I'm on my way to NYC next weekend to catch up with friends, and while I've been to the city many times before, I want some insider tips on restaurants. Yes, there is Boulud and Batali and Bastianich, but I'm looking for places that are honest, unpretentious, and with genuinely good food.
Here's what I'm looking for:
- A place that will take a late reservation for 4 on a Friday night (essential, as we are driving in late to the city and do not want to wait in line or have to look for something on the fly)
- Entrées around $25 or less
- Nothing gimmicky- no airs or foams or essences
There are just too many restaurants to wade through in the city- it gets overwhelming and frustrating sometimes. I like it when restaurants are described with the words "neighborhood place" or "where the chefs eat after service."
Come on, surprise me. I know you can do it.
(Some Sunday brunch recommendations would be nice too.)
Thanks in advance, I know you guys will come through!
Bon Appétit!
Aroma, on 4th St just west of the Bowery. Friendly but sophisticated little Italian place run by charming Vito and Alexandra. Always interesting wine picks by Vito.
For Sunday bunch my usual recommendation is Five Points, on Great Jones St., but if it's still warm enough for people-watching you could do much worse than the new Grey Dog location on University, although there aren't many tables.
Posted by: Nic Wolff | September 15, 2007 at 11:13 AM
Hi Christine,
Stumbled on you blog while looking up Sensing in Paris - great work. I'm a former LCB Paris student too (1994).
As for NY receommendations, how about Le Bilboquet (http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/le-bilboquet/)
- great NY atmosphere with funky French cuisine or of course, Balthazar in SoHo.
For Sunday brunch, try Isabella's (http://www.brguestrestaurants.com/restaurants/isabellas/index.php)
across the street from the Natural History Museum for eggs benedict with upper west-siders.
Have fun!
Gourmet Traveller
Posted by: Gourmet Traveller | September 18, 2007 at 12:32 PM
I think some of the best eats and best prices are in low-side (lower east side). Try Subas http://www.subanyc.com/ or Le Pere Pinard on Ludlow Street http://www.leperepinard.com/
Posted by: Ms. Glaze | September 26, 2007 at 02:40 PM