Obviously I knew you were exaggerating, but I guess what I mean is that with a NY Strip usually you have a couple size options. I don't want and can't eat one of those 18 or 20 oz boneless monsters, but love a strip that is maybe 12 oz. But if there is no smaller option for the mutton chop, I just don't think I could face a giant thing like that.

I know just what you mean, Patrick. I love dining out, and am willing to pay a lot for a fabulous dinner, but I am really tired of the huge servings. I want to enjoy my meal, not feel grossed out afterwards. Maybe it's a control problem, but I hate wasting food, and I don't want to take home leftovers when travelling!

Boston restaurants have been the worst offenders recently- Stephanie" single serving of Lasagna was -and I am not kidding- at least 8" x 10" x 4"! Enought to feed a whole family.

At Grill 23, I ordered the appetiser size of mussells for my entree, and they brought 36 mussells! Even if the appetiser was being split by a whole table, it was just way too much. and who would want to carry home a bucket of mussels and broth in a doggy bag?

I wish they would either price the dishes for a reasonable amount and offer super-sizes, or offer half sizes.

Portland Oregon, seems to have taken on this idea...many places in town offer small, medium, and large plates. Makes it fun to taste and or share.

One place I loved in NYC was 11 Madison Park. Not sure how old and classic it is, but it certainly has old fashioned, attentive service, and creative, delicious food.

I do agree with you about size options. My wife and I dine occasionally at the Palm in Tampa and often share one of the large cuts along with salad and veggies. Don't know if other steakhouses allow that though. The Palm is always very accomodating for us when we ask.
Unfortunately, wife doesn't eat lamb so when we ate there I was on my own with the mutton chop. The darn thing was so good though that I almost ate the whole thing.

Gotham Bar & Grill has my vote..always a favorite...but now I've got to try La Grenouille next visit.

I love the Sea Grill especially in winter. Does anyone remember the Top of the Sixes? My father used to take me there as a little girl for special occasions. I don't even know if it still exists. Tavern on the Green was the other special place where I first learned how to tip a ladies' room attendant!

Is Tavern on the Green a must for a newcomer? What about the Russian Tea Room. Someone told me it was re-opening Nov. !, 06?

Just do a search for Tavern on the Green on this forum and I think you'll find your answer :-)

Tavern on the Green is a perfect place for a daddy's little girl lunch. Very pretty and feminine, but the food is dreck. For looking, not eating. Honoria

If you would like to try STELLAR Szechuan cuisine...I highly recommend

Sichuan Pavilion
310 East 44th Street
NYC
212-972-7377

I was told that at one time, their chef had been brought over to US cook for the UN Chinese delegation.

Their Peking Duck is melt-in-your mouth moist, tender and the skin is crispy. The service was perfect as the waiter made up our little pockets of heaven.

Hope this helps...
Debi

http://www.sichuanpalace.com/

For what you're looking for try Tout Va Bien on West 51st and 8th. Classic french bistro. Not much on decor, but dinner for two is reasonable and it is always packed with French ex-pats.

La Grenouille is great, but might be expensive with a capital E.

Avoid Del Frisco's. It is WAY overpriced. It is one of two places that our CEO has put on our banned list for entertaining clients. He went and couldn't believe what they charged.

ttt

Splurge for a Zagats restaurant guide and carry it with you.

I still really like Les Halles.
http://www.leshalles.net/ny_park.php

How about the Isle of Capri on 61st across from Bloomingdales. Classic, old school New York Italian food.

I am so surprised that no one has mentioned Chanterelle at Harrison/Hudson St. in TriBeCa. It has been around for about 20 years. The dining room is truly classic with its high ceilings, oak columns, pale walls, and Queen Anne chairs. Ruth Reichl gave the restaurant 4 stars when she was the food critic for the NYTimes. (But Bill Grimes took 1 away, that DRB!)

Yes, the Russian Tea Room is reopening - today in fact. I think that this should be on our list... has anyone eaten there?

There is a very good reason the Russian Tea Room closed--it was horrible! Jekyl and Hyde has better food.

The last time I ate at RTR--I had to eat there because an out-of-town family member INSISTED that she dine there--I spit my food into my napkin.

Why would anyone want to resurrect this old dinosaur? MISTAKE!

The Russian Tea Room's new chef is Gary Robins formerly of the Biltmore Room in Chelsea. Anyone eaten there?
I will second Ryan for Tout Va Bien. Don't be put off by the decor. I love it there.

No way! The Russian Tea Room is reopening?

There food wasn't horrible, it just couldn't live up to the high prices in order to pay for the multi million dollar restoration.

Yup, the Russion Tea Room IS reopening. I just heard it on the radio yesterday.

I can't thank everyone enough for your excellent suggestions and insights into some of the "old favorites".

One more thing to round out my list... can you recommend a Greek restaurant midtown'ish? Good food, not trendy.