Hey my NY foodie friends (may I call you that now?) - what do you recommend for places to eat in Chelsea and The Meatpacking District? I have a res for Standard Grill and one at Becco. Need your advice!

Becco has become a tourist draw now that Lidia Bastianich is famous, but if you order off the regular menu or get one of the specials, the food can be pretty good, and they do large groups well, tables for two much less well. And their wine prices are still fair, if not the bargain they once were. I'm not at all fond of the all-you-can-eat pasta specials, which are usually forgettable, but I think it's ok for lunch. But it's not a foodie destination.

I've got no experience at all at Standard Grill, so I can't really say about that. I have eaten at Collichio and Sons, and it was pretty good, but there are better choices. Del Posto, which is next door, is still a good choice for a blow-it-all-out upscale Italian meal if you can get a reservation. But I generally eat at Tello's a much more modest Italian restaurant on 8th Avenue and rarely go to Chelsea anymore as a destination for dining. But there are still a lot of great restaurants there. Cookshop, for instance, is still very good, I hear. And Pastis for brunch especially.

With an unlimited budget, I cannot understand at all why you chose Becco. I've never been to STandard Grill, but cheffy friends go there a bit. But still..with so many great responses here, you seem to have picked places that are not going to show off NY at its best, as far as I can tell.

What was the problem with all of the ideas discussed above...too pricey, no tales, etc.?? Or was this just an exercise for locals to pass around ideas that you decided to pass on? Or are the two you just mentioned in addition to places like NoMad, etc.??

Hi ekscrunchy - a friend recommended Becco (she's Italian, thought: why not?). But, I'm listening to you and Doug. NoMad is for sure. Pastis, too. With your comments, though, I'm taking Becco OFF my list. Thanks : ) Oh, we're still going to your other recommends - just adding to the list, that's all.

Glad you've removed Becco. We went to Becco once and won't return, overcooked pasta thrown at us..
The Standard Grill is a favorite of ours, especially for brunch. And Cookshop is consistently good with a great neighborhood vibe, great brunch too. Both have outside dining as well.

Not sure if you have come and gone, but I have a new (well, not new, as its been in NYC since 1987, but new to me) midtown restaurant, which I consider excellent value.

Herring is now in season and their gravlax is to savor in memory over and over again; served with shaved foie gras. Subtle and marvelous.


Happy to discuss if anyone is interested, but suffiice to say there are many, many complimentary courses and exemplary service. The space is handsome, service is congeneial and not in the least bit stuffy, but professional in the extreme. No need for tie and jacket for men, although these would not be out of place.

AND you can hear yourselves talk; our dinner cost us $120 for two, with one glass of wine and way too much food for two diners to consume comfortbably; of course we ate it all!!

There is a rumor of a second star on the way (they now have one) this might be of interest if you are one of the local minority who pay much attention to Michelin in NYC.



http://www.aquavit.org/restaurant/pd...k%20Dinner.pdf


$35 prix fixe for lunch.