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La Rural by Thomas Rafael
January 27, 2008, 10:26.12 pm ET
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It's not too often that you can walk into a new restaurant and feel like it's been there for years. But that is the exact feeling I got walking into La Rural, a new Argenitinean steakhouse on the Upper West Side. It was like an old friend drawing you in. more
Lowering the Stakes By Brian Scott Lipton
January 27, 2008, 10:14.42 pm ET
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Amidst the falling temperatures of January, even diners who usually resist the siren call of red meat can find their resolve weakening. But who wants to max out the credit card just to have a steak – a far-from-uncommon occurrence in the current climate of haute steakhouses and Peter Luger spinoffs? Fortunately, the city offers more than its fair share of appealing steak options in the $15-$25 range
Guantanamera (939 Eighth Avenue, 262-5354)
This lively Cuban eatery offers plenty of Havanian specialties, from its signature mojitos to arroz con pollo and camarones al ajillo, to tempt the tongue. But it’s a true mecca for steak fanciers, who will find no fewer than four options, from the traditional Vata Frica (fried steak) to the Bistec Empanizado, a breaded sirloin steak topped with mesculun salad and fresh tomatoes, to the Bistec Embollado, a large and meaty sirloin topped with a heap of sautéed onions.
Pigalle (790 Eighth Avenue. 489-2233)
I’ve never been sure if there’s some irony intended by naming this always-packed theater district favorite after the Parisian quarter known for its sex shows and prostitutes. Regardless, Pigalle is a true specialist in Bistro fare, including such Gallic favorites as pate, cassoulet, and escargot. But don’t be surprised if you see steak on your fellow diner’s plate; whether it’s the excellent grilled skirt steak topped with a red wine sauce, a traditional steak frites, or a steak au poivre. And unlike at your upscale steakhouse, potatoes and vegetables are included with each dish, and the house allows side dish substitutions for a mere $2.
Metro Marche (625 Eighth Avenue. 239-1010)
Ok, we will be the first to admit that the Port Authority Bus Terminal isn’t the first place that springs to mind when we think “nice dinner.” But this remarkably classy spot nestled just at the 41st Street entrance has become a reliable favorite (and one of the few places we’re able to grab a prime table on a pre-theater Saturday night!) The grilled shell steak is decidedly pleasing, and we love the fact that you get to choose your two side dishes from an array of tempting options, including excellent Brussels sprouts, haricots vert, sautéed mushrooms, and three types of potatoes. And oh yes, the same deal applies to grilled salmon and grilled yellowfin tuna, as well.
The Smith (55 Third Avenue. 420-9800)
This recently opened East Village eatery (on the former site of Pizzeria Uno) has quickly become a favorite of NYU students, especially on Sunday nights when a burger and beer can be had for just $12. But steak fans take note – you’re not alone. The Smith offers a hanger steak, a “bar steak,” and, best of all, a strip streak – all at extremely reasonable prices – each accompanied by your choice of fries or salad (and we mean lots of salad), and one of three sauces, including the caloric béarnaise or the considerably healthier and absolutely delicious chimichurri.
Ottomanelli’s (1424 Lexington Avenue. 426-6886)
In just a couple of years, this Upper East Side corner eatery has attracted sizable (as in sometimes out the door) crowds, due in large part to its fine food, enormous portions, and shockingly low prices. But its best deal may well be Dr. Eric’s Hanger Steak, surprisingly tender and flavorful and large enough for two, not even counting the large mound of addictively delicious mashed potatoes and sautéed veggies that come with the meat. The restaurant recently added a cocktail list (beer and wine have long been available) to make the dining experience truly complete.
Museum of Folk Art Shop by Pamela Grossman
January 27, 2008, 10:03.38 pm ET
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Photo: Museum of Folk Art
LLee Friedlander: A Ramble in Olmsted Parks
January 27, 2008, 9:57.25 pm ET
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Photo: Lee Friedlander/The Met
The Little Mermaid by Lesley Alexander
January 27, 2008, 9:46.34 pm ET
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Photo: Joan Marcus
The Ice Man Cometh - Now Get Him An Electric Blanket
January 27, 2008, 10:37.44 am ET
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Photos: Cititour.com
A Sad New York Farewell for Heath Ledger
January 22, 2008, 10:52.45 pm ET
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Photos: Cititour.com
Valentine's Day 2008 - Book Early!
January 21, 2008, 12:50.21 am ET
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Before you know it Valentine’s Day will be here and you had better get cracking if you want to secure a table for your romantic meal.
Photo: Pipa/Cititour
David Burke & Donatella
133 East 61st St, (212) 813-2121
Offering a prix fixe 5 course tasting menu.
Tables still available between 5 & 6pm and after 10pm
This restaurant is known for its “Angry Lobster” and “Bronx-style Filet Mignon of Veal”.
