind of become a shit-show, now, but I'd think around brunch it would not be so bad, still. Would love an update, if anyone has one.

For Korean, Flushing is to be sure a good option, but don't sleep on 31st st off 6th Avenue. There are a load of Korean places on that road (karaoke private rooms places as well). The quality is mixed, so dig around on yelp a bit before landing. Unforntunately, I don't know the names of the places, just where they are, so I can't be more helpful. Prices are reasonable (manhattan standards).

Chinese late nite (all nite, really) go to Wo Hop (17 Mott St). Open all nite, huge crowds sometimes after 3Am on weekends, can even game there but be careful of the guido guys - they're very possessive with their girls. Greasy, flavorful chinese. kind of a diner, but tiny. If you've ever been out late in NYC, its not that uncommon around the clubs on 29th St. to hear people discussing Wo Hop.

Another budget option are the Indian restaurants on E6th St., especially for non-meat eaters or people who can't afford to drop 30-40 or way more, on dinner.

For a road trip (or a boat trip - my closest friend has a sailboat, this was a lot of fun, we left from Bayside marina though) go to City Island in the Bronx for lobsters and seafood. I'd recommend the lobster box, off season is better without the tourist crush. Still will be much cheaper than comparable Manhattan quality and its a little pleasant, somewhat kitschy town perhaps 30 minutes from Manhattan.

I had the vast advantage of a motorcycle so going to many of these places was very easy for me. Its not so easy to get to City Island without a car, no train goes there - probably would involve a bus, which for a dinner trip would seem a non-starter. If you go to the Hamptons though, it could be a good place to stop back on the way to the city on a Sunday.

Katz's on Houston is a must do. Don't miss it. You can go there and then head to the LES for bars on Delancey, Ludlow, etc. Also, no argument on Le Bernadin - Eric Ripert was my father's patient (my dad is a retired dentist) so my family got the royal treatment at LB several times. If you have the cash and like Haute French Cuisine check it out.

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#29

NYC Restaurant Report: A Guide To Eating The Apple

Excellent Data Sheet! So much more to it, but yes, if you come here, take the time to do your research and explore the city. Most of the places are full of women, and you will not be disapointed as service, as well as food quality, are at a premium here. Often when I leave NYC I am disappointed at the lack of service, and funny enough the only bad service you get here are in touristy areas. NY'ers wont put up with it.

Quote: (02-26-2013 11:00 PM)MaleDefined Wrote:  

If you've been to Asia, a trip to Flushing is a good idea to rekindle old memories. If you've never been to Asia, then go to Flushing because, it's as close as you can get without going. Don't take the 7 train, take the LIRR Port Washington line to Flushing and save yourself 45 minutes. I'd highly recommend Biang!, Joe's Shanghai, Xi'an Famous Foods or Hunan House. I can provide you other recommendations in Flushing if you're looking for a specific regional Chinese cuisine. PM me.

Definitely heading out here this year, either to Flushing or Jackson Heights. Too much potential here to let go unexplored. Flushing for Asian, Jackson Heights for Latin.

Quote: (02-26-2013 11:00 PM)MaleDefined Wrote:  

No visit to NYC would be complete without a proper visit to a steakhouse. Really, there is only one option here. Peter Luger's is the clear play here. Williamsburg or Great Neck are both equally worthy. Old school, top notch Porterhouse steak. The waiters are older than your grandfather. Cash only, though they may allow debit cards to be used. It is, bar none, a place for a man to eat a steak. If you don't want to leave Manhattan for steak then I prefer Smith & Wollensky, however that tab can get huge very quickly. Smith and Woll's pours a very generous glass of wine at their bar, so it's absolutely worth checking out for a drink.

All great but my all time favorite to this day is Wolfgangs, at 33rd and Park Ave. Either for lunches or dinners, in my opinion the best steak house in NYC. Small, intimate, dark, and incredible. Perfect for a mid-day lunch, or a dinner if you are in mid town. Higher up in mid town near Central Park is Quality Meats, another truly excellent steakhouse. Its a modern steakhouse, but its actually really good.

Quote: (02-26-2013 11:00 PM)MaleDefined Wrote:  

SoHo spot, The Dutch is a trendy, seen and be seen type of spot. A good spot for some dinnertime gaming. Food is damn good, New American-ish. Excellent vegetables. Can be hard to score a reservation.

Brunch here is terrific, and full of hot Soho girls. I take clients here for lunch regularly. Never have done dinner. In this neighborhood, I would have to recommend Blue Ribbon Sushi, and one of the top sushi restaurants in the world.

