NYC Restaurant Guide |
This restaurant guide has food and decor reports on New York City restaurants. It is intended to help you locate restaurants by food type and location, and gives you opportunity to critically review and report to us your findings on new restaurants in the NYC area that should be included in the guide. We make every effort to be accurate. Please e-mail us if you find our information or coupon to be inaccurate or out of date.
If you would like to submit a restaurant review for consideration, please use the review form including the Style (Type), Name, Location, Telephone Number, Average Meal Prices, and your review details and favorite dishes. We reserve the right to include, exclude, modify or remove any listing at any time for our own reasons. . . . Last changes: Dec 2004
Manetta's Ristorante 10-76 Jackson Ave L.I.C. (718)786-6171l
Area: Long Island City, Queens ** Type: Italian Ambiance:Rustic Dress Code:Your Choice
You're going to enjoy this restaurant, so even if you're in Manhattan, we suggest you take the short hop by subway or car to the first stop out of Grand Central on the 7 line, or just outside the Midtown Tunnel. Run by the Manetta family, you can see the pride they take in everything from the sparklingly clean glasses which you'll swear have never been used before, to the immaculate rustic tile floor, to the fresh homemade mozarella, to the smile that greets you as you arrive. Opened in 1992, its no wonder they tripled their space in 1994.Our bartender, told we weren't hard drinkers suggested a Chocolate Martini, made with vodka and cream de cacao served in a Martini glass with a fresh strawberry impaled on its edge. Delicious. We asked to try the three house wines (a Chianti, a Cabernet Sauvingnon, and a Chardonay) and found each to be more than adequate. The chianti, in particular was enjoyable and not overly resinous. Full bar service is available.
The diningroom fireplace was not lit tonight, but we sat in view of the open hearth, wood fired pizza oven, which lent a homey glow to the overall atmosphere. Modern recessed lighting is kept at low to moderate levels. The uncovered natural granite-topped tables give an outdoor feel to harmonize with the tile floor.
A simple semi-coarse bread tasted brick-oven backed with butter served at the right temperature. The foccacia and the pizza have authentic ultra-thin crusts and simple tomato sauce not overpowered with salt or spices. Fresh whole basil and today's fresh mozarella are only one of sixteen varieties on the menu from $6.50 to $9.00 (A dollar less at lunchtime).
Reputed to have some of the best Calamari Fritti within the metropolitan area, ours were tender, sweet lightly floured (not battered) and served with a fresh tomato/basil sauce on the side. A light touch of garlic and a lighter touch of oregano accent the Gamberoni Cremolati della Casa (jumbo butterfly shrimp in wine and butter sauce) served as a main dish or an appetizer. As with all the dishes we tried, the garlic is not harsh or insistent, and doesn't follow you home. Portobello Trifolato sauteed with rosemary, garlic and olive oil topped with mild shaved parmigiano and arugula were full flavored. The special appetizer was a roasted red pepper with a demure bread stuffing which did not overpower the flavor of the pepper.
Much of the pasta here is made fresh. The Gnoccchi is also, in the Monte Casino region style made with Ricotta -- very tender. The ravioli are made essentially one at a time. We had a superb salmon ravioli in a cream sauce which would stand out on any royal or diplomatic table. Both it and the (very) fresh vegetable ravioli were one of many specials that are served on a rotating basis throughout the month.
To date, we have only tried one other entree (see Gambaroni above). Tagliata alla Padana is a melt-in-your-mouth Filet Mignon, sliced and topped with Arugula, shaved Parmigiano and hot rosemary oil. At It was served with well buttered roasted new potato halves in the skin and escarole with roasted garlic. At $19 it is the most expensive entree, and well worth it.
We are already planning a return visit. This is an easy stop on the way in from Long Island and only one stop from Grand Central. See you there!
Price: 21 * Reservations: Accepted * C.Cards: MC,Visa,Amex,DC [INVITATION] [Area Map]
Manhattan Bistro 129 Spring Street btwn (212 )966-3459
Area: SOHO ** Type: French Bistro Ambiance:Relaxed Dress Code:Casual
Subdued lighting and mellow background music relax you in a recently re-decorated very French feeling bistro with walls adorned in caricaturish, colorful mural vignettes and beautiful rich glass vase-like translucent sconces at each spacious booth. The staff is eager, although not at all french. The bar is well stocked, and there is a selection of wines by the glass, so that each diner may choose according to taste. The bread, baked on premises, is a hearty, coarse country-style semolina with heavy crust... very tasty.We chose the Crab Cake appetizer and were most pleased by its rich flavor. It was coarsely shredded and accented with Cajun spices, lemon and Worcestershire, nicely browned and served in a shallow sea of chartreuse spinach coulis. Salmon Tartare was our other selection, hand-chopped to order, topped with string-like potatoe crisps, mixed with capers, lemon with a touch of mayo and artistically surrounded with mesclun greens on a plate slashed with balsamic splashes. Portions were ample... in fact, either would serve as entree for a light eater.
