dimitri steinberg

Two articles on places to BYOB in Manhattan. http://www.newyorkmetro.com/restaurants/ar.../08/corkage.htm http://www.newyorkmetro.com/restaurants/ar...8/winechart.htm

Re: the prices. I guess I find it a bit hard to "swallow" paying $5 for a cup of ice cream/gelato. That said, they were certainly generous in the portioning and, as I indicated, I think the quality is superb. Just one more example of needing to pay up for the best.

It really is in the most random location. Not quite Murray Hill, not quite Gramercy Place, but definitely worth a trip.

Based on Fat Guy's comments, I made it down to City Hall for dinner on Saturday night. I had the burger with all the fixings (Cheese, Bacon and Guac). Wow! Just amazing, it was incredibly flavorful and juicy and cooked to perfection. I would have trouble citing a better burger that I have had in quite a long time. Other things were also good. Starters included the oyster fry, chopped salad and tuna tartare. Mains included two specials (wild white salmon and the strip steak) Tried both and liked them. The Steak was very comparable to the various steak houses that serve strip. Desserts were the ubiquitous molten chocolate cake (fine) and a poached pear with pear sorbet (great) Other benefit. The place is VERY spacious with both large tables and generous spacing between them. All in all, a definite recommendation.

Based on comments from various members, I tried out Il Gelatone on Friday night. Found the gelato to be quite good and far more "authentic" ie, similar to what I remember from trips to Italy, than other products here. Specifically, I found it less like ice cream than a brand like Ciao Bella. The fruit or other flavor was much more pronounced than the cream. I tried the banana, tiramisu and Baci. My wife had the Baci and Fig. I found the Banana and Fig to be my favorites. The baci was a bit disappointing. Next time, I plan on sampling the Nutella (Yum!). The only negative was the "insult" pricing: $4 for a small (two flavors) $5 for a medium (three) $6 for a large (four)

Steve: Re: Ciao Bella I am a big fan and am continually disappointed that they do not seem to sell my favorite flavor - Malted Milk Ball - by the pint. I think that they do a great job with their Hazelnut as well. I have been seriously tempted by their website to buy in bulk.

I will put in a vote for the composed cheese course at Town. There are a number of courses to choose from, each with a single cheese plus appropriate matching garnishes, bread and the such. I had a wonderful Humboldt Fog dish last month. It's a different way of doing it from many of the others, but worked quite well. If you don't like the garnishes, however, it ain't gonna be for you.

The writer did comment on one restaurant where the combination of music and dancers bumping into their table made leaving quickly a desirable outcome.

Today's Wall Street Journal (sorry, you have to pay to access the web version) has an article in Personal section regarding how high end restaurants are using various means to "accelerate" the dining experience. Quite interesting.

I have not been in quite a long time, but when I lived near by, I frequented La Petite Auberge. A real throwback, with good food at good prices. I never had the souffle, but, in general, was never disappointed with the food.

This thread has gotten me quite interested in the whole ice cream making concept. Any recommendations regarding brands of machines to buy, or where to look for this info? Thanks.

The point regarding Wednesday and Thursday brings up another issue, which is to what extent things change during the summer months? Clearly, plenty of the locals who do a lot of dining out are not in the City on Friday and Saturday. My experience is that Wes and Thurs get a lot busier. Friday and Saturday are more of a crapshoot. Some places get much less busy, while others seem to benefit from a combination of tourists and locals trying to get in. What do others think?

The Bar in Rock Center (where the skating rink is during the winter) has a large area dedicated to standing, where ogling the ladies seems to be an active activity.

One small suggestion. If you go to Il Muilino, your experience will be dramatically enhanced by going at lunch. At dinner, you inevitably wait well past your reservation time in the very crowded bar area. In addition, given the fact that you are likely to be stuffed beyond belief after you eat there (I took a three hour nap after my last lunch there), having it during the day may be more enjoyable than going to sleep on such a meal.

Mocca is the real deal. For something like $15.00, you get a three course meal that is delicious, filling and reasonably authentic. Frankly, I don't have a clue how they make money at that price point. The owners and waitresses are all old time Hungarians. The point re: atmosphere is fair. This is NOT a happening place, but a local Yorkville restaurant that is frequented by a number of Hungarians and others. My in-laws are Hungarian and I go there frequently and recommend it. Most everything on the menu is good.

I read yesterday (forgot where) that the Virginia Supreme Court struck down the prohibition agains out-of-state shipping as unconstitutional (commerce clause). Not sure what impact this will have in other states - but clearly a step in the right direction.