New York City

I just visited and it was delicious! (August 2004) The wait to get in may be long at times, especially Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, but it's well worth it! Not only are the desserts delicious to the mouth and tummy, but the decor is pretty to the eye as well.

It's a fun place for a girls' night out, a family evening of chaos or even a great date night. Visitors are also very welcome.

Don't forget a stop at the store for a NYC Serendipity souvenir!

The first thing you'll notice is the 32 (yep, not 21) jockeys decorating the front facade and adorning the stairs and the balcony. This will intrigue you, once you enter the legendary Bar Room you will enjoy the comfort and imagine what is was like back in the early days when the likes of Humphrey Bogart frequented often.

The walls are full of pictures and the ceiling is full of model planes. You won't know where to direct your eyes. Take in the 21 Club and all its rich legacy!

Don't forget to take really cool matches that sport a big '21' on the matchbox cover.

It has simple American fare, but its location is key. It has many amusing attributes: singing waiters and waitresses, a 50's diner look, and a train set that is mounted high in the double ceiling. If you get to sit on the second floor you can look down to see the train moving around. I actually prefer to sit on the first floor.

The best things to order are of course, the quintessential 50's diner fare: cheeseburger with fries and a black and white milkshake. The milkshake is awesome!

Other favorites include: fried mozzarella, quesadillas, nachos, buffalo wings, and practically any salad is good.

Churrascaria serves Brazilian specialties, like rodizio (all sorts of grilled meats) and a salad bar with appetizers, shrimp, sushi, and all sorts of side dishes that you serve yourself. Each patron is given a disk with a green side for go and a red side for stop. The waiters come around with the grilled meats and, if you have the green side flipped up, then they will ask you if you want to try the meat. This system is beautiful - it allows time to rest between tastings and if you really are full, they don't bother you! Order a caipirinha, you won't be disappointed! This drink is hot!

You get all this for a fixed price - about $50 per person when I was there. It is well worth the money and the wait, even with a reservation you may have to wait.

I have been to this restaurant about ten times and not once have I been disappointed. I also have a Brazilian background, so it’s fun to speak to the waiters - all are authentic!

Favorite Dish:
Everything is my favorite - try the rice and beans with your grilled meats. The turkey wrapped in bacon is superb!

The restaurant itself is small, long and narrow. There are a few tables and a bar up front, it is never too crowded. (Except for when soccer is on!) I have been here for lunch many times and also frequented for dinner a few times. I even took some food home as take-out. All in all I must have been here like 15 times. I have never been disappointed!

The food is great, the presentation is okay- but once you taste it you will certainly enjoy!

Favorite Dish: My favorite dishes are the traditional rice and bean dish (Feijoada). Feijoada is made with black beans and pork meats. It also comes with collard greens as a side dish.

You should order a Caipirinha to go with your meal! This is a hot one! I mean, the amount of proof in this drink - whoooo! Light drinkers should only have one or half of one!

For dessert, pick off the dessert tray - you will not be disappointed; any of these will be awesome. Flan (Brazilian style), Brigadeiro (chocolate fudge candy) [My personal favorite], Beijinho de coco (coconut fudge candy), Cajuzinho (chocolate fudge candy with peanuts), or Quindim (coconut with eggs pie).

Then you can have a Brazilian coffee with an after-dinner drink if you please.

The first floor has a great looking bar, but as I mentioned, I'm not sure it’s a happening spot, as it is frequented more for lunch. I imagine hours are short on the weekends, if it is at all open. This area doesn't really have crowds on the weekends. The bar is old-fashioned, with red velvet chairs and comfy leather sofas.

Once you ascend the stairs you will notice many cool design features - a rope railing and a beaded mirror chain curtain that drops from the second floor to the first floor, creating a unique effect. At the top of the stairs you'll find pretty colors like deep oranges, pinks and reds - the Mediterranean influence. A small tent houses very important diners (as I have never been seated here!) and is full of pillows and has a real romantic feel. The decor follows the elegance and ambience of this fusion of flavors and design styles.

