Restaurants »Bouterin

BouterinWe ate at the cozy and elegant Bouterin while looking for places to have our wedding, that was three years ago, and even though we did not have our wedding here I still remember the bouillabaisse. Traditional Provencal French, everyone's meal was exceptional, home cooked and comforting. In fact everything about Bouterin is comforting, from the hundreds of flowers that grace the tables, the old country knick knacks and mirrors, and the friendly staff.

This is not a cheap bite, definitely for a special or romantic night out, but it is the kind of place that makes such a night unforgettable.

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Posted on June 19, 2006

Restaurants »Joe’s Busy Corner

Joe's Busy CornerThis deli down the street is the kind of place a sitcom would desperately try to recreate as a “fuggetaboutit” Brooklyn “joint” and fail miserably. Yes, it's the kind of neighborhood spot where they treat their customers like family and firemen line up next
to nannies next to hip young things for real Italian goodies.

This is the genuine article. Fresh cheeses and meats under glass, daily made desserts, the best ice tea on earth, and the sandwiches, oh! the sandwiches… my favorite is the huge fat cheesy meatball parm, but all that I have tried are delicious made with all those fresh ingredients. And if you can't eat a whole one – although it is so amazingly good you may surprise yourself – fuggetabouit and share with a hungry friend. Only downside is that it only stays open until 6:30.

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Posted on June 12, 2006

Restaurants »Otafuku

Otafuku Oh my. This place is so incredibly good, you wouldn't believe it. The menu consists of only three items. First is the takoyaki – fried fritter balls available in in a few flavors – but don't puss out – get the octopus. Second is okonomiyaki – kind of like a big scallion pancake with seafood and cabbage. Third is yakisoba – glistening noodles with veggies and seafood. To top it off, the first two are slathered in a salty yummy brown sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and nori.

This place is just a small kitchen with a shop front and therefore very easy to miss – and you do not want to miss such a distinctive and sensational restaurant so look carefully for the red and white shop banners.

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Posted on June 5, 2006

Restaurants »DB Bistro Moderne

DB Bistro ModerneHome of the $30 burger … and yes it is worth it. Imagine all the other crap you could spend thirty dollars on. A Nascar baby cover up for example, or maybe some Joyful Elephant Tapas Forks. Isn't a juicy, perfecty pink surloin burger wrapped around braised shortribs with foie gras and truffles a much more reasonable purchase. A Leffe Blonde was the perfect accompaniment.

If you are either a food snob or a burger lover this is essential to try. The restaurant is not as bad as it could be for a midtown tourist “upscale” establishment. The staff was friendly and decor was not too 90's riche.

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Posted on May 29, 2006

Restaurants »Nobu

NobuJim and I had our first anniversary here nearly three years ago and I still think of this meal sometimes.

The environment is a bit strange, I had expected to be underdressed with Jim not wearing a tie and to my astonishment when I walked in I saw a sea of shorts, sweatpants, and baseball caps! It feels like a bit like a theme restaurant where the theme is spending lots of money on food.

Fortunately the food is worth it. We opted for the Omakase or chef's choices which they will change if you have already had the chef's choices before. Everything was extremely tasty. I also found an alternate reservation number that is not always busy (if I can still find it now, I don't know) but if you are interested let me know.

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Posted on May 22, 2006

Restaurants »Burger Joint at Le Parker Meridien

burger joint If you know me well, you know that I love me a good burger. And while Shake Shack still takes my number one spot Burger Joint is a really close second. Plus the experience is surreal – you step into a posh floor to ceiling mirrored hotel lobby, it hardly seems like the place to find cheap no frills burgers, but as you search the pristine setting you will find a small neon burger sign with an arrow.

It all feels very speak easy. The arrow leads you to a small room with wood paneling, booth tables, and a small kitchen you order at. The burgers are great and the fries are better than Shake Shack. A highly recommended over-all experience for any New Yorker.

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Posted on May 15, 2006

Restaurants »Mandoo Bar

mandoo bar Another fantastic midtown eatery. Watch the ladies in the window as they prepare the best mandoo dumplings I have ever had. Whether pan fried or steamed, veggie or pork, you will not be disappointed. The kimchee ones are especially good if you like spice. Other items on the menu are excellent as well; Joll Noodles and Bibimbab in particular.

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Posted on May 8, 2006

Restaurants »Village Mingala

Village Mingala So good and so cheap. I got the Night Market Noodles on Shaun's recommendation. Delicious tender bits of duck in a slightly sweet garlic sauce with noodles.

Shaun's coconut broth with noodles was flavorful with a spicy kick. Jim ordered the Nungyi Kyaw – thick glistening noodles with a refreshing sweet taste. Dan's dumplings were extremely good. Fish cakes and sates made excellent starters. Basically everything on the menu was a complete success.

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Posted on May 1, 2006

Restaurants »Mercadito

Mercadito What you won't find at this tapas style restaurant is leg room, quick service, or an ostensibly great deal. What you will find is truly and absolutely great, delicious food, a fun hectic atmosphere, and my drink of the week – the Chelada. The pepino spicy margarita is also worth stopping by for.

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Posted on April 24, 2006

Restaurants »Le Pere Pinard

Le Pere Pinard Nice and dark with a fancy cocktail list and attentive staff, Le Pere Pinard did not disappoint. Steak tartare was delicious and only 15.00. Daily specials all sounded enticing, and all of “les classics” make me very happy to think about. One word of warning, you may find yourself so comfortable that “one more round” happens more than you expect and the bill can climb a bit, but what is life for if not enjoying yourself once and a while?

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Posted on April 3, 2006