5 Ninth	Rating
New York, NY	Food
American, Fusion, Southeast Asian	Service

03/30/08

I especially adore eatting in the back garden in the warm weather. Secluded but energetic. The food has always been decent...but it's the package. Staff, embiance and food that bring me back. My out of town guests have always enjoyed it too!

Asia de Cuba	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Fusion, Asian, Cuban	Service

03/30/08

I took my assistant here for lunch one day. I didn't realize that they had a prefix lunch ($29/pp- a bargain!!) option too boot. Their menu suggests you select only 2 apps, 1 entree and a single dessert for a party of two. We chose this option so we could try more things...good call on their part as the courses were HUGE!! Enjoyed the Beef Dumplings served two ways, the Calamari green salad (with heart of palm, cashews and banana) and the pork roast with bok choy, enoki mushrooms and plantains. The waitress over hear us mention the birthday at the table and brought our sorbet tower with a candle for her to blow out. (Everyone should be able to blow out candles on their birthday!!) Oh - the Bessimi and The Cucumber cocktail were both well enjoyed by us! Overall a treat for a lunch time getaway!

Buddakan	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Asian	Service

03/30/08

I live a third of each year in China. I know Chinese food. I am quite impressed with the ingredients used here and how they changed them up a bit to make the dishes modern. Hot pot Chicken, beef, pork buns, cauliflower -- heck, all of the veggie sides were great! Fish! All of it! YUM! I reccomend going with a GROUP and ordering as many dishes as you see fit. I'll be back!!!

Compass	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Seafood	Service

03/30/08

One of my faves! Perfect before Opera meal! A wonderful place -- great staff (besides our waiter who was both attentive and knowledgeable without being pushy or arrogant -- there were 2 other men clearing our plates.) I brought my parents and a friend for this meal. The meal began with a Amuse Bouche (of salmon over roasted turnip, spices and an acorn squash drizzle. The recommended wine was excellent... Appetizers, Entrees (I had the Monk fish Curry) and Dessert (I had the chocolate ganache with olive oil ice cream - WOW!) were all wonderful! Dad said it was the best Duck he'd ever had! The coffee was delicious! My friend tried the prix-fixe paired with wine and had a smile on his face throughout the meal! We were not rushed and enjoyed our 2 hour meal. When the bill was brought so was a plate of little snacks -- dark chocolate and earl grey tea chocolates, mini profiteroles and Pork rinds dipped in white chocolate (which the other 3 at my table loved!) After the bill was paid, the waiter brought us 4 small, individually wrapped coffee cakes to take home! (They made an awesome breakfast treat this morning!) That was the first time I dined there. Since I've been back a number of times always walking away with a smile after a wonderful evening!

Gennaro	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Italian, Mediterranean	Service

03/30/08

Where to begin? This is the closest to the food I get in Italy that I've found in NYC! It has become my where should I eat tonight easy answer. Firstly know that it is sincerely CASH ONLY. Their pastas are wonderful, veal, lamb and pork devine and every appetizer from tarts and carpaccio to their special Kale and pinenut salad is wonderful. I have brought more people to this restaurant than any other in NYC I think. There has nver been a single complaint. Ever. This is truely a diamond in NYC.

Grimaldi's	Rating
Brooklyn, NY	Food
Pizza	Service

03/30/08

Great thin crust pizza made fresh and hot in the brick oven. Get there early to avoid the long line that forms outside!

L'Absinthe Brasserie	Rating
New York, NY	Food
French	Service

03/30/08

We brought 8 people here for a celebratory "project is done" dinner. Folks from Germany, the US and the UK. It was fantastic. We were seated at a large ROUND table where we could all enjoy the conversation. I had some of the BEST lamb chops I've ever had in my life! Try their snails. Wonderful! Everyone cleaned their plates and emptied their glasses (and bottles!)

