Anyone in Manhattan? I need some travel advice

Ryzaroo

[PoorMuttly]

Les Paul at Irridium, Broadway and...um...just moved...51st ? Tuesday nights.

[PoorMuttly]

Fez...the small nightclub under the Time cafe...at Astor Place (8th.St.-St.Marks and 3rd.Ave.) Warning...their clock runs backward.

[PoorMuttly]

Tavern on the Green is nice to look at...but the food is pretty miserable...always.

[livius]

Thanks! I wasn't aware that they owned Tabla and Madison Park (the latter of which is on my list for a visit)...

[PoorMuttly]

The restaurant in the lobby of Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center is very good...and not at all too expensive...and their drinks are fantastic. I go to concerts there, so it's part of the ritual. Also a great value and lots of fun is Panang...all over town. Mango everything.

Get a copy of New York magazine...they absorbed the old Cue Mag...and rate them for quality and price. Most exclusive and definitely expensive stuff is on the Upper East side...40's to 60's. In the Theatre District (certainly get your theatre tickets at the "two-fer" TKTS booth at Times Square..one stays on line, the others explore)...go to Restaurant Row...46th., bet. 7-8 Ave...lots of choices...incl. Barbetta...very very good, and The Firebird...expensive, but real Russian. You'll probably want to walk down 5th.Ave. to window-shop, so right on the corner, at the fountain on Central Park South, there's the Plaza Hotel. Can't miss it. All the horsedrawn carriages waiting across the street, which not only take you on a brief jaunt through the park (wonderful in the snow..bring your split of champagne or brandy!), but anywhere else in town...your next stop. Not cheap, but memorable fun, and probably what you have in mind for elegance...the Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel...great for lunch...right in the center of the lobby...surrounded by palms and lattice...where you'll also probably be seated near various celebrities...which is sometimes fun, as long as you just smile and don't bother them...they like the smile part, generally, and my favorite spot, the Oyster Bar in the back...but just up the block, west...there's The Plantation...a Brazilian buffet which you will not believe. Go there for dinner, hungry. If I described it, and the amount of food, and the 2-colored cylinder on the table, that you turn over to signal the waiters that you now wish to switch from Seafood to Meat...you would definitely not believe me. My friend is a partner there, and supplied the 15 foot palm trees. You will wish you hadn't eaten for days before...and probably won't need to again for the rest of the week.

I think around your hotel...near Carnegie Hall anyway, you will find the Stage Deli and the Carnegie Deli. That is the real, NY Jewish Deli center of the Earth. They are different, not really expensive, per se, but the real thing...short of Katz's on Delancy...the sausages in the window place. You'll want to have gone to the other two deli's, though...and the Carnegie is probably the most strange of the two. From old jeans to tuxedos and evening gowns...there's room at the 15 foot benches in the basement...if everyone squnches together. I recommend the Reuben...ask for Russian Dressing on the side...they're Kosher...but you don't have to be...the waiters will advise. The sandwiches are about 4" thick, and the mustard is great, too. Unforgettable...and most people love the bowls of pickles on every table. Don't worry, they'll bring more. The Stage has sandwiches named after regular customer celebrities. Don't expect touchy-feely waiters though. Try not to take it personally...just enjoy the ride, and imagine the old days. They are the genuine article.

The Rodeo, around 28th. and 3rd.Ave is great for ribs and brisket and wings...the Barbecue done by famous Pearson's...the absolute best in town, and the Margaritas are in enormous glasses, and pitchers...and surprisingly inexpensive...and there is Live Music at night...really worth an evening. Around the corner, roughly, at 27th. bet. Park and Madison, is a new place called Jazz. Live music. The Cajun on W17th. and 8th.Ave. is always excellent. The Union cafe on E.14th.St. is very good. Luna in Little Italy is probably the best value there, but "unpretentious"..a good old fashioned NY place. You'll want to stroll down there...and it adjoins Chinatown.

