Eatmywords

I like Nha Trang Centre a bit better for food......decent/good pho at New Pasteur and original Nha Trang

Lots of good stuff in Little Italy!.........just kidding! some good recs: http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=85475 A little more authentic/interesting; Otto, Falai, Frank, Po and Vespa to name a few

Yea, of course Nathan's exaggerating. The Offal soup (one of the best dishes on the menu) holds a fare amount of fire as does the bean thread salad w/ chick, shrimp and squid and the Southern style Curry. I'll never understand the allure of super spicy food (whether you can handle it or not)

How long did you wait before realizing they weren't letting you in?

I think Sneak summed it up well emphasizing the apps and desserts. I would deviate by saying the mains required some attn. Open two days or not Shellygirl's rock shrimp risotto simply should not have left the kitchen. It looked like a plate of gruel. Zero presentation, no difference in color from the plate to what was in it. It was overcooked and worst of all, a key ingredient (one we aren't fans to begin with) salt, was missing. My pork chop, cooked as requested (MR) was not a good cut, tough even. The spinach, onions and baked apple sides were good enough but they were swimming in a puddle of glaze. Way too much. I think it fare game to make these observations since it is Landmarc and these weren't timing or service issues. I appreciated that one of the female mgrs came around and was very interested and thankful for our comments. Very nice of her to offer us dessert (though we were charged for them and the cotton candy we didn't order......not a big deal......the blueberry cotton candy is unique and flavorful) That said the apps we sampled were awesome. Bone Marrow was predictable but when combined with the sweet onion relish over toasted sour dough its a big winner. As well the sizable (smaller) portion of Littlenecks steamed in an a creamy onion chorizo sc with a peppery kick. I've never had them like this. Finally we were spoiled by the obscene quantity of snails in the warm watercress salad. Rich with garlic butter, this artery buster was one of the best "salads" and almost challenging to finish. The desserts really are fantastic and possibly one of the best values around. Individually, $3 each or $15 for a selection of all including a lemon tart, blueberry cobbler, chocolate eclair/puff, tiramisu, creme brulee and chocolate mousse. (did I forget one? hmm) It worth going back for alone. We also had 3 for $8 Gelado/Sorbet ice cream cones. Coconut and Hazelnut were as good as I've had anywhere. The cones and their presentation, sitting in spiral steel coils will be popular with the kids. The room and staff are very welcoming. You don't get that Time Warner restaurant feel. I like the layout. The bar seems very conducive for a full meal, burger and.....uhh.....dessert. Kudos Sneak on choosing that Conundrum (Moscat?) and amazing French Burgundy. The split prices really are ridiculous.

Nah, it's on 9th btwn 2nd/3rd Ave and the ingredients (sinced their cooked with the rice) have everything to do with the flavor. I don't remember if Vasco or Quijote included the crusty bottom rice but I'll bet if you ask they'll oblige as it is common with such a dish.

I'm with Sneak. Nobody does anything fantastic. La Nacional is ok. It's more of a scene, like you're in some poor spanish familiy's basement. I've had better paella at Guantanamera, El Quijote and Fracesco's Centro Vasco with the latter two exceding due to assortmt of shellfish esp Lobster. I've never been but "La Paella" in the E.Vlg might be a good call.

Mee Noodle Shop on 53rd and 9th is solid. Seafood Curry noodle soup (with spinach noodles) is a fav. Also like the beef and tofu over brown rice, mixed seafood sizzling noodle platter w/Peking sc and steamed chinese sausage. (I do delivery only. The room is depressing and brighter than a 7Elleven)

ehh, your probably right. But if I was chasing these things I'd surely be interested in a croisant version as well.

Just about all the C-Town spots have them (when in season). I usually hit one of the two within a block of e/other on Canal near Elizabeth. (There are several others close by but proximity to the subways for these two makes them attractive esp when you're hands are turning blue from 8 bags of fruits, vegs, herbs, scs and 99cent crap : )~

Pretty sure City Bakery carries them http://www.menupages.com/restaurantdetails...d=0&cuisineid=0

Yea, just like Fried Galama and Manigot

I believe you meant La Parma in Williston Park. Man you just give me a crazy flashback. I used to go to this place all the time in the early 90's. It was kick-ass good (by LI standards) considered by many to be the best N.Italian. The cappalini Fruite de Mare was addictive in its robust marinara laden with roasted elephant garlic. Not sure if I ever had the clams sc but everything was always really good. I wonder if its heldup.

