The Real Truth about NYC Restaurants
 

Many of you visiting our fair city don't have a clue about which restaurants are really good and Zagats is not reliable in that it is merely the amalgamation of everyone's responses. Is Friends a great show because it's popular? <BR> First, understand that there are different strokes for different folks. I am fortunately able to afford nice restaurants so that is the only ones I will review here. If you want to impress your friends with a room/view and don't care so much about the food, then Tavern on the Green, the new Russian Tea Room, Windows on the World are good choices. But beware. There is not one single restaurant with fabulous views that serves fabulous food. <BR> Good restaurants but overrated - Le Cirque, Aureole, Lespinasse, Lutece, Balthazar, La Cote Basque, Jo Jo, China Grill, Union Square, Grammercy Tavern, One if By land, Aquavit, Arcadia, Four Seasons <BR> The worst (popular) rest in town - Carmines - I wouldn't feed this to starving animals; Asia de Cuba - bad food and it's about 10 degrees inside; Tabla - Curry on ice cream? You decide; Cafe Des Artistes - Pretty murals on the walls but food is glorified TGIF. <BR> The best restaurants in NYC - Le Bernardin - best fish house in the country; Babbo - hardest reservation in town..Great pastas at reasonable prices; Il Mulino - not as good but fantastic; Bouley Bakery - its not food, its ambrosia; Nobu - Black cod with miso, spicy crab; Jean Georges - Ethereal food. <BR> Hope this was helpful

Allow me to add to the good restaurants but overrated - Montrachet. Yes a fantastic wine list with prices to match, mediocre decor and mediocre food. Agree 100% about Le Bernardin and Il Mulino. I also like the wine tasting menu at Cite, best bargain in town.

Let me put it this way, Sam: Based on your description of Zagat's reviewers, I'd say it's nothing more than the opinions of a bunch of Sam Hempells! <BR>What makes you different?

I second Cite as a "best bargain". I even went there last year for New Years and had a great time. The only problem with this year is that we had difficulty getting to it (Times Sq. location) with the police closing off Times Sq. at 6th Ave. This year would be impossible. <BR> <BR>I want to take my wife for her 30 birthday celebration in Feb. (being 36, I don't see the big deal). I called a number of restaurants and none take reservations more than 30 days prior. I didn't call Jean Georges yet. Is that my best bet for a memorable restaurant (food and ambiance)in NYC. Unfortunatly, we have reservations for Asis de Cuba for next week. But---out of your list---my favorate was NOBU. We left the ordering to the waiter and tried dishes that we may not have under different circumstances. While I want to go back, there are so many to try. Thank you for your insight.

Here, here, noname!

There is nothing wrong with someone with a forceful opinion. I have learned to ignore such terms as "the real truth" or "there is only one way..." because I, like you, hate the way it sound sooooo arrogant. I use Zagats as a bible but there is nothing wrong with reading the Book of Sam for what it is.

I used to compile data and write the blurbs for the NYC Zagat survey, and used to look at thousands of comments--from commenters all believing themselves to give the sacred truth, sometimes based on one visit. I agree with many of Sam's opinions and disagree with many. You are safest when the numbers add up--stick with a survey over one person. Or check out the NYTimes reviews, done over several visits by a true food writer. I disagree most on Tabla, and think the food at Windows on the World is good enough--nothing would be as fabulous as the views, but it is worth it for out of towners. Agree about Carmines. Like Asia de Cuba for the buzz. Love Jean Georges, where the infusions are snipped from a rolling cart of plants!

Bless you Bob and Foodwriter! I'd love to sign my real name, but I just don't feel like getting spammed or worse! <BR>Anyway, I am always leery of those who come across as the experts or authorities. Anyone who uses the title, "The Real Truth about NYC Restaurants," c'mon Sam, get real!

My two cents: <BR>Food writers are like music critics are like art critics. They love the latest new thing. They like what is different. "Challenging" they call it. And when someone trumpets something as "new and wonderful" everyone piles on because no one wants to say the emperor has no clothes. That's how we get pretentious restaurants with bad food and paintings with elephant dung on them. I appreciate postings by average people, those not on an expense account, who can give an alternate opinion.

