Fish, Steak, or Italian on the East Side

Amanda Asks:

“I’m going out tonight with a group of 5 and we are looking for somewhere in the Gramercy/Midtown East area (as long as it is in close proximity to 26th and 3rd ave).  The only stipulations I’m getting from the people I’ll be dining with are that it’s either Italian, Steak, or fish, and that it has a great atmosphere.  One thing I know is that I’m not looking for your run-of-the-mill Italian restaurant that has a menu full of pasta dishes.  Got anything for me, Alex?”

It’s an old standby but I really do love the Grand Central Oyster Bar.  Maybe it’s their beautiful old-New York feel but I have a hard time not grabbing some oysters when I’m hungry in the area.  While I really can’t vouch for much else on the menu, I’ve always enjoyed their raw bar and the space is really pretty special.  The service can definitely be spotty and rushed at times but I still love it… I hear they do a decent steak, too.

For some good, straightforward bistro food (nice steaks) in the area, I like Les Halles on Park Ave. between 28th and 29th (Les Halles Homepage).  I was hesitant to try it for a while because of the attention it gets from chef Anthony Bourdain, but the food really does hold up.  The atmosphere is classic bistro — warm, although a bit hectic at times and they do a great steak frites along with other classics, all executed very well.

You might also think about the front room at Gramercy Tavern on 20th between Broadway and Park Ave (Website here…).  They don’t take reservations for the front room and the prices are a lot more relaxed then they are in the formal dining room but the food is still just as expertly prepared.    While I certainly wouldn’t call it a ‘fish’ place, some of their seafood dishes are amongst my favorite in the city.  Everything is always fresh, seasonal and classically executed with impeccable but comfortable service.

Hope I was of some help - please don’t hesitate to ask again!

Wine and Some Food Near Times Square

Hilary Asks:

“I am going to a charity event in Times Square and need to find a place to eat afterwards around 9pm. I don’t want to stay in Times Square but it needs to be somehwere relatively close. I’m looking for small plates/good appetizers, strong wine selection and a lounge-y atmosphere. Needs to have a bit of style to it. Suggestions?”

My first suggestion would be The Modern at MOMA.  While its certainly not cheap, the front room/bar sounds perfect for what you’re looking for.  Great small plates, fantastic wine list and one of the sexiest spaces in the city.

If Columbus Circle isn’t too far then think about some of the spaces in the Time Warner Building. Bouchon Bakery is one of my favorites.. Great wines, great wine-food, and awesome deserts.  Also check out Clo, the wine bar on the 4th floor - I’m pretty sure they serve some light food and it’s a really cool spot.

Let me know how it goes!

New and Trendy

Greg Asks:

“i want to know your 3 favorite new restaurants that you would send me to with a few friends…one criteria is it is downtown…the other 2 criteria is of course the food and the other is trendiness…good looking crowd…weight those 2 criteria 50/50 interested to see what you come back with thanks”

I really like Scarpetta, on 14th and 9th Ave.  It’s just the right amount of trendy and sexy with some fantastic food to back it up.  The spaghetti with tomato and basil might be the most perfectly executed in the city… and he gets the more complicated dishes down fantastically, too.  The duck and foie gras ravioli were incredible and so were the scallops.  The crowd was young and chic without being too… meatpacking.

Another idea is to check out one of the Momofuku restaurants.  I absolutely love ko, but given their crazy online reservation system.. Ssam Bar on 2nd ave and 13th st is great, too.  The waits can get really intense but the minimalist vibe is fun and so is the crowd.  The steam buns are great and of course so is the ssam.  This week, they rolled out a full drink menu and it looks pretty wild.

My last suggestion is probably pushing the idea of “trendiness” but it’s one of my favorite new openings.  The newly reopened Minetta Tavern on MacDougal and Minetta Lane is a beautiful reconstruction of the 1937 restaurant and it might be the most classic-looking restaurant in NY now.  The crowd, on the other hand, is pretty young and sexy… and the food is fantastic — classic French bistro.  If you can get yourself to order it, the roasted bone marrow is incredible and so are all of the steaks that I tried.  If you can manage it, the grand marnier souffle was light and delicious.

Sorry for the delay but I hope I was of some help!

Springing

Emily Asks:

“Lower Manhattan around 6:30/7pm — preferably within short walking distance of Broaday and Grand St.. Pretty flexible about cuisine (not feeling like Chinese, Thai or Vietnamese though). What i do want is a place to enjoy the beautiful weather. Outdoors, rooftop, giant open windows/doors or just a nice view. Also, would prefer not to break the bank on this one. Just want something fun, easy and extremely delicious. Since I am in the hospitality industry, I can be kind of tough on service, so someplace where service doesn’t suck would be good too!”

My first suggestion I actually stumbled back across yesterday when I noticed the outdoor seating at Kitchen Club, on Prince and Mott. It’s a great French/Japanese with some really creative and delicious dumplings alongside some slightly more French-leaning entrees.  The staff is incredibly friendly - I’m sure a big part of why it’s become a neighborhood go-to in NoLita for so long.

There are a couple of tables outside at Bistro Les Amis, on Thompson and Spring St.  It’s a well-priced French bistro with some very good food and nice service.  Although the outdoor seating can be a little hectic with all of the street traffic in SoHo, Thompson st. still manages to preserve a good amount of its sweetness while you eat.  There are some very nice salads and fresh seafood - all wonderful Spring-y foods.

Lastly, one of my favorite pizza places is just up the street on Thompson and Houston.  Arturo’s makes fantastic, classic pizzas from their coal oven and also has a few tables outside.  Although I usually love to sit inside and listen to their live jazz along with my pie, it is hard to argue with a 90°+ day.  I love the classic pie along with some broccoli rabbe on the side… definitely your cheapest option here.

Enjoy the weather!

Large Party Coming into Town

Phairgrrl Asks:

“I have a party of 11 relatives who’ll be touring NYC all week in April, and staying in the 20s near Park. While we are going on Friday night to Pastis, I need some othger easy dinner options for a large group… including one which wouldn’t require a reservation. Are we doomed to TGI Friday’s? Please say no.”

One place that I like a lot for large parties is actually right near Pastis - Fig & Olive on 13th between 9th Ave and Washington.  It’s refreshingly airy inside and the food follows suit; simple and freshly prepared Greek / Mediterranean food.  I’ve loved their carpaccio, both the vegetarian zucchini and the beef.  The pastas and salads are great, too - making use of their simple but great products.

For a nice and intimate meal, Blue Ribbon Bakery on Downing and Bedford does take reservations for groups of 5 or more.  The stone basement has a beautiful spot that would be the perfect size for a party just about your size.  It’s a working bakery and their breads are fantastic which produces some fantastic crostini.  I love all the fish that I’ve tried as well as other straightforward mains: rack of lamb, fried chicken, duck confit… all wonderfully executed and comforting.

For large parties without reservations my first instinct is to go with some family-style places in chinatown.  My favorite is probably Joe’s Shanghai at 9 Pell, between Bowery and Mott st.  It’s communal seating but you will likely fill one of their very large round tables.  All of their food, from the scallion pancakes to some of the more exotic seafood is amongst some of the best I’ve tried in the city.  The absolute winner and requirement for a trip to Joe’s, however is the soup dumplings… meaning dumplings filled with incredible soup.

Let me know how it works out!