NYC Dining Dilemma

[NoSoup4U]

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Spice Market has great atmosphere but meh food. If I could only do 3 dinners in NYC, I would do, in descending order:

Daniel
11 Madison
Sushi of Gari (Upper East Side)

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We must have a common ancestor. I love these suggestions. Eleven Madison Park is one of my favorites in NYC and not yet as popular as it deserves to be. I find Sushi of Gari to have some items that are stunning and some that are flops, but I admire them for trying. The fact that Gari wasn't there the night I went might go some way towards explaining it. The scallops with black truffles at Daniel is one of the best single dishes I've ever had anywhere, which lets me forgive their rather old school decor.

[howzit]

irie guy,

from experience, reservations are made a month in advance to most these high end places for Thurs, Fri, Sat that people are suggesting here.

but if you get lucky, any of these places are new york icons. most of these start at $100+ / hd

babbo - italian
daniel - french
le bernandin - seafood
WD50 - american? no real style
jean geoges - french
veritas - wine bar/italian/american/french
amma - indian
aquavit - swedish
l'impero - italian
alto - new italian
cru - american/french

some pseudo under-the-radar places that a lot of foodies know about:

-- extra virgin
-- little owl
-- red cat
-- harrison
-- tasting room
-- blue ribbon, kitchen open till 4AM


i'd stay away from these places:
Spice Market
Fiammas
Morimoto

Bond St had a fire a few months ago but i think they're back in business.

[Rococo]

I would consider Momofuku or Casa Mono if you want a "busier," more casual, dining experience.

[LyinKing]

I again throw in a rec for the Modern restaurant at MOMA. Fabulous food and seamless service sitting aside the sculpture garden, hard to beat.

And I quite enjoyed my meal and experience at Hearth, so much so that I planned a party for my parents' anniversary there. Created by alums of Craft and the Gramercy Tavern. Not quite as imposing in price.

http://www.restauranthearth.com

Who else can comment on Per Se? That remains high on my list, alongside Babbo.

And if y'all could help me out in my other thread in EDF re: NYC eating, I'd appreciate it. Not looking for uber-caliber here, just good and reasonable fare.

[howzit]

btw, if you want to splurge on sushi, Sushi Yasuda or Kurmazushi are a notch above Bond St.

bond st is more of a casual weekday sushi meal or a meal before going out. the other two are dining experiences and will cost you a lot.

[bobhalford]

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I would consider Momofuku or Casa Mono if you want a "busier," more casual, dining experience.

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I went to Momofuku once and it was awful. I remember the noodles were chewy! For good tasting, authentic Japanese ramen, the best I've ever had is Minca on 5th St. and Ave A. It's a very casual atmosphere, so I wouldn't recommend it to someone looking for more a more formal dining experience. But for anyone in NYC looking for awesome ramen (and gyoza), Minca is the spot.

[howzit]

i think he's talking about Momofuku Ssam Bar which is different from the Momofuku noodle bar. and i wholeheartedly recommend Momofuku Ssam Bar.

here are some asian choices if you are in downtown on the weekends. i think they all serve lunch. great start before shopping in Soho/village.

Sobaya - japanese in the east village.
Shabu Tatsu - sukiyaki / shabu shabu. east village
Fuleen Seafood - chinese food. chinatown
Joe Shanghais - chinese food. chinatown
Oriental Garden - dim sum. chinatown
Nagomi - sushi / japanese comfort food. Soho

[howzit]

now that i'm on a roll: brunch.

Jane
Mercer Kitchen (ridiculously good pancakes. i was shocked)
Blue Ribbon Bakery
11 Madison

[burningyen]

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WD50 - american? no real style

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I would call the style “experimental.” Some very funky ingredient combinations. I liked it, but some people find it too weird.

[burningyen]

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Who else can comment on Per Se?

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I had a fantastic meal at Per Se, but also paid a [censored]-load for it, even by NYC standards. I would only go back for a 40th birthday or similar big occasion. The atmosphere is pretty unique. I felt like I was in a Japanese hotel, in a good way. Very quiet and dreamlike. The food was excellent, but not so much better than my other favorite restaurants in the city. I wouldn’t feel right recommending it to anyone who isn’t a degenerate baller.