Gourmet, we were there when it opened

And, if you were to read the book, you would know that he thought the food wasn't good originally.

Here is something I know, only a rude egotistical prig would claim what another does and knows.

You said you hadn't eaten there!

Gourmet, I thought with your education, you would have at least conquered reading comprehension. I said I have not gone to his expensive places.

His first restaurant was not expensive. It was down the same block from his first expensive one, it was the Noodle Bar.

I think the second was SSam and that was fine, nothing exceptional. And we have tried his Milk Bar on a number of occasions. So?

What arrogance.

You know who also makes interesting creative takes on vaguely Asian food? Danny Bowien. I've been only twice to Mission Chinese and am hankering to go again; the new space is really attractive, too. Terrible website, tho.

After you try your choice of restaurants, please report back on this thread with you opinions.

Can I offer a bystander thanks. I am off to New York in a week for the first time, so you have given me an insight into what to expect - New Yorkers slugging it out, oh and some great food.

We had dinner again at ESTELA this week and glad to report food is as good as ever. Incredible how Chef Mattos can turn a simple salad (endive, walnuts, etc) into a scrumptious marvel. This is his recipe:




http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/end...nd-breadcrumbs


I am addicted to the lamb ribs with honey (spicy) and the razor clams and partner is hooked on the ricotta gnocchi with shaved mushrooms and pecorino from Sardinia.

Dining room is small and kind of cramped and it can get very noisy. But we return again and again for the food.


Not sure if this means much but it does have a spot on the "50 Best." list.

http://www.estelanyc.com/#menus










I will add another name to the list I posted above:

THE CLOCKTOWER at 5 Madison Avenue near 24th Street. Handsome space, very professional and welcoming service and excellent food. They have a $39. prix fixe but we ordered from the regular menu and shared (King Crab, pea/fava risotto and skirt steak) Liked it very very much. Must go back to try the burger next time!!

In the Edition Hotel:

http://theclocktowernyc.com/

Colicchio and Sons will be shuttered early next month. I was not a fan but only had one dinner there; as far as I know, Craft is still going strong.

For incredibly good Indian food, Amma. For Vietnamese, Le Colonial--nice atmosphere, good food. For French, Chez Napoléon, and Jubilee (fabulous mussels; many options).

Hope his isn't seen as gatecrashing as it is in line with the posters message: With limited time, and if you could just pick three, what three average priced restaurants/diners will give me a good taste of what New York has to offer?

You really have to define "average price," since it might be much higher here in NYC than where you live. For us, "average" might be in the area of $50 or $60 a person with 1-2 glasses wine. But I cook at home most nights and only go out to places that sound really great....

Maybe forget the average criteria, where would you recommended that isn't astronomical - which I define (I'm sure others wouldn't) as anything over 200$

LE COU COU, ESTELA, GATO, BABBO, THE CLOCKTOWER...those are some of my favorites right now. None will top $200 for two unless you get a bottle of wine. ABC KITCHEN also very good but can be noisy.

Thanks Ekscrunchy for posting these!