Landmarc	Rating
New York, NY	Food
New American, French, Italian, Steakhouse	Service

03/30/08

I went here with a friend who loves food as much as I do! We shared everything (so we could try more things.) This included: the chopped salad: (celery, cucumber, hearts of palm, beets, balsamic vinaigrette); warm goat cheese profiteroles with herb and roasted red pepper salad; grilled quail with sauteed mushrooms, bacon and cherry tomatoes and a dessert tasting plate (only $15!!)with small portions of these: creme brulee, blueberry crumble, nutella clair, lemon tart, chocolate mousse and tiramisu...which we were NOT able to finish! They don't serve wine by the glass, instead by the half bottle as VERY resonable prices. A half bottle being 2-2.5 glasses we paid $12 per half bottle. It allows you to easily change wines by course. I also liked the decor...we sat upstairs where it was more airy and light filled, as well as more quiet. The staff was attentive and swift - not pushy and allowed us to order a little at a time and figure out as we went if we wanted more courses. The next time I went to Landmarc was as a table of four. The staff continued to be wonderful and the food was still just as tasty!!!

Landmarc at the Time Warner Center	Rating
New York, NY	Food
American, Steakhouse	Service

03/30/08

I popped in here midweek for lunch after a meeting nearby. It was an odd lunch. Food was good, staff was OK. Not as attentive as the Tribeca staff at all. I almost felt under dressed in my dress and heels being surrounded by men in high end suits. It was decent enough for lunch...I'd give it a 3.5 if I could.

Lure Fishbar	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Seafood	Service

03/30/08

Not sure what the hype is here? The food was tasty - but not over the top. A solid 3-star in a city like NYC where there are so many fabulous meal options. The wait staff was better than the food.

Mai House	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Vietnamese	Service

03/30/08

Had dinner tonight at Mai House. We got there early (7:30pm) and it didn't really begin to fill up until 9pm. The Red River cocktail was YUMMY as was the food. Aps...Mushroom spring rolls and frog leg lollipops. The balance of mushrooms was great! Entrees... The duck was tasty but the spicy beef cheek stew, divine! The beef went well with my glass of Pinot Noir (also YUMMY!) Dessert we had the Dorian cake and a sampler of 4 ice creams/sorbets (lychee/tangerine sorbet, cinnamon Ice cream, ginger ice cream (with chocolate covered ginger pieces - YUM!), and the avacado mixed sorbet... All YUM! Beware the Dorian cake -- if you like Dorian you'll love it -- if you don't, steer clear! The wait staff was excellent. Attentive but not too attentive. Suggestions were made with more of a knowledgable palette than a pushy manor.

Mercer Kitchen	Rating
New York, NY	Food
New American, French	Service

03/30/08

Food was decent. Service...OK -- considering we were a large group I think they should have communicated better with us. Dessert -- OK. I think it would be a great lunch spot but I'd go elsewhere in that neighborhood for dinner.

Momofuku Noodle Bar	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Southeast Asian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean	Service

03/30/08

Yum yum yummy yum yum!!! It was a REALLY REALLY cold day here in NYC when I met friends here for lunch. Do try everything and share. Don't pass up on the brussel sprouts or cabbage. I swear I've had dreams about the pork buns. They're more like pork wrapped by light tasty pillows of bread. Do save room for Ramen too! I'm trying to figure out when I can get back there!!!

Morimoto	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Japanese, Sushi	Service

03/30/08

We walked in in a Saturday evening at 7pm and scored a table. YUM. The basic theme for the night -- Yum. I loved EVERY DISH we got. Amazing quality in all of the ingredients too! I'm going back in January after the holidays... DOUBLE YUM!! The drinks were equally as well thought out.

Ouest	Rating
New York, NY	Food
American, French	Service

03/14/08

Eatting at Ouest is always wonderful. Whether it's a leisurely dinner in the dining room or a quiet bite in the bar. The rounded seats in the lower dining room always make me feel like I should have on a gown and a cigarette in a long cigarette holder. The staff is always attentive - but no annoyingly so - and the food - YUUM!

