Cathy-Ann

I've never been to EO, but have enjoyed Flatiron - what a beautiful place! Thank you all for your suggestions. As it stands now, we're planning on staying put at Otto, and just continuing our drinking at the bar area. I'm not thrilled at having to stand (unless we can snag bar stools), but it'll make it that much easier for everyone to join us.

(Is it taking over a thread if the event is already over? If so, my apologies.) I have a similar question: I've somehow talked myself into hosting a very loosely defined "shower" for a friend who's getting married in two weeks. Her wedding party are all from overseas and not in a position to plan something from afar, so I've taken it upon myself to throw her a pre-wedding shindig. I've pinpointed Otto for our dinner plans, but am now trying to choose a place for drinks for those who can't make the dinner. We're planning for a week from Thursday, so I don't have much time to scope out places. On my short list: Blue Owl, based on recommendations in this thread and proximity to Otto, and Rouge Wine Bar (located inside Paris Commune in the west village) based on I'm not exactly sure what. My parameters: enough space for 14 plus people to be comfortable, reasonable noise level, and ease of accessibility to Otto. Somewhat less important, but still major factors: decent quality wines and cocktails, a minimum of rowdy college kids, and reasonable prices. I've considered Pegu, but am a little hesitant because I suspect there's not enough room (plus the cocktails are, albeit quite delicious, a bit pricey, And, since I've never met most of this crowd, have no idea if they enjoy a good drink as much as I do). Sorry for the lengthy query, but I'm hoping that someone here will have a recommendation that I hadn't thought of. Thanks for any help!

My sig. other and I were a little hesitant to try Taku - it's a bit more pricey than an "everyday" neighborhood place, and due to a kitchen reno we eat out a LOT lately, but I'm glad we took the plunge. While I can't recall exactly what we had, I do remember remarking at the time that the dishes had a subtlety and depth of flavor that were a cut above what one would typically find at your average Smith St. eatery. It's obvious that the meal was prepared with care for both technique and ingredients. I would certainly return, though perhaps leave it for more special occasions. My only quibble was that the pear gelato had very little pear flavor (but I believe the fault there lies with Il Laboratorio, who supplies it). The other flavors were just fine :-)

I've been to Saul a number of times. They offer a great prix fixe, and their duck confit is wonderful. On occasion, they also offer wine pairing dinners (I'm kicking myself that I was too sick to attend one on the wines of Burgundy).

Thanks, Pan, that's helpful. I'm not sure what they've chosen yet (I've given them several options), but if it's Bianca I'll let you know what they thought of it

Any input on the romantic factor? 2 friends who happen to be dating and who also happen to have birthdays near each other have asked for a restaurant recommendation for a birthday celebration Saturday night. Bianca seems to meet my requirement of fabulous food (I plan to head there next chance I get), and their's for a reasonable price. Thanks in advance.

Just made a reservation for my beau's birthday dinner in a month - has anyone been lately and is it still as wonderful as past reports? (This would be our first time eating here.) And is there truly a significant drop in the quality of the experience if we sit at a table as opposed to the bar? We generally like the privacy afforded by the former, especially on a special occasion, but could be persuaded by a convincing argument to sit at the latter . Thanks!

Sorry, Roz. I'm a little slow on the draw; if you still need the number, it's (212) 582-2288/3071.

I have worked 6 blocks away from the 50th St. branch for the past 7 years, and had only eaten there once until today. (I know, I should hang my head in shame.) Thanks to everyone's recommendations, my coworkers and I had a wonderful meal with no disappointments. Needless to say, we'll be back more often!

I'll second the praise for Sweet Melissa's. Don't know anywhere in NY that makes better madeleines. Not a massive selection, but possibly my favorite bakery in the city. When I'm craving a good, dense, irresistable chocolate dessert, Sweet Melissa's Chocolate-Peanut Butter Indulgence is what I head for. Not quite cake, more like spoonable fudge and peanut layers covered with ganache. A mysterious crunchy layer towards the bottom (wafer cookies? rice crispies?) adds just the right textural contrast. Next time I go in for my fix, I'll try to remember to try the madeleines and the BBPC too.

aKa's sandwiches are rather small; so if you're hungry, it'd be wise to order an appetizer as well. The desserts, if I remember correctly, are quite good too. Oh, and I agree with you about the food at Moustache, although I've only been to the location on the east side.

Sounds intriguing! Where is it? 49 Clinton, right in the shadow of Wylie. Menu can be found here. Hmmm, from what I remember, their hanger steak slider is pretty darn tasty too, and they have great drink specials. (Last time I was there, the staff was preparing pomegranates to steep for future vodka drinks.) Portions are not large, though.

Hmmm (pleading my ignorance), the brick oven usually has a couple of logs blazing merrily away - not sure if that automatically means "wood-fired" or there's more to it than that. Their pizzas are small 12 inch deals, and the menu divides them into two categories: Classiche and Fantasie. I'm partial to the Classiche side: Margherita, Quattro Stagione, Marinara (no cheese, and no skimping on the anchovies either!) Quattro Formaggi. Fantasie means not-so-traditional Arrabiata, Mediterraneo (seafood), Nutella & pear, and gasp! Hawaiian. As I mentioned, crusts are thin but not overly so, with a nice chew. The pizzaiolo used to work for Tony May at Gemelli in the WTC before 9-11; I'm glad he decided to branch out in my neighborhood. I'm hesitant to recommend them for the Pizza Survey list without another eGulleteer seconding the motion: they're not as good as DiFara's (who is?) but still hold their own. Is that enough?

Between Butler and Baltic, just 2 blocks from the subway.

My office is the across the street (great for looking out the window, and running out when there's no line!) Definitely seasonal, in a quirky kind of way. I believe they didn't open until way after the cold weather kicked in this winter - I guess Al's doing well enough to take longer summer breaks. The soup's still great, though later on in the day (he sometimes stays open 'til after 5) it does tend to get thick. I usually stick to the (pricier) seafood bisques and chowders. The mushroom barley I had last week seemed a little overly-herbed to me. Sorry to get off topic. What do people think of aKa Cafe on the LES? Inexpensive, creative, consistently tasty (mmmm. . . . lamb's tongue sandwich).