Spamalot II - Restaurant Information in Spamalot 2008 Forum

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Spamalot II - Restaurant Information

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Rhustress	Spamalot II - Restaurant Information	Lead	[-]
Posts: 2625 03/26/08 4:28 PM Clazy and proud of it! Reply Quote More Recent Posts	FOOD SUGGESTIONS: For Italian food: Carmine's 200 W. 44th Street (7th-8th Aves.) New York, NY 10036 212-221-3800 http://www.lovetoeatandtravel.com/si...d/carmines.htm Portions are HUGE - For Chinese food: Ollie's Noodle Shop 200B W. 44th St., nr. Broadway New York, NY 10036 212-921-5988 http://lovetoeatandtravel.com/Site/U...ood/ollies.htm Last Edited By: Joy2talk2U 08/12/08 11:21 PM. Edited 2 times.
wildrosegirl76		#1	[-]
Posts: 3374 03/26/08 4:44 PM Reply Quote More Recent Posts	One of my favourite finds was a lunch take-out place in Rockefeller Center, called Cucina & Company. http://rapatina.com/cucinaCoRockefeller/ I was in great desire of something healthy and fast, and was able to get a very generous portion of chicken parmesan and veggies for less than $10. Another little place I liked was Zabar's Cafe at 80th and Broadway in the Upper West Side. They sell soup, salads, sandwiches and a really good homemade frozen yogurt. But it was the atmosphere I really loved, because it seemed to be filled primarily with locals grabbing a quick lunch.
catsmomsny		#2	[-]
Posts: 646 03/26/08 6:50 PM Reply Quote More Recent Posts	Here's a great Italian/pizza restaurant that I've been to many times, and it's right on the same block as the Shubert Theater http://www.johns-pizzeria.com/ John's Pizzeria 260 W. 44th ST John's Pizzeria opened its doors in the late Twenties when the city streets were cobblestone, trolley cars were a familiar sight, and Henry Ford first introduced the Model-T. Since then, John's Pizzeria has become world-renowned and a legendary institution in New York City - a place where generations of New Yorkers and tourists alike have come to enjoy the finest pizza the city has to offer. Because of its wonderful reputation, John's has managed to survive the Great Depression, a World War, and 14 U.S. Presidents. John's originally opened on Sullivan street in Greenwich Village and when it lost it's lease, John Sasso, the originator, dismantled the now famous brick oven and reassembled it at it's current Bleeker Street address where it continues to churn out incredible pizza. The original booths, neon sign, tin ceilings, and black and white checkered floor create an atmosphere reminiscent of days gone by. What separates John's Pizzeria from the rest is it's thin crisp chewy crust, creamy mozzarella, fresh ingredients and special sauce, all of which meld when baked in its 75 year old oven. The oven, fueled by anthracite coal, does not have thermostats or controls to regulate its temperature and thus requires a trained eye to operate. It only takes four minutes to bake a crisp pie which comes out sizzling with perfectly charred dark brown edges and burn spots scattered on the bottom. It was not until 1984 when John's decided to open a branch on the Upper East Side, where two decades later it continues to draw dedicated pizza fanatics. Its success sparked the idea to expand further. This time the search was on to find a location as unique as the pizza itself. Hence, the newest John's in Times Square, in which patrons eat their pizza under a five-story stained glass cupola of what was once the Gospel Tabernacle Church, was born. Built in 1888, this sight the site was reconstructed to house the largest pizzeria in the country. With over 500 seats, four pizza ovens, and two kitchens, this outpost can accommodate both small and large parties John's ability to consistently produce a pie that is distinct in flavor has drawn such notables as Woody Allen, Frank Sinatra, John F. Kennedy, Jr., Rudy Guiliani and Regis Philbin. It is a restaurant in which all the pizzas are hand-made, with no pre-set portion controls - no two pizzas are exactly alike. John's has always been a place where friends and family love to gather. The family's commitment to excellence and their love of the business make this venerable pizzeria withstand the test of time..
