New York City

[Deb Hall]

All,

Brian and I are going to the NYC in March for his birthday, and I'm making my list of restaurants and foodie destinations that we must go to. I haven't been back for 13 years so much has changed; Brian's never been. As usual, we have rented a ( studio) place, and plan to be cooking in for a few meals. We are planning one very special night out ( hopefully Per Se if we can get in), the rest of our dining will be mid-lower price ranges( for Manhatttan). Cheap is great if the food is excellent. Here's my list so far:

Experiences:
Eataly
The GreenMarket
Maybe Fulton Fish market ( just to see )

Restaurants
One Mario Batali restaurant
Momofuku
One amazing noodle place ( maybe Momofuku counts? )
Real Bagels
Real Jewish deli

Any suggestions for any of the above, and/or other places we can't miss would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Deb

[Ed Vermillion]

Deb,

The only rec I can give you vis a vis Jewish Deli's is Katz Deli on Houston Street (say House-Ton) on the Lower East Side. IMO it was much better tasting than Carnegie Deli with less of a tourist feel. Enjoy your trip!

205 East Houston Street New York, NY 10002
(212) 254-2246

[Robin Garr]

IMO it was much better tasting than Carnegie Deli with less of a tourist feel.

Carnegie Deli is right up there with the late Tavern on the Green as a place for tourists.

I used to like Second Avenue Deli and Sarge's as smaller delis that seemed more "local."

[JustinHammond]

My favorite cheap eats are:

John's Pizza
www.johnspizzerianyc.com/
260 West 44th Street


Gray's Papaya
2090 Broadway # 1

[Ken B]

Definitely Momofuko, if you get in, it will cover both your need for a David Chang spot and great noodles.

Also:

http://www.torrisinyc.com/

http://www.casamononyc.com/

http://www.robertaspizza.com/

http://motorinopizza.com/

I have not been, but my poll of NY buddies says the Batali spot to hit if only one is:

http://www.luparestaurant.com/home.cfm

If you make it to Brooklyn:

http://marlowandsons.com/

[GaryF]

Lupa is a good choice- they make all the salumis on the premises, and it's not going to give you the sticker shock that Babbo would.

[Deb Hall]

Great suggestions, folks- thanks so much! I have to show Brian, but I think Lupa just made the list. Our budget's not going to allow a trip to Rome for several years , review says it's just as good if not better.

Keep'um coming-
Deb

[John Greenup]

Per Robin's post, the Second Avenue Deli and Sarge's are both good choices and probably less inundated with tourists...also consider Bloom's Deli (40th Street, mid-Manhattan)...relatively cheap eats (for NYC).

If you're looking for a night on the town, consider a traditional NY steakhouse, and try Smith & Wollensky's.

[John Hagan]

Hey Deb.. Ill agree with Justin about the Johns Pizza recommendation. Also agree with Ed on Katz for a good Jewish deli,but another good alternative might be Barney Greengrass
http://www.barneygreengrass.com/welcome.php
I made a posting a couple of months back about a few good cheap eats we found in NYC and one of the places was a great noodle spot. Totto Ramen makes some of the best ramen ever . I would recommend going early for lunch otherwise your gonna face a considerable wait out in the cold. We went around 7 or 8 in the eve and ended waiting well over an hour. From what I understand thats a typical wait time for this place. I cant wait to get back and go there again. It was really very good.
http://tottoramen.com/

[JustinHammond]

All,

We are planning one very special night out ( hopefully Per Se if we can get in), the rest of our dining will be mid-lower price ranges( for Manhatttan).

Both of Bundle’s top two tables belong to chef Thomas Keller: The average bill for upscale fare at The French Laundry is $957, while Per Se in New York’s is $883.

Ouch.

http://www.thedaily.com/page/2012/01/26 ... m_content=

[Deb Hall]

All,

We are planning one very special night out ( hopefully Per Se if we can get in), the rest of our dining will be mid-lower price ranges( for Manhatttan).

Both of Bundle’s top two tables belong to chef Thomas Keller: The average bill for upscale fare at The French Laundry is $957, while Per Se in New York’s is $883.

Ouch.

http://www.thedaily.com/page/2012/01/26 ... m_content=

Justin,

Yes, I know. It's a bucket-list, once- in- a- lifetime item but we are still debating this....
Deb

[GaryF]

Deb, I really love Artisanal- it's not near anything except the Empire State Bldg, but the fondues are spectacular as is most everything int he menu. I never go to NYC without a visit for a cone of cheesy poofs, in mean gougeres. And there are hundreds of cheeses for sale to boot.
http://www.artisanalbistro.com/

[JustinHammond]

All,

We are planning one very special night out ( hopefully Per Se if we can get in), the rest of our dining will be mid-lower price ranges( for Manhatttan).

Both of Bundle’s top two tables belong to chef Thomas Keller: The average bill for upscale fare at The French Laundry is $957, while Per Se in New York’s is $883.

Ouch.

http://www.thedaily.com/page/2012/01/26 ... m_content=

Justin,

Yes, I know. It's a bucket-list, once- in- a- lifetime item but we are still debating this....
Deb

I'm not judging; we've spent more money on a couple of meals than I care to admit.

Let me know if you go; I'm really curious how good a $300+ tasting menu could be?

[Deb Hall]

Justin,
I knew you got it.
The total quoted was including wine. It's a huge amount of money, and I don't think we've ever spent even $200 on a meal for two. Trying to leave it to the fates- if we actually get a reservation, we'll take it as a sign that it was meant to be...
A good friend of mine went around Xmas time. Dinner took 4 hours for the tasting menu- 9 courses plus another 6-7 tastings. They said the experience was worth ever penny as a once in a lifetime treat.
You'll hear about it if we do go.
Deb

[Ken B]

Well sh!t, if this a bucket list, why not 11 Madison Park?

http://www.elevenmadisonpark.com/