Help with New York Restaurants.
 

I'll be heading out to New York during the last week in June and just today made online reservations for dinner for three of us at WD-50.

I'm excited about it and very much looking forward to eating there based on the kind of cooking I've read about (a version of molecular cooking); I've also read lots of mixed reviews - it would seem that you either love it or hate it ! That doesn't bother me, loving new (and all) food experiences as I do, but I'd be interested to know what Fodorites who have eaten there think about the place and how you found the food and service to be.

I'm sure if I wait long enough for more of Patrick's month long stay in NY trip report, I'll find that he's eaten there. But anyone else ?

How about 'Aquavit' ? It was my second choice and may still be on the list for another evening.

Lastly, any recommendations for any cool, funky eateries for lunch or a casual supper ?

And yes, I am taking Patrick's report with me.

Thanks to all in advance.

Aquavit is one or favorites. Everything is well prepared an interesting Scandavian fare. (A cuisine however, of which I ahve little knowledge.)The last few years we have gone to the All You Can East Crawfish feast.

For a funky lunch try Flea Market on Avenue A. It a French bistro which is oddly decorated.

It won't work to wait for my report, as we don't have WD-50 on our list. With a month in New York and with our "smaller appetites and budgets", we're not doing any of those $125 tasting menus this time round. Our major "splurge" restaurant this time is Babbo for Lee's birthday, but mainly just doing more casual, rather than "destination" meals.

I've only eaten at Aquavit once and that was for Sunday brunch buffet -- not one of those "stuff yourself" buffets, but the most elegant array of absolutely delicious things. I think they had salmon prepared at least a couple dozen ways -- every one I tasted was spectacular.

Chef Wylie Dufresne is a genius and WD-50 is extraordinary. Perhaps it's not for some less adventurous or educated palettes, and hence the mixed reviews.

Aquavit? Eh. Mediocre.

A friend and I had a very enjoyable meal at Degustation last fall. Tasting menu, but only about 50 bucks or so. A Fodorite recommended it. It's casual, bar seating only, but calm, cool and quiet. I just bought a ticket to New York for July and was thinking about returning.

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

I've eaten in both, but not recently. I enjoyed WD-50, but have never had the desire to return. I guess I'm more of a traditionalist when it comes to food. Aquavit, too, did not make me want to return. But, Babbo......I dream of Babbo....ate there for the first time two months ago - absolutely outstanding.

A more moderate restaurant that I love is Il Buco on Bond Street - like being in Tuscany.

We walked by Cookshop tonight and it looked so interesting, but can't remember what I've heard about it. Comments?

NeoPatrick- would you recommend Terrance Brennan's place Picholine or his newest place (I forget the name) to Mathieu?

Sorry, I'm out of the loop there. I loved Picholine, but that was before the latest "renovation" and change.

Keith and I took Jennifer to brunch at Aqua Grill last Saturday and it was fabulous! The salmon with falafel crust and the raw oysters were superb, not to mention the chocolate tort.

Jennifer was impressed and thought the salmon was better than anything she has had at O Ya in Boston.

I love Picholine (it was my ex-husbands favourite).

And, Mathieu, I always recommend Chanterelle for something special.

Thingorjus

Cookshop can be very good, (IMHO) or just OK - I've had terrific lunches/brunches there and good not great dinners. The service is always excellent, the atmosphere lively. It's run by the people who own Five Points - and it is a similar menu, very fresh, locally sourced, inventive but not too challenging food. They do a great job with pork and beef.

The times my meals haven't been too successful have been on particularly busy times - we've gone there for early dinners on New Year's Eve, when we've had late parties in the neighborhood - it was convenient.

It's a good jumping off point for exploring Chelsea galleries or walking west along the river. I remember you liked that place Earth a few blocks south of Cookshop. You might like Trestle on Tenth, Red Cat (our neighborhood favorite) or Bottino, also within a few blocks. Or Tia Pol, which is tiny and not very comfortable, but makes really good tapas and has a nice brunch,too.

Sorry, I forgot to respond to Mathieu.

I've never been to WD-50, which is kind of weird considering how 'into' restaurants my family is . . but the food just doesn't interest me all that much. Not to say that it isn't good, just not my taste. But the restaurant is ground-breaking and the chef is incredibly influential. If you're interested in modern cuisine, maybe you should give it a whirl.