Pera Mediterranean Brasserie	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Turkish, Mediterranean	Service

03/30/08

12 of us went here for dinner. We'd arranged it all ahead. Table was ready upon arrival. (good.) Drink orders were taken. Their specialty cocktails I found to be either too strong or too sweet. Too bad really, especially for the prices per cocktail. Because we were given a limited menu of options, appetizers were going to be served family style. This if fine. It means everyone can try everything. Waiting over an hour for the family-style appetizers to be served...not fine. Dinner was served -- we had the options of chopped lamb, chopped chicken or monk fish. All were just eh. OK. Nothing to write home about. a 3 sectioned plate was brought out with sides to go with the two chopped meat entrees. We had to order 2 more rounds of these veggie sides just to have enough to go around. Just as we were almost finished with the entrees, the grilled veg and rice sides arrived at the table. 30 minutes after the meal had been served. Bad. Desserts we had two options -- baklava or poached seasonal fruit (quince tonight.) Baklava was dull in flavor and poached quince was overly sweet. Again, too bad. On a high note - the Muscat dessert wine was tasty as was the coffee. The wait staff was attentive...which brings the rating UP to 2 stars. I cannot recommend it for a group. Definitely not at over $115 per person after tip.

The Red Cat	Rating
New York, NY	Food
American, Mediterranean	Service

03/30/08

I've eatten here twice now. Food was delicious both times and the staff was attentive both times as well. A great wine list too. A reservation is a MUST.

Riingo	Rating
New York, NY	Food
American, Japanese	Service

03/30/08

American-Japanese fusion! Start with a drink in the lounge while you wait for your party. The Tuna Tartare was yummy! The Trio of Lamb (chop, shank and skewer) was RAVED about! Tasty drinks too -- I liked the Aqua Cosmo(white cranberry aquavit, citrus, white cranberry juice)...yummy. The staff was fun and attentive. I'll go back.

Savoy (CLOSED)	Rating
New York, NY	Food
American	Service

03/30/08

Yum Yum Yum!! Popped open the bottle of organic/sustainable wine we ordered and dove in! We started with the Charcuterie Plate and the Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho soup of the day. Yum! Next we had the Sumac rubbed Chicken (with shaved fennel and feta salad, with roasted local blackberries) and Salt Crust Baked Duck (with plum dumplings, black kale and crushed walnut jus) -- YUM! We ended with a plate of their homemade cookies and a great cup of coffee!! I MUST get the recipe for their homemade Oreos -- OH MY! Amazing. On a return trip during the winter season they, again, beat my expectations. It sits on my favorite restaurants of NYC for a reason -- it never lets me down!

Sushi Samba Park	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Japanese	Service

04/01/08

Not sure if you're in the mood for Japanese, Peruvian or Brazilian cuisine? No worries, they mix all three here. I've eaten at Sushi Samba on a number of occasions. Dining on a weeknight, weekend or during a celebratory event that they are hosting. Every meal has been divine. The fish fresh, the vegetables perfect and the drinks mixed with care. Beautifully presented plates -- whether it's a fusion roll or the sea bass. None of my guests have ever complained after a meal here. Stop by Sugarcane before dinner for a drink and perhaps end up there after dinner with the good music. Sunday brunch at Samba has live jazz.

Hill Country	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Barbecue	Service

03/30/08

Decent BBQ in a semi-self serve atmosphere. The wait staff is also only semi-attentive when it comes to bringing the beverages. Try the Moist Brisket and the sausage. I hope they will bring on some better tasting side dish options. The pale in comparison to the meat.

