Culinary student looking for places to eat in Manhattan (Brooklyn?)! WiIl be there late Dec with two teen girls (one picky-ish) for a week.

I have seen the older posts, but re-posting the question to get more opinions and help. I would like to see the new and different that I do not see in Maine.

Elisabeth
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4 Comments

Liza's K.
Liza's K. December 18, 2014
In terms of Chinese, there is a place on the Upper East Side, not too fancy, but the BEST spare ribs in the city - Pig Heaven (http://pigheavennyc.com). I'd steer clear of China Town because, to be frank, it's really dirty and the restaurants aren't any cleaner. I recently ate at Peking Duck House (http://www.pekingduckhousenyc.com) and the food was quite good (unfortunately the duck was the least favorite) but it's a little on the dirty side. There's also always the good old stand-by Shun Lee (http://www.shunleepalace.net).
Nougatine is the more casual version of Jean-Georges (and a personal favorite) and has a very similar menu and offers pretty reasonable Prix-fix menu (especially at lunch - 3 courses for $38pp).
The food court in the basement of The Plaza is great for a quick bite. The short-rib sandwich at Payard is fantastic (have then heat it).
No trip to NY is complete without a stop at Russ & Daughters (if you are a smoked fish/bagel fan). The cafe isn't really worth it, just get the food to go. (http://russanddaughters.com).

I'll come up with more later... and of course, I'd be happy to show you around!

 
Liza's K.
Liza's K. December 18, 2014
Elisabeth, what types of food do you (and your picky teenager) like to eat? Do you have a ballpark range of what you'd like to spend?
 
Elisabeth
Elisabeth December 18, 2014
Nearly anything, Japanese, Italian, Chinese are no problem, but I am less familiar with options like, Indian. I have never attempted Ethiopian, Korean, etc. I would love too but slightly intimidated, desire a 'food guide'. The picky eater just needs something grain based or vegetable inspired. I would love to try Dim Sum. For price range, I would prefer a mix. When I lived in Westchester in the mid 90's. We found great food with low attitude at moderate (NYC) prices. I am drooling over Stone Barns, but at 198/pp I think that way more than I can handle for 4. Maybe 2, maybe.... This past summer I worked for a James Beard award winning chef, so the bar is fairly high, but what I am after is new and different. I am very interested in taste and plating styles. Thank for giving my question some thought!
 
luvcookbooks
luvcookbooks December 17, 2014
The city bakery might go on your list. They have a huge salad buffet and delicious baked goods. Luv the non alcoholic sangria and pretzel croissants.
The Union Square Cafe is our favorite for family celebrations if you want to spend a little. Hot garlic potato chips, polenta with mascarpone, Gorgonzola and walnuts, and banana tart are favorites. They always have a good pasta dish and a cocktail special for you after a day in the city w two teens!!
 
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