On the other hand, Aquavit is one of our favorite places. I find the quality of the ingredients and the execution impeccable. I think the herring plate is superb. The atmosphere is very midtown - a little stiff in the restaurant, but very less formal in the cafe. The service is wonderful. I've been many times (my husbands office is in the same building) and have never left dissatisfied. Not cheap, although the lunch special is a great deal, considering the amount and quality of food.

maybe you can do both places?

I have a pretty sophisticated palette and am very adventurous about trying foods, and I happen to also be in the industry. That said, I would never return to WD-50. For that kind of money, put some food on the plate please. The fact that we dropped several hundred dollars and walked out of there hungry is just a joke--and I am not the kind of diner who has to be stuffed to be happy. It was insulting to see the size of the portions. That chef is just completely full of himself, and the only one that is full after a meal of his. Never, ever again. Too many other places to eat at.

Mp

The woman who was the chef at Tia Pol has left to work elsewhere. I have not been there to see if her standards have been maintained.

Thank you Bugswife. That is my pet peeve in high end restaurants. We recently at at such a place and our dessert at $12 got us a one inch chocolate cake with ice cream the equivalent of one spoon. My eleven year son said "they're good on the quality but they've really got to work on the quantity!".

Well, we were so starving after our first several courses at WD-50, that we decided to 'go for it' with the $25 dessert tasting. 3 teensy tiny forklettes of cake. I was absolutely disgusted. Yes, the food was good, but you didn't get to eat enough of anything to make it memorable.

As one who is disgusted with too large portions at some places (particularly big chain restaurants) -- I'd say I've read enough to know that I wouldn't want to go to WD-50 -- I do want more than a taste. In fact that's why I really don't like tasting menus. What's the point? If you loved the taste of one thing -- wouldn't you want more of it? I do.

Meanwhile, mp, we were on our way to Red Cat last night at 10 after a show on 20th (Port Authority with three superlative actors), when we passed Cookshop. We also passed Tia Pol and people were standing outside waiting to get in at that hour. Some sure must think it's great. Red Cat was super as always in my book.

I need to break out of my Gramercy Tavern rut but I can't. I dream of GT.

re: WD-50

I have eaten at WD-50 pretty much every other month since it has opened, and ate monthly or more when he was at the helm of (now closed) 71 Clinton. Admittedly, I have not eaten there since late Feb though.

Either case, I have never walked out hungry, the food is quite good, I think service has gone down a tad as there has finally been turnover in the last year--many of the waitstaff working there had been there from 71 Clinton days and that is over. The service difference is NOT something a casual or first-timer would notice though. That said, the tasting menu is overpriced and not worth it. I have only order the full tasting once (have ordered items off of it other times) and it was the last time I was in there--a few months ago. I would order off the menu. If there is something that you are dying to try that is on the tasting, request to order it, server will ask chef and chef usually says yes. I suggest doing this as a wine pairing is usually a better value than getting a bottle, especially one that matches the whole table's needs.

I'm not sure what people are looking for when they say they are hungry when they leave. I have never left hungry, and despite the disappointment in the tasting menu (there is really no love put into it and seems to be for the 1 time visitor), I highly recommend it, and unless you have to have massive, gluttonous portions, which no high end restaurant will give you, you should by no means leave hungry.

NeoPatrick--it is not a bite of food, it is a regular entree portion that you get. Even on the tasting menu. The only "taste" or bite of food is the amuse that everyone gets.

For casual somewhat inexpensive, Cabrito in the West village is quite good and just opened a month and a half ago. Southwestern/ mexican food--not tex-mex. The cocktails are good. Most of the recipe's are from chef's mother-in-law and adapted. A lot of stews. A lot of meat on the menu. There is a fish stew on the menu that is really great. Watermelon margaritas are stellar and the only sugar in them is from the watermelon juice.


**biased, chef is a friend and I have been eating some of what is on the menu for years when mom cooked it for us all during her visits to the city.

Hey, I guess you can always stop at IN-n-Out burger on the way home, right?! ..... just kidding (I actually overheard this being said at a wedding where the food was underwhelming to nonexistent which surprised the guests since the gift registry was at Neiman-Marcus).

