New York City Restaurants

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#2501 Post by **Dinesh Goyal** » August 8th, 2020, 6:41 am

Some of the restaurants where we have enjoyed outdoor dining recently. In general I feel I enjoy restaurants that are on streets more than on avenues as they tend to be quieter
Sushi Ishikawa - while I normally prefer more traditional omakase, it was still great

Avra Greek - tried both Midtown and UES. I think I prefer midtown

Quality Eats UES - this is one of the neighborhood spots for us and we end up going there frequently

Buvette - long wait, but was good

Luthun - was ok.

Looking forward to Jua tonight.

#2502 Post by **mark rudner** » August 10th, 2020, 1:16 pm

i'm sure not everyone's favorite but i loved uncle boon's from the beginning. i always loved the idea of the owners working in the kitchen at per se and leaving to open this underground delight just off bowery. so sad...

https://ny.eater.com/2020/8/10/21361965 ... oronavirus

#2503 Post by **Jay Miller** » August 12th, 2020, 9:09 am

Racines is back!

They're doing a small online order out business, starting with lobster rolls (and wine) on MWF:

https://racinesny.com/onlineordering?ss ... 6f977528f2

mike c · #2504 Post by **mike c** » August 12th, 2020, 9:30 am

Dinesh Goyal wrote: ↑
August 8th, 2020, 6:41 am
Looking forward to Jua tonight.

how was jua?

#2505 Post by **Dinesh Goyal** » August 12th, 2020, 9:31 am

mike c wrote: ↑
August 12th, 2020, 9:30 am

Dinesh Goyal wrote: ↑
August 8th, 2020, 6:41 am
Looking forward to Jua tonight.
how was jua?

Best post Covid meal. Great.

Also they have really gone out of the way to differentiate their outdoor dining experience/decor. Food was outstanding.

#2506 Post by **Robert Dentice** » August 12th, 2020, 9:55 am

Dinesh Goyal wrote: ↑
August 12th, 2020, 9:31 am

mike c wrote: ↑
August 12th, 2020, 9:30 am

Dinesh Goyal wrote: ↑
August 8th, 2020, 6:41 am
Looking forward to Jua tonight.
how was jua?
Best post Covid meal. Great.

Also they have really gone out of the way to differentiate their outdoor dining experience/decor. Food was outstanding.

That is great to hear. I have yet to go. Interestingly my best overall outside pandemic experience was at the Chef's former restaurant Jungsik

mike c · #2507 Post by **mike c** » August 12th, 2020, 1:45 pm

Dinesh Goyal wrote: ↑
August 12th, 2020, 9:31 am
Best post Covid meal. Great.

Also they have really gone out of the way to differentiate their outdoor dining experience/decor. Food was outstanding.

Thanks and great to hear. Was going to echo the post below where jungsik has been by far the best post-COVID dining experience. Will have to check out Jua

#2508 Post by **Jay Miller** » August 14th, 2020, 3:40 am

With all the talk about Jungsik has anyone tried their takeaway meal? Obviously there are a lot of things they can't do with it that they can do at the restaurant but it would be much easier for me to manage.

#2509 Post by **Robert Dentice** » August 14th, 2020, 7:37 am

Had a wonderful meal last night at Cafe Altro Paradiso. Love everything Chef Ignacio does. A small focused menu with a few of their wonderful pasta dishes. Also a small wine list but they do have a couple of very nice things off the list.

#2510 Post by **Robert Dentice** » August 14th, 2020, 1:17 pm

I just heard Secchu Yokota will be opening for outdoor dining. Going tomorrow for a soft opening. I will report back!

mike c · #2511 Post by **mike c** » August 14th, 2020, 7:58 pm

Robert Dentice wrote: ↑
August 14th, 2020, 1:17 pm
I just heard Secchu Yokota will be opening for outdoor dining. Going tomorrow for a soft opening. I will report back!

love those guys. hope they can make it through.

#2512 Post by **Dinesh Goyal** » August 15th, 2020, 4:11 am

Robert Dentice wrote: ↑
August 14th, 2020, 7:37 am
Had a wonderful meal last night at Cafe Altro Paradiso. Love everything Chef Ignacio does. A small focused menu with a few of their wonderful pasta dishes. Also a small wine list but they do have a couple of very nice things off the list.

It has been on my list ever since we got their email. I has been waiting for Flora to open up as that’s close by. But just booked for Altro.

#2513 Post by **Dinesh Goyal** » August 15th, 2020, 3:13 pm

So tried Altro Paradiso.

Let me preface it by saying outdoor dining is somewhat of an equalizer as food quality end up dominating the final experience.

