NYC recommendations?

I know this topic has probably been beaten to death but I wanted to post a new topic about it since the trends change so quickly up there and I was wondering about any recent don't miss experiences. Old school stuff too, but I would love some Hotbytes recommendations. If you post about a place tell me why and what menu item is not to be missed. Cheers!

Adam,

Congrats- what fun!

Our trip this Spring garnered a great deal of great suggestions- here's the link in the Travel Dining section for a lengthy thread: http://forums.louisvillehotbytes.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=18834&hilit=New+york

Personally, I'd go back to Eleven Madison in a heartbeat- it was amazing! Go for the the 5 course lunch- really more like 15 courses with small " tastes" in between courses. Lunch is cheaper and easier to get a reservation, but supposed to be same menu; ask in advance for a kitchen tour. We also really liked Batali's Lupa. Momofuko - not so impressed. Do not miss Eataly.

Deb

Adam,

Congrats- what fun!

Our trip this Spring garnered a great deal of great suggestions- here's the link in the Travel Dining section for a lengthy thread: http://forums.louisvillehotbytes.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=18834&hilit=New+york

Personally, I'd go back to Eleven Madison in a heartbeat- it was amazing! Go for the the 5 course lunch- really more like 15 courses with small " tastes" in between courses. Lunch is cheaper and easier to get a reservation, but supposed to be same menu; ask in advance for a kitchen tour. We also really liked Batali's Lupa. Momofuko - not so impressed. Do not miss Eataly.

Deb

Eataly! Yes, I really really really want to go there.

The Spotted Pig. I love their gnudi.

Pay very close attention to these directions:

1) walk down the block
2) Locate pizza hole in the wall.
3) Get a slice.

Hope that was helpful.

If it's pizza you're looking for, go to Lombardis in Little Italy, the first pizzeria in the united states opened by Gennaro,Lombardi in 1905. While it has moved just down from the original location they still use the original wood fired oven that Gennaro used. After you're done there, go to Ferraras Bakery on Mulberry just of Canal St. They are legendary.

go to Ferraras Bakery on Mulberry just of Canal St. They are legendary.

Sweet! I am looking to hit some cool bakeries. thanks!

Adam,

Ferrara is legendary, but very old-school italian. You might want to check out the Bakery below Per Se too ( near the south west corner of Central Park). I heard great things about it; it was on our list , but we ran out of time.

If you want an authentic NY bagel, here's the place:

Ess- A- Bagel
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ess-a-bagel-new-york-2

Amazing! My husband didn't get what at the ranting about NYC bagels was about- now he does.

Deb

We enjoyed Junior's across the street from our hotel in Times Square. It was like stepping back in time to the 50s. Plus marveling at the theater district and all those names on the marquees.
Also, always looking for good beer, the Heartland at the Empire State Building. They don't make their beer at that location, but it's stilll a good place to stop in while touring. Also, have a huge lower level. (The diner I remembered downstairs was gone:-( Love the Empire State Building.
We went to the BE tourney for the first time and plan to not let 17 years go by again:-)

If you are looking for a bakery for bread as opposed to sweets try the Balthazar Bakery- the best bread of any kind I have ever eaten. No exceptions. And while you are there you can't go wrong with Balthazar itself- still delicious and crazy busy after all these years.

If you are in the Empire Bldg area try Artisinal- it is the one restaurant I always go to every time I visit. Hundreds of kinds of cheese, fondues, and much more. 32nd between Madison and Park.

The Modern at the Museum of Modern Art is a very accesible Danny Meyer restaurant, if I'm alone I eat at the bar and have never been disappointed.

Take a look at the New York Magazine website-they recently published 2 issues, the first a list of the 100 best palces to eat covering a broad range of cuisines and prices, the second called Cheap Eats which is heavy on wonderful ethnic places.

Have a great time