Being scattered--I seemed to have imaginary typed a sentence. This should have read regarding WD-50:

If there is something that you are dying to try that is on the tasting, request to order it, server will ask chef and chef usually says yes. I suggest doing <b> a wine pairing even though it only appears to be offered with the tasting menu. </b> A wine pairing is usually a better value than getting a bottle, especially one that matches the whole table's needs.

The portion sizes at WD-50 are not small, and the tasting portions are typically sized tasting portions for New York City. (But I'm generally not a fan of tasting menus and rarely order them -- Telepan being one exception.)

I've dined at Cookshop 3-4 times after touring Chelsea art galleries, and it is excellent.

The &quot;new&quot; Picholine is also incredible and has the most amazing cheese selection in the city.

If you'd like to try a new Italian place, Scarpetta on 14th in Meatpacking is great.

shhh - gekko don't tell more people about Scarpetta!!! We wanted to keep it a little quiet for a bit longer! It's REALLY good - we had dinner there 2 Sundays ago - I'm still thinking about the pasta and the and the black sea bass and the goat!

Sorry! But perhaps the fact that Scarpetta doesn't have a sign will keep some people away.

Just walk on by . . . I'm sure there's an Olive Garden someplace close!

They can always go to Vento across the street!

Thank you to everyone for your responses to this thread. I knew that I could count on Fodorites for a variety of opinions and suggestions ! All your responses are valuable information and I now very much look forward to dining at WD-50 and reporting back to you on my experience there.
I leave for NY tomorrow morning.The primary purpose of this trip is to celebrate and support my nephew/godson’s first solo art show in NY. He was accepted into an artist-in training program with the Whitney 3 years ago after obtaining his MFA in Canada, and has remained in NY since, developing his craft in various parts of the city. So after visiting the exhibition, we’re going for a celebratory dinner to WD-50 and a chance to catch up.

Thanks for the many other dining suggestions. I’m also hoping to get to Picholine, Cookshop and Aqua Grill either for lunch or dinner. All look and sound great.
Thanks again everyone. I’ll post a report back when I return.

M

You should really try the Mustang Group's restaurants. Three of them are located on 7th avenue alone. They are Mustang Harry's, Mustang Sally's, and the more upscale Seven Bar and Grill. Another is Jack's Restaurant and Bar on 147 W 40th Street. They are all a part of the &quot;Mustang Group&quot; persona and vary from one another. There is something to be discovered and enjoyed in each of these fine establishments. Happy eating!!

Thanks for going to the trouble of registering here to post your ad, gdasilva1. Too bad advertising is not allowed here.

I ate at WD-50 a few years ago, and I didn't think much about it. I really liked Clinton Fresh Food, though I'd only eaten there just twice, I think. Once, I think, when Dufresne was still there, and once after they changed chefs. I hope that this doesn't dissuade you from trying this out yourself, of course. CFF did start something special, in my opinion.

I've been to Cookshop, and well, I didn't think much of it either.

I've eaten at Aquavit -- but I think in the more casual part of the restaurant. I've friends who swore by this restaurant, but again, I didn't think much about what I had.

One restaurant that I didn't mention on the other thread on NYC restaurants I responded to -- Barbuto. It's (or was) a Jonathan Waxman (I think?) restaurant, and I actually quite enjoyed the casual vibes the one afternoon I was there. Waxman has had his ups and downs, from what I gather, but this is slightly spruced up comfort food and done well (I think he's known for his roasted chicken, which I don't think I had, however). However it's been at least a year or two since I ate there.

If you're looking for something a little more casual, I can also recommend 202, which is the restaurant at Nicole Farhi in Chelsea Market. I've only had brunch there, but the food is surprisingly good for a restaurant in a clothing store. I wonder what dinner is like there. Actually I just had brunch there over the weekend, so I can say that it's still good.

I live in NYC and I find most of the &quot;splurge&quot; meals I've had not especially memorable. Not quite sure why that is. I tend to focus on the more solid, casual fare. I guess for someone like me who lives here and eats out every meal, that makes a lot more sense.

While we're on the subject of something more casual, let me mention Florent. This has been big news here -- Florent Morellet is closing his restaurant in the Meatpacking District. Opened long before the gentrification of the neighborhood, the restaurant became a favorite of many especially for its late hours (open 24 hours, maybe?). This institution is worth a visit while you still can, though, well, I've not been there recently either.