With that I found Altro to be ok. I have had better Cacio Pepe at multiple other restaurants, with one at Via Carota right at the top

#2514 Post by **Robert Dentice** » August 16th, 2020, 7:29 am

Dinesh Goyal wrote: ↑
August 15th, 2020, 3:13 pm
So tried Altro Paradiso.

Let me preface it by saying outdoor dining is somewhat of an equalizer as food quality end up dominating the final experience.

With that I found Altro to be ok. I have had better Cacio Pepe at multiple other restaurants, with one at Via Carota right at the top

Oh shoot, sorry to hear that. I did feel it was a step down from the normal level but still thought it was very good.

#2515 Post by **Robert Dentice** » August 16th, 2020, 7:33 am

We did Secchu Yokota and thought it was very good. Impossible to be at the same level as when you are sitting one foot away from the Chef handing you the tempura. And our feedback to them was that I felt it was too much food. I am a big eater and I was absolutely stuffed. The wine list is small and they are out of many things due to the shut down. Corkage is $30. I brought one bottle and purchased a JB Becker. Keep in mind it was a trial run and they discounted the price.

Nathan V. · #2516 Post by **Nathan V.** » August 17th, 2020, 8:00 am

Robert Dentice wrote: ↑
August 16th, 2020, 7:33 am
We did Secchu Yokota and thought it was very good. Impossible to be at the same level as when you are sitting one foot away from the Chef handing you the tempura. And our feedback to them was that I felt it was too much food. I am a big eater and I was absolutely stuffed. The wine list is small and they are out of many things due to the shut down. Corkage is $30. I brought one bottle and purchased a JB Becker. Keep in mind it was a trial run and they discounted the price.

Glad to hear they're trying this out and hope they're open when we are able to get back to NYC. I feel like they always have a Becker on the list for me to buy when I'm there. I wonder why...

#2517 Post by **Dinesh Goyal** » August 18th, 2020, 3:47 am

Robert Dentice wrote: ↑
August 16th, 2020, 7:33 am
We did Secchu Yokota and thought it was very good. Impossible to be at the same level as when you are sitting one foot away from the Chef handing you the tempura. And our feedback to them was that I felt it was too much food. I am a big eater and I was absolutely stuffed. The wine list is small and they are out of many things due to the shut down. Corkage is $30. I brought one bottle and purchased a JB Becker. Keep in mind it was a trial run and they discounted the price.

Thanks Robert. I feel like small restaurants, which a lot of Japanese restaurants are, are particularly hard hit. Most of them don’t have large enough frontage to create any meaningful size dining area. Eg Maaser had two tables outside. Same at Sushi by M.

#2518 Post by **Robert Dentice** » August 18th, 2020, 8:21 am

Dinesh Goyal wrote: ↑
August 18th, 2020, 3:47 am

Robert Dentice wrote: ↑
August 16th, 2020, 7:33 am
We did Secchu Yokota and thought it was very good. Impossible to be at the same level as when you are sitting one foot away from the Chef handing you the tempura. And our feedback to them was that I felt it was too much food. I am a big eater and I was absolutely stuffed. The wine list is small and they are out of many things due to the shut down. Corkage is $30. I brought one bottle and purchased a JB Becker. Keep in mind it was a trial run and they discounted the price.
Thanks Robert. I feel like small restaurants, which a lot of Japanese restaurants are, are particularly hard hit. Most of them don’t have large enough frontage to create any meaningful size dining area. Eg Maaser had two tables outside. Same at Sushi by M.

I agree and really hard for them to do delivery. Going to Jua tonight!

#2519 Post by **Robert Dentice** » August 19th, 2020, 3:15 am

WOW! Jua was absolutely great. During August they are doing an à la carte menu. Everything was wonderful. Can't wait to go back.

Michael S. Monie · #2520 Post by **Michael S. Monie** » August 26th, 2020, 2:23 pm

Mayor says no indoor dining until next year; not good news.

ybarselah · #2521 Post by **ybarselah** » August 28th, 2020, 9:31 am

Michael S. Monie wrote: ↑
August 26th, 2020, 2:23 pm
Mayor says no indoor dining until next year; not good news.

source?

#2522 Post by **scamhi** » August 28th, 2020, 11:09 am

ybarselah wrote: ↑
August 28th, 2020, 9:31 am

Michael S. Monie wrote: ↑
August 26th, 2020, 2:23 pm
Mayor says no indoor dining until next year; not good news.
source?

it was in Eater NY

#2523 Post by **Jay Miller** » August 28th, 2020, 1:05 pm

scamhi wrote: ↑
August 28th, 2020, 11:09 am

ybarselah wrote: ↑
August 28th, 2020, 9:31 am

Michael S. Monie wrote: ↑
August 26th, 2020, 2:23 pm
Mayor says no indoor dining until next year; not good news.
source?
it was in Eater NY

https://ny.eater.com/2020/8/27/21404598 ... oronavirus

He's now saying it's contingent on how the school openings go.