John, your comment is filled with generalizations. "Average people" can be as biased and wrongheaded as "food critics." And they can say anything without being responsible to anyone--sometimes based on the wrong reasons, and not very discerning taste. I have seen, many times in this forum, restaurants praised that I consider tourist traps. If readers follow that advice they are going to pay more and consumeless interesting food than if they read critiques from reputable sources. People who are employed to write are responsible to the people the write for (they hear about it if they aren't; esp. in NY) and responsible to the publication. The Times and papers of that level employ discerning people. And Zagat's is fine, because of the numbers. But be careful of one opinion, offered for whatever reason--especially when you do not know from whence it comes.

I must respond to my critics. First, I reviewed only famous or good restaurants bc I wanted to talk to those who wanted to go to a special place. Clearly my opinion does not emcompass all. Its not supposed to. These were my honest opinions. I think I have some basis for these as I eat out about 4 times a week and have for the last 8 years. I have copies of most menus in my desk drawer and have circled certain dishes. <BR> Look, you follow whomever you want to believe. Safety in numbers (like some of your defense of Zagats) is usually sufficient enough of a criteria but how many true movie fans thought Big Daddy was a great/funny flick even though it was popular in "big numbers"? <BR> For the person who wanted to come to NY and had trouble getting a reservation please believe me when I tell you that I don't like "trendy" restaurants. My only criteria is food, then service, then atmosphere/view. That's it. You said you are going to Asia de Cuba which is a hot spot, but I can guarantee you that it is not in the top 40 restaurants serving food. You can reach me at [email protected] if you need help getting a reservation. If you are willing to pay up for a memorable dinner, you must try the tasting menu at Bouley Bakery or Jean Georges. Believe me, (esp about Bouley) you will not be disappointed. <BR> For any one else out there who really would like the "skinny" on a restaurant, please email me at aforementioned adrs. There are too many morons on this board who are either inaccurate or practice spilling non sequiturs. I'm not bragging about my opinions but I have never had anyone dislike a restaurant I sent them to and have never had one say they really enjoy a restaurant I detest.

Sam, you've started a fascinating thread and one that is true to what the Fodors' travel board is all about. Let me throw in my own two cents worth... <BR> <BR>Let's start with an uncomfortable but undeniable truth: in all but a handful of cities, restaurant reviews are nothing but efforts by a newspaper or magazine (and especially by magzines) to troll for ads. As a result, the food is always divine, the service is inevitably gracious. Anyone who would make a reservation based on a review in "Boston" magazine (to pick one egregious example among hundreds of culprits) would do better by opening the yellow pages and choosing at random. <BR> <BR>Not so New York, and especially not so the New York Times. I mourn the loss of Ruth Reichl, who understood food and the restaurant business, but the new reviewer is doing tolerably well and the "$25 and under" column continues to be a mother lode of ideas. My advice to anyone visiting New York is to make the Times' restaurant index their bible. <BR> <BR>And remember one other thing: I'll wager that 20 of the 25 best restaurants in the country are in New York. You classify Aureole as "good but overrated." That's by a New York standard which has a Le Bernardin against which to compare it. If you're coming into town from Milwaukee, you will walk away from Aureole knowing you've had a spectacular meal. <BR> <BR>But thanks again for posting the message that started the thread. Anyone who reads through the many replies will come away with a better understanding of and appreciation for New York restaurants.

