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?

Erm, no. I believe that you are thinking about Tasca. Alta (54 West 10th Street, in a townhouse with a slightly below-street entrance) is a different animal entirely.I'd go with Alta over Lupa, myself, but I feel like Lupa hasn't been the same since Mark Ladner took off to Del Posto. Either are good choices. Momofuku Ssam Bar is a must; I'd skip Noodle Bar for the comfort issue I mentioned abovethread. ← What would you suggest at Barbone? I am definitely going to momofuku...probably Sunday night and just need to decided on the other one. I would like to have some good Italian that is not really heavy. Our chances of getting into Lupa are probably not too good so I need a back-up plan. Nathan, what would be your next choice if Lupa doesn't work out?

Nathan any suggestions on what to order at Lupa or Momofuku Ssam ? Thanks for your help. Any opinions on Balthazar Bakery?

All the recommendations are greatly appreciated. So...if you had 2 nights which 2 restaurants would you choose?

Thanks for the suggestions. Any opinions on the following: Frank, Le Zie, Taksim and Alta? Luckily, my mom is really open to trying any type of food. Also, any great places to pick up a dessert (baked good) for our hotel? Jenny

Any suggestions for what to order/avoid at Lupa? Also, are there some places that are known to do fish entrees really well for under $20? I have read some great things about momofuku are there particular dishes that stand out? Also, I noticed there are 2 locations, is one better? We will just be in the city for dinner on Saturday and Sunday evening. Are things slower on Sundays? I would really appreciate some suggestions. Thanks so much!

I will be traveling to NYC this weekend with my mom and need a few restaurant suggestions. I have done some searching, but feel overwhelmed. I don't want anything high end, just a few great meals on a budget. Some that have been recommened to me have been Lupa, Bamiyam and Fatty Crab. I am looking for things that are not really "heavy" more light due to health issues. Also if there are any great cafes or dessert stops that I should make I would love to hear about those. In addition are there some great places to grab salads/salad bars for lunch. We are staying in midtown. Also does anyone know if Yolato is open of Park yet? Thanks

Molly, Sorry for such a delay inresponding. My brother got married as soon as I returned and then I changed jobs so things have been a little crazy! My trip was wonderful all the suggestions were great...only one bad night and that was not based on any of the advice from this board. We had amazingly delicious, simple dinners at Gambrius (an assortment of everything...business dinner!), Restaurante Coutada (arroz de corvina and tamboril skewer), O Painel de Alcantara (Hake and Arroz de Garoupa) and Solar dos Nunes(Tamboril skewer and arroz de mariescos) in Lisbon; A Cabrita (Sardinas Assadas...best ever, grilled cuttlefish) in Cacilhas; Restaurante Pereira (Grilled Dorado, Grilled Sea Bass) in Cascais and am happy to report a new find in Cascais...Restaurante Viriato. We had a delicious grilled seafood sampler...more that we could eat (enough for 3!) The service was excellent and prices were reasonable. The address is Av. Vasco da Gama 34. One of our favorite meals of the trip! Thank you so much for the suggestion to go to El Corte Ingles. I brought home some Azeitao and Serra...unique and truly delicious for fans of strong, nutty cheese. Once again, I appreciate all the advice. If you want more info, just let me know. Oh, the pastis de belem are truly amazing...must come from the true shop! Best, Jenny

Molly, So glad to hear you had a wonderful vacation. I appreciate the suggestions for dining in Lisbon. When you bring back cheese do you have it vaccum packed? I have always heard that it is so difficult to bring back dairy products from Europe which is why I never have in the past. Thanks again. Jenny

Molly, how was your trip? Anything new that I should know before leaving on Thursday? Jenny

Eric, Thanks for the update on Ginginha Transmontana. I am debating now on where to go for my two meals in Cascais... Pereira, Biera Mar and Ginginha Transmontana. What are your thoughts? During my stay my goal is to try and consume mostly fish/seafood and all the varieties not available in the states...especially Wisconsin! I am leaving a week from Thursday, so any additional information is greatly appreciated. Your posts have been wonderful to read. Thanks again. Jenny