One If By Land… Two If By Sea
17 Barrow St, (212) 228-0822
One If By Land is known as one of the romantic restaurants for Valentine’s Day.
This converted carriage house offers piano music and the house specialty “Beef Wellington” along with a recently revamped menu. But you may already be out of luck. The restaurant is fully booked, but you can still try for a last-minute cancellation.
Dip
416 3rd Ave, (212) 481-1712
There’s nothing more romantic than sharing fondue with your sweetie. Here you can dip fresh berries and brownie bits into a house special vanilla champagne fondue.
Pipa
38 East 19th St, (212) 677-2233
Crystal chandeliers and rose petals on the tables offer a romantic setting for Valentine’s Day at prices that won’t break the bank. Nibble on croquettas and small plates, including seared scallops and tuna.
Per Se
10 Columbus Circle, (212) 823-9335
You may have to bust the bank with this one. A $275 9-course tasting menu including items like “Oysters and Pearls,” Greek Island oysters and sterling white sturgeon caviar, and hibiscus sorbet with dragon fruit and shaved coconut. Per se is already book for Valentine’s Day, but you can still add your name to the “wait list”.
Flute
40 E 20th St, (212) 529-7870
This champagne bar offers more than 100 types of bubbly with Petrossian caviars and chocolates by La Maison du Chocolat.
A Voce
41 Madision Avenue, (212) 545-8555
This popular Italian spot is offering an $85 4-course prix fixe meal, with 4 choices per course. The restaurant is known for its original Italian fare, including dishes like fennel glazed duck and scampi ravioli. At last check, early tables at 5:45pm and after 9:30pm were still available.
Spice Market
403 West 13th Street, 212-675-2322
There are still tables available at the ultra-sexy and dimly lit Spice Market which is known to draw A-List crowds. For Valentine’s Day the restaurant is offering an $85 Tasting Menu.
Bar Blanc
142 West 10th St, (212) 255-2330
This newcomer to the West Village is offering a full Valentine’s Day menu for $78. Choices include Big Eye Tuna Sushimi, a 28 Day Aged New York Strip Steak and Warm Milk Chocolate Beignet’s with Vera Cruz Vanilla Ice cream.
Irving Mill
116 East 16th Street, (212) 254-1600
If you didn’t have the foresight to book a table at Gramercy Tavern (which is already fully booked), Irving Mill which has been compared to GT and will start taking reservations on Monday January 21st. The restaurant is offering a 3-course prix fixe meal for $85.
Canaille
78 Fifth Ave, (718) 789-8899
If you can’t find reservations anywhere, try Canaille. This cute French bistro in Park Slope, Brooklyn isn’t taking any. But the place is rather small, so you may want to arrive early to secure a table. A single red rose and specially made chocolates will be provided.
Out of Luck
Sfoglia - Fully Booked
Gramercy Tavern – Fully Booked (150 on waiting list)
Cititour.com has thousands of restaurants to choose from, click here to see them all. Or, visit CitiMenus.com to see what’s on the menu at more than 1,500 New York City restaurants.
Hitting the Bars by Andrea Strong
January 20, 2008, 1:00.58 pm ET
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This week I had two meals and two bars-one at Bacaro and another at Smith & Mills-and loved both of them, not so much because the food was so brilliant (it was fine in both cases, but not great), but because the entire experience of dining and drinking was exceptional, from the service, to the cocktails, to the spectacular settings. If you're searching for a bar for drinks and a bite, for talking amongst yourselves or for exploring the world of engaging strangers, these two should be on your list. more
Photo: Smith & Mills/Cititour
Lucky 8 by Thomas Rafael
January 20, 2008, 12:55.00 pm ET
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Photo: Cititour
Brooklynksi by Pamela Grossman
January 20, 2008, 12:51.02 pm ET
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Photo: Brooklynski
Fuerzabruta by Diane Snyder
January 20, 2008, 12:45.36 pm ET
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Photo: Fuerzabruta
Would-Be Jumper Suing Empire State Building For $30 Million
January 17, 2008, 5:42.14 pm ET
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Kellari Parea by Brian Scott Lipton
January 13, 2008, 9:24.22 pm ET
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Photo: Cititour
Irving Mill by Andrea Strong
January 13, 2008, 9:20.28 pm ET
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Photo: Cititour
Lush by Pamela Grossman
January 13, 2008, 9:17.42 pm ET
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Photo: Lush/Happy Soap
Doggie Bags
January 13, 2008, 9:15.24 pm ET
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Photo: Cititour
Macelleria Review by Brian Scott Lipton
January 6, 2008, 9:45.49 pm ET
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Photos: Cititour
The Capitalist Cowboy
January 6, 2008, 9:37.31 pm ET
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Photo: Cititour