We had dinner Saturday night at Minetta Tavern. It's a very tough reservation (call at 9 a.m. four weeks to the day). It was the Village scene: three deep at the bar; ear-splitting noise; very cramped tables; average age, mid-twenties.

The food? Each couple shared the côte de boeuf for two ($118! not atypical for NYC), which came with huge portions of marrow-filled bones. Frankly, though we like Keith McNally's other places, such as Morandi, Balthasar, Odeon, Cafe Lux and others, we've had better steaks elsewhere (such as at the aforementioned Ben Benson's). The Pommes Anna were good, however. A reasonably (by NYC standards) priced wine list. Unexceptional desserts: four of us shared five minuscule pieces of Jacques Torres chocolate.

Sorry, that's "Balthazar."

Thanks for the suggestions. My arteries just hardened after reading about all that red meat.

((H))

Thanks for savings us some money Burt by your review of Minetta. Odeon and Balthazar have been cruising along on reputation for a long time. Neither is bad by any measure but neither live up any where to its name. (Though the Balthazar curiosuly cramped bakery is excellent.)

Tom, when do you arrive? Hope to get some kind of CTG going

owlwoman, we are in town next week. Staying in Chelsea. We'd be happy to meet somewhere for a cocktail. I think NYC is pretty spread out for a GTG. All our dinner reservations (so far) are 8 o'clock and after, so we'd be happy to meet for a cocktail (or two). I guess you'll be out in So Cal in December for that one, too.

On another subject, I was looking at a place called Tre Dici Steak in Chelsea. Any comments on that place?

((H))

I was looking at a place called Tre Dici Steak in Chelsea. Any comments on that place?

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Not one that would not get me thrown off Fodor's.

adu, I would guess that would be a "No" Correct?

((H))

I do not know Tre Dici, nor uno or due.

Hi again, I have not personally eaten at Tre Dici but a friend of mine went once and thought it was good, not great.

I could meet you any time next week. You indicated you would be around the Grand Central area one day, which would work the best for me as that's where I commute from. I leave work at 3:30, so the earlier side would be fine. If you wish to e-mail - [email protected] would work. Thanks!

I have been off the board so long- I am glad to hear you are doing so much better & can't wait to see your NYC trip report!

We made it back from NYC alive. Weather was amazing, people were terrific, sights were wonderful, the hotel great, the restaurants were mostly good and we weren't arrested once. Even a rather bizarre, golf club-wielding patron dispensing stock advice in a bar on our last day could not put a damper on this trip. Plus, we exceeded our goal of 1,000 Stairs A Day.

Trip report next week after a business trip back to Atlanta later this week.

Thanks to all who helped us coordinate our latest adventure.

((H))

Glad to see you did not make the evening news while partaking of the Big Apple! :)

Safe travels to Atlanta!

Glad you guys had a wonderful time in that great city. We were in Quebec City and New England, but thinking of you in NYC. It's on our list for this spring. Will look forward to your trip report.

You really lucked out with the weather! Sorry we didn't get a chance to meet, but sounds like you survived well, will look forward to the trip report.

owlwoman, yes the weather was great. I think the entire city was out and about on Saturday, perhaps knowing this might be their last chance at a sunny and warm weekend. Great vibe everywhere, and all the people we met were pleasant and helpful. I didn't see your second email until Thursday night and knew Friday was out. Sorry we missed crossing paths.

((H))

Maybe we'll catch up in California over New Years, I think we're going to go to Palm Springs for a few days after the Rose Bowl festivities, it is between Palm Springs (never been there) and the Santa Barbara area (which we have been to before), so any advice will be most appreciated.

And, yes, us NYer's are a lot nicer than many make us out to be :) Good to know all worked out.