Franny's	Rating
Brooklyn, NY	Food
Italian	Service

03/30/08

One of my FAVE'S!! Congrats at being named #4 of the top 101 Cheap Eats in New York Magazine. The brick oven pizza is great! Perfectly cooked! I love that the menu changes with the season -- try the squid salad or provolone pizza if it's on the menu... oh, and anything with the sausage! YuM! They have a very nice wines by the glass list. Very diverse!!! During the warm weather they have a quiet garden in the back. I prefer to sit there then in the more noisy dining room. (They need to hang a few textiles to dull the din a bit.) Swing by 7th avenue and check 'em out! You won't be sorry!

Awash	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Ethiopian, African	Service

03/30/08

When I tried this place with 5 of my friends we were hoping for yum and we got -- Yum. The food is generally a little spicy (unless you order one of say, 2 dishes that aren't) and they can surely turn up the spice if you want them to! Yum. A mixed platter can easily be split by 2 people. Good bang for your buck.

Boom	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Italian	Service

03/30/08

Stopped in here for lunch. I liked the atmosphere and enjoyed the delicious spaghetti. It tasted perfect. Not only exactly what I was in the mood for -- but -- better!!! The pot of Earl Grey tea at the end of the meal was also very very good!! Perfectly fragrant.

Cafe Gitane	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Moroccan	Service

03/30/08

Prepare -- cash only! :-) Arrived last night there a bit earlier than my friends and they, shockingly, sat me at our table while I waited! This doesn't happen often - be prepared to wait as long as it takes for your entire party to arrive and for a table to open in this small eatery! The herbed goat cheese with pom syrup was tasty, but better was the couscous with the merguez sausage.

Cafe SFA	Rating
New York, NY	Food
American	Service

03/30/08

I was shopping here with some clients on a lovely Wednesday in NYC and they were HUNGRY. We popped up to SFA for a bite. Our appetizer resembled a truffled vegetable quiche and was SO GOOD. My Taiwanese guests, sisters, were nearly stabbing each other for the last bites. YUM! My Chicken Salad was amazing (and HUGE). The spinach ravioli with the citrus sauce, delicious and the simple wheat pasta - again - YUM! Coffee was good to boot!! The only problem was the staffing. That's not to say that our waiter wasn't as attentive as possible...it's to say that the management should have enough waitstaff to not have only 2 manning the entire outter ring of the restaurant. I felt bad for the waiter. Some of these ladies who lunch were "not pleased at all." We tipped him well and moved on to the next stop. Hours later I realized that I'd dropped my knitting out of my bag at lunch! YIKES! Upon calling SFA they told me, somewhat confused, that they did have what looked like purple and green yarn in a "ZEEP-LOCK Baahhg." So - Now I have to pop back up and fetch it. Maybe I'll have another salad while I'm at it. YUM!

Colors	Rating
New York, NY	Food
International	Service

03/30/08

4 of us journeyed from the UWS & UES down to Lafayette in the brrrrr cold to test out Colors. We are glad we did. The food was tasty, not the BEST I've had in NYC, but very enjoyable. What made it so very different was the staff. During our meal there were 3 different staff members who kept a close eye on us without interrupting too often. I think that because it's a co-op, and all staff members are also owners, everyones stake and pride in the place shines through. Smiles abounded from their faces. My friend who had arrived first had struck up a conversation with two staff members at the bar. During dinner, one of the ladies brought my friend a printed list of the music play-list for the restaurant as my friend had commented on how much she liked it. Very nice! We enjoyed the Goat Curry, Dominican Pork and Short Ribs. Also the Crme Brule and Panna Cotta were lovely. Even the Italian Sav Blanc (at $39) was quite good. I found the crab cake appetizer a little bland though. The restaurant in the middle is a bit too loud. Thankfully we were seated in one of the side cubbies which had tall fabric covered walls leaving us happy chatting away without needing to yell. I also liked that the ladies room as very well lit and very clean. Many restaurants in NYC could take a lesson there! Overall, a very enjoyable experience. Perhaps I'll go back in spring and see how they change the menu with the seasons.