catsmomsny		#3	[-]
Posts: 646 03/26/08 7:05 PM Reply Quote More Recent Posts	Another Italian restaurant that serves family style like Carmine's is Tony's DiNapoli (or just "Tony's", as most call it). It's on W. 43rd St, just 1/2 block from Times Square. A group of us went there before opening night in January, and everyone really enjoyed it! We had a party of 10, and there was no problem accommodating our group in their downstairs dining room. I would suggest reservations though, especially if you have a group. http://www.tonysdinapoli.com/ Tony's DiNapoli Restaurant 147 W. 43rd St. Tony's has served up some of the best Old New York Italian favorites since I opened my first location in 1959. My cooking comes from Southern Neopolitan traditions, and are served up in huge family style platters that serve 2 to 3 people. My recipes have been handed down to my children who have continued to bring our traditions to you. We have watched thousands of New York families grow up with us at our dinner table, and we invite you to come and see us anytime...or give us a call and we'll deliver our delicious food to you.
buckeyebroad	Thanks for the dedicated thread	#4	[-]
Posts: 4066 03/26/08 7:20 PM Somewhere Out There Reply Quote More Recent Posts	Appreciate this restaurant only thread!!!
catsmomsny		#5	[-]
Posts: 646 03/26/08 7:37 PM Reply Quote More Recent Posts	If you're in the vicinity of Rockefeller Center and NBC Studios, there is a very good Irish pub/restaurant just around the corner on W. 48th St. called Channel 4. It's between 6th and 5th Avenues. We've taken out of town visitors there several times, and everyone has really enjoyed the food and atmosphere. My husband and I think their Sheperd's Pie and Irish lamb stew are the best we've ever had! They have a variety of items on the menu besides traditional Irish food, too http://www.channel4nyc.com/index.html Channel 4 Irish Pub & Restaurant 58 W. 48th St. (from the website) After the Golden Age of Radio came to an end during television's ascent in the 1950s, two retired radio stagehands from NBC opened a restaurant and bar across the street from Rockefeller Center. Several decades and name changes later, Channel 4 is back to serving lunch, dinner and cocktails to NBC's high-profile executives and on-air talent, as well as keeping up with the constant buzz in and around Rockefeller Center. "We are always hosting special promotions with Rockefeller Center and NBC," says owner and manager, Eugene Wilson. "For Valentine's Day, we offered a prix fix dinner that included two tickets to Top of the Rock, the observation deck at 30 Rockefeller Center." Eugene explains that Channel 4 also benefits from its proximity to Radio City Music Hall, and the bar has hosted events with the famous theater. But NBC is still the location's main attraction. "We have a lot of NBC personalities every day for lunch or dinner, especially from the Today Show," he says. "Matt Lauer, Darlene Rodriquez, Rob Morrison and Al Roker are regulars. We have hosted many birthday or retirement parties for cast or crew members. Come book a event in our upstairs private room, which seats up to a 100 people comfortably....or just try a pint of our signature channel 4 ale or stout!!!
DancingDigits		#6	[-]
Posts: 3515 03/31/08 3:51 AM Reply Quote More Recent Posts	Here's something a bit different in the theater district: http://www.ellensstardustdiner.com/menu.htm Just scroll down for the entire lunch/dinner menu. ETA: Don't know why that link didn't "take." Oh, well. Just copy and paste into your URL. Also wanted to add an Italian family-run restaurant that was recommended to me, in the theater district (47th & Bdwy.), that has reasonable prices: http://www.trattoriatrecolori.com/menu_food.html Last Edited By: DancingDigits 03/31/08 2:51 PM. Edited 1 times.