#2524 Post by **Dinesh Goyal** » August 28th, 2020, 2:03 pm

Has anyone tried our crown shy post reopening? The menu looks quite limited.

#2525 Post by **Robert Dentice** » September 12th, 2020, 1:46 pm

We did the Estela Rink at Rockefeller Center dinner last night. Have to say it is was a wonderful time. It is more about the whole experience than just the food. You get your own very large table that is right in the rink. You get a picnic basket full of starters and then an enormous tower of seafood. What was most fun about it is that there were several tables of people we knew and they let people come for drinks so it turned into a big party in a beautiful setting.

#2526 Post by **Paul Jaouen** » September 12th, 2020, 2:37 pm

Looks fun Robert!

F.Daner · #2527 Post by **F.Daner** » September 13th, 2020, 11:25 am

I know public health concerns must be considered but I believe NY positive rate is at or close to the lowest in the country. I don't know how officials can expect any restaurants to be left to open next year if indoor dining does not open to at least 50% capacity by winter. Major corporations are announcing they will be allowing workers to return to the office. I'm sure public transportation will be a lot riskier than eating at a restaurant. I have eaten out now several times in Tampa with restaurants all adhering to 50% capacity and really doing a great job with health protocols.

Jay Miller wrote: ↑
August 28th, 2020, 1:05 pm

scamhi wrote: ↑
August 28th, 2020, 11:09 am

ybarselah wrote: ↑
August 28th, 2020, 9:31 am

source?
it was in Eater NY
https://ny.eater.com/2020/8/27/21404598 ... oronavirus

He's now saying it's contingent on how the school openings go.

#2528 Post by **Jay Miller** » September 14th, 2020, 9:03 am

F.Daner wrote: ↑
September 13th, 2020, 11:25 am
I know public health concerns must be considered but I believe NY positive rate is at or close to the lowest in the country. I don't know how officials can expect any restaurants to be left to open next year if indoor dining does not open to at least 50% capacity by winter. Major corporations are announcing they will be allowing workers to return to the office. I'm sure public transportation will be a lot riskier than eating at a restaurant. I have eaten out now several times in Tampa with restaurants all adhering to 50% capacity and really doing a great job with health protocols.

The issue is that at least theoretically everyone on public transport is masked. No one eating inside will be masked.

Unmasked indoors is one of the most likely methods for an infected individual to pass on the virus.

It's a horrible situation. As someone in several risk groups for bad outcomes I won't be eating indoors until there's a vaccine.

#2529 Post by **Mark Golodetz** » September 19th, 2020, 10:53 am

The one restaurant I was looking forward to trying was Veau d’Or. it was being taken over by a couple of fairly serious chefs, and given the wonderful traditional menu, I thought with a few twists it could have been sensational. Obviously COVID put back the opening, but I could not find updates. Anybody got the inside scoop?

#2530 Post by **Robert Dentice** » September 20th, 2020, 9:38 am

Mark Golodetz wrote: ↑
September 19th, 2020, 10:53 am
The one restaurant I was looking forward to trying was Veau d’Or. it was being taken over by a couple of fairly serious chefs, and given the wonderful traditional menu, I thought with a few twists it could have been sensational. Obviously COVID put back the opening, but I could not find updates. Anybody got the inside scoop?

I was looking forward to it as well. I work a block away. I am friends with some of the Frenchette crew and can ask.

The neighborhood has come back to life and has a lot of outdoor dinning for established restaurants.

#2531 Post by **Robert Dentice** » September 20th, 2020, 9:45 am

Rule of Thirds, a very large and cool Japanese Izakaya reopened. They opened in February and were off to a great start. We went for F&F yesterday and it was very good. All outdoor dining.

#2532 Post by **Michel Abood** » September 21st, 2020, 2:07 pm

Mark Golodetz wrote: ↑
September 19th, 2020, 10:53 am
The one restaurant I was looking forward to trying was Veau d’Or. it was being taken over by a couple of fairly serious chefs, and given the wonderful traditional menu, I thought with a few twists it could have been sensational. Obviously COVID put back the opening, but I could not find updates. Anybody got the inside scoop?

Ditto, if I ever make it back to NYC.

I have a long list of places I want to visit, I just hope they can survive until we have a vaccine and I can travel again. Until then we're cooking at home, doing take out from 2-3 favorite places, and did delivery last week for the first time (shockingly good fried chicken from Tokyo Hot Chicken, a pop up from Michael Mina).

