Buechner

I am attending culinary school for a short period of time and am looking for some restaurant recommendations. My classmates and I would like to take advantage of the some of the restaurants here, but on a budget! We are not looking for haute cuisine, rather some great finds that may not be in the guides. Good ingredients and authentic preparation as well as price are key! Would love to hear some suggestions. Some that i have yet to try are fatty crab, new green bo, grand sichuan...any favorites at these? How about good indian? One of my friends has fallen in love with pork belly, suggestions? Thanks!

Thanks for the input everyone. One more quick question...I know they have different attmospheres, but would you choose Devi or Bread Bar? Also any suggestions on standout dishes at either place. Thanks again and happy holidays. Jenny

Now rethinking things and am interested in some suggestions for places that are not a 3-course prix-fixe meal. Tabla/Bread Bar are still within budget, but Eleven and Gramercy are pushing it. Also, can someone give me an idea of portion sizes at Tabla/Bread Bar? Jenny

Thanks for the input. I have looked at the menus on-line and both look appealing. As I said, I am wondering more if it is really worth the price at Tabla. I will investigate Devi more and welcome any opinions. Also, as stated I am open to some other suggestions/opinions on some other places where people have had recent delicious meals. Thanks, Jenny

Thanks for the suggestions. I have heard great things about Tabla and BB; the cuisine at both sound good to my parents and myself. I am wondering if Tabla is that much better than Bread Bar given the price difference? Are the portions similar? Also, I am open to other suggestions for somewhere equal in quality and experience that would be enjoyable and "new" for my parents? Thanks, Jenny

Thanks docsconz...My parents are very easygoing, but also from the midwest. While they can definitely appreciate quality food, it is more important to me than them (one reason why I am in culinary school!) They like casual and not too "stuffy". I have done some searching, but would still appreciate any personal favorites or recommendations from others. As for Tabla vs. The Bread Bar I have heard great things about both and if the food is very comparable then I would choose Bread over the main room. Thoughts?? Also, I went to Portugal a few years ago and your suggestions were spot on! My travel companion still talks about the delicious food we ate...ahh, those sardinas assadas!!! Thanks, Jenny

I moved to the city about a month ago. My parents are visiting over the holidays and I am trying to figure out a few places for dinner. They are open to trying new things, but I would also like a decent atmosphere (not too loud as my dad has a hard time hearing in places with bad acoustics.) I was thinking of either Tabla or the Bread Bar one night and not sure for the other; any opinions on Le Zie in Chelsea? I would appreciate any suggestions as well as which place to go, Bread Bar or Tabla. Have heard great things about both...does Tabla warrant the higer price?? I live in Flatiron and would like to eat around here or in the e./w. village. Thanks, Jenny

Thanks...I will definitely report back.

I think this is my last question! Can you give me an idea of the portion sizes and prices at Ssam?

Thank you all for the suggestions. My plans are to hit Lupa and Momofuku Ssam for dinners. Since I don't have reservations place would you suggest one night over the other for either place?

Nathan, thanks for all your insight. I have read great things about the olive oil gelato. I am definitely intrigued. Gelato has to be one of the most delicious things in the world. On my most recent trip to Florence the "gelato girls" always smiled and laughed when I would come in for my nightly fix I noticed that monkfish (my favorite) is on the on-line menu at Lupa; have you ever had any fish/seafood at Lupa? I am not a big "meat" eater...lots of fish. Opinion on Donut Plant? Any not to miss cafes/bakeries?

There are only 2 of us...my mom is my travel companion. She loves to try new things which is great. So, I gather you would definitely chose Lupa over Otto Nathan? Jesikka, thanks for the info on Le Zie...off my list. As for Il Posto Accanto do you know of a website? I cannot find one. Or do you have some menu suggestions? This sounds like a better option than Otto to me. I am not a vegetarian, but need some veggies and cannot just eat pasta or meat for a meal. I am not a big dessert at a restaurant fan. My favorite dessert is just ice cream or some baked good like a brownie, tart, cookie etc...If anyone has some favorite spots to grab something let me know. Is Donut Plant really worth all the hype or are they just overpriced donuts?

Tell me about Otto...is it just pizza or do you have some personal favorites? ← I actually rarely get pizza there. I generally make a meal out of the carne, paste and verdure. the wine list and cheese selection are excellent. the gelato is the best in NY. the menu is here: http://ottopizzeria.com/menu.html ← Would you go Otto over Lupa? Are the pastas homemade and equally good at both places? I really do appreciate all your insight

Tell me about Otto...is it just pizza or do you have some personal favorites?

I love squid. One of my favorite italian dishes is seppie di inziamo. Can you give me a price range on things...also I assume they don't take reservations? Have you tried Le Zie?