Dos Caminos Soho	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Mexican	Service

03/30/08

I don't think I'll go back to Dos Caminos. Friend A had gone along ahead to put our name on the list for a table... but they wouldn't allow her to put her name on said list because we all weren't there yet...even though the wait would be at least 20 minutes. When Friend B and I arrived we talked to the front desk woman who had been described to us as having eyes so clear you could see straight through her empty head. Not nice, I know...but sadly it appeared to be correct. Meanwhile others were put on this list, men, who were not all there but were ushered to the bar for drinks in the meantime. After some chatting we were told they would seat us. We only were still there as my friends were really craving some of the food -- this being my first time, I chose to follow their lead rather than insisting we leave. As we were seated they told us we had just over an hour before we'd need to vacate the table as they'd need it for 8:30pm. Again...against my inner voice we sat. Ben... Ben was a very witty, charming and good waiter. Ben brought us our round of cocktails and the appetizers we ordered. Ben was ALSO not happy when we asked for the bill before having entrees or even dessert as we shared with him our front-desk imposed time deadline... ...especially as we looked around and saw a dozen empty tables. Hopefully Ben put in a few words to the front desk in case any of you choose to go here. The food was tasty enough -- but I won't go back with a snot like that at the front desk. It wasn't NEARLY that good!

Good Enough to Eat	Rating
New York, NY	Food
American	Service

03/30/08

Tasty brunch. Blueberry pancakes were lovely as were the bacon waffles. Good coffee, tea and fresh squeeze OJ. The side of fruit salad had perfectly ripened fruit too! The line was only a 13 minute wait on Sunday at noon.

Havana Central	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Cuban, Latin American	Service

03/30/08

Stopped here for a bite before a show. We sat there for quite a while until the waiter came to take our order, but once we let him know we were in a bit of a pre-theatre rush, the pace was picked up to a proper speed. Started with a glass of Cava and tried the Pork and Chicken Cuban Tamales and an decided to try an old favorite, Ropa Vieja. It was all tasty! My dining pal got his apparent usual, a hot pressed Classic Cuban Sandwich. The restaurant is nicely set up, but very loud. Very loud. As we were leaving a live band was setting up...I'm sure the music would have been wonderful, but don't go there for quiet conversation. Over all, it was a tasty meal.

Henry's	Rating
New York, NY	Food
American	Service

03/30/08

A great local spot where the menu changes with the season. The long dark wood bar and bar area are inviting for a drink or a place to wait for a table. The staff is friendly and swift but don't rush you. The small but ample wine list is well priced and the bar can mix a good drink. During warm weather they have a wonderful outdoor cafe section. Don't hesitate to bring out of town guests and don't pass up on the frys!

Ideya	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Latin American	Service

03/30/08

I've popped in here a few times. Food is always tasty, drinks are alwayf flowing. Staff has always been attentive. What's not to like?

Junior's Restaurant	Rating
New York, NY	Food
American	Service

03/30/08

I've eaten here twice now. Once with a group and once alone at the bar. Both times because it was convenient. Both times the staff is friendly and quick. The place is always packed. The food...it's OK. Their pea soup is decent but their onion rings are TOO DOUGHY! If they could only lessen the amount of batter on them before frying them up so there was more onion flavour! Being that I'm not a big cheesecake fan (a few bites and I'm done) I can't rave about it, although my dining friends liked it very much. They have good coffee and rugulah though! They also have very affordable wines by the glass.

Le Monde	Rating
New York, NY	Food
French	Service

03/30/08

I have eaten here a number of times over the years. I hadn't written a review because, other than their potato tartin and yummy crepes, I had little nice to say. I'd found the staff to be utterly rude and the service slow. What changed? I had a nice experience after about a year of not going to Le Monde. I'm HOPING this is because it's made some move towards having a friendly and observant staff. One of the waiters was even heard... SINGING...as he walked from kitchen to tables. Our waitress was nice and the food - the potato tartin and the shrimp salad with couscous - yum. I do still complain that I cannot EVER get CREAM for my coffee there. A French restaurant that has NO CREAM? Blah.

