october_fun

Has anyone been on this cruise?
I thought it might be a nice relaxing way to spend an evening in New York... amazing view, a meal, some music and some dancing.

Can I believe the publicity?

nytraveler

I have been on these things twice (not this specific one - but NY harbor dinner cruises) and both time the food was poor to awful. Also, not sure how much fun dancing is f the boat is bobbing around. What time of year/weather are you talking about?

october_fun

nytraveler we will be there mid october. Its one of those european type cruise boats.

When I say dancing I mean a slow waltz type of dance. After sightseeing all day I doubt we could do more than that.

If the boat will be bobbing then I would rather give it a miss. This particular cruise seemed to be a notch above the cruise you mentioned.

ggreen

I've heard (but not experienced firsthand) that the food is passable at best on the dinner cruises. We've enjoyed the two sailing harbor cruises we took out to the Statue of Liberty and back.

One was on the Shearwater out of the marina behind the Winter Garden in the World Financial Center. It was "all you can drink" beer and wine; again, nothing to write home about in the quality department, but fine for what it was.

The other was out of a pier in Chelsea immediately north of Chelsea Piers. I don't remember the name but I'm sure it would pop up on google. That was the nicer sail since we saw more of the city; I don't recall if they had beverages or anything on board.

Both sails were a lovely relaxing way to spend an evening!

Aduchamp1

Rule of thumb

Any time food is combined with entertainment, sightseeing, or music one is going to suffer.

Honestly I have not been on those combo trip in years, but the last time I was on one, I wanted to know where are the u-boats when you need them.

Aduchamp1

Has anyone eaten at the River Cafe recently?

This restaurant is in Brooklyn and has spectacular view of Manhattan. Unfortunately I have not been there in years and do not know if they have maintained their high standards.

http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/river-cafe/

october_fun

Aduchamp you crack me up.

Aduchamp1

Thanks October but the food and the entertainment were that bad.

nytraveler

Last time at River Cafe was at least a year ago (I love to bring out of towners there). The food was still very good (perhaps not quite what it was 10 years ago - or perhaps I'm becoming jaded) but the views are SO fantastic and the food was definitely as good as you would get in the best place in Cincy.

As for the dinner cruise - New York harbor can definitely be choppy - I would check both the weather and the maritime report before booking one of these.

october_fun

Might be best if I scrap that idea in case I prebook on a very windy day and regret it.

Aduchamp my husband is not a foodie. Going somewhere very expensive with cordon bleu meals would be a total waste. I would like to go out one evening for a nice meal with a nice view if possible. I didnt think the cruise would have terrific food but thought it might be ok for him.

The River Cafe would be the place you would suggest? Good food and terrific views? He prefers to eat steak when we are out. Sometimes he is adventurous and has fish. He would not enjoy any of the wonderful ethnic foods that I would choose. I will try those when we grab something to take back to the room when we are too tired from being on our feet all day and just want to relax in the room.

I know people can get bogged down looking for the right places to eat. In most cases we will eat where we happen to be at the time. If the food is only so so..... it certainly wont make our trip any less enjoyable.

For me, I really want to try a lobster roll. I have seen people mention them and each time I think "ooooh must get one of those"

If the River Cafe is the one to chose for a lovely night out I assume i need to book ASAP to ensure a table?

Once again. thank you

Aduchamp1

The River Cafe offered very good food and a view.

If he likes steak try the Strip House or Peter Luger if you want to go Brooklyn

For a lobster roll, try Luke's Lobster. They are small places where it is hard to get a seat.

http://www.lukeslobster.com/

ggreen

october_fun, does your trip take you to New England at all? The quality and price will both be much better there for lobster and lobster rolls!

If not, will your time in NYC include a visit to Brooklyn? It sounds it if you're planning a dinner at The River Cafe or Peter Luger. The Red Hook Lobster pound is another good option for lobster rolls if your time to try them will only be in NYC. They sell in a number of locations, including the wonderful Brooklyn Flea outdoor markets on weekends.

There are two schools of thought on lobster rolls. The roll should be a grilled hot dog bun, but chefs often like to try and improve on that element. Classic New England variety includes a light coating of mayonnaise and hopefully little to no other additions like chopped celery, served chilled. The other variety is served warm with melted butter. I think you'll have to try both!

Aduchamp1

Red Hook is a royal pain in the butt to get to, especially if you are a visitor with limited time.

ggreen

Adu, I explained that the Red Hook Lobster Pound (which is the name of the company) has a number of locations, including the Brooklyn Flea. NOWHERE did I say the OP should go to the neighborhood of Red Hook! (Even though it's now famous for an Olympic medalist.)

Aduchamp1

G, com'on back off the ledge. Red Hook, as I understand it, only has one permanent address and then they send their food truck about which only appears on certain days at certain places when the weather is OK.

october_fun

ggreen I will be trying one of those rolls thats for sure. (as soon as possible so that I can go back and repeat before we leave NY)

Aduchamp I have read wonderful reports of Peter Luger but I am thinking perhaps River Cafe simply because of that magnificent view. We might try Strip House in Vegas for his birthday dinner.

Aduchamp seeing you are a veritable restaurant guide do you have any suggestions for pre show dinners? (not pizza) We are staying Upper West Side (the Beacon) so would prefer somewhere that doesnt require a lot of travelling so that we can eat without having to rush to the theatre.

Aduchamp1

Sorry October, we rarely eat in the theater district. I have been told that E & E Grill is quite good and should satisfy your husband's need for hunting.

http://www.eegrillhouse.com/


Here are some other places you can tell him you gathered:

One of our favorite spots on the Upper West Side is Ouest.

http://ouestny.com/

If you are near Columbus Cirle at lunch Nougatine is one of the best food values in the city.

http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/nougatine

mclaurie

I've been on a bateaux cruise for lunch, not dinner. As ggren says, the food was more than passable, the views divine, the service a bit pretentious. The dance floor is quite small and while the band plays a range of music, I wouldn't count on a waltz. If you want to do it, look on goldstar.com where you may find some discounts.

Shearwatersailing.com and Sail-ny.com are some other options with or without food. At that time of year I think I'd opt for a lunch or brunch or a sunset cruise w/o food. Depending on how late in Oct. you're visiting, there are some nice seasonal cruises up the Hudson to see the leaves changing.

october_fun

Decided against the dinner cruise.

Checked out River Cafe and couldnt resist so I made a reservation for just before dusk so we can watch Manhattan light up. What a fabulous view.

My taste buds cant wait to get to New York. Perhaps I need to pack elastic waisted clothes as it seems I am going to eat my way around Manhattan.

Thanks for your all your suggestions. Unfortunately for my stomach they all sound delicious.

Maybe Qantas will make me fly home as cargo.

Cheers