I don't really mind if every review has a hook as long as it doesn't hinder a full review which I feel he's provided (in this case). Anyway, few have dealt with as many obstacles in such short time. They've persevered. It's worth noting and it relates directly to garnering a liquor license in the E.Vlg which is a hot topic these days.

I thought the EU review was very good and accurate. The hook, the restaurant's operating woes, was appropriate and not dragged out allowing for a more informative menu discussion and overall experience. Nice going

They deserve at least a star. Went there a few wks ago. Some of the best sweetbreads I've ever had. Healthy portions (not chopped up as often the case), very-moist, rich, expertly sauteed to a light crisp, topped w/a brandy cream sc surrounded by baby market root veggies. Insane. Grilled Octopus with chick peas and tomato was also a stand out. Thick, simply marinated tentacles grilled just right leaving a very moist but not rubbery center. Entrees were also solid. Veal Cheeks im a simple demi were fork tender. My girl had a red snapper with Asian spice and marinad and it was also perfect. This place is no joke. I liked it before Nawab arrived......and now its even better

Our servers could not have been sweeter. ← Yea, they were super nice (and diplomatic when it came to settling arguments : ) but we were rushed a bit too. I hear what FT is saying. Entrees came on top of apps (like 10 min later). Luckily our table was big enough to hold everything. With the kitchen as efficient as it is/was, might be better to take pacing in your own hands.....ordering as you go. I also feel they attempt to clear plates prematurely. I know this is a small price to pay for easily the best Thai in NYC. Damn if that beef offal soup, glass noodle salad w/chicken, shrimp and squid, green curry w/baby eggplant and duck weren't some of the best flavors I've ever experienced! Also agree that it appears they aren't very organized re large waits. I imagine some or that is remedied when the garden is open. I saw apprx 60 seats out there.

So, was the sea urchin better than Momofuko Ssam's? ( You know someone was going to ask sooner or later) Dude, that was some kick ass report. Really, insane. I think I speak for anyone with a tongue when I say we are so frigin envious. Thank you for sharing.

A guy I work with claims to know Thai pretty well. He's been to Srip, Pam, Wondee, Pongsri and some other notables (not to mention he's lived in Thailand). So I give him some well deserved street cred when offering recs. He told me Prem-on on Houston is seriously good. Bruni seemed to like it in his journal back June05. (I know that's not saying much) Anyone know this place? http://www.prem-on.com/home.html

That's so funny! I was reading a menu pg post on a Thai restaurant the other day and the poster wrote; "no one eats pad thai in Thailand". Could you imagine? What kind of idiot would say something like that?

I'm ashamed to admit as much as I love Indian food I haven't been to either. The Chef's Market and Winter tasting at Tabla look very interesting if not traditional. http://www.tablany.com/MDR%20Dinner.pdf Some useful posts here in the Best Indian thread: http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=95578&hl=

I gotta agree with Gas on this one. Jing Fong is pretty mediocre, loud and not the cleanest. And you should ask yourself, are the kids ready to see chicken feet, duck bills, tripe and other funky stuff? Might encounter a bit of "appetite reduction" there. I think for a decent, dummed down, Americanized version of C-town dim sum, Dim Sum Go might suit your needs.

Yea, Sue Torres left years ago but they must be doing something right. It's one of the busiest in the hood. Full every night.

Haven't eaten in a while but think warm, neighborhood Mesa Grill (but with good food). And the bar area is a decent size for the space. Good for a pre-din drink. Their site gives a good idea of what to expect. http://www.hellskitchen-nyc.com/about.html

Marseille is French-Mideastern and more upscale. Room is sexier, better for a date (assuming you want that sort of atmosphere : ) Pigalle pretty much straight bistro fare and feel.