Ladies, please check the bathroom as it is fabulous! I love the huge mirror!

They usually have a great luncheon deal --$20.04 prix-fixe lunch.

Favorite Dish:
All dishes are great, I have had several different ones: the specials are always enticing - so listen up! Can't go wrong with seared scallops, shrimp dishes, the pastas are good, salmon, etc. Add a glass of white or red and you're all set!

Dessert is even better - we had a wonderful peach cobbler a few months ago!

We had a great time with a bunch of our friends filing up on steaks grilled to perfection, not too greasy steak fries, and a multitude of al la carte side dishes like creamed spinach and onion rings. Fantastic wine selection, but I'm sure you're not surprised.

Desserts were nice too, all types and sinfully delicious.

But too many visits here and it will certainly break the bank. Too rich for my blood.

The menu has all types of delicious barbeque dishes and pulled po' boys. The biscuits WERE my favorite with the apple butter spread on top.

Except that my last visit there left me a lasting impression, and I just can't go back. My biscuit had an extra that wasn't on the menu --wink, wink. Needless to say, I haven't gone back.

This probably happens all the time in all the restaurants in NYC and everywhere else for that matter. It just happened to be my time to experience something like that. If you don't have fear, try this restaurant.

How fair am I? I still gave this place a pretty good rating!

Then while you are waiting the show starts - the waiters bring out tambourines and maracas and other noisy instruments to get the crowd riled up. Well folks - it works. By the time your food and drinks arrived you've already laughed a million times.

You may be required to sing a song or two, brush up on your O Sole Mio and That's Amore! You may also be required to dance around, etc. You should be upbeat and in good spirits for this place or pay the consequences!

Food is okay - pastas and regular Italian fare, but hey, who remembers that anyway with all the fun you just had!

Now you are off to a Broadway show - Enjoy!

It has great Mexican Fare all the traditional - burritos, fajitas, carne ranchera, tamales, chimichangas, empanadas, taquitos, and tacos, etc. Drinks include anything from frozen margaritas to the tequila bar.

You won't be disappointed with this experience!

Favorite Dish:
My favorite entree: Fajitas! (Chicken and Beef)

My favorite drink: Gonzalez Rita
(Tequila, triple sec, lime juice and a splash of orange juice. Served up or on the rocks.)

We had great food, wait staff, wonderful presentation, and the best - a table outside in the courtyard.

Very pleasant and a nice relaxing dinner. Not pretentious at all!

It is very uptight and is exactly what the blue suits in NYC want; upscale bar with impeccable service and English fare. Their specialties include legendary mutton chops and dry aged prime steaks.

I would recommend this steakhouse for the classic person.

This steakhouse chain serves quality food, has a great presentation and very pleasant staff. We visited at least two locations: New York and San Francisco. Both times were excellent.

I like the portions; not too big- just right sizes for little me (petite) and my husband's big appetite.

Favorite Dish:
Petite Filet
A smaller, but equally tender filet.

Fresh Spinach
Creamed, Au Gratin

Fresh Asparagus
with Hollandaise

Its always busy, (summer, winter anytime!) hence the wait and lines, but you'll need to make reservations if you have any hope of getting in!

You will find a diverse crowd- a family gathering, goombas, an after-work social, friends, couples and girls’ night out.

This place is fast paced, so you may have to flag down the waiter. It’s very good service though. The dishes are yummy. Great wine selection. I've been going there for years!

The most unique quality is the indoor decor- the paintings, the color and the inside-courtyard feel.

It is truly a memorable experience in 'Little Italy'. Don't miss out on this charming NYC Italian ristorante!

This corner restaurant looks small from the outside, the inside is just a room with an open bar and probably 10 - 15 tables. This only adds to the charm of the place. The inside decor could use an upgrade but I hope they never do! The waiters are these cute little Spanish men who are so friendly and playful.

