Where I eat in Manhattan.
Apr 17th, 2011 | 10:18 AM
#61
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 329
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NeoPatrick,
With ALL due respect (by your posts it is obvious you are a well-traveled and intelligent person), you've stated several assumptions about residency in Midtown.
Here's one more assumption I'm willing to bet is a fact: If every single one of those residents stopped patronizing the local restaurants, most of those businesses could still survive.
Those restaurants exist because of tourism. The business they get from locals is a bonus.
Of course this is probably less true as the circle expands from Times Square.
Any time I've ever waited on a line to get into Carmine's or Becco, I was standing among tourists. That's not an assumption, that's a fact.
And it's not a bad thing. It's a great thing for NYC.
Just maybe not for the quality of the meal.
The places on my list exist, overwhelmingly, for the New Yorkers that keep them busy Monday through Thursday afternoons and evenings and their owners know that.
I think we've lost the point to my original post.
With ALL due respect (by your posts it is obvious you are a well-traveled and intelligent person), you've stated several assumptions about residency in Midtown.
Here's one more assumption I'm willing to bet is a fact: If every single one of those residents stopped patronizing the local restaurants, most of those businesses could still survive.
Those restaurants exist because of tourism. The business they get from locals is a bonus.
Of course this is probably less true as the circle expands from Times Square.
Any time I've ever waited on a line to get into Carmine's or Becco, I was standing among tourists. That's not an assumption, that's a fact.
And it's not a bad thing. It's a great thing for NYC.
Just maybe not for the quality of the meal.
The places on my list exist, overwhelmingly, for the New Yorkers that keep them busy Monday through Thursday afternoons and evenings and their owners know that.
I think we've lost the point to my original post.
Apr 17th, 2011 | 11:41 AM
#62
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 36,842
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Well, what you say is true, but the other point being missed which some of us have tried to state over and over time and time again -- is that when we say "eat near the theatre" or eat in the theatre district" we do not mean literally within 20 yards of Times Square. Many of us have listed dozens of restaurants OTHER than those like Becco and Carmine's, which admittedly really depend on tourists. The point we have made is that there are many other GOOD restaurants which are NOT relying on tourists which are within walking distance of theatres and midtown hotels -- and that was MY original point in bringing it up --the point that you have lost just as much as my losing your point in suggesting that there are only tourist restaurants near the theatre (that was you point right?) My original point was please locals -- stop telling people who want to get a decent (not necessarily a destination dining experience) near theatres that it is simply not possible to do! Or that they should foolishly fight traffic, transportation issues, and crowds, and often missing curtains or getting indigestion because they've been foolishly told they can't get a decent meal unless they go miles away. That's just plain hogwash! People are asking specifically for restaurants other than the Olive Gardens, Carmine's, and Becco (or Broadway Joe if you want the ultimate tourist only place). So it's nice when they can get those recommendations, not simply be told they can't get a good meal within a five or ten minute walk of their theatre or hotel.
The other point being lost is that it is purely a myth that if tourists go to a place it must be bad -- or that there aren't many, many tourists who ONLY like really good places and they are seeking them out. What makes some people think that all locals have great taste in food, but no tourists do? If anything the opposite could almost be more true -- while locals who eat out all the time may go to a place that's merely OK or a good standby they're comfortable with, even though they know there are many other places that could be better -- many tourists want every meal they're having on their vacation to be really special in some way. There really are a LOT of tourists who travel as much to eat as anything else.
No one here is trying to convince people who live in other areas of Manhattan that they should be going to the theatre district to eat unless they have a reason to go there -- like seeing a show themselves. But it is just as silly to tell people IN the theatre district that they should travel to another area because they can't get a decent meal without doing so. That's the silly myth that some New Yorkers seem to want to perpetuate because frankly they just don't know any better. It's one thing to say "I don't have any reason to go to the theatre district and have eaten at very few restaurants there, so I can't offer any recommendations" and quite another to say "there are no good places to eat anywhere near the theatres".
The other point being lost is that it is purely a myth that if tourists go to a place it must be bad -- or that there aren't many, many tourists who ONLY like really good places and they are seeking them out. What makes some people think that all locals have great taste in food, but no tourists do? If anything the opposite could almost be more true -- while locals who eat out all the time may go to a place that's merely OK or a good standby they're comfortable with, even though they know there are many other places that could be better -- many tourists want every meal they're having on their vacation to be really special in some way. There really are a LOT of tourists who travel as much to eat as anything else.