Coq au Vin, ever a popular selection, was served in its dark wine sauce with chunks of thick bacon and button mushrooms. It was a bit acidic and less well stewed than expected, but still a rewarding choice. A hearty Cassoulet of white beans perfectly textured, slightly sweet contained a (very) garlic sausage, bits of tender lamb and a pieces of well roasted duck. Porcini Ravioli are another delicacy in a roasted shallot sauce.
We found the Sauteed Venison Medallions to be delicious and harmoniously served over creamy-smooth garlic whipped potatoes and topped with a unique Lingonberry sauce and chestnuts. Grilled Peppered Tuna with a Cognac Sauce is served with a Medley of Sweet Peas and Corn. There is also a very nice Grilled Salmon Provencale with Braised Fennel topped with olives and tomatoes (we could do without the topping, which was salty).
We hope to visit again soon and try Mediterranean Crab Soup, Shrimp Caribe Salade (Endive, Avocado, Orange and Mango) and Steak Frites. But for now, we must comment on some desserts.
First and foremost, you can not lose with the Sorbets! They are the smoothest and richest we've encountered, made in-house and rich in true fruit flavor. We tried Pear, Mango and Raspberry -- all excellent. The chocolate Brownie is bittersweet and neither muddy nor cakey -- melts in your mouth. The Apple Torte goes well with the Bistro's homemade cinnamon-apple ice cream. The flan is thick with a hint of bitter orange. And last, but far from least the Cheesecake: very light due to extra beaten egg whites, slightly orangey, it goes down easily, even after a full meal. Enjoy!
Price: 24 * Reservations: Optional * C.Cards: Most, except DIN [INVITATION]
Area: Gramercy [East 14/23] ** Type: Indian Ambiance: Modern, semi-formal, Dress Code:Optional
It's unusual to find such a traveled and competent chef as Mr. Nazmun. He formerly worked in London at Star of India and in Washington's Bombay Palace. Here we dub him the King of Cream Sauces and a maker of the best Kulfi we've encountered (not many restaurants make their own). We skipped the automatic papadum and began our meal with a vegetable and a ground meat samosa, nicely presented with salad greens and tomato slices. The meat samosa was particularly good, having less cumin than most places and something else wonderfully aromatic. Mixed grill was also very good, especially the steak and smokey yet juicy chicken. The Bengali style Bangla Jhinga (jumbo shrimp), a specialty of chef Nazmun's was fabulous with its tomato cream sauce, fresh ground spices and served with a steaming Poori (fine balloon bread). Definitely best eaten with the fingers.We tried both Garlic Nan and Kulcha (stuffed with spring onion), both really good while still hot, but try to eat them before they cool as they will feel more oily then. The chapati we used to scoop up the rest of our meal is our preferred bread for Indian food. The mixed vegatable dish (califlower, carrots, string beans, peas) and the Alloo Gobi (potato, califlower) were similar in flavor, so take your pick. For us, we would have asked for a heavier use of spice in these. This restaurant caters to the particular palate of its customers, and invites you to ask for a dish to be cooked the way you like it.
Our Tandoori Chicken was moist and delicious, The Chicken Tikka Musallam gets an A-plus in sauce of tomato, almond, sour and heavy cream. The Lamb Malai gets similar grades in a nutty coconut cream sauce. Chicken Vindaloo was not drenched in sauce, and was not super super hot, but we had not asked for it to be. We tried so many dishes that we opted out of the several varieties of basmati pulao on the menu (46 entrees, 6 dinner specials, 6 pulao rice specialties, 3 children's meals with french fries, 9 desserts)
We'd have loved to try all the desserts, but satisfied ourselves with Masala Methai (fabulous baked ricotta, almond and pistachio, soggy, sweet kind of cheescake), and the homemade Kesari Kulfi. (We couldn't get the secret ingredient out of the chef, but we think there is one).
Decor is not ethnic. Upstairs near the bar is intimate with indian music playing softly, while downstairs is a much larger space seating almost one hundred. Sunday brunches are also served at fixed price -- a good opportunity to get to know this restaurant.
Price: 18 * Reservations: Accepted * C.Cards: Visa, MC, Amex [INVITATION] [COUPON]
Mocca 1588 Second Ave btwn 82/83 Sts (212)734-6470
Area: Upper East Side ** Type: Hungarian Ambiance:Bright, simple Dress Code: None
It smelled good in here, so we had to review this place even though the owner declined. The decor is not exciting. The room is tiled in geometric small hexagonal tiles, with many mirrors on the walls. Service is businesslike, but (by this time of nite) not openly warm or friendly. The busboy, however, was very attentive.Dinner begins with a house salad -- cucumber marinated until soggy in vinegar with paprika. A good bread, Italian in taste but different crust and texture accompanied by a blended cheese spread with paprika and caraway flavor. Appetizers followed. The pork spare ribs were meaty, delicate, crispy outside and tender. Very, very good. Lecsos kalbasz (sausage sauteed with peppers and onions in a tomato sauce was acidy and not to our liking. We had Beef Goulash in a thin but tasty sauce and Veal with Mushrooms a la Mocca, both served with Nockerl (pile of small egg colored dumplings reminiscent of gnocci) The veal was hot, rhe goulash warm. The clientele this evening was primarily older europeans, who all seem to enjoy the food and moderate prices. We enjoyed it, too, except for lipstick on my water glass and a less than favorable report on the ladies room from my guest.