Lucien	Rating
New York, NY	Food
French	Service

03/30/08

Good Fish, tasty wines and decent enough escargo. (Not the best Escargo I've ever had - but tasty enough.) The staff was friendly and joked with us as we waited, sipping our drinks at the bar, for a table on the full and rainy night we walked in.

Mama Mexico	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Mexican	Service

03/30/08

The duck enchiladas divine, the fajitas delicious! Start with a pitcher of the pomegranate margaritas while a bowl of fresh guacamole is being chopped and mixed to you taste at the table. Mango margaritas place a close second. The Mariachi band strolls through keeping all entertained and taking requests. Don't hesitate to go for the specials. Although sometimes pricey, they are always amazing! Later in the night, don't be surprised when you see the manager walking the restaurant pouring in-house flavored tequila from the bottle into the patrons mouths. Just tip your head back and say "Ahhhh"! Try the fruit crepes for dessert. Sunday brunch has a more inexpensive menu. Thankfully they've opened the additional dining room space meaning less of a wait those times you show up without a reservation! The line can pour out the door but it's worth the wait.

Mama Mexico	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Mexican	Service

03/30/08

A great place for a big dinner with friends. We've had 2 office celebrations here (15-20 people) and the service and food - Fantastic! The fajitas delicious as are the pork chops! Start with a pitcher of the pomegranate margaritas while a bowl of fresh guacamole is being chopped and mixed to you taste at the table. Mango margaritas place a close second. Don't hesitate to go for the specials. Although sometimes pricey, they are always amazing! Later in the night, don't be surprised when you see the manager walking the restaurant pouring in-house fruit infused tequila from the bottle into the patrons mouths. Just tip your head back and say "Ahhhh"! The pineapple is delicious! The back most section is the quietest when the place is full. Reservations are recommended.

Mishima	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Japanese, Sushi	Service

03/30/08

I was very happy to see a favorite appetizer on the menu -- Dynamite (baked scallops, mushrooms and smelt roe) along with a nice list of specials. The Ika Maru (grilled squid) was tasty too! My friend and I split the sushi/sashimi for two -- wow it was a lot! We couldn't finish it! Our other dining companion enjoyed one of the specials. We all rolled out having stopped eating just before the breaking point! The staff was friendly and didn't rush us at all. A very nice night indeed!

Morton's of Chicago	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Steakhouse	Service

03/30/08

The bar reads as the good old boys club as you walk in. Check your coat, head to your reserved table... both times for me have been diner with clients who requested this spot. The food - eh. My medium rare steak was only medium on one end and closer to well on the other. The New Zealand lobster tail was a bit tough, and they always pour 5x too much dressing on the salad. Stay away from the overly herbed bread too. The staff...eh. When you have two people tending to your table, and you can't ever find one of them for more water or even to get the bill, not good.

Peep	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Thai, Asian	Service

03/30/08

I checked out Peep for a nice Thai lunch. The website makes it look like it's this hip spot...which it may be for dinner. It was, though, a nice lunch stop. For $7 or $8 you get an appetizer and a main dish...it was too much food for me to finish, although my dining partner finished every lick. I'd go back for lunch... it's a nice, fast option in that part of town.

Petite Abeille	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Belgian	Service

03/30/08

A decent slightly above average spot for a low key brunch. 1. Order up a Croque Monsier and a Bellini with a side of there very tasty coffee. 2. Relax and enjoy.

Philip Marie	Rating
New York, NY	Food
American	Service

03/30/08

Food: Delicious. Service: Excellent. Decor: Lovely. I had a late night dinner here without a reservation with a dear friend. She'd been here many times before but this was my first go. We wanted to try so many things -- so we told the waiter that we wanted to share it all... he accommodated us without fail with extra plates etc. A nice wine list to boot. I'll go back - even if only for the fried green tomatoes! YUM!

