Lreda

Oh boy, This should strike the Batali lovers with the same effect as a sharp crack in the loins. Alas, I've always found great love with The Batali-Bastiovich restaurants that look to please the earnest diners. Otto is one of my favorite places to go to for a bite and a drink. Esca, though not my favorite, is a forthright restaurant that pleases compared to other restaurants but still takes chances whether with the crudo or whole fish servings not offered at many a restaurant. Babbo is revered but I've yet to relish a meal there. Perhaps, the pasta tasting menu is next for me there as I've never had it. I've a lot of respect for the partnership but the quest for 4 stars might have spread them a little thin.

I've recently seen a PR piece, perhaps less than a month ago that siad she was still there.

Hey Curlz, Glad you're going before me. Tell me all about Bouchon. We're going to Fix at Bellaggio but are undecided on Sat nite's dinner. There's another post below that might help you out. Lou

Having dined at morimoto in Phily and all of Batali's place sans Lupa, I'm afraid after all the bad news and including Starr's pompous diatrabe about being the man in NYC, I have little desire to dine at either DelPosto or Morimoto, NYC. It's a shame as I thought they were all very good to excellent. Especially at their price points.

Let's see...male strippers dressed like police officers? oh, wait..you meant food-wise?? From what I've read, she is in for a treat. Just do what you folks do best! ← Male strippers dressed like police? I'm getting this Village People thing running through my brain. You're right, I'll just cook.

Leaning towards the counter at L'Atelier of solo dining on Sun. Just need a spot for Sat dinner on the strip. Thinking of Mina's place ( Ate at Aqua in SF) or maybe Nobhill. Too many places, too little time.

Randi, Do let me know if there's anything I can do to make your roommate's bithday dinner enjoyable.

Wish you had said hello, I know exactly who you are. You sat in the middle booth by the mirrors. Glad you enjoyed everything. Best, Lou

Mybad. I should have mentioned my earlier post. March 23-26, plus 1 day solo when my buds have to go back for the normal Mon-Fri work week. I wouldn't mind a suggestion for a solo dinner on Sunday. I was leaning towards a omakase at Nobu at HRC.

O.K. Booked Fix @ Bellagio on arrival night. We're going at 10 pm as it's open a little later than most places and I'll need a little nap before dining as we're running to the golf course on arrival. After much searching I still have a dilemia for Sat nite. We want to dine between 9-10pm and no steakhouse. We'll be doing Bouchon for breakfast. No more than $250 per person.

Jeez Jason, I just looked at your blog. Seriously, I wasn't messing with you. sorry, Lou

Rosie, I'm not breaking chops and this CERTAINLY isn't personal, but never is a strong word. What's the difference between Saturday service and holiday service? Rosie, this isn't directed to you and having already been accused of whining, bitching and other infractions of egullet society, just the voice of a owner who's tired of generalities. Most here are knowledgeable about what is a good dining experience, I find it difficult that a slight few had a good dining experience and so many have been discouraged by holiday dining. I was busy and only had 3 meals of 170 returned to the kitchen, all for temp problems. You all know the places to go to have a holiday meal, they're the place with good reps and have been around for a while. White Castle..........don't get it. Love em, but.....

Don't know if I'll be there yet. My kids are off from school and being they live in Vernon, they enjoy using me as an excuse to hit Rockaway Mall. Chances are we'll be there to have lunch as the kids love my staff, they spoil the shit out of them. Give me an idea what time you're thinking of going and I can give you a difinitive answer.

Nice review Peter. Gotta get here soon. Seems like they're doing a fine job.

I am so here for my Friday hangover breakfast before golf the day after my arrival. Thanks for the 411.

From what I've heard through someone who works in the building above is that the goverment has certain agencies that house themselves in the building. Henceforth, the problem with the cameras being obscured, the lights positioned shining brightly and Del Posto taking up space in areas not leased to them. This will prove to be a big problem for Batali and his partners.

Take Ouest off your list, dined there two weeks ago and a uninspired meal was had by all. I would suggest Gotham Bar & Grill as well for your upper meal to replace Ouest. GB & G can be had for $150 per person leaving a little extra for your other meal. You might try Cesca for your middle meal. Katz's is a must by the way.

As a owner, I've got some seriously pissed smokers in the bar. On the other hand, I firmly believe this will improve business at the bar. I have a non-smoking dining room and have had one for 11 years. If I had a dollar for every time someone walked through the door and smelled smoke waifing from the bar I'd be retired. They are immediately relieved when told the dining room is non-smoking. Therefore it's my belief that these customers would be enticed to have a cocktail either before or after dinner. As far as infringing on my personal freedom as a business owner I don't like goverment telling me how to run my business but this is the way it is. as usual just my two cents and my two cents are free.

Tracey, you may bring your wine in but I do have a corking fee of $15. I waived Jeff's because his pal eats lunch at my place 2-3 a week. Now if your wine is that fabulous, well you never know. Lou

Good test, disappointing meal. It's a shame I really want to love this place but they keep messing up. Overcooked steaks, cold food, lousy service ( not this time). They just can't seem to put it all together. I'll be back back because The Strip House is where we all tend to settle our sports bets at the bar at The Grill.

Thanks Jeff, appriciate the support. I know you remember what we spoke about as to your comments to Rosie. Let me know when you, Micheal and your spouses will be dining with us. like I said no corkage fee but make sure I get a little taste.

Went to The Strip House last night. While I've almost always enjoy my meals here last night was disappointing. Double Strip for two was slightly overcooked. Ordered Mid-rare came out Medium. Sue said it was ok as she prefers closer to medium than closer to rare and I let it go not thinking it would cook a little more on our plates bring it closer to mid-well. Creamed spinach with truffle butter( gonna steal this and serve it tonight) was luke warm as well as the garlic fries which were lacking said garlic. 1st wine was out of stock and had a very enjoyable Saintsbury Meritage for $25 more than I wanted to spend. Chalk it up to a bad night for the kitchen. Service while sitting at the bar was very smooth as the bartender gave us enough space to enjoy our conversation.

He told me yesterday you were coming. Gotta get that boy off the vodka and drinking some wine. See ya later.

I agree, the chicken soup at The Philly location was part of the omakase and was spectaular.

Why this happens I don't know but when I pay with a debit card the 20% is always added, even when I pay in cash. When I look at my online statement and the transaction is pending the 20% gratuity is there. After the transaction is posted, the 20% is dropped. Like I said, I don't know why this occurs but my feeling is it has to do with the credit card company and not the restaurant.