buckeyebroad		#7	[-]
Posts: 4066 03/31/08 8:24 PM Somewhere Out There Reply Quote More Recent Posts	Some told me that Pax Wholesome Foods has delicious food - it is a deli/grocery type of story I understand. They are located around the city and in the theater district - anyone been there? http://www.paxfood.com/showFullMenu.action
DancingDigits		#8	[-]
Posts: 3515 03/31/08 11:32 PM Reply Quote More Recent Posts	Their quiche alone looks worth a trip to one of their locations! And homemade soup, too! Thanks for the link! ETA: I lifted the below from recommendations for 42nd St. area food (other than tourist traps) at www.chow.com. Ying Du 273 W 38th St btw 7th and 8th Avenue This place is great if you like roast meats. They have it hanging all out in the window. It came out to $5 for an order of roast pork with your choice of veggies on rice. Its a lot of food and I can barely finish it. They also got a large selection of cooked food. I think its three choices for around $5 (never had it yet). At around 2pm they start to bring out all kinds of buns (the stuff you get in Chinatown) for people going on coffee breaks. I saw them cook them in the back all at C-Town prices. There is also free tea. Lunch Box 34th Street btw 7th and 8th. I thought the portions were large at the previous place, but this place is obscene. You can probably feed a whole village in some parts of the world. Its $5 for 5 choices...did I say obscene? They also have a Chinese bakery (Fay Da) in the front. The food and prices are a direct teleport from Chinatown. They are open for both lunch and dinner till 11pm. I think there is a steak special with 3 sides for $8...I heard. Makes the Recession special at Gray's Papaya seem like a joke. Go there hungry. Okay, so Lunch Box is not near 42nd St., but if you are taking a trip to Macy's on W. 34th St., this would be right there (probably across the street.) Also check out this fantastic site: http://midtownlunch.com/ Note the food types in the column on the right, which are clickable. Bon appetit! Last Edited By: DancingDigits 04/01/08 1:04 AM. Edited 1 times.
plumclayzy	A few restaurant notes from my trip	#9	[-]
Posts: 1247 04/02/08 10:32 PM Forever Thankful... Reply Quote More Recent Posts	Our hotel concierge suggested The Evergreen Diner on 47th between 6th and 7th for breakfast food @ lunch time (we got up late the morning after our first Spamalot performance!!). It was obviously a very popular place for locals and people who work in the area, since by the time we left the place was absolutely packed with men in button down shirts and ties. It is really kind of a hole in the wall type place, but the food was decent and reasonably priced (about $8 for a ham & cheese omelette with potatoes and toast). We actually "had breakfast" with Greta Van Susteren from FOX News while we were there (she was sitting a couple tables away with a companion). I like this place because they were fast and less touristy too. We went to Carmine's, and while I enjoyed the experience of dining there, I really wasn't all that crazy about the food. Our salad was great, but the entree we ordered left a lot to be desired. I wasn't that impressed with the selection of breads that were served with our meal either. It is very expensive, I thought, but I do realize it's a family style menu. It is an exciting atmosphere, so if the "experience" is important to you, this might be a good choice. We did an after Spam dinner late night at Junior's. The size of the portions there is redunkulous! I loved my egg salad sandwich (just like mom makes!) but my mom was overwhelmed by the amount of turkey on her club sandwich, which caused her to enjoy it less than she might have otherwise. Oh, and they're PLENTY GENEROUS with the amaretto in their hot chocolate too!! We were too full for cheesecake that night so we went back late in the evening another night and got some slices to take back to our hotel room. It's pretty good stuff--again, huge servings. We absolutely enjoyed John's Pizzeria. So much so that we ended up going there once for dinner and then again for lunch a few days later. The pizza is different from what we're used to where we live, but it was really really good. The tomato sauce is just that--just liquified tomatoes and no visible spices. I like this idea as it allowed the flavors from the other toppings to come through and blend all together. The vinegarette they put on their shareable green salads is really wonderful, too. It was a neat atmosphere with quite fast service, too, and it was fun to watch the pizza makers at their respective brick ovens. For