Brooklyn

Strange - I am not a fan. A muddled collection of awfully presented food. Lo mein next to burritos - no focus whatsoever. The people that have taken over that corner are in my opinion poor restauranteurs. In addition to the "Busy Chef" we now have: - "Uncommon Grounds" - the coffee shop that for some reason doesn't open in the morning. Convieniently built adjacent to the long-standing neighborhood coffee shop with a very loyal following. Nice placement! - "Oven" - a gourmet pizza place located a few doors down from Fascati's - one of the great classic slice joints in NY, and just up the street from Grimaldi's, perhaps New York's most famous pizzeria. All run by the same people, all going to be a big waste of money. These ill-conceived projects will not last.

So much truth in these two statements...

I have had great luck recently with Latour and Palmer - showing beautifully

As a former NOLA resident, I hate to say it but cajun food in New York is a joke. Not one restaurant is even semi-descent.

Saul

Carls. Wiz and hot peppers extra sloppy

Strong Point.

Closer to the kitchen? What do you mean?

Crispo

The Queen is the best restaurant in the closest proximity to the courts. Fascati is the best slice around for sure - but is closed until near the end of August. Raji - If Noodle Pudding is your favorite Italian restaurant in New York, you need to get out more.

New favorite romantic restaurant is Capsouto Freres in Tribeca..

Side note - as a former NOLA resident myself, I'll deliver the unfortunate news that there are NO good authentic restaurants here in the city. If you want good creole food you are going to have to make it yourself.

OK, but would you please elaborate? ← Go there and see for yourselves. They are serving dishes as creative and well prepared as almost anywhere in NYC. It is a gem of a restaurant.

In a word, remarkable.

My 2 favorites are Saul and Taku. Certainly different styles of food, both terrific. Taku's menu is based on Japanese technique, but stays away from sushi - almost all hot dishes. Wonderful food - the chef has worked a number of places including Union Pacific and The French Laundry. Saul's more of a "New American" menu, and I think has some of the best cooking of the genre in all of NY. Great meat and fish cookery, interesting flavor combinations and a menu with so many dishes that sound good it's hard to decide. Tuna Tartare with white beets is to die for.. Nice wine choices at both restaurants..

Lingua at Lupa Bone Marrow at Blue Ribbon Foie Gras Brulee at Jean Georges Coffee Risotto at Felidia Pork Buns at Momofuku Reuben - Katz's Deli Poached Foie Gras dumplings/bonito broth at Masa...

All things considered, Lupa is my favorite restaurant in New York. The most overrated restaurant in New York in my estimation - The Corner Bistro.

We went to Taku a second time, and had a 15 person party in the garden for my fiancee's birthday-- it was great again! I really love the food, and the review was right on, too.

I am lucky to say my girlfriend and I have already had the pleasure of dining at Taku - it was fantastic. The chef is very talented, and there is a spacious garden in the back. The selections of wines and sakes is expertly chosen, as well. A great addition to Smith Street, and a must try!

I can't imagine someone WANTING to find poi... I spent my trip to Hawaii trying to avoid it!

This place is so bad.. even thier hot dogs are terrible. Another loser in Brooklyn Heights- no surprise.

Thank you all for your help. I appreciate all the good ideas. One thing that is suprising is the lack of talk about Michael Mina. Is it not a hit amongst the locals? Unfortuanatly, I'm a sucker for a multi-course tasting menu, and I don't know how many I am going to have when I am there. This might only be one of 2 fancy dinners on the trip!

And why do you emphasize "Lunch" at the slanted door?

Tell me about them..

One night - the LAST night of a 2 week trip to Napa before returning to New York. What is the ONE must have dinner in San Francisco for a restaurant professional and his girlfriend? Price is no object. I have heard from people I trust in the area that The Slanted Door is great, is there something better? Is Gary Danko as good as people say? Help!