Thank you Neal!!! Finally, someone understands what I was trying to add. Obviously if my opinions weren't meant in sincerity, I would be foolish to direct people to restaurants I frequent most. It would make them both noisier and harder to enter. <BR> Your point on whether Aureole is a good restaurant is valid. I lived in Atlanta for a year, and Aureole is 10 times better than anything there. My attempt was to lead those visitors to one or two great restaurants since they are expensive and many people would not like to frequent them on every day of their visit. <BR> You are very correct about Ruth Reichel. Too many food reviewers must be either getting paid under the table or receiving preferential treatment. She was the best food critic, I thought, in America. Honest, tough, and, when warranted, effusive. <BR> Since I posted my email adrs on my previous message, I have received about 20 questions about different restaurants. I will answer them here to save me some time. <BR> Peter Luger? Yes, the best steakhouse in the area, but not always a home run. The fact that the setting is dingy and service is gruff does not, in my estimation, add "quaintness" or appeal. For the same price, you can eat a better meal and a shorter cab ride. Transportation included, it will cost you the same price as a fancy French restaurant in midtown. <BR> Sparks? Don't believe the hype. The interior is beyond laughable; it's pathetic. Shabby carpets, and 500 $25 paintings of the same subject (boring landscapes) make it almost impossible to concentrate on the food which is mediocre. Believe me, it is not cheap. Perhaps the most overrated rest in town <BR> Chanterelle? A great throwback to what rest should be. Tables are spaced far apart. There is never the sense of rush because there basically is only one seating a night. I once had a 4 hour meal there. Food quite good. <BR> Union Square? Rated the most popular rest in NYC by Zagats. Service is fantastic, reservationist is almost sycophantic, but food is only decent. It is not as expensive as other top restaurants so it is a fair deal. <BR> Grammercy Tavern? Good concept but they fail in delivering the food. Don't misunderstand. Food is still good, but the point is going to the one that is going to put the biggest smile on your face relative to the same hole in your wallet. <BR> La Cote Basque? Once a favorite, it is now living off the fumes of its past. Food is mediocre. Prices are high. <BR> Four Seasons? Great scene. Sit by the pool. But don't tell me I didn't warn you - food is not divine and when you get the bill, you will ask the waiter if you broke a window in the bathroom. $30 appetizers and $40 entrees are not uncommon here. <BR> 222? To many the most romantic and best rest in town. To which I must ask - Has cocaine been legalized? Food is tasty but not earth-shattering the first restaurant where I saw $40 appetizers and $50-$60 entrees. The most expensive restaurant in town and on a food ranking, not in the top 30. Doesn't sound like a fair shake to me. <BR> Le Cirque 2000? A real visual treat but it doesn't have the same magic as when Daniel Boulud was the chef. Go for drinks at the bar if you want to see what it looks like. <BR> <BR> If I had a week to live and could eat at 7 restaurants in NYC they would be Bouley Bakery, Jean Georges, Babbo, Le Bernardin, Il Mulino, Nobu, Daniel. <BR> <BR> Sorry to be so long in my message. My girlfriend is going to kill me, but I will say that if you want an excellent meal at 1985 prices try Lupa downtown. Past dishes are around $10 and desserts are $5. Same owners as Babbo and Po. If you really want to know the skinny, usually nytoday.com can give you the nytimes review which is the best you can get from a website and more accurate than Zagats by far. <BR> Any more questions and you can reach me at [email protected]. Happy eating! <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Don't get me wrong, Sam. I happen to agree with a lot of your restaurant judgments. I just don't think you are the end-all-know-all (or whatever that phrase) that you think you are. As I said before, anyone who titles his posting "The Real Trust about NYC Restaurants" has got to be suspect. (And bully for you that you keep menus in your desk drawer.) <BR>And you could take a few lessons from Neal!

Dear No name <BR> <BR> You seem to have some kind of inferiority complex. This causes you to bash those who express their opinions. Of course, my opinions, are not the only ones that are valid. But when it comes to food, my friend, I have not met a better judge of it. If I was visiting a city, I would love to read a post about the inside dirt at the restaurants in town from somebody who eats out 20 times a month. You, on the other hand, are too obsessed with putting me in my place to realize that this is the best post I've read on NYC restaurants. Would it make you feel any better if I said "Hey guys, I'm just a little bitty nobody but these are my small and uneducated opinions"? I don't see how that affects the content of what I wrote. Look, moron, I'm helping people out. Like Neal said there are so many rest that have received rave "reviews" that are utterly disgusting. It appears not only are you a patron of these but are desirous that others be also. Noname? What are your 3 favorite restaurants in NYC (and McD's and Houlihan's don't count)?