Pisticci	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Italian	Service

03/30/08

Simple and lovely. I like the embiance, the wait staff was attentive but not bothersome. The food is uncomplicated. Good specials. I enjoyed the soup, mista salad, pasta and coconut cake. Wine & coffee were a tasty. Worth the trip to the 125th #1 stop!

Redeye Grill	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Seafood	Service

03/30/08

The atmosphere at the Red Eye Grill was nice enough, but it was very loud. There was a live band playing "background jazz" that sits above the restaurant...so it's sound bounced off of all the hard edges without any soft textures to help absorb it... Sitting at a round table of 10 people made it very awkward to talk to anyone even the person next to you. Although I ordered 2 items from the menu with the Red Eye mark next to them (denoting it a special...) I was not bowled over by the flavors. The Dancing Shrimp appetizer I found bland. I ate all 6 pieces hoping that ONE OF THEM would, in fact, be tasty... I have a recipe for the worlds BEST coconut shrimp...and I must say, theirs pales in comparison. We DID get an order of their Beef Negamaki which was very tasty - get it if you go. I followed these by ordering the Asian Sea Bass... served atop noodles. It was...just OK. Not a disaster, but not nearly as good as the Sea Bass at say Sushi Samba. I'm not saying it wasn't a nice evening mind you -- I'm just saying that I was a bit disappointed by the food and the loudness

Rice	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Thai, Asian	Service

03/30/08

I popped in here earlier this week. Good food at a good price! My friend and I shared an order of veggie dumplings and a caraff of wine. I enjoyed a chicken tamatillo tamale and some Jerk Chicken with brown rice. She enjoyed her Thai Curry with black rice. We finished the meal by sharing 3 homemade cookie-ice cream sandwiches. All this - including tip was about $30 per person. Be sure to check your bill. Our wait staff somehow added a $30 bottle of wine that we hadn't ordered. They, of course corrected this error. Not sure why several websites say they that they accept credit cards -- they don't! CASH ONLY -- but they do accept personal checks with ID.

Soul Fixins (CLOSED)	Rating
New York, NY	Food
American	Service

03/30/08

I loved my Oxtail and rice and peas. Everyone else got the catfish which they also enjoyed. Collards are tasty too! Yum!!

Terrace in the Sky	Rating
New York, NY	Food
French	Service

03/30/08

Upon leaving the elevator you see a small overly guilted entryway. The food was tasty and the meal enjoyable... The real draw? The view! Go here on a clear, warm day and sit outside for brunch where you'll overlook Central park from 119th street. Simply beautiful!

Toast	Rating
New York, NY	Food
American	Service

03/30/08

Walking by Carne in January we stopped in our tracks -- it was GONE!!!! A restaurant named Toast had moved in seemingly overnight. Of course we popped in to try it. Yes - it's the first week that this place is open. Yes - it's by the same owners as Carne had been. Yes we heard people walking by outside say "Oh they moved Toast down here" (Which I'm not sure if it moved or if this is an added location.) We were seated quickly. We ordered drinks...well...he did -- they didn't have what I ordered in yet -- "maybe next week?" We ordered our meals. We waited. 20 minutes later my BF got his Limeade. (The waitress had stopped by to tell us they were making it fresh.) 40 minutes further we were served -- me the English burger, he the duck. The menu consists of burgers, sandwiches, a few all day breakfast items and a few simple entrees. It's far from complicated. I understand how restaurant kitchens work having worked in my fair share of them. I cannot understand what about our meals took so long. The waitress was attentive and kept coming out to us telling us she hadn't forgotten us and that the kitchen was working on our meal. My burger was tasty. His duck - so-so (the first time I've seen him NOT finish duck in my memory!) My burger had the wrong toppings on it...but I sucked it up because by this point I was starving!!! I may stop in and try them again after they're up and running a while and certainly not if I'm really immediately hungry.