No one here is trying to convince people who live in other areas of Manhattan that they should be going to the theatre district to eat unless they have a reason to go there -- like seeing a show themselves. But it is just as silly to tell people IN the theatre district that they should travel to another area because they can't get a decent meal without doing so. That's the silly myth that some New Yorkers seem to want to perpetuate because frankly they just don't know any better. It's one thing to say "I don't have any reason to go to the theatre district and have eaten at very few restaurants there, so I can't offer any recommendations" and quite another to say "there are no good places to eat anywhere near the theatres".
Apr 17th, 2011 | 12:26 PM
#63
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 36,842
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ooops. Huge apology, cianony. I reply to ideas not to "people". I lost track that you were in fact the original poster of this thread -- and so of course, yes, you are right that we have lost track of your ORIGINAL point. I was thinking your comment at 1:04 this morning was your first one. Duh on my part!
That was a great listing of restaurants in Manhattan as I stated way back when in the thread. We got off track when someone asked for a suggestion in the theatre district and basically he was being told there aren't any good ones. So of course like on all posts, discussion follows.
You did say yourself in your second post that "I fully understand, however, that there MUST be some good food up there somewhere. I just tend to stay downtown." And you even displayed an open mindedness about finding or trying some places. The real getting away from that was a result of several of us trying to be helpful when someone DID ask for recommendations in that area of the city and suddenly it turned to a "none of those places could be any good because there aren't any good places near the theatres", and the silly-in-my-book recommendation to go through the hassle of leaving the area and getting back again at the worst times of day as it's impossible to find a decent meal without doing so. It is unfortunate that a great post about restaurants got off track so quickly, but in all honesty, why shouldn't we all be able to speak our mind when someone asks a question? Or were we really just supposed to ignore a worthwhile question that deserved an answer. I think the conversation has been civil and intelligent on all accounts. That's what good threads should be, in my book. Isn't it?
That was a great listing of restaurants in Manhattan as I stated way back when in the thread. We got off track when someone asked for a suggestion in the theatre district and basically he was being told there aren't any good ones. So of course like on all posts, discussion follows.
You did say yourself in your second post that "I fully understand, however, that there MUST be some good food up there somewhere. I just tend to stay downtown." And you even displayed an open mindedness about finding or trying some places. The real getting away from that was a result of several of us trying to be helpful when someone DID ask for recommendations in that area of the city and suddenly it turned to a "none of those places could be any good because there aren't any good places near the theatres", and the silly-in-my-book recommendation to go through the hassle of leaving the area and getting back again at the worst times of day as it's impossible to find a decent meal without doing so. It is unfortunate that a great post about restaurants got off track so quickly, but in all honesty, why shouldn't we all be able to speak our mind when someone asks a question? Or were we really just supposed to ignore a worthwhile question that deserved an answer. I think the conversation has been civil and intelligent on all accounts. That's what good threads should be, in my book. Isn't it?
Apr 17th, 2011 | 03:05 PM
#64
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 26,710
Likes: 0
CP Girl
The irony of your post is that you were delayed trying to eat in the neighborhood of the play.
________________________
I have not discussed the Theater District restaurant situation in some time and the last time I did it was with Neo. And I will end with what I think I is the sentiment I ended the last discussion, please eat in the Theater District, it will keep more tables open in other neighborhoods.
_______________
CIAONY
We love Despana, the chorizos are the best we have had in the United States. They supply many of the tapas places with their chorizos including Bar Carrera and Tia Pol. The only problem with Despana is the limited hours, limited selection of tapas and self-service. The also make an excellent morcilla, which is clearly not on the list of any veggie people. And the quality of imported cheeses snd olive oils, although expensive, are very high.
The irony of your post is that you were delayed trying to eat in the neighborhood of the play.
________________________
I have not discussed the Theater District restaurant situation in some time and the last time I did it was with Neo. And I will end with what I think I is the sentiment I ended the last discussion, please eat in the Theater District, it will keep more tables open in other neighborhoods.
_______________
CIAONY
We love Despana, the chorizos are the best we have had in the United States. They supply many of the tapas places with their chorizos including Bar Carrera and Tia Pol. The only problem with Despana is the limited hours, limited selection of tapas and self-service. The also make an excellent morcilla, which is clearly not on the list of any veggie people. And the quality of imported cheeses snd olive oils, although expensive, are very high.
Apr 17th, 2011 | 04:48 PM
#65
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,178
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Adu - Exactly. That is why although I don't love many restaurants in the theater district, I will continue to eat close to the theater where I have tix. You never know what could happen with transportation and I want to be very close to the theater. That's what works best for me.
Apr 18th, 2011 | 02:35 AM
#66
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 25,329
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Getting back to Le Bernadin for a moment, I thought some people here might like to read this review posted yesterday on Chowhound.com.
