Eatmywords

These threads are making me nutz. I'm not even that into Mexican! After all this I'm dying for a soft pork taco with all the fixins! Then I want to walk over to the other two and compare. If only that transit strike went down. I would've hookeyed work, walked over and stalked them until opening. Damn threads will make you hallucinate like that bugs bunny cartoon when he's marooned on the island with those two guys who keep morphing into a hamburger and hotdog! Does anyone remember that? Nutz I tell you.

At $37.50, it's one of New York's better steakhouse bargains. (The chop came with sauteed escarole, which I didn't care for.) Oak, I see there's a $24 Mutton chop on the Pub menu. Any info? Is it just a smaller cut?

There's another one very close to these two called Del Valle on 10th btwn 46/47). I've heard and read it's amazing. Anyone know it? Not to dwell on the Rosa vs. Torres argument but I agree with the Torres fans. Though the cuisines are totally different, still, you cannot mention the two in the same sentence. Sue's a well respected creative chef turning out amazing food. Rosa (with it's now 3 locations?) has decent food w/a flair and nice looking bars/dining rooms....that's it.

I couldn't agree with you guys more (Sneaker, Oak and Ewin). Took my gfriend for her bday last Friday (last minute ressy, was the only place w/availability). I remembered Bruni but the shake ups in the kitchen caused some skepticism. Boy, were we blown away. The prix fixe w/the pairings is one of the best deals in NY for this or any level (not to mention the free: amuses, homemade candy and amazing madelines they packed us to take home ( went perfectly w/our cafe o'lait the morning after). Every dish we shared was executed perfectly: Salmon tartar, duck cavatelli, hake and short ribs. The pairings complimented very well and the pours more generous the any pairings I can remember. I esp liked the Uruguayan Sauv Blanc and the Malbec (Complex and big). I could go on but it's redundant at this point as the pros stated previously. I highly recommend this place.

Yea, Shopsin's ain't cheap and it's not the best but definitely a worthwhile experience esp for out-of-towners. If anything (as the article quotes) you'll be awed and puzzled at how a tiny cafe manages a menu of this proportion. I've heard great things about Landmarc (solid fare and way-below-the-norm wine list prices). I will try to get there this winter for sure. Thx!

Since I tend to do be out and about for breakfast/brunch more often in the colder months I thought I'd wake this sleepy thread up. (Some of you must know this place). It's been a while since I've been but to me it is the ultimate, craziest, most interesting breakfast experience in N.Y. - Shopsin's General Store in the W.Vlg. This place has the lengthiest and most original menu around. I think it quotes some 1000 breakfast options with very funny titles such as "Blisters on my Sisters" and the "Sneaky Pete". See for yourself http://www.shopsins.com/media/redshops/shopsiemenu.pdf Just about every cuisine is represented in one form or another from Middle Eastern, Mexican, Norwegian and Chinese to their specialty, down home Country. And it's all in the most creative and strange combinations that work pretty well. The place is ran by an eccentric family; father at the stove, son and daughter waiting tables. On one occassion the two were screaming at each other using profanities that would make drunken sailors blush. (This was on the floor mind you). In-between rounds they were throwing out parties of 5 or more sighting their seating doesn't accommodate more than a four top. (We couldn't help but laugh our azzes off). I won't say it's the best but certainly the most interesting and fun. Would love to hear about your Shopsin's experiences or other establishments worthy of a visit.

Hey Meg, I just got back from Paris last week. I can tell you that John Talbot (host of the French threads) knows his stuff if you want to check his posts. I went to two of his suggestions and they were not expensive and awesome: L'ardoise - in the 1st, (near the Louvre). 30Euro pre fix lunch (same for dinner I think). Pate to start was good. The pigs foot appetizer was fatty but delicious in a balsamic sc, Coquille St. Jacques with sardines was perfect, dessert was soft delicious profiterols Le Troquet in the 15th was amazing too. Pate to start was excellent. Carrot foam soup sublime, beef borgninon so tender and vanilla panna cotta with apricot preserves sensational. I think it was 28Euro and worth double. There are other suggestions on the thread I started back in late October titled "one star or equivalent......". Some may be a bit pricey but maybe good for lunch. Goodluck Eat

Nathan, we're NYK'rs! 70% isn't good enough. We want balance, accuracy, near perfection! These guys are (supposed to be) the pros as their tenured reputation dictates. One little Spotted Pig and Etats Unis inclusion in small list of greats (for NY) makes people think......hey, why didn't the Montrachet's, Sushi Yasudas, Aquavits and Escas make it in? I can tell you I've eaten at Spotted Pig. It's awesome for eclectic gastro-pub fare. But I've eaten at Montrachet and it's another language......one that the Pig don't speak. -Can you say the best sweet breads in an aged balsamic reduction topped w/foie gras Mr. Pig? Oink? And if all we have to compare is anyone-can-write-in-Zagats and a newspaper that posts 50-100 reviews a year we're in trouble. We look at Michelin to affirm what NY gourmets have a good handle on and expound. Ofcourse it won't be 100% on but it's off and not having worhty opponents does not justify. Btw, Pan, I don't get the Luger/Katz comparison. Good pastrami/cornbeef is no easy task but can you really compare it to a category like best steak in NY because the meat's been lean for a hundred years?