a quick snack or meal, I recommend the Europa Cafe (we actually saw quite a few of them, but we noshed at the one on 43rd and 7th). They have tons of yummy fresh made sandwiches and wraps, sweet pastries and a fresh salad station where you can pick out a bowl of greens and then have someone toss in pretty much anything you want, mix it all up with your favorite dressing and hand it back to you all yummy and fresh. This place in Times Square was very crowded both times we went there, so if you plan on eating in the store, you may have to get cozy with strangers, which isn't always a bad thing...we had some conversations with some very nice people with whom we shared a row of tables. Unfortunately, we had a couple of "I don't know where to go" moments and ended up at TGIFridays once as well as the Hard Rock Cafe. I had never been to a HRC before, so I guess that was OK, but it sure was LOUD and EXPENSIVE for what it was!! TGIFridays was, well, blah...Sometimes you just gotta get a meal, though. One place that was sort of a nice surprise was the Heartland Brewery & Chophouse (my mom wanted a steak dinner and we had been burned by going to Ruth's Chris our last trip--goodNESS, $48 for a mediocre cut of meat and literally nothing else??? Not for us!!) Anyway the Heartland Brewery & Chophouse is a restaurant of which there are several locations in Manhattan. We decided to go there after being disappointed by the menus at the restaurant the concierge had recommended for us that night. This location was on 43rd between Broadway and 6th. On our way we saw a few NYPD standing outside by the Times Square station so we asked one of them if it was any good. The officer we spoke to said it really was a good place and he also recommended the Pumpkin Ale. We're not beer drinkers so we didn't take him up on that, but we were definitely pleasantly surprised by the food selection, quality, and really even the prices. http://14935.williams.hostinglogin.com/media/heartlandbrewery.html My only other general comment on pretty much all of the dining we did during our 7 days in the city is that it is rare to get free refills on sodas. This is something that we pretty much take for granted where I live, so if you're used to free refills and don't want to be surprised when the check comes, you should probably ask before you request another glass!! Last Edited By: plumclayzy 04/02/08 11:02 PM. Edited 5 times.
DancingDigits		#10	[-]
Posts: 3515 04/03/08 1:45 AM Reply Quote More Recent Posts	Don't dismiss the many food carts in Manhattan. Check out this link: http://midtownlunch.com/blog/2007/11/15/debunking-the-myths-of-the-most-famous- chicken-rice-intersection-in-new-york-city/ edited for scrolling...J2 Last Edited By: Joy2talk2U 04/09/08 9:39 AM. Edited 1 times.
flozie	Restaurants	#11	[-]
Posts: 916 04/03/08 6:47 AM Reply Quote More Recent Posts	One of the best Italian Restaurants in the city is on W 45th Street. But Becco's requires reservations in the evening. It is packed and hard to get into without reservatiosn. And they only take reservations 1 month in advance. It is in restaurant row-lots of seemingly small restaurants. The owner of Beccos is Lidia Bastinach who is/was on the food network and is the author of at least 4 cookbooks on Italian food. And the food here is just plain wondersful. He dinner special is 21.95 and features a salad and 3 kinds of pasta (evening's specials) which can be refilled as oftern as you like. www.becconyc.com
buckeyebroad		#12	[-]
Posts: 4066 04/03/08 8:09 AM Somewhere Out There Reply Quote More Recent Posts	Awesome summary Plumcrazy - that is exactly why I asked the Mods to do a "food only" thread. When one has limited $$ to spend on food, you want to maximize your value!
pupchick57		#13	[-]
Posts: 2898 04/03/08 12:33 PM "Always look on the bright side of life" Reply Quote More Recent Posts	Thank you for this! My friends and I want to save money on the food so we can spend more for sightseeing and there are some great, inexpensive (and yummy!!) suggestions in this thread. ETA--Buckeybroad--there was a Pax Wholesome Foods deli right next to our hotel when I last went to NYC and it was delicious! All kinds of variety, very clean, the food is packaged really well for takeout, yummy selections of breads and rolls, breakfast buns/croissants, salads, fresh fruit, yogurt, freshly-made sandwiches, soups, meat and rice/noodle dishes, (are you hungry yet?? )--with very reasonable prices. Highly recommended! Forgot to add they have a great cup of coffee--another big plus with me! Last Edited By: pupchick57 04/03/08 12:52 PM. Edited 2 times.