"this is the best post I've read on NYC restaurants" <BR>And you can't think of any reason people would find your post irritating or laughable, huh?

Dear martha: <BR> <BR> It appear I've offended your sensitivies. Let me start over again. "Dear Readers of Fodors, I am slight of build with bad skin. I haven't had sex in months and have been told I look somewhat like Morton Downey Jr. The only thing I have going for me is I eat out a lot, but I warn you: My opinions are mine alone. They do not apply to anyone else but me. I may have very different taste buds than you, so please don't take anything I read to heart. I still like bell bottoms, cabbage patch kids and think polyester is groovy. David Hasselhoff is the brightest star in Hollywood and Kevin Costner plays a totally different role in every movie. The only way I can get a dog to play with me is by tying a porkchop around my neck. Now here's what I think of the following restaurants.......". Would this introduction have pleased you more? I'm sorry if I've offended your delicate sensitivities. I'm not running for office. But when I want someone's opinon, I want them to be very strong in stating it so it is more believable. The fact that it is his/her OPINION means of course that it is not infallible. I don't need to be warned by a person with a strong opinion, that it is not infallible because I have the rudimentary knowledge that it is an OPINION. Would you like warning labels on more things? Yes, my opinions are strong, but I think that is what makes them interesting instead of the usual mealy-mouthed reviewers on many postings. I'm trying to help people. Those who are offended or are concerned I am trying to abscond with the title of "He Who Knows Most" can dine at Taco Bell....in Hoboken <BR> <BR>

Sam, it's not merely your confidence in your opinions on the restaurants (which I found entertaining) that's raising people's dander; believe me I appreciate your sharing them. <BR>Certainly you're entitled to tag others as "morons" if that's how you feel about them, or to allege that your postings are the best thing on line if you believe that to be true. Just don't be surprised to find that some readers don't react well to the flaming and the bragging. <BR>And BTW, I don't think Martha complained that you offended her sensitivites, I believe she said your postings were irritating and laughable. Still waiting for you to prove her wrong. <BR>Cordially, <BR>Helen

Here is my opinion about Sam. He is like most sucessful New Yorkers, ie. arrogant and opinionated to the point of being unlikeable. Please remember that this is just my OPINION, all be it strong, which I am entitled to hold. <BR> <BR>Outside of my impression of Sam, His restaurant reviews are dead on accurate. I would like to disagree with one of His reccomendations. I have only eaten at Babbo once. The food was excellent, however I found the attitude of the staff to be equally as arrogant as Sam's. This may be a good quality in a restaurant reviewer, but I dont appreciate it in restaurant staff. Perhaps it was just a bad night, or I was not significant enough to warrant better service. But even in restaurants with lesser quality food, being treated respectfully makes up for the difference. I dont think I will return to Babbo because of it.

I agree with some of the above reviews, but far from all of them. Babbo for one is different type Italian - many people don't care for it. You can get a res or wait at the bar for a table in the front (day of). I think Il Mulino blows it away. Jean Georges - did not have a good experience there. Le Bernadin - superb in all ways. As for Lupa - The guys from Babbo have an investment in it. Jason is the owner and Mario does not do the cooking. Jason used to work at Po. Everyone has different opinions. I would like to try Wild Blue (the old cellar in the sky) - supposed to be terrific with a view to match. Let's see. <BR> <BR>Liz

Sam, the sad part is you just don't get it. You really don't understand (or don't want to understand)what some of the others and I are trying to say. And, that's sad! <BR>In response to your question, my three favorites NYC restaurants are, in no particular order, Le Cirque 200, Le Bernardin and Bouley Bakery. Any more questions?

P.S. to Tom: Not all of us successful New Yorkers are arrogant!

Sam, no one is debating your knowledge of dining in New York. Your reviews and advice are much appreciated and will help many Fodorite on future trips to New York. However, what is not appreciated is your arrogance and impetulance. You sound like a child. That fact that you feel the need to belittle others for their dining choices saddens me. What you have to gain by calling others morons is not clear. Your knowledge of restaurants is impressive and relevant. However, the fact that you eat out 20 times a month is not.