Yaffa Cafe	Rating
New York, NY	Food
American	Service

03/30/08

Perfect for that 4am after dancing get-your-feed on! The place has a kitschy feel and at 4am - the food comes out quickly! Take Home Gift - - they give you a custom packaged Yaffa Cafe durex condom - one for each person in your party - as you pay your bill.

Yakitori Taisho	Rating
New York, NY	Food
Japanese	Service

03/30/08

Great K'bobs...reminds me of the underground spots in Tokyo. Very cheap too -- I'll be back!

Coi	Rating
San Francisco, CA	Food
New American	Service

03/30/08

FANTASTIC!!! I had one afternoon & night in San Fran and this is where we were recommended to go for dinner. The staff was quite attentive and very nice. Thankfully we started the dinner early...it was a lovely lingering meal... we weren't rushed at all. It started with the Amuse Bouche and went on from there - YUM! Everything was divine including the wine!! Really, a great meal in such a comfortable setting. I'd go again in a heart beat next time I'm in SF!

The Mermaid Inn	Rating
New York, NY	Food
American, Seafood	Service

03/30/08

I tried for DAYS to get a reservation. No dice. We tried a walk in and were told they didn't take walk-ins. I tried again for a reservation for days and was told on my last call there that they always kept tables for walk-in pairs and the wait should be about 20 minutes. I arrived...the wait was well over an hour. The place was bustling. People waiting by the bar crammed in like sardines. The biggest problem...IT'S LOUD. REALLY REALLY LOUD. The design of the interior has only hard edges. There is little in the way of textiles to deaden the sound. The candle holders on the wall in the back room are cool though. When we were finally seated, the wait staff was lovely and the manager brought over an appetizer on the house in apology for the wait. The food... The menu is very small and specializes in seafood. We went for the specials...which were tasty. Over all the food was good -- but really, it was so loud I could hardly hear my date across the tiny table (and we sat in the quieter back room.) Not sure I'd go back other than at a really early time early in the week hoping it was less crowded and quieter. I won't go and wait like that again -- it certainly wasn't NEARLY THAT good! Really too bad. Get some textiles and deaden that sound and you'd gain a star.

Bar Boulud	Rating
New York, NY	Food
French	Service

03/29/08

What a great new option for a Pre-Opera dinner across from Lincoln Center. I dined here last Friday. Although I'd read such great things about the Dégustation de Charcuterie Tasting plate for 2 - it was the least favorite part of my entire meal. The Escargots Persillade was tasty and the special fish of the night - Mahi Mahi -- YUM! The Bar D’atlantique aux Poivrons Doux (wild striped bass, chorizo, haricots coco sweet pepper stew) that my friend got was also very good. Top it off with a side of the Cauliflower Gratin and you won't be sorry! Both desserts were lovely to boot as was the white burgundy we savored. The staff was attentive without being too attentive. No complaints here!

South Gate	Rating
New York, NY	Food
American	Service

04/26/08

From my confirmation call straight through to their help hailing a cab the staff at South Gate was wonderful. They greeted my usual bubbliness with a warm smile and friendliness. My friend and I were seated towards the back of the airy and spacious dining room. Wonderful decor (I love the swively chairs!!) by famed designer, Tony Chi. Our waitress was fantastic. Nice, helpful and funny. We decided upon the 6 course Chef's Tasting ($95/pp not including wine.) Chef Heffernan and his staff did not disappoint. From the Yellow tail to the ravioli soup to the short ribs - wow! And...wait for it... TWO dessert courses! We decided to go all out and have wine paired with each course...a very wise choice indeed. Their sommelier, Troy, was wonderful. He choice interesting and unique wines for us to try. I liked them all! The only bad part of the evening was having to slightly rush the tasting and dash to the opera. (Not that we didn't enjoy the opera too...) Next time I'll plan the evening around it instead of having a performance too attend.