DancingDigits		#14	[-]
Posts: 3515 04/03/08 11:52 PM Reply Quote More Recent Posts	I see that there is a Pax Foods on W. 42nd between 7th and 8th Ave. All the store locations have the same hours: 7 AM to 4 PM and closed on Sat. and Sun.
Jomom225		#15	[-]
Posts: 301 04/04/08 12:59 AM Reply Quote More Recent Posts	Have to add our 2 cents. We went to Juniors our first night there and we liked it so much we ended up eating dinner there 3 nights. The first night my son ordered the cheesecake and I told him I would just take a bite from his. Then he got up to go to the bathroom and the cheesecake came while he was gone. I took my one bite and by the time he returned to the table, it was half gone. Incredible!! Large portions, great service. The split pea soup and matzoh ball soup were terrific, too. Then a tour guide had suggested Johns Pizzeria to us so we went for lunch. It ruined us for life!! We have never had pizza that good ever before. And we are total pizza snobs!!! Reasonably priced as well.
pupchick57		#16	[-]
Posts: 2898 04/04/08 3:46 AM "Always look on the bright side of life" Reply Quote More Recent Posts	DancingDigits--the Pax we went to by the Helmsley New York Hotel was open on Saturday and Sunday. We went in on Sunday morning for breakfast at about 8:30am, so they must all have different hours.
DancingDigits		#17	[-]
Posts: 3515 04/05/08 2:58 AM Reply Quote More Recent Posts	Pupchick, I was just going by their web site, which gave all the locations and had the same hours of operation for all of them....and had all closed on Sat. and Sun. Guess they should update their web site, huh?! I also want to add a link to Amy's Bread, which was mentioned in the other Spam thread that includes restaurants. I've since seen raves about it on Chow.com. Their theater district location (also known as Hell's Kitchen) is on 9th Ave. between 46th and 47th streets. http://www.amysbread.com/hells.htm ETA: A few more suggestions in the theater district: The West Bank Cafe on W. 42nd St. looks reasonable for breakfast and lunch: http://www.westbankcafe.com/ Recommended for good, inexpensive Indian food on W. 46th St....and they deliver: http://www.menupages.com/screenmenu.asp?restaurantId=3796&htmllink=C6595683857D92C2DC9528C51442CB6FA53A9F99C0338BF163 AF6BEAE218BB6AC0B5692ABB3DC0C6&taglineid=0 edited for scrolling....J2 Last Edited By: Joy2talk2U 04/09/08 9:41 AM. Edited 7 times.
buckeyebroad		#18	[-]
Posts: 4066 04/08/08 9:10 AM Somewhere Out There Reply Quote More Recent Posts	Has anyone checked out the Chevy's Mexican restaurant at 42nd and 8th? I know it is a chain and have eaten at one before in San Fran - it was delish! http://www.chevys.com/menu.aspx Clay ... you slay me.
Creeping Ivy		#19	[-]
Posts: 114 04/08/08 11:30 PM Reply Quote More Recent Posts	I have a couple of suggestions I haven't seen mentioned here. The first is for everyone who wants to be like Clay and eat macaroni and cheese. (Wonder if he's found out about this place yet?) Supermac is on 7th Ave., between 29th and 30th St. - about two short blocks south of Penn Station. It's a bit of a walk from Times Square and the Shubert, but it's reasonable and worth every step (and you will NEED to walk to burn off those calories!). The prices aren't bad, either. A mini mac is plenty for one person and the mega mac is enough for two, maybe three if your appetites are small. I had the quattro formaggio with breadcrumbs... mmmMMMmmm. The "traditional" can even be ordered in low fat and whole wheat pasta is available in all of them. There's a very small eating area with four tiny tables along a wall, but you can also get takeout and delivery. Here's the menu: http://www.supermacnyc.com/subindex.php?p=menu My other one is Clark's Restaurant at 80 Clark St. (Clark and Henry) in Brooklyn