The menu is elaborate for a such a small place - the best dish is the shrimps in Ajillo sauce (green sauce)! The mariscada is awesome too - mix of all types of seafood in a red or green sauce. The portions are very big and because it is so delicious, it forces you to keep eating. In all the times we've been there, I've never really had dessert, just no room!

***Arrive early before the dinner crowd, it gets super busy!*** You may be lucky enough to be there on a day when they have live strolling guitarists. The woman sings beautifully and she is a wonder with her guitar!

Love, love everything about this place!!!

Favorite Dish:
Appetizers:
Mussels (Mejillones) Ajillo with Garlic Sauce
Clams Casino
Shrimp Ajillo
Scallops (Vieiras) Ajillo
Mushrooms (Setas) Stuffed with Crabmeat
Mushrooms in Garlic Sauce

Entree:
Mariscada with Green Sauce
Shrimp Ajillo with (hot) Garlic Sauce
Shrimp with Green Sauce
Clams a la Marinera Sauce
Crab meat with Green Sauce
African Lobster tails

It is a loud and vibrant place - perfect for a celebratory evening, a get together, a place for people -watching, NYC’s #1 activity. Next to eating and drinking, of course.

This trendy place will be more than you expected and you will leave very satisfied. The menu offers oysters and sushi in an amazing display. The entrees are wonderful as well, we enjoyed the sea bass and the fettuccini with mild mushrooms. The wine selection is superb! They even have their own bakery next door - Tres Bon!

Favorite Dish:
The salads, especially with warm goat cheese.

The decor is cartoonish, literally. You will notice its unusual décor. You’ll see that the walls of the Palm Restaurants are covered with hundreds of caricatures of celebrities, politicians, and loyal customers. The background story is as interesting as the pictures. Take a look around and have fun!

Favorite Dish:
This restaurant is synonymous with prime steaks and outrageously outsized lobsters! Surf and Turf it is!

First of all, we were seated in an exclusive wine cellar room. The surround was 360 degrees of wine from top to bottom. Very cool atmosphere.

We were treated with top-notch service. They brought out a cheese cart that has a wonderful selection. Try them all!! We were served only the best appetizers, red wine, and entrees. Dessert was brought on a platter with various pastries and cakes. To die for!

Favorite Dish:
Pasta with white-truffle sauce was my pick and it was beyond delicious.

**The Extras**
A special option for groups: Reserve the private dining room in Picholine's wine cellar.

This family-style restaurant caters to groups of three or more…anything less and it’s not worth going. You'll spend too much and have too much food left over. Not a quiet and romantic place for two!

Make reservations...very important! The food is great and portions are large. Wine is also very good. It’s fast paced and vibrant.

There are two that I know of: one off 44th Street (which is purely touristy) and the one on Broadway all the way up near Central Park - 90th & 91st Streets.

My recommendation is to go up to the 90/91 Streets location; you'll

a) get a reservation
b) get more attention
c) be able to linger without everyone breathing on you.

Favorite Dish:
Everything is my favorite here!!! Can’t go wrong with any dish!

This restaurant offers all the traditional dishes: feijoada, carne, pesces (rice and beans, meats, and fish dishes). It is delicious! Caipirinhas too, a drink not to be missed!

They have live music by piano and the restaurant is decorated in an upscale fashion. Service is impeccable and friendly! If you are in the mood to try Brazilian cuisine--I would definitely recommend it!

See my other reviews on Churrascaria Plataforma and Ipanema.

Favorite Dish:
Feijoada!

We were seated in the Pool Room, it has a very classic and prestigious feel. You can see the 'pool structure' located in the middle of the floor plan surrounded by square tables and half moon booths. It is definitely a quiet location where business is discussed over FOIE GRAS and CARPACCIO. We were celebrating my birthday and it was a lovely lunch. I don't remember what I had, but I'm sure you won't have any trouble finding something on the menu to order!

VIP: Jackets ARE Required!

Favorite Dish:
Dessert was a platter of miniature pastries and souffles. Very delicious!!