Do get New York (not New Yorker) magazine. It won't steer you wrong...but by ALL MEANS...avoid the Tavern. It is famous...locally. Unless you like bland, overcooked airline food...like gray prime rib, and never forgiving yourself for paying an extreme price for it! A sincere warning. Most New Yorkers enjoy getting a good value as much or more than an elegant meal...but a very good one. One can spend a fortune in a quiet restaurant and just have a meal...and a big bill...but an interesting, different, memorable experience, especially reasonably priced, is what we get excited about, generally.

I also strongly suggest Sylvia's Kitchen, at the beginning of Harlem, just north of Central Park. It is family owned,
has really good country, "soul" food, and you should all go to the Sunday Gospel Brunch. The live Gospel Music is so much fun. They are great people, and the neighborhood empties into there after church...and people come from far and wide. A very nice place, not expensive either.

The actual best and REAL original Ray's Pizza...still the best, since I don't know if Mariella's still exists somewhere...is on 11th.St. and 6th.Ave...the Village. There's about 5 pounds of cheese on each slice, and you will probably need a knife and fork, although it is not deep dish, but plain old Neopolitan. If you're on the Lower East Side for some reason...Two Boots Pizzaria (Louisiana/Italy) on 4th. and Avenue A, has the best non-traditional kind anywhere, and I especially like the vegetarian "Earth Mother," and the one with spinach crust..all named after strange celebrities. There's also an "art house" movie theater there. The hottest, actually dangerous pizza...no matter the outside temperature, or how long you walk...is Stromboli..8th.St and 1st.Ave. Beware!

There are two excellent Italian pastry cafes in the East Village neighborhood (all of NY is one neighborhood after another)..Venieros...up-scale, often crowded...very good products, though...and my favorite...unchanged from the turn of the century "Pastacetta DiRobertis," of course down the stairs on First Ave., around 12th. St...on the EAST side of the Avenue, middle of the block. Few people seem to know about it...perhaps John Gotti's patronage had something to do with that...but it's real, family owned, the espresso is great...the toilets flush by pulling a chain...as they should IMHO...and even the gaslight fittings are probably still here and there. My kinda place. Good place to sit and read.

Oh. Never, ever say "Avenue of the Americas" (6th.) or Fashion Avenue (7th.) to a cab driver...unless you want an unguided tour of the region.

...and if anyone says "have a nice day"...reply with "DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!"...although we're a LOT nicer since 9-11. Realizing one's mortality does that to a person...even us. Really, the City's a LOT safer and nicer than ever before in recent history, and I know you'll have a lot of fun, and a great time...now that you know a few more of our secret spots...it's great to have a cultural adventure, while having a nice meal and drink, at a reasonable price. Many people miss the real New York by trying to spend a lot of money. That's for tourists, and fine...but you probably don't want to miss the real place, and only remember the McHardRock whatever it is, etc. If you visit the places I listed...and just wander around those neighborhoods, I guarantee you'll have a wonderful time...and wherever you go from then on...be one of us...because you were really, really here.

[stanz]

O.K. I'm home. Just read all the posts and I have to agree that Tavern On the Green is pretty to look at, but the food is less than exciting and the service is BAD. I took a friend there for her birthday and they seated us in front of an air vent. My friend's hair was blowing all over the place and we asked twice to be moved, but no one paid any attention to us- - -very snooty.

Your location on 34th Street is a good one. You're in the center of Manhattan and can either cab it or take the subway if your adventuresome. But, I would advise staying AWAY from Times Square on New Years' Eve. It's too crowded, you'll get your pockets picked clean and the atmosphere is too rowdy for people in New York looking to have a nice dinner and listen to jazz. B.B.King's is a good suggestion for blues and for the young and trendy, but not that night. Save it for another time.

