NYC Ideas

[kathyann]

Hi All- Once again I'm looking for the expert advice that the folks on this board can provide!!
In August my best friend and I will be headed to NYC for a long weekend, and I need some ideas about restaurants.... she is a vegetarian, although she will eat some fish (tuna and swordfish primarily) and I will eat just about anything (except lamb).... We are both on a moderate, although not entirely skimpy, budget for the trip. We love to try wines and cheeses (one night I think we will try Artisinal (http://www.artisanalbistro.com/) and make a dinner of just that) We both also love Italian food, so I was thinking of a fun and funky and/or absolutely delicious Italian place that won't break the bank. She especially loves gnocchi or risotto, so if there is a place known for one of them it would be a plus. Any thoughts???
Thanks in advance-
Kathyann
PS- I found an interesting place on-line called Risotteria that supposedly has 30+ risotto dishes on the menu.... anyone with personal experience of the place???

[nycbetty620]

Yay! Food & NYC, two of my favorite topics...

What area will you be staying in, and how far out of it are you ok to go?

www.menupages.com is a very useful website with tons of user reviews for restaurants all over the city. You can search by rating, cuisine, price, neighborhood, etc. It's a good place to start.

For Italian food, imho, you are always better off to seek out the little neighborhood places-- there are some gems. But I also really like Bond 45 (I work in Times Square) -- they have a wonderful tasting menu, antipasto bar, little pasta plates, a great wine list. It's on the expensive side, but the space is beautiful and the service is great.

Two places I like for seafood are the Mermaid Inn (they have a website) -- it's a cute upscale clam shack like place on the lower east side, and the Blue Water Grill in Union Square (a BR Guest restaurant-- check out their site too, as Atlantic Grill is good as well).

OK, I have to get back to work (!!) but hope that helps.

[kathyann]

Thanks NYCBetty- these are some great suggestions... they all look delicious!! I've also been having fun with the menupages site, although there are so many restaurant choices that it's a bit daunting!!! Good to have the reviews and feedback to help choose one though...
k

[greatcook]

My favorite restaurant in NY is a place called Bar Piti- laid back atmosphere, delicious authentic Italian food, reasonably priced, and great for people watching. Depending on the day, you may even see a couple celebrities casually hanging out or grabbing a bite to eat :)

It's in the West Village, on 6th and Bleeker and it's cash only. If you do go, I recommend the Penne alla Rustica- simple, and delicious, and the Polpettine.

[greysangel]

Artisanal is fantastic. I've also been to Risotteria which is a great place though not fancy...just kind of neighborhood type atmosphere in a great part of the village. I haven't found a perfect Italian place believe it or not...we tend to stick to Bayonne NJ for that :D But if you are looking for another recommendation I would recommend Zen Palate..the location in Union Square is wonderful and it's a veggie dream if you like asian food. There's also a wonderful farmer's market on the weekend in Union Square so you could have a nice lunch and a peruse of the market :D