mikeyrad

I have a rezzy for the 11th. Screw Grimes.

From the Times review: I've dined at WD50 and loved the food both from an intellectual and gastronomic P.O.V. My advice to WD is to ignore Grimes.

Lucky you, Pan. Lots of Berlioz concerts this year in celebration of his bi-centennial. Yep, Uncle Nick's gets pretty busy around 6 PM. I go there for pre-NYPhilly dinners when I have a craving for fish and don't want to break the bank. The service can be uneven, although I think they're well intentioned.

Just wondering what time of day you were there. I've been quite a few times and on occasion have had just the opposite problem at the end of a pre-theatre meal.

I've heard that quite a few restaurants that had separate smoking rooms (cigars) have applied for exemptions. Stay tuned.

May I recommend The Wine Avenger by New York's own Willie Gluckstern. Yes he's opinionated (very), but he makes picking out wines pretty straightforward.

I prefer Gino's on 83rd bet 1st and 2nd. I'd rather sample 2 different dishes rather than one oversized portion.

Saka Gura is one of my faves. I should point out that they used to have killer lichee sake martinis. Alas, they are no longer being served. This may also be the case with the bourbon. They may only be serving sake now. A funny Saka Gura story, the guard for the office building told me that it isn't uncommon for drunk Japanese ex-pats to bang into the faux-marble walls in the lobby, bow to the wall and say "so sorry, so sorry".

Correct pronunciation for Otto: Ashkenazy: Aw-taw Sephardic: Ah-tah

All above posts are correct regarding pronunciation of "Otto" unless the Italian in question has seen "A Fish Called Wanda".

Hmmm, I was originally thinking roast beef, but NY strip, rib chop....

I think I'm going to go on the elyptical now and just stay on it until Sat night.

Thanks, I have a rezzy at the Strip House on Sat @ 9PM. Mikey

I have a craving for a cholesterol infusion. Which restaurants in Manhattan do you think serve the best?

I didn't mind the cook touching the fried fish, but the roach was kinka' yucky.

Anyone see this in Sunday's Daily News?

Has anyone been? Is it as good as the hype?

Donguri is right next door to my apartment. We've been there once and although I don't remember exactly what we had, I do remember three things. The food was excellent, it was expensive, and I wish there was more of it.

Even if you don't love the burger, you have to love the bar.

Try the Apollo Coffee Shop on Park Ave S. bet 23rd and 24th. I've never had their burgers, but their chicken sandwiches on pita rock.

J.G. Melon is on 3rd and 74th and they do serve a great burger. However, it is a very crowded and noisy bar. I'd request to be seated in the back of the house, still noisy but tolerable.

DATES (or anniversaries for us married folk) Top of the Tower - Beekman Hotel (drinks) The Apt - 419 W 13th St (drinks) Savoy Erminia - haven't been here since the murder One If By Land Il Buco FRIENDS The Apt - 419 W 13th St (drinks) The Campbell Apartment (drinks) Saka Gura Grand Sichuan Savoy Churrascaria Plataforma - especially for Bridge and Tunnel people

Saka Gura is one of my favorite places in the city. Hope it doesn't get "discovered".

The Yama near Grammercy is around 17th and Irving. Mutant sized sushi from outer space. Very fresh too. If you want imaginative preparations, look elsewhere.

If you're on the East Side, Sable's on 2nd between 77th and 78th is a great choice for take out smoked fish. But be forewarned, you'll be full by the time you leave. They love to give out samples.