Sam, relax a bit. Most New Yorkers eat out 20 times a month. And as I said before, I agree with some of your reviews; but you make it sound as if you are more discerning than those who disagree. I daresay I would match you in where I eat and how many times and how knowledgeable and discerning I am--but I do defer to you on ego! Readers, be aware that one opinion is just that: Opinion. Take the sum of this and other postings. And as a general rule, avoid eating where tourists flock. Check out the NY Times and use a book with many opinions as a backup, And by the way, to save money, go for lunch or pre-theatre or prix fixe meals. You can eat in the greatest restaurants for the price of merely good ones.

Well said, Foodwriter! This board could use a little sanity and solid advice and you have provided both!

Too much bickering and not enough reviewing. <BR> <BR>I'd like to hear some recommendations for some smaller, more affordable neighborhood restaurants.

Okay Okay Okay <BR> <BR>I give up. I will never write on this site again. Do you think you will better off because you won't have to tolerate my massive ego or worse off because you will be eating at Carmine's because it's so very popular? Good luck to you all. Anybody with a real food question can contact me at my email adrs [email protected]

Sam, for what it's worth I thought your posts were enjoyable reading. One of your rebuttals really had me laughing. Don't not post to this site just because people get all hot and bothered ... ignore.

Gee, what a loss!

My goodness-give the guy a break! Thanks Sam for the informative message. I also feel that Zagats can be unreliable. As far as I am concerned, the more reviews I hear (good and bad) the better. <BR> <BR>Alisa

I've posted before about writing for Zagat's. When I wrote the blurb for Union Square Cafe, a few years ago, there were over 2k responses--and most of them were from NY foodies, as confident and sure of their opinion as Sam is. So if you think Zagat's with its 2k opinions is unreliable, beware of one opinion. (At least Sam's are generally good ones; some restaurant recommendations on this board are not, as far as I'm concerned.) I don't mean to pick on Sam. I just think that restaurants don't lend themselves to "real truth" easily. But no hard feelings, ok.

I've only visited NYC three times in the past 6 years (and ever), and I enjoyed reading Sam's post. It never occurred to me that he thinks he knows everything about dining in NY; of course, I tend to always think the best of people which is why I can't understand the harshness of some of the responders. Sam could have entitled his post "My opinion of NYC Restaurants", but that would have lacked the oomph. I'm sensitive to criticism because several persons on this forum attacked me quite viciously when I innocently offended them several months ago. I felt like Sam - "forget it, I'll never post here again." <BR>One can take gentle chiding, but it's hard to overlook personal attacks. <BR>I like the many differing opinions on this topic; that's what this group is all about...let's just differ agreeably, O.K.?

Greetings - <BR> <BR>I'm with Brian...where are the affordable restaurants? <BR> <BR>I'm all for splurging, but $250 for dinner is not what I call an everyday thing. We just went to Bangkok over the Thanksgiving holiday and splurged on a fancy French meal. It was wonderful. Took 3 hours and the service was supreme. The food melted in my mouth. <BR> <BR>However, when it's 5 p.m and we want to stop somewhere for dinner on the way home, we are not thinking in terms of 100's...we're thinking in terms of 10's! <BR> <BR>Anyone have any restaurant recommendations along this price line in NYC? Appetizers - $5-$10, Entrees - $10-$20, etc. <BR> <BR>Thanks :-)

Hey Lynn, don't know what's convenient for you, but you should really try Lupa. Its the most amazing rest in town given the prices. The gnocchi and all the pastas are fantastic. The octopus thing is too salty. The only dessert I really liked was the chocolate. Also try Mediterraneo. Very good and bustling. its on 66th and 2nd ave

Lynn, Brian: what kind of food and what neighborhood? I can provide plenty of info for East Village, Lower East Side, Midtown and Park Slope, but I'd rather know what your limits are with regard to price, ambience, etc.