Of course, I don't have Zagat here- - left it in the office. Many of the suggestions made here were good ones. Mulino's is the best Italian restaurant in N.Y. in my opinion. Better expect to spend big time in there, but the food is excellent. Somebody mentioned Carmine's. That's also very good. One of my favorites is La Fenice on 68th and Broadway. It's not very large and the waiters are a bit "braggadocio" but I have never been disappointed with the food. Another wonderful Italian place which we Tri-State Freepers have met in is Puttanesca. It's on 9th Ave (Restaurant Row) at (I believe) 56th St. It's a favorite after-theater place and we have enjoyed every dish we ever ordered.

For steaks, someone mentioned Sparky's. That was my favorite place before I stopped eating meat, but their steaks are still the best. I love the Upper West side, so I gravitate toward restaurants that are in that area. If you like French, there's Savann. I will have to get back to you with the address. I took my daughter there for her birthday and we really enjoyed the food and the service. It's not much on ambience, though - - more like a Paris bistro. Another French favorite of ours in La Boite En Boite on West 68th Street off Columbus. It's a small place, but the dishes are well-prepared, but prices a little on the steep side. Right across the street from them is another excellent place, Vince and Eddie's on 68th Street.. The food is nouvelle cuisine with an American flair. They specialize in pheasant and squab and it's well-prepared. There's Josie's and Citrus both owned by the same people- - - trendy food, but noisy atmosphere. Josie's is on 74th and Amsterdam and Citrus is a bit farther uptown. Both attract young crowds on New Years' Eve.

People have mentioned Chantarelle (I never had the pleasure) and Nobu. These are among the best NY has to offer. Also, up there are the Blue Water Grill, Cafe Des Artistes, Union Square Cafe and one of my favorites, the Boathouse in Central Park. On a night like New Years' Eve, you'll want a place that's lively and unique. Any of these places will do, but for charm, I would go with the Boathouse. Make sure you make your reservations well in advance at any of these places.

Someone mentioned the Village Vanguard. Actually, it's been years since I've been there, but it used to be one of the better places around for jazz. New York magazine would be the one to check for music and easy listening. I'm not really the one to talk about clubs- - lately, I get all my music off the internet!

Let me know when the time approaches if you are still undecided and maybe I can ask around and get you more choices. You're going to have a great time in the Big Apple!

[PoorMuttly]

...of course, you'll have to stay a month.

[DrCarl]

>Ooops. Rush just dropped a bit in my estimation...

You've got to remember that he's being paid to do the Patsy's commercials. Patsy's is NOT a classy place and it does not have a good reputation for either food or service. Actually, I just looked it up in the Zagat survey to see if they agree with me and here's their review. (Best="30")

Patsy's
Food:20, Decor:16 Service:19 Cost per person, w/o tip $45

236 W. 56th St. (bet B'way & 8th Ave.) New York, NY, 10019-4306
(212) 247-3491

"They do it their way" at this Carnegie Hall-area "red-sauce" Southern Italian that once was a haunt of "Ol'-Blue-Eyes" and is "still living on his ghost"; expect lots of "good memories", but "indifferent" service and "long-in-the-tooth" decor.

[B-Chan]

Speaking of Lincoln Center, don't forget the Lincoln Tavern, at 51 West 64th Street (Central Park West and Broadway, more or less). Ass-kickingly great bar, pub grub that's miles above the average (veal, venison, and a half-chicken, pounded flat and grilled -- yum!) and a warm, inviting environment. Start at the Plaza Hotel, stroll west along Central Park South past the Essex House , turn north at the Circle and walk up to Lincoln Center. Look to the right -- you're there. The Lincoln Tavern has great views of the Lincoln Center (pretty people in pretty clothes in front of a pretty building), a nice cozy atmosphere, and mixes an Irish coffee so strong you'll want to take a cab home. There's a big bookstore (Barnes & Noble?) right across the street for post-dessert coffee browsing, too...

[FeliciaCat]

Yama - I know about the huge lines! My friend and I went and decided to go somewhere else because it looked like a long wait....I have to go back and try it though.

I don't know if your into Vietnamese food, but my boyfriend and I love Lanaam (sp?) on 3rd Avenue. It has a pork dish that is awesome, and I'm not a big fan of pork.