Great stuff, thank you all!!

Great advice, thanks Battle!!

I agree If Michelin is the Rolls Royce of eating guides they should have been more efficient. Ofcourse its all subjective but if the Spotted Pigs and Goulues were to be granted a star then open this category up and include the other 200 that far exceed them.

I classify by what I like not with stars, which mean nothing unless you know my (or anyone's) very subjective tastes and preferences. I classify with words not stars or forks or boats or pleated skirts or thongs or pillows or drums or kidney pies or even frequent flyer miles. ←

Calling all connoisseurs of good pubfare and or authentic must try London restaurants! I will be there for 3 days in Mid Nov staying in S.Kensignton. (I don't know the city or the area). We're seeking unique, exceptional British food (and beer) on a medium budget, like 20-40GPB per meal, per person. (-Is that realistic?) I've read about a couple of the Gastro pubs like "Anchor and Hope". Do I need to check this place out? Any others like it or better? I plan on having Indian too. Is Brick Lane a safe bet? Just point and shoot when I get there or any shining stars? Any and all recommendations greatly appreciated. (Ps, we'll be coming from Paris so no French food advice necessary) thx Eat!

Thank you for starting this thread John. I have a slight different take on Michelin's worthiness now that I've seen the list of 3/2/1 stars in NYC. I feel they've missed many of the greats and listed a few pulled out of a hat. I look forward to the responses and will try to get in one or more and report back. I would also add the question of what International cuisines (if any) really shine in Paris? Any particulars? thx Eat!

I'm not the best person to answer this question because I eat almost exclusively in French french places except for neighborhood pizza and sushi places on the "Cook's night off." I have sometimes been pleasantly surprised by some Asian chefs use of French products in Paris, making the dishes taste better than in their home country or the US. As an example, I liked the Thai food at the Blue Elephant a while back and Viet-namese food at Xinh Xinh for a passel of kids - but they're not places I'd write home about. There have been several non-French places highly rated by Figaroscope + Zurban that I recounted briefly in the Digest this fall - you can check them out. ← Thanks much John. I checked out both on a City Search / Menu pages type of french site called www.pagesrestos.com. (I'm sure your familar with it). I found it very useful (esp if you can read a little french).......great for searching by ambience, cuisine and neighborhood. thx Eat!

Exactly, and that's why you and others can clear things up, exposing their inaccuracies to foreign/out-of-town foodies who'll rely heavily on the tire. If Goulue is in why not Grenouille, Montrachet, and a 150 others that have been around forever serving z'kick-azz french fare? And where's Esca? Aren't they supposed to have some decent fish? I'll stick to Menu-pages and yes, you can give me flack for this, Time Out.

If Michelin was sending a message i.e "introducing the new, hipper and looser Michelin" with a Spotted Pig ref, then there are 200 more places that deserve a twinkler as well. Certainly more than one Japanese. Yasuda? Oh and La Goulue? How many French bistros blow this place away? Balthazar for one? Maybe it's me, but it just don't seem right.

Ah well then, check our past threads and you'll find lots of places recommended by eGullet members that fit your budget and are terrific. ← I will contiue to do so Mr. Talbott. It is not easy going through them all. Thx for you help. I admire your devotion and passion to the French threads. While I have you (and any others who have some input), given the price ranges discussed (apprx 40-100E), are there any must try non-French? Some amazing sushi or other cuisine that's unlike what I have in NYC? (I had chinese in Florence once and it was pretty nasty.......they cooked everything in olive oil : ) thx Eat!

Wow, I'm on Magnolias site now......attention to detail and creative aspect appear incredible! I will certainly try to get there as well look into all the other recommendations. Thank you all for your advice. I have not been to Paris since I was boy (some 20 yrs ago) and while a strole down any block will probobly lead us to a memorable experience I really want to have some sort of proven agenda. I will compile a list and attempt to hit as many of these places as possible! Oh, and Mr. Talbot. I was only using the 1 star as a reference to mid-range proven establishments. (I know little of the worthiness of the Michellin to place too much reliance.) Thx again! Eat!

Sounds amazing Felice. I think I'll give it a whirl. I will be in Paris in two weeks and trying to find more posts like this. Any other recomendations? Thx Eat

Hello everyone, I’ve read the recent threads that relate to Paris restaurants on tight budgets and 2-3 star establishments but haven’t found too much curent data on the in between. I’m looking for the best off-the-beaten-path experiences from 50-125 Euro per person, per meal (wine not necessarily included). Any 1 stars or equivalent in this range? I'll be there in 2 weeks (mid November). We have 8 days to go crazy for lunch and dinner. We are adventurous eaters (offal included) and would love to come back with some super unique experiences (unlike the typical NYC bistro/brasserie fare). Any advice would be much appreciated. thx Eat