R Washburn

Alex Lee hasn't been at Daniel in months. He is heading up the kitchen at a country club on Long Island.

I guess I am unreasonable, then. You are right, though, that the reporter should have made it clear that the police are literally unwelcome, and that this is not a euphemism for them being banned. Perhaps Carman told the reporter, "Cops are unwelcome", but didn't say that she serves them. Maybe she only serves dirty cops? Who knows?

Chris, Where in the article does it say that she refuses to serve police officers? All I saw was this statement: That sounds consistent with what Holly said. She serves the police but does not welcome them.

Definitely a good value but not a destination restaurant. Have you considered any of Perrier's establishments?

I am glad you liked burger joint. It is near the top of my current list of favorite burgers, along with JUdson grill (best fancy burger) and Piper's Kilt (best bar burger).

I had lunch yesterday at "burger joint at le parker meridian" (that is how it is listed in my 2004 Zagat, elyse), so I skipped the burger club meeting and had dinner at McHale's (46th st. and 8th ave.). I had the bacon cheeseburger. Everything was good except the actual burger, which was a giant (12 oz? I wish i had brought a scale) overcooked patty of low grade beef. I should have chucked the burger and made a BLT with huge pile of crispy bacon. The crispy steak fries were also quite good. I assume that they have changed their beef source recently, since there burger has been highly touted on the board. It is very rare for me not to finish a hamburger, but the great size and poor taste forced me to make an exception.

To be a VIP it is. Many of those people go out of their way to make difficult requests, and watch the staff scramble to accomodate them. These are the big spending types that probably provide most of the profits. It is also possible to befriend members of the waitstaff, who may then choose to provide you with comps and extra touches. I only go to Daniel 3 or 4 times a year, but I have gotten to know some of the members of the staff.

Very insightfull analysis. Adrober, You might better appreciate the fine dining experience if less money is at stake. I started out going to lunch at Le Bec-Fin in Philadelphia and Bouley in New York, which featured elaborate multicourse meals for ~$35. I doubt I would have appreciated the restaurants as much (especially le Bec-Fin) if I had jumped right in to a $100+ tasting menu. Now, 12 years later, I have a much greater appreciation for the non-food aspects of restaurants than before, and do not resent paying for them.

Definitely true, and exactly how well you are treated is up to the captain, within the limits of what management permits. I had dinner at Daniel last night and my comps included: 1) the good amuse-bouche (5 items instead of 3). 2) a glass of champagne 3) an extra soup course 4) dessert wine 5) an extra dessert, presented on a big mock-up of a birthday cake, with "Happy Birthday Robert" written on the plate. I have never seen them do that for anybody before, for anybody. This was definitely the most they have done for me, but that particular captain always does something for us. One thing I like about Daniel is that staff seems to be really happy that you enjoy the food. After a meal like last night's, it is hard for me to justify eating dinner at any other high end restaurant.

My experiences pretty much mirror yours there, and i think a lot of it has to do with serving too many covers/night. OTOH, the huge volume probably allows the restaurant to make money on a $75 tasting menu, so I can't really complain. I will try to go back there for lunch and see if I can make a meal out of some unfamiliar dishes

Give me a heads up as well. I live on 177th and Fort Washington. Has anyone been to Hispaniola (181st and Cabrini) recently? It showed some promise in my one visit ~1 year ago.

Doesn't look too different to me. Or is it that the website is out of date? I really don't mean to pick on Bouley. He is a great chef, and I do appreciate that he produces such outstanding food at a lower price point then the other four star restaurants. However, I am more excited about the prospect of lunch at Jeans-Georges over dinner at Bouley.

You are right that Bouley can be very, very good. However, shouldn't a four star restaurant show a little more change and innovation in their menu? One of the reasons I don't visit Bouley very often, is that it seems to me that they are always serving the same food. Not that there is anything terrible about that, but the menus seem to evolve much more rapidly at the other four star places. It is also very easy to identify flaws in a dish such as: "Phyllo Crusted Florida Shrimp, Cape Cod Baby Squid, Scuba Dived Sea Scallop and Sweet Maryland Crabmeat in an Ocean Herbal Broth" when you have had it a dozen times. I might not even detect some of the inconsistencies if the menu changed more frequently.

Blue Hill's tasting menu is currently $65, Bouley's is $75. You are right that Blue Hill is cheaper, but I consider that the same price range. I see Bouley as being closer to Blue Hill in pricing then it is to the top NYC restaurants. Why Grimes gave Bouley four stars is a mystery to me. In my estimation it is an inconsistent 3-star restaurant.

Bouley is at a lower price point then what i would consider the "upper tier of NYC". I would compare Bouley to places like Mix and Blue Hill, rather than Daniel, ADNY, or Jeans-Georges. As I mentioned above, I would avoid Bouley at times they are likely to be overwhelmed.

I have. However, most patrons make an effort to dress for dinner there.

Is it on again for this year? I went last year and it was great. If you can claim some sort of press affiliation, you get in FREE, which is an even better deal than the $75.

I can recommend "El Malecon" on 175th st. and Broadway. This 24-hour Dominican restaurant has outstanding rotisserie chicken, and is extremely popular with the locals. I haven't tried anything else there, but the menu is pretty extensive. New Leaf cafe has been pretty good, although i haven't been there since last Spring. The free range chicken should be very fresh, given the abundance of "wild" chickens roaming the park

Great review Steven, but what about the sevice? How is it "unsteady"? I had no problems in my one visit. However, the restaurant was not at full capacity. Also, is Mix still serving the $45 pre-theater dinner? It sounds like even more of a bargain after reading your description of the kitchen. I will try to make it back there next week. Thanks, Robert

If Bluesmoke hosts another Superbowl party, I will be at Bluesmoke rather than the potluck. Last year was a lot of fun.

I am interested if it is after Jan.6th. Otherwise my Coptic wife will nix it.

Yeah, I used to there when i was in Grad school. I stopped going after having TWO roach incidents in successive visits (spaced several months apart, ~1994). Another great student special was happy hour at Sam Adams with a free taco bar. Of course they spiced the heck out of the taco's to encourage beer sales.

Although it is not one of my favorites, i think Holly is right to recommend "Deux Chiminees". Beautiful, old townhouse setting, and the food can be quite good. La Croix is also a good choice, but might be a little too lively to qualify as romantic.

Me too! If you are willing to order before 6:30, the pre-theater menu is only $45. Definitely one of NY's great dining bargains.

That, plus being the most expensive restaurant in NY. It is not like three stars is a bad review, but at that price point you expect perfection. I wouldn't have tried it if I hadn't read favorable reports from Shaw and others.