Quote: (02-26-2013 11:00 PM)MaleDefined Wrote:  

In the East Village, The Mermaid Inn is an affordable spot for seafood, specifically happy hour oysters. They have a ton of oyster varieties for $1 before 7. Enjoy a dozen and then stay for an well-priced main.

I friggin love this place. I usually go to the West Village location, and have been to the UWS location. Go early on Fridays for $1 oysters, their Oyster selection is always good. Terrific seafood. Would also add to this Flex Muscles, either downtown or Upper East Side. Very similar to Mermaid, but a little more higher end, awesome Maine beer on tap, great oysters. Flex is my go to almost weekly spot in my neighborhood.

Quote: (02-26-2013 11:00 PM)MaleDefined Wrote:  

Uva is a very happening wine bar/trattoria on the UES. Really excellent bottles of hard to find wine at the right price. A hot staff, hot diners and a solid bar that has quick turnover where a number or two could be pulled if dressed well.

My go to date spot in my neighborhood. Great wine, but the date seating in the front is uncomfortable. Would recommend getting tables instead, even though the front cocktail seating is intimate, its uncomfortable as hell with narrow seating. It can get crowded there too, go a little later, like after 9. Great spot to sit at the bar, random higher end UES single women there at the bar every night. know the bartender, cool guy, he always gives me a wink and a nod when I come in, because I have literally been in there with dozens of dates. Probably be there with one this weekend. Would also recommend Balon if you want a wine date, at 81st and 2nd, right up the street, less crowded, great Spanish/LatAm wine selections.

Quote: (02-26-2013 11:00 PM)MaleDefined Wrote:  

Katz's Deli. Open 24 hours, and world famous for a reason. A must. Tip the butcher a couple of bucks when you place your order and watch your sandwich grow. You'd be crazy to not order corned beef or pastrami.

I have been popping in there lately and just buying pastrami by the pound and taking it home, with mustard. Its about $14/lb, and nice to come home to in the fridge. You cant get this pastrami anywhere..

Quote: (02-26-2013 11:00 PM)MaleDefined Wrote:  

Luke's Lobster. No it's not Cape Cod, but it's pretty damn close. A few locations throughout the city. If you've never had a lobster roll, it's a good bet for a high quality quick lunch.

Good for a lobster roll, right in my hood, fun spot for a cheap food date or popping in by yourself.

Quote: (02-26-2013 11:00 PM)MaleDefined Wrote:  

Balthazar. Yes, it's a wonderful dining experience and quite the scene. You will certainly not be the most famous person in there. Their bread and oeufs meurette are to die for. It is a bit hyped though.

Certainly one of the best brunches or breakfasts in NYC, but for me my coffee stop when I am in Soho day gaming, I usually pop in the pastry shop and get a stumptown iced to go.
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#30

NYC Restaurant Report: A Guide To Eating The Apple

I think NYC is somewhat unique in that the dining-at-the-bar scene is a really great way to meet high quality women. I used to rotate in the west village through some great spots like L'Artusi, Extra Virgin, Spotted Pig, Dellanima, Anfora and about ten others i dont remember and all have World class food along with groups of women dining at the bar or waiting at the bar to be seated. On your average Tuesday night at these spots half the tables are really high-end groups of girls complaining about their boyfriends. Probably my best pull ever was a Swedish girl from the bar at L'artusi into a BJ next door at the laser hair removal place where she worked...she walked across the street and opened the place up after hours so I could "see where she worked"...and i had a great pork chop at L'Artusi also, now that is a good night. I miss NYC restaurant game very much and recomend those spots!
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#31

NYC Restaurant Report: A Guide To Eating The Apple

Quote:Quote:

All great but my all time favorite to this day is Wolfgangs, at 33rd and Park Ave. Either for lunches or dinners, in my opinion the best steak house in NYC. Small, intimate, dark, and incredible. Perfect for a mid-day lunch, or a dinner if you are in mid town.

Yes! Was actually going to call out Wolfgangs in my prior post. I frequent the Tribeca location, and it's the best steak I've had in the city.
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#32

NYC Restaurant Report: A Guide To Eating The Apple

What is the best pizza in Manhattan?

Patsy's in East Harlem (1st Ave bet 117 and 118tg Street) If you like thin crust. Not to be confused with the Patsys chain which is all over the city. They are two distinct entities. It's a restaurant and they also have a window storefront for slices. The restaurant has a certain old NY charm from when the hood used to be Eyetalian.

Difaras is still excellent but Dom only opens a couple of days a week, it's far out it in Midwood, you might be waiting an hour for slices and it's like $5 a slice. I remember the days when you could walk in and grab a slice.

I second previous poster rec of Mark & Joseph, every bit as good as Peter Lugers.
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