[Lurking Libertarian]

Les Paul at Irridium, Broadway and...um...just moved...51st ? Tuesday nights.

51st street is right, but it's Monday nights. And well worth going to; Les Paul is a national treasure.

[Lurking Libertarian]

The actual best and REAL original Ray's Pizza...still the best, since I don't know if Mariella's still exists somewhere...is on 11th.St. and 6th.Ave...the Village.

Mariella's is on the southwest corner of 3rd Avenue and 16th Street. A small, unpretentious little storefront, with great NYC-style pizza.

[finnman69]

Oh, two relatively new incredible Italian restaurants are Babbo and Esca, both with the same owner/chef. The BEST pasta I have ever had, especially after living in Italy for 6 months. Both require reservations, you should call at least 2 weeks ahead. Esca is more fish oriented. They have their version of sushi called cruda which is very good.

I think the ambience of Babbo is much better, but the food is equal. If you have the time, order the tasting menu paired with wines. It takes 2-3 hours, but is soooooo good. Otherwise, make sure you order pastas as appetizers or as a side dish. BUCATINI ALL'AMATRICIANA is incredible. As is the rockshrimp pasta. Branzino is fantastic, its ALL GOOD.

HIGHLY RECCOMENDED TO FREEPERS! You will be full and have a fantastic meal.

http://www.babbonyc.com/

http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/nycuisine/restaurants/6389.htm

[finnman69]

Personally I think Babbo is better than Il Mulino.

[tracer]

No problem. Crime scenes, military situations, and other serious venues also are rife with gallows humor. It helps to take the edge off, as you know.

My wife has come to expect a stream of such whenever we have a death of a friend or a family member -- usually best in private and carefully chosen (e.g. "the first three letters in the word funeral are F-U-N!").

It's served me and mine well over the years, and I have managed to avoid upsetting anyone beyond a very momentary twinge of unnecessary guilt on the part of someone who has cracked a slight smile through the tears. Such usually is followed by smiles, a chuckles, and a less morose scene...

[tracer]

No problem. Crime scenes, military situations, and other serious venues also are rife with gallows humor. It helps to take the edge off, as you know.

My wife has come to expect a stream of such whenever we have a death of a friend or a family member -- usually best in private and carefully chosen (e.g. "the first three letters in the word funeral are F-U-N!").

It's served me and mine well over the years, and I have managed to avoid upsetting anyone beyond a very momentary twinge of unnecessary guilt on the part of someone who has cracked a slight smile through the tears. Such usually is followed by smiles, a chuckles, and a less morose scene...

[Woodman]

Angelo's is the best in Little Italy but you should speak Italian and just order what you want. That way they will start doing things like bring the meat out for you too see before they cook it and such. I must be spoiled, Italian inlaws w/paisans working there...

BTW Peter Luger's is not what is was a few years ago and the menu is limited to pretty much Steak, Grean Beans and Tomatos w/Onions. Try Smith and Wolensky or The Palm instead.

[PoorMuttly]

So good to hear that Mariella's is still open. That was the good location anyway. In my experience...it is the last remaining real pizza in New York...the same as we had in the '50s. It actually has oregano cooked into it...not raw in a glass jar, next to it. It is the real thing. Ray's is not. Did you know that most pizza oregano is actually marjoram...cheaper and sweeter than the real, BTW medicinal thing ?

Will see Les at new place too...thanks so much for the info.

Even though our friend will only stay probably one day in town...I saw it as a good time to tell the world about the real, local side of NYC, that if they experienced...they'd know who we really are, what we enjoy and are used to...and dissolve some of the media bull that has heaped up...including the opinions of those suffering and abused sand citizens overseas, who think they know us, and we are scum. That only fits the personal agendas of their masters, who squander all the money that should be theirs, and their childrens'...to keep the thief in power over them.

[WaveThatFlag]

< Personally I think Babbo is better than Il Mulino.

...and while in NY come visit finnman69 at lovely Bellvue.