God I miss the NYC/Paris restaurant scene. I'd do unholy things to get back to having long lunches at Les Enfants du Marche and spending a long, leisurely Sunday afternoon devouring pies at Ops.

You really don't know what you have until it's gone.

#2533 Post by **WvanGorp** » September 22nd, 2020, 5:21 pm

Not to make Michel jealous but several of us are having pizza in the park tomorrow night from Ops.

#2534 Post by **Robert Dentice** » September 23rd, 2020, 12:02 am

Went back to Jua again and it was outstanding. They do allow corkage, not sure of charge because a friend picked up the tab.

I have also had a couple of serious foodies tell me how great it was after recent meals.

#2535 Post by **Michel Abood** » September 23rd, 2020, 9:25 am

WvanGorp wrote: ↑
September 22nd, 2020, 5:21 pm
Not to make Michel jealous but several of us are having pizza in the park tomorrow night from Ops.

That's just mean.

#2536 Post by **Jay Miller** » September 23rd, 2020, 1:19 pm

I got takeout from Atomix for Arnold's birthday a little over a week ago.

My conclusion was, unfortunately, that one should not get high end takeout if there is a good chance one of the people involved will have to work late and the food will end up sitting for 3 hours.

It was still very good but it seemed like much of what would have made it really special had faded with sitting.

Sarah Kirschbaum · #2537 Post by **Sarah Kirschbaum** » September 26th, 2020, 2:28 pm

Can anyone suggest a casual but good place in the Flatiron area up to midtown for lunch outside? Nothing fancy or too heavy as we have an exciting dinner planned.

#2538 Post by **Rodrigo B** » September 26th, 2020, 10:40 pm

Sarah Kirschbaum wrote: ↑
September 26th, 2020, 2:28 pm
Can anyone suggest a casual but good place in the Flatiron area up to midtown for lunch outside? Nothing fancy or too heavy as we have an exciting dinner planned.

Obica right across the street from Flatiron wines, Craft and Union Square Cafe, and Casa Mono should all have some outdoor dining

Sarah Kirschbaum · #2539 Post by **Sarah Kirschbaum** » September 27th, 2020, 6:11 am

Rodrigo B wrote: ↑
September 26th, 2020, 10:40 pm

Sarah Kirschbaum wrote: ↑
September 26th, 2020, 2:28 pm
Can anyone suggest a casual but good place in the Flatiron area up to midtown for lunch outside? Nothing fancy or too heavy as we have an exciting dinner planned.
Obica right across the street from Flatiron wines, Craft and Union Square Cafe, and Casa Mono should all have some outdoor dining

Thanks so much. Casa Mono fits the bill well. I haven't thought of that place in many, many years.

Tony C · #2540 Post by **Tony C** » September 27th, 2020, 6:27 am

Sarah Kirschbaum wrote: ↑
September 26th, 2020, 2:28 pm
Can anyone suggest a casual but good place in the Flatiron area up to midtown for lunch outside? Nothing fancy or too heavy as we have an exciting dinner planned.

Boqueria - Spanish tapas

#2541 Post by **mark rudner** » September 28th, 2020, 1:34 pm

Sarah Kirschbaum wrote: ↑
September 27th, 2020, 6:11 am

Rodrigo B wrote: ↑
September 26th, 2020, 10:40 pm

Sarah Kirschbaum wrote: ↑
September 26th, 2020, 2:28 pm
Can anyone suggest a casual but good place in the Flatiron area up to midtown for lunch outside? Nothing fancy or too heavy as we have an exciting dinner planned.
Obica right across the street from Flatiron wines, Craft and Union Square Cafe, and Casa Mono should all have some outdoor dining
Thanks so much. Casa Mono fits the bill well. I haven't thought of that place in many, many years.

hi sarah
if it's cool enough outside try the stuffed peppers
so perfect with a glass of midweight spanish red
where's dinner?

Sarah Kirschbaum · #2542 Post by **Sarah Kirschbaum** » September 28th, 2020, 2:13 pm

mark rudner wrote: ↑
September 28th, 2020, 1:34 pm

Sarah Kirschbaum wrote: ↑
September 27th, 2020, 6:11 am

Rodrigo B wrote: ↑
September 26th, 2020, 10:40 pm

Obica right across the street from Flatiron wines, Craft and Union Square Cafe, and Casa Mono should all have some outdoor dining
Thanks so much. Casa Mono fits the bill well. I haven't thought of that place in many, many years.
hi sarah
if it's cool enough outside try the stuffed peppers
so perfect with a glass of midweight spanish red
where's dinner?

Thanks, Mark! I saw those on the menu - very appealing.

Dinner is at Jua!