Eric Ripert has been in the restaurant on the 3-4 occasions that I have eaten there.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/779315
If we are talking about the "better" places within walking distance of the theatre district, we should also mention one of my current favorites in the city, Marea, on Central Park South/Broadway. Italian seafood. Not inexpensive. Good value, though.
http://www.marea-nyc.com/
Too far to walk for some, not too far for others.
Eric Ripert has been in the restaurant on the 3-4 occasions that I have eaten there.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/779315
If we are talking about the "better" places within walking distance of the theatre district, we should also mention one of my current favorites in the city, Marea, on Central Park South/Broadway. Italian seafood. Not inexpensive. Good value, though.
http://www.marea-nyc.com/
Too far to walk for some, not too far for others.
Feb 4th, 2012 | 07:52 AM
#72
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,622
Likes: 0
I know this is an old thread but I've been thinking ab midtown restaurants, and went to a new place in Murray Hill last wk...
I had a good dinner in Murray Hill last week at Aquamarine on 2nd Ave. This was an unexpected find. I was staying at the Eastside Towers and Aquamarine was around the corner. The place was busy on a Monday night. Good drinks, reasonable prices, and very good food. Good noodle soup, good sushi and sashimi, good Japanese noodle dish.
I also like 2nd Ave Deli. Who doesn't love getting a bowl of pickles and vinegared slaw slung onto your table as soon as you sit down. IMO, their pastrami and corned beef and matzo ball soup beat Katz and Carnegie Deli hands down.
There are a couple reasonably priced places in midtown that I like for the food, and I go to them when I am staying anywhere in NYC. One is Guantanamera, for good Cuban food and music, fun atmosphere at dinner (on 8th Ave close to 56th). And Bamboo 52, for creative and reasonable sushi and rolls, and good cocktails, open late (52nd btwn 8th and 9th Aves)
I had a good dinner in Murray Hill last week at Aquamarine on 2nd Ave. This was an unexpected find. I was staying at the Eastside Towers and Aquamarine was around the corner. The place was busy on a Monday night. Good drinks, reasonable prices, and very good food. Good noodle soup, good sushi and sashimi, good Japanese noodle dish.
I also like 2nd Ave Deli. Who doesn't love getting a bowl of pickles and vinegared slaw slung onto your table as soon as you sit down. IMO, their pastrami and corned beef and matzo ball soup beat Katz and Carnegie Deli hands down.
There are a couple reasonably priced places in midtown that I like for the food, and I go to them when I am staying anywhere in NYC. One is Guantanamera, for good Cuban food and music, fun atmosphere at dinner (on 8th Ave close to 56th). And Bamboo 52, for creative and reasonable sushi and rolls, and good cocktails, open late (52nd btwn 8th and 9th Aves)
May 7th, 2012 | 05:26 AM
#77
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,622
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I am going to add a new theater district restaurant that I have dined at several times in last few months. E & E Grill, directly across the st. from Eugene O'Neill theater. We have gone here twice while staying in other areas of Manhattan and not attending theater that evening. It is very very good. I wish there were more places like this in the theater district.
May 7th, 2012 | 06:27 AM
#79
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,886
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I can't understand a word Eric Ripert says.
Eat light before the theatre. Don't make a big deal out of pre-theatre dinner. If you want something special make a late night, post-theatre dinner reservation and enjoy the rest of your evening out of the Theatre District.
Theatre night has never been a big dining out night for us. Pre-theatre is usually pizza at John's or oysters somewhere. We avoid beer too; it leaves a strong, residual scent. Champagne or vodka isn't a terrible compromise and champagne is delicious with pizza. Prosecco will do in a pinch.
Theatre wear: I don't give a hoot what you wear as long as your husband's hairy legs are encased in a pair of long trousers, I'm good. That goes for the plane ride too.
Eat light before the theatre. Don't make a big deal out of pre-theatre dinner. If you want something special make a late night, post-theatre dinner reservation and enjoy the rest of your evening out of the Theatre District.
Theatre night has never been a big dining out night for us. Pre-theatre is usually pizza at John's or oysters somewhere. We avoid beer too; it leaves a strong, residual scent. Champagne or vodka isn't a terrible compromise and champagne is delicious with pizza. Prosecco will do in a pinch.
Theatre wear: I don't give a hoot what you wear as long as your husband's hairy legs are encased in a pair of long trousers, I'm good. That goes for the plane ride too.
May 7th, 2012 | 06:56 AM
#80
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 84,782
Likes: 46
I'll add my favorite - the West Bank Cafe - http://www.westbankcafe.com/
At the corner of 9th and 42nd - steps away from Broadway theaters but not in the craziness of Times Square. Excellent food, service, wine in a wonderful space.
At the corner of 9th and 42nd - steps away from Broadway theaters but not in the craziness of Times Square. Excellent food, service, wine in a wonderful space.