The deserts were also good. We tried Somlai Galusska, a rum-soaked, course grained cake with walnut, vanilla, chocolate syrup and whipped cream. The Palacsinta (crepes) filled with ground walnuts and apricot jam were very nice.
Dinner and Lunch specials make this an easy place to get to know. The lunch specials are only $7.00. The owner, however has little use for the Internet, and you should mention it if you stop there.
Price: 18 * Reservations: ?? * C.Cards: None [INVITATION]
Area: Gramercy/E.Midtown ** Type: Indian Ambiance: Relaxed, Semi-formal ** Dress Code: None
On our first visit to Muriya we already knew by its popularity with the Indian community that the food had to be good. There was a birthday party just finishing in the upstairs function room and families were leaving in obvious good humor. Actually, combined with the main diningroom on the ground level, with its tables double-draped in blue over white tablecloths, the establishment can handle upwards of two hundred persons -- yet the diningroom itself has a cozy feeling. One wall is covered by a long, hand painted mural on canvas, provided by a well known Bengali artist. The other is peppered with framed, color photographs of Indian women in traditional dress and adornments. Indian music plays quietly in the background.Although the waiters are somewhat short on English, the owner or manager will help with any explanations you may need. In fact, not only can you ask for dishes to be modified to your taste, but might even ask for dishes not on the menu. Chances are good that they can oblige you, as every dish is made to order. For example, our Chapati was not on the menu but was produced for us without hesitation.
Your visit will begin with the obligatory papadam,... but this is the mildest of any we've encountered so far. It's served with a coriander, mint yoghurt sauce. The meat samosa is very good, sweet, moist, aromatic and a bit salty. The vegetable samosa of potato, peas and califlower is fresh and spicey-hot. We tried a Shrimp Puri (Poori) prepared with onions and green pepper well sauteed and lightly spiced. This all went well with an excellent Mango Lasi not too sweet, nor too thick, but well balanced between fruit and yoghurt.
For our main dishes we allowed our host to choose. The first dish was a great surprise, and we highly recommend it. Chicken Tikka Sag (Saag) consists of tandoori barbecued, marinated, boneless chunks of chicken breast in a finely chopped spinach seasoned with coriander, pepper and a bit of curry (but it doesn't taste like a curry). The chicken remains moist and tender, with a slightly smokey taste. The spinach comes through nicely, but is so modified by the spices that you're likely to think it is some exotic new vegetable. Boti Kebab Hyderabadi is Lamb marinated, skewered and tandoori roasted, then sauteed with onion, tomato, ginger and herbs. Another success! We ordered a Navratan (vegetable) Koorma and found that the cream sauce with nuts and mild spices was also executed nicely by Muriya's kitchen.
There are several Biryanis (Bismati Rice Specialties) if you want something more festive than the plain rice that comes with any dish. We had the Vegetable Biryani, which was a meal in itself of string beans, carrots, califlower, raisins and rice, covered with slivered almonds, and mounded on an oblong serving plate. It went well with a Raita of yoghurt, cucumber and carrot.
Dessert arrived. A very lovely rice pudding (Kheer) flavored with rosewater and pistachio nuts, loose and smooth, sweet but not too sweet. We also tried the rose flavored ice cream, which although not made in the kitchen was an exotic treat, nevertheless.
You might like to know that Muriya has a daily luncheon buffet from 11:30 to 3:00 including salad and dessert for under eight dollars. This is a good way to try six of their dishes at one time for a low price. (The regular menu is also available). And of course they deliver in the surrounding area. We suggest you go for a visit.
Price: 14 * Reservations: Accepted * C.Cards: MC,Visa,Amex,DC,TM [COUPON]
My Cousin Vinny 260 Park Ave South 21/22 Sts (212)***
Area: Gramercy ** Type: Pizza / Deli Ambiance:None Dress Code:None
One of the best pizza shops of the nearby area, as of current writing this store ranks high in our rating as a take-out source of a wide variety of pizza (whole or by the slice), stromboli, calzones and breakfast items. They also have hot and cold buffet by-the-pound and ready-to-serve plates, which are adequate and fresh at the lunch hour, but not unusual. There is seating upstairs without atmosphere in particular, if you can't take out your food.
Price: 6 * Reservations: N/A * C.Cards: None [INVITATION]
The link you wanted is not (yet) correctly set up by Horizon Telemedia. If you would like to report it, please send us E-mail and tell us what you clicked on. Thanks.