The menu has many interesting choices: lamb, veal chop, salmon, tuna and pasta. All the items are very, very good. I've been here a number of times and each time has been excellent!

Service is good, but try to go in the evening rather than lunch. It gets hectic with business lunches and you won't get a table unless you have a reservation.

One of my favorite things to do is have a cool drink at the BUZZ BAR and chat with my friends, co-workers and the bartender- who is oh so friendly! (Buzz Bar is named for the owner - Buzzy O'Keefe.)

Favorite Dish:
My favorite dishes are: the chicken pot pie- allow it to cool, as it will burn your tongue- and the yellow and red beet salad with radicchio and warm goat cheese! To die for!

The food is so delicious! Really! The seafood is fresh and prepared to excellent standards. The quality of the staff is also top notch!

What are you waiting for—go, go, go...

Favorite Dish:
The crab cakes and the sauteed sea scallops are so delicious!! I remember that I also had a bit of the special--lobster-filled ravioli--which was really utterly fantastic.

The decor is exotic and very beautiful. The realistic waterfall is calming and somehow it works perfectly with the hustle and bustle of this place.

I have to tell you the last time I went I was disappointed; the ambience was totally off and the staff and menu lacked luster.

I could think of at least ten more places with the same mixed fusion cuisine and style that are much better!

It’s a huge dining hall with various separate rooms…we enjoyed the lounge for awhile and started on a few drinks and some really good olives. The soft Italian opera music in the background adds to the ambience!

Once seated, you are immediately brought bread with good OO (olive oil) and some other delicious treats like sausages. We ordered a platter of great antipasti items like prosciutto, aged cheeses, roasted red peppers and olives. Wine selection is wonderful.

Our entrees of pasta, meats and fish were superb. Can't go wrong with any dish on this menu.

Upon entering you can see the bar scene, not crazy but full of NYUers and a flurry of Union Square passersby.

We were one of the passersby (Aug 2004); I read on the net that this place is past its prime. My friend remembered that this place was where a few models got their start in the business. And now the waitresses are the out-of-work models who traditionally give bad service and are known for their snobbishness.

Actually, I found the ambience pretty cool, a dining area of smaller tables and booths along the wall. It’s certainly nothing to rave about, but a nice place to sit down and have a bite/drink.

I was pleasantly surprised to see the Brazilian twist (as you can see from my other reviews- I love Brazilian). I saw familiar drinks on the menu--caipirinhas, cacacha, etc. I even saw feijoada - but this isn't the place for that!

The place was busy but quiet, we had a table for two and enjoyed a few drinks and an appetizer or two. It was fine, nothing memorable, as the internet review also said. By the way, our waitress was nice, not snobbish (okay, maybe once she walked by without acknowledging my raised arm). She was tall and thin but by no means a model look. Her service skills were okay, but don't talk to her in Portuguese to order your drink. She has no clue! POINT to your selections!!

The nicest part of the evening was after an hour they dim the lights and it was really pretty…almost romantic. I was with my girlfriend, so that didn't apply as it would have with my hubby. Plenty of couples (dates even), and an assorted mix of families and friends.

Favorite Dish:
We orderd caipirinhas and a batida de maracujua (passion fruit frozen shake with cacacha). Very good!

We also ordered fried calamari (actually quite good, but we didn't like the dipping sauce) and coconut shrimp (okay) with a mango dipping sauce.

You don't go here for the food folks, just a nice refreshing drink!

There is nothing special about the decor, you don't come here for the elegant ambience- you come here for the delicious yet elegant looking food. There are actually two parts to this restaurant; the red and white checkered tables and the quick lunch counters. Depending on your time and casualness you choose your location. We have spent time at both locales. Both are equal in good service and great food.

In the wintertime, this place is especially packed due to their incredible chowders (New England and Manhattan). They serve you a large deep bowl and all the saltine crackers you can eat with it. It’s fantastic. Sometimes, that’s all you need for lunch! (And at $6.00, that's a bargain!) Two can eat lunch for roughly $15.00.