Anyway, while we're in the Meatpacking District and talking about more casual options, let me mention Fatty Crab. The food is probably not as good as it was before, and service can be quite slow, but this is still worth a visit. I miss their soto ayam terribly. I keep returning once in a while to see if they put it back on their menu.

111op,

In a strange way I don't think many locals can offer the kind of restaurant advice that tourists who are interested in food need or desire. I live in San Francisco but don't enjoy dining downtown or the financial district, cannot stomach (heh heh) Pac Heights or the Marina, don't care to go to Napa or Sonoma. I'm worthless! I did enjoy French Laundry but someone was treating me and it was a special occasion. Etc.

As a tourist, I might want to go to WD-50 or Momofuku Ko or some other place because I imagine it's substantially different from the (frequently excellent) food I get at home. Well, except I'm just a poor lady and have to keep my splurges to a minimum.

Is Insieme good? Really good?

Leely

You raise an interesting point. We live in Manhattan and eat out three, four times a week but where we eat, there are rarely, what I can acertain, as tourists.

And I also agree with 11op, we rarely eat at the expenisve restaurants because the cost is exponential higher while quality is only incrementally better.

If you come to NY, you should try the variety of ethnic food. More and more across America there are restaurants that serve high quality hip American food. But there is no city with the range of price and variety that we have regarding ethnic food. But I always puzzled that they are eschewed.

so....Leely2 (I'm hijacking you Mathieu....but I'm guessing you're in NY as I write).....should I skip French Laundry while in Napa?

Colette, no! I loved the French Laundry (this was years ago); it's just definitely outside of my normal restaurant visiting.

Leely2...I need to go to bed.....I just re-read your previous post and you DID say you enjoyed the Fr. Laundry. :) Thanks again!!

Well Leely, I've never been to Insieme, so I can't recommend this one personally. I just remember that this was something I was interested in trying (and still haven't tried).

Now Momofuku Ko also sounds interesting, and I'd like to try it, but the reservation is done entirely online and must be done exactly 6 days in advance (so says Frank Bruni's NYT review, if I remember right). I think it's hard to get in.

Then this reminds me of Momofuku. I went before it was really popular, and I thought that the ramen was pretty good. I've been since they expanded to a larger place a few doors down, and I think that the ramen is really so so. It's unusual and different, but in my opinion, it's not really terribly worth waiting for.

The latest ramen craze in NYC is Ippudo. The wait is typically 1 hour or more.

Speaking of ethnic, then well -- there's Chinatown, and there's Little India, etc. etc.

Another restaurant chain I can recommend -- if you like Japanese:
Yakitori Totto, Soba Totto, etc. The yakitori meatballs are really delicious. Some of the other dishes are so so, however, They have a website.

Ethnic food is much greater than Little India and Chinatown.

In all price ranges there are regional Italian, Spanish (Spain) Portuguese, French Bistro, Greek, German, Belgian, Russian, Turkish, Eastern European, Swedish, Middle Eastern, Thai, Filipino, Mexican, Malayasian, Korean, Japanese, regional Chinese, regional Indian, West Indian, Jewish, Argentinian, Brazilian, Cuban, Vietnamese, Ethiopian, British and Irish pub, and now there is even Australian and New Zealand plus many I have not listed.

When in NY never eat at chains and try something that you might not have in your home town.

By the way, here's a website for the &quot;Torys&quot; Japanese restaurants I mentioned:

http://www.torysnyc.com/

I think I've been to all of them. They are all well worth a visit.

It's certainly a more upscale chain (reflected in the prices) -- maybe not someone who focuses on &quot;ethnic&quot; food is likely to enjoy. I'm pretty sure that these restaurants are not something that someone will readily find anywhere else (save Japan).

I find that my own tastes are eclectic -- venturing towards the high-brow and low-brow. I've flocked to some other &quot;ethnic&quot; resaurants as well -- like Sapraithai (sp?) in Queens. But then, does the typical tourist venture out to Queens?

There are literally hundreds of diverse ethnic retaurants in Manhattan. Even though Queens and Brooklyn have great ethnic food, you do not have venture that far.

Look and ye shall find.