samiamnot: For limitations, I would definitely shy away from $30 entrees. I see no reason a restaurant can't serve very good food for around $15 an entree (away from the high rents of Midtown, of course). For location, the East Village is more of what I'm looking for. For atmosphere, we prefer places that are casually hip, but without the attitude (from the staff and the patrons) that seems to be present in the hippest places. We also prefer restaurants that maybe aren't full every night, but who have owners, chefs and staff that work hard to impress (and value) the customers that do come in. We generally prefer American, Italian or French cuisines. Any cool bars in the area (sans the guy in the designer suit guarding the door) would be great too. Thanks! <BR> <BR>P.S. Sam, Lupa sounds good. I just hope it's not too "discovered" before I can get back into town.

Hi Brian, for any rest review, type in nytoday.com and type in lupa in the upper right hand box to get nytimes review

Okay Brian, here goes. I only recently moved out of the EV but lived there for nearly 7 years and I'm not a cook so I've had plenty of opportunity to eat out. Most of these places may be low on outer beauty, and some in fact are quite down-and-dirty when compared to Le Bernardin, which is why I wanted to make sure you weren't looking for a traditionally touristy ambiance. Consider yourself warned-they're oriented toward the young and not-so-flush but they are neighborhood classics. <BR> <BR>CITY BAKERY- not technically the East Village, as it is on either 16th or 17th half a block west of Union Square, but a must-go for lunch or a snack. In summertime, get a lemonade (different flavors every day) and in winter, a hot chocolate with a homemade marshmallow. Better than Angelina's in Paris. The tomato vegetable soup is delicious, the salads and sandwiches terrific but expensive, and every dessert is stupendous (plus, if you're on vacation, no calories!). <BR> <BR>COL LEGNO-I hope this Italian brick oven gem is still on 9th between 2nd and 3rd because it can be SO good. I haven't been for ages, though, so this is a bit of a shot in the dark. But it's excellent Italian for very decent prices. I had homemade pappardelle with boar sauce and still think about it years later. <BR> <BR>FLAMINGO EAST-kind of a French/Italian/American fusion cuisine with definite Asian influences. 2nd between 13th and 14th. A little fancier than most of the others. Great bar. For dessert, don't even think about ignoring the brownie sundae. And upstairs every Thursday there's a drag revue, or so I've been told. <BR> <BR>VESELKA-on 2nd Ave. and 9th St. Eastern European food, open 24 hours, always packed with locals. Has less of a grungy feel to it after (fairly) recent renovations but what it lost in atmosphere it gained in people-watching as the walls are now all glass. The soups are heavenly. Whenever they ask what kind of bread you want say challah. Pierogis great, breakfast foods great (oh, the pancakes!), the world is divided on the meatballs (passionately love or hate 'em). I'd really recommend getting a combo platter to sample a few East. Europe tastes. And if you're wedded to the West, the hamburgers are yummy too. Warning: service gets low low marks. There is distinct B- or C-Level celeb-spotting potential here (Jon Stewart, e.g.). <BR> <BR>SECOND AVE DELI-the name says it all. A legend. At 10th Street. I've actually never been (4 feet of pastrami is not my idea of the ideal meal) but it is a classic (I think it even has landmark status). <BR> <BR>THREE OF CUPS-on Ave. A, I forget which cross street. Again, fantastic Italian food, entrees as far as I can remember no more than $15 each. Excellent pizza. <BR> <BR>LOMBARDIS-okay, again, not technically East Village as it's on Spring (or maybe Prince?) in the vague SoHo/Little Italy/NoLIta area, but it's some of the best pizza in the city (second only to Patsy Grimaldis, in Brooklyn), from what they claim was the first brick pizza oven in the US. Fresh mozzarella will spoil you for anywhere else. The meatballs are probably the best topping. They also offer a white clam pie. I've never tried it; hear it's garlic central. In summer, go outside on the roof deck. <BR> <BR>MOUSTACHE-on 10th street between 1st Ave. and Ave. A. Middle Eastern. Very small interior but they do have a garden out back for summer. Interior suffused with a