Favorite Dish:
The fish is nothing but fantastic! The service is top notch.

If you order any type of shellfish dish, they will bring you your dish and then de-shell right in front of you with ease.

I can't say enough goods things about this place!

My favorite dishes include: New England Clam Chowder, raw oysters - bluepoint, clams - little neck and the Medley of Fresh Shellfish with 1/2 Lobster! De-lish!!

Here is the good news:

a) This place serves Italian family-style portions. They are very generous, in fact, so don't overdo it by ordering too much.

b) It’s never overly crowded, so you can usually be seated right away. And if you visit before 6pm without a reservation, again, you will likely be seated right away.

c) Its a nice place to gather with a large group of family or friends, people with whom you are very casual with. You can also hear the conversation.

d) The prices are reasonable.

Here is the bad news:

a) The food tastes good, but nothing to rave about. (It’s not Carmine's.) I wasn't overly impressed any of the times I went.

Favorite Dish:
Start off with family-style dishes like:
Caesar Salad, Fried Calamari, and Stuffed Mushrooms as starters.
Veal Piccata, Fettuccine Toscana or Capellini Primavera and Petto Di Pollo Alla Parmigiana (chicken parmigiana).

This family style gem is quickly becoming one of New Yorkers' favorite restaurants. I have been there at least a dozen times and I can't wait to go back a dozen more. It’s the perfect spot for either a romantic dinner or for a group of friends/family.

Tony's is richly decorated with deep red walls and gold and black finishes. There is a substantial bit of art on the walls and of course, the quintessential 'wise guys' of New York, the cast of Sopranos. At some point all have visited Tony's, although I haven't seen any celebrities on my visits.

We usually get the first table on the left with a crescent-shaped sofa bench. It feels like we have our own little corner in this large dining area. There is a lot of noise but somehow you can hear all the conversations going on at your table without difficulty. Each table is appropriately spaced out.

The food is fantastic and the waitstaff is very nice. We always have a great time here!

Favorite Dish:
We usually start out with a few pitchers of Sangria!

A few of my favorites include: Caeser Salad, Fried Calamari, or Shrimp Scampi as starters.

Eggplant Parmigiana and Chicken Francese

Actually, that is their logo, "A restaurant and social club for eccentric explorers and mad scientists."

It is a themed restaurant that serves typical American-themed fare - fajitas, nachos, buffalo wings, burgers, pasta dishes, and all kinds of ghoulish drinks.

Its a fun place to visit anytime for a drink at the bar or a quick bite. Big tourist spot, but we would visit for Halloween to grab a drink or two with some appetizers.

So, what will you find here? Classic Brooklyn staples like pot roast, chicken soup, meat loaf (better than your grandma's), a 15-bite hot dog, matzah ball soup, macaroni and cheese, egg creams, and scrumptous desserts - with portions so large that you will never get to dessert unless it's shared by a group. The last time I visited the diner with my husband, a piece of chocoloate cake was about 5 inches tall!

The entire theme is sports related of course. Huge TV screens everywhere, loud and screaming fans, sports related souvenir store, and you can even find TVs in the bathroom stalls!

There is also an arcade room that uses a point system and plastic card to keep track of your games. There are all types of games: high tech sports games and basketball shooting games and racing games. I never spent more than 5 minutes in this room, but the kids really like it.

Make sure you have reservations or you'll be waiting a long time for large groups to be seated. It is located on the most popular corner, 42nd Street & Broadway!

Suggest going on off hours right before lunch crowd or dinner crowds.

Everything from slider burgers cooked to your liking, golden fries, ballpark franks, chili, nachos, philly cheese steaks, chicken fingers, buckets of red wings, roast beef sandwiches, and chicken sandwiches. There are vegetarian dishes, soups and salads as well.

Cosi has an upscale decor with vibrant, orange, Tuscan-colored walls with mirrors, tasteful artwork, and plants. Each location has a cafe feel with a loungy atmosphere. It's a take on Starbucks' concept, except that they offer full breakfast, lunch, and dessert menus. I guess they cater to an "anytime crowd."

