MichaelZ

Had an excellent simple Sunday lunch for two at Apricots. A full menu is available. Bread basket included freshly-baked muffins. Soups (Tomato Vegetable and Clam Chowder) both had distinctive homemade touches as well. We both had sandwiches - a Reuben and a Burger - that were well-garnished with pickle, great slaw and tomato slices that were unbelievably tasty for February. The rye bread on the Reuben was excellent, and the burger on a toasted Portugese bun. Passed on dessert, but the listing seemed very strong. Service was warm and friendly on a bitter cold day. Tab was only about $30, with tax, tip and one beverage each. Hope to try it for dinner. We ater downstairs. At dinner, the upstairs dining room is open and is fancier. The restaurant is right on Farmington Avenue, close to the Unionville line.

I'd like to cast a vote for Gramercy Tavern. The style of service and feel of the room is nothing like I've experienced in the best places in London. I think the food is consistently wonderful. It is my favorite place to take visiting Europeans. Even if you can't make it this trip, it deserves to be on your list.

Three of us dined at Thomas Beisl last night, pre-Twelfth Night at BAM. Total check, with tip was under $100 for a very enjoyable meal. Service was friendly and attentive, with none of the kinks common to new places. The house-made hot mulled wine made an excellent aperitif on a frigid night, and the wines by the glass were well-selected and reasonably priced. As for the food, the starters were just what you'd hope for/expect. Chicken liver terrine was rich, but in a way that melded the liver flavor smoothly into the accompanying fruit garnish. Endive salad with apples, pears, cheese, etc was a great example of a bistro dish. Soup of the day (Butternut Squash) was just right for the weather, but less exceptional than the other choices. Mains - Two had the Weiner Schnitzel, which was perfectly fried, and served with parsley potatoes and a cucumber salad. Spatzle were cheerfully substituted for one of us on request. The Goulash, with beef cheeks, was served on spatzle, just right to absorb the well-made sauce. A small dish of pickles accompanied this. Desserts - What would you expect from a Vienese style place. The Napoleon of Chocolate and the crepes (apricot and chocolate hazelnut) were both excellent. All in all, a fine experience - both on its own and price/value. Only downer was that the coffee wasn't hot when served, but was quickly replaced on request. We'll be back. Parking is available in the BAM lot across the street, and the place is very close to several subways.

With many places offering stylized versions of the Cosmopolitan, I'd like to have the recipe for the "classic" drink, along with any special variations that you favor. Thanks.

Thanks. I look forward to trying the technique, as well as the brand you mentioned.

Suvir - This will sound silly, but how do you roast them? I thought they had to be fried. I assume I can get them at Kalustyan.

Thanks! To date, my exposure to Diwan has been limited to the lunch buffet which, by the way, is well above average. I'm looking forward to going for dinner, since I've found Tamarind to be a little bit pretentious and uneven lately. Even at the buffet, the quality of the ingredients is apparent.

An American Place, Lexington between 50/51 usually has fried clams on the menu for lunch or dinner, but often not both. When they do, they are very good - certainly the best in midtown.