coppery glow. Pita bread made fresh, the best I've ever had. Excellent lentil soup. The "pitzas" made on pita bread are terrific, and you can't go wrong with the salads. <BR> <BR>BALUCCHIS-2nd Ave., somewhere between 11th and 8th streets, I forget exactly where because it opened after I moved. The best Indian food in the city for my money. If you like Indian food you MUST GO. One of the appetizers is described on the menu as being "indescribable." Get it. They also have outposts in SoHo and the West Village. (Other Indian-stay clear of 6th street itself, but go instead to Haveli on 2nd Ave. just below 6th; the one with the smashed glass window-on purpose.) <BR> <BR>POMMES FRITES-the best french (actually, belgian) fries you'll ever have. On 2nd Ave. below Astor Place(8th st.). Not a restaurant, a store front. They offer about a million different toppings, so if you are up to it, give one a try (save ketchup for every other fry in your life). <BR> <BR>FLEA MARKET-a French bistro on Ave. A, I think between 9th and 10th. Oo la la! <BR> <BR>LE JARDIN-another French bistro, and another one sneaking in from another neighborhood. It's right below Spring, where Lafayette and some other avenue meet. Tables very close together but the real thing as far as french bistro food and the waiters and owner are very friendly. Also B- or C- list celeb potential. <BR> <BR>HOLY BASIL- One flight up on 2nd Ave. between Astor Place and 11th streets. Fabulous Thai food. <BR> <BR>MIRACLE GRILL-unfortunately I haven't been in years and so can't remember much but they have one of the best gardens in the Village and it's enormously popular. <BR> <BR>DANAL-very cute place decorated in American Country mode. Great brunch alternative but they don't take reservations and you'll have to wait and I think they're raising their prices. Still, excellent food (I'm partial to the french toast made with croissant). <BR> <BR>GREAT JONES CAFE-on, funnily enough, Great Jones St, which is E. 3rd between Broadway and 4th Ave. Top notch American cooking with a cajun bent. Sweet potato fries....mmmmmm.... <BR> <BR>XUNTA-excellent Spanish tapas bar on 1st, somewhere between Astor and 13th. <BR> <BR>LA PAELLA-on 9th just east of 3rd ave. Go with a friend and treat yourselves to a paella. <BR> <BR>I'm sure I'm leaving tons of great options out, but this is going to tax the server enough as it is. So my bar info will be brief: Flamingo East and Gemini next door, Detour if you like up-and-coming live jazz and lung cancer, Beauty Bar on 14th between 2nd and 3rd is in an old beauty salon, 10th Street Lounge is still going strong, there's a great sake bar on 9th just west of 2nd Ave. but I don't remember the name. I don't go out to bars so much so am not the authority on that subject, sorry. <BR> <BR>Otherwise, hope you enjoy any of these you might look into. If you don't, at least you'll know you went to a place the real East Villagers go to (or went to at one point). <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Forgot to add: <BR> <BR>CENTOSETTE-a cozy little Italian on 3rd and 13th (perfect after a shopping spree at Kiehl's next door). Casual romantic feel (low lights, candles, exposed brick), good food, desserts are hit-or-miss. <BR> <BR>IL BAGATTO-Another atmospheric Italian. This is one that has also been somewhat hit or miss and it is way in the boonies from a tourist point of view (it's on either 3rd or 4th street, I think between B and C) but it can be like winning the lottery in terms of bang for your buck. <BR> <BR>LE TABLEAU-don't know how I could forget this. I don't remember the exact address and I'm sure no natives want me giving out the name let alone the address but if you can find it and you don't mind waiting (again, no reservations) you will get some magnifique French food at prices so low you'll think you're in Brooklyn. Be warned-this is understandably a VERY popular place.

Hopefully you haven't left like you've threatened to....I love the candid opinions you've given and personally would enjoy more of the same this site. Tell it like it is! We're all entitled to our own viewpoint. <BR> <BR>Tell me Sam (if you're still there), what do you think of Ruby Foo's? My aunt from California is coming to town this weekend and wants to eat there. I hear the decor is great, but the food and service is so-so. (I've already made a reservation). <BR> <BR>Thanks!