When you walk into Cosi, there is usually a drink bar that makes gourmet shakes and coffee drinks. Right after that you can find the brick oven and the deli-style counter for ordering your food choice. Each Cosi that I have visited is very similar in design and always has tables for seating, and some have outdoor seating.

As you are waiting in line to order your made-to-order sandwich or salad, you can sample the yummy flat bread. It's so delicious!!

They offer so many choices for you to pick for your sandwich. They have signature sandwich combos - order by number or you can choose one, two, or three different ingrediants.

Example of a signature sandwich coice:
Cosi Club Turkey, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Mayo
Ham and Brie with Honey Mustard
Green Market with Eggplant, Roasted Peppers, Mozzarella, Basil, and Vinaigrette
Hummus and Veggies Hummus spread with Lettuce, Cucumber, and Tomato

Separate items:
Tomoto and fresh Mozzarella
BBQ chicken
Tandoori Chicken (my favorite with Muenster Cheese)
Pesto Chicken
Salmon Spread
Tuna Salad
Ham, Turkey, and Cheese

Have fun and be creative with your choices! They also do Cosi melts!!

The salds are very similar in nature. They have signature salad combos:
Bombay Chicken- Tandoori Chicken, Roasted Red Peppers, Tomato, Cucumber, Onion, and Ranch Dressing
Cosi Signature- a mix of Mesclun Greens, Red Grapes, Pistachio Nuts, Gorgonzola Cheese, Pears, and dried Cranberries with a Sweet Sherry Vinaigrette
Shanghai Chicken Grilled Chicken with Crispy Noodles, Carrots, Scallions, and Ginger Soy Dressing
Cobb Salad (my favorite by far) Greek Mixed Greens Salad

Sandwiches run about $6.50 to $8.50 with a bag of chips or carrots. Salads run about $6.50 with a slice of Cosi bread.

Also, visit Junior's at Grand Central Station in the Lower Concourse and at the Retail Bakery in the Main Concourse near Track 36.

Things to order: Burgers are great too!!
Reuban Sandwich
Pastrami on Rye
Corned Beef
Hot Open Roast Beef Sandwich
Black & White Milkshake

And of course, cheesecake -- plain or Brownie Marble Swirl (They have nine different flavors).

You can also order cheesecake via the website.

Krispy Kreme doughnuts are the best around, even better than doube Ds, Dunkin Donuts.

They have all types of flavors -- original, glazed, chocolate, iced glazed, maple iced glazed, sugar, and the rest...follow this link for pictures: http://www.krispykreme.com/varieties.html.

Here's a few N.Y.C. stops where you can find KKs:

New York
1497 3rd Avenue
New York, NY 10028 US
Phone: 212/879-9111

141 West 72nd Street
New York, NY 10023 US
Phone: 212/724-1100

30 Rockefeller Center Plaza
New York, NY 10112 US
Phone: 212/957-4707

Two Penn Plaza at Amtrak Rotunda
New York, NY 10001 US
Phone: 212/947-7175

265 West 23rd Street
New York, NY 10011 US
Phone: 212/620-0111

Double Ds has great coffee, that should be their claim to fame -- their vanilla-flavored coffee is awesome. Regular coffee is pretty good too. I usually buy a bag of their grinded coffee beans to keep on hand - the only problem is that it doesn't last too long!

Their donuts are good too; they seem to be larger in size than KK but have a different taste. KKs melt in your mouth. But my true favorite is Double Ds' marble-frosted donut!

The décor is a mix of Italian and Cajun - when you walk in there is a big mural of a boot on the wall! You'll hear a fun mix of music. The tablecloths are white-checkered, the walls are decorated with old photos, and beer is served in boot mugs while wine is served in juice glasses!

Two boots is a fun place to meet with a group celebrating or getting together for a meet-n-greet! The place is fun, lively, and very casual.

We’ve tried the BBQ chicken, mushroom, sausage, and peppers pizza - all were good!