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!