New York City Restaurant Tips by cjg1

Restaurant Name: Frank

Best Of: Sidewalk Seating, Date.

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Wow. This place has just started taking reservations for parties over 8. My first time we went for a Labor day weekend meeting. Mark, acemj, was in town and we met with him and a couple of his friends. I come back here often although with a group it is very hard. And its first come first serve for the group table when making the reservations. There is only the one. It will hold up to 18 comfortably and more if you really push it.

Please note. The entire restaurant is CASH ONLY.

Favorite Dish: I had the Tagliata. Didnt know what it was but would order it again now that I do. Just what I needed actually so it all worked out.

This is on the New York Magazine top cheap eats list for 2003 and the crowd shows it.

My brother is seen here eating the baked chicken in mid 2004. One of the better menu items available although some would argue the mashed potatoes they give with it is the reason to order. I myself finally went with the roasted rosemary chicken as it is called on the menu at the VT Meeting here October 23, 2006

This is also, in the words of one of our favorite party planners, THE place to get a blonde in the city. And as she will be very happy to hear, they are again serving blondes in here.

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: (212) 420-0202
Address: 88 2nd Ave (at 5th St.) East Village
Directions: Look for the "cool people" hanging around outside
Website: http://www.frankrestaurant.com/

Restaurant Name: Adrienne's

Best Of: Pizza by the Pie.

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This is a pizza joint on Stone Street. The whole street is outside seating and provides a nice and needed break from the day. You can order one of three basic pizza types; margarita, classic, and white. From here you put toppings on if you want. The basic is $15 and toppings are $3 each. There are other items on the menu.

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Adrienne's is listed among New York Magazine's Cheap Eats 2006 listing.

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Featuring a full bar, Outdoor dining, Take out and Delivery this is a wonderful place for a good lunch.

Favorite Dish: My first time we shared a Margarita with sausage and onions. Mixed with a Pepsi as my bosses were in the office today and I had a great lunch. The pizza is so large that we each brought two slices home after eating three each as its "Grandma" style pizza.

My second time we sampled the Classic base with sausage and pepperoni. I liked these toppings better but prefer the Margarita base with its garlic.

The pepsi's are small and $3 each.

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Theme: Pizza
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 212-248-3838
Address: 54 Stone Street
Directions: Between Coenties Alley and William Street
Website: http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/adriennes-pizza-bar/index.html

Restaurant Name: Moustache

This is one of two locations. We ate at the one in the east village on 10th street. The other is in the west village.

Another VT meeting brought us to this restaurant. There is a covered back to it with most of the back wall removed to open it up to the outside. Very nice place and good food. Who knew back then just how much the first meeting would change my life. Simply the best and life changing VT meeting I would ever attend.

We have also come back for other VT meetings. It is a nice group able place. Low cost and good I do rate this as one of my favorite places.

Please note. The entire restaurant is CASH ONLY.

Favorite Dish: I had a Falafel plate as I ate a late lunch and wasnt looking for a large meal. They also had pizza and lamb ribs and many other options. I know I love most places I go to for food in the city. And most of that is probably because I have VT meetings there and it wouldnt matter how the food is and still be a good time. But this is a place I would go and eat alone if no one else wanted to go it is that good.

They are open noon to midnight daily.

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Theme: Middle Eastern
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: (212) 228-2022
Address: 265 East 10th
Directions: Between First Avenue and Avenue A

Restaurant Name: Nice Matin

Best Of: Sidewalk Seating, Date

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Having just returned here last night I must say I do enjoy the place. It was another of everyone's favorite, word of mouth tips. I first learned of it through a friend who's friend works here behind the bar. Let me tell you she knew exactly what she was talking about. Whether you are sitting inside or outside it is quite comfortable and makes you feel like you are there alone and they are all available just for you. Amazing because it is always crowded when I am there.

Always comforting and relaxing the atmosphere is laid back and the drinks just right. This would be an excellent date place although some might consider it pricey for a first date.

Hours and the current day's specials are always listed on their webpage. Note that they are open for breakfast, lunch, late lunch, and dinner with a brunch on the weekends.

Favorite Dish: My favorite after a couple of samplings of things is by far the steak frites. They do cook it a little more rare than you'd expect for the stated cooking preference so if you expect it one way you might considering stepping up the instructions one level. I ate what was delivered without complaint and it was great.

The wine list and mojitos here are also good.

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Theme: French
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 212-873-6423
Address: 201 West 79th Street.
Directions: North West corner of 79th and Amsterdam.
Website: www.nicematinnyc.com

Restaurant Name: Xunta Tapas Bar

This place is pretty nice inside. We were, like the reviews i've read, rushed out when they saw we were slowing down. Other than that though it was a good time. Would I come back? Maybe. Depends on the people I would be with. Not for the service though. Too many other places in the city that need to be written about.

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I just up'd the satisfaction level for this place 14 November 2005 because we went again Sunday night. MUCH better service.

Go on a slow night like Sunday. The waitress told us they do rush you out on Friday and Saturday.

They are open from 4pm to 11pm daily and to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Favorite Dish: We sampled many an item here. The chourizo a la plancha and also the patacas bravas and champinos osborne were my favorites. Also I must highly recommend the sangria here.

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Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 212.614.0620
Address: 174 First Avenue
Directions: Between 10th & 11th Streets.
Website: http://www.xuntatapas.com
Other Contact: patope@xuntatapas.com

Restaurant Name: Wu Liang Ye Lexington

Decent food to be found here. Good service. And its pretty cheap. About $25 for two people for dinner without drinks.

The lunch specials are the real value. It is under $9 for the lunch special. An entree with spring roll or soup, choice of rice, and soft drink.

I continue to come here about once a month or so and the food has stayed consistantly good over the past several years.

We have even come here for VT meetings.

They are open from 11:30 A.M. to 11:30 P.M. Sundays through Thursdays and until 12 Fridays and Saturdays.

Favorite Dish: On my first time for dinner I had steamed Chicken and Vegetables. Much better than i had thought it would be. But my favorite meal here is the Tangerine Chicken. I just love this stuff. Have also tried the Beef and Broccoli and found it to be excellent.

This to me is by far the best chinese for the money in the city.

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Theme: Chinese/Dim Sum
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: (212) 370-9647
Address: 338 Lexington Avenue
Directions: Between 39th and 40th, West side of the street.

Restaurant Name: Fagiolini

Best Of: Tiramisu

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I like this place. Its smallish but has two floors. The service was good. I really like this place. Not the cheapest place out there. But for 2 dinners, a bottle of wine, and dessert it was only about $60. And the wine was half that. Definitely on my short list of places I return to.

I have also noticed that this place is frequented by women dining alone. I am saying this only because half the restaurant downstairs was singles eating last night and it struck me as being a good choice for the solo diner.

Favorite Dish: I had a marvelous pork dish in a mustard sauce. Was amazed at how much pork they offered on the plate. Couldnt eat it all. But when the dessert came. WOW. What a finish. This was the Tiramisu. If you don't want to eat here at least stop by for the Tiramisu if you are in the neighborhood. It has been consistantly the best in the city for the several years I've been coming here.

I most recently had the Occhi di Lupo con Broccoli Rabe. It wasn't bad but I must say it wasn't great either. This remains more of a dessert destination for me than dinner although I do go for both.

They're open noon to 3 for lunch each day and then 5 to 10 for dinner.

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: (212) 883-9555
Address: 334 Lexington Avenue
Directions: At 39th Street. NW corner.
Website: www.fagiolini.com

Restaurant Name: L'Entrecote

I can easily see this place becoming my new Ovo. I went last night for the first time. Wow what a place. Owner operated you are greated by either him or his wife. Both seem genuinely happy to have you there. With a limited menu they speak about each item passionately.

Favorite Dish: I had the L'Entrecote. Their version of it is very heavy in a Dijon mustard. I liked it although it was not a hit with everyone. It comes with the thin fries and also string beans and cooked sliced carrots. Mixed all together with the house red and I had a wonderful dinner and the assurance that I will return soon.

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Theme: French
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 212-755-0080
Address: 1057 1st Avenue
Directions: 1st Ave between 57th and 58th.

Restaurant Name: Zucchero e Pomodori

Best Of: Date, Italian.

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Welcome to one of my favorite restaurants. I have been here several times over the past three or so years and each and every time I am left wondering why I don’t eat here every day. The food is some of the best Italian in a great atmosphere. This is one of my favorite date places. It is comfortable, quiet enough to talk but not silent and the food is sure to be a hit while not breaking the bank.

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In short this is one of the best places for the money in New York. Open 12-11 for lunch and dinner and to midnights on Friday and Saturday they are here when you need that next great meal.

Favorite Dish: The best of the best as far as the food here goes was on the special menu on my first visit. It is a linguini with black dye. Absolutely fantastic. I strongly suggest starting with the Mozzarella Saporita. This is a wonderful boconccini wrapped in prosciutto with braised radicchio. Amazing. I am always, always impressed with this place.

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 212-585-2100
Address: 1431 2nd Avenue
Directions: They are located on the west side of 2nd avenue between 74th and 75th streets.
Website: http://www.zuccheroepomodorinyc.com

Restaurant Name: Artisanal

Best of: Fondue, Date, Wine.

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This is one of my favorite places in the city and I have been here a couple of times now. The food is always amazing with an atmosphere that just completes any great evening out with someone you want to be with. And as such the company has been even better.

Favorite Dish: Often here we have the fondue. Sometimes only bread but usually slived beef or something else to perk it up. Throw on top of that a nice bottle of pinot noir and you have a great time.

They often participate in NYC Restaurant Week.

Bonus!!! is this restaurant is on the idine list for American Airlines.

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Theme: French
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 212 725-8585
Address: 2 PARK AVENUE
Directions: 32nd Street, between Park Avenue and Madison
Website: www.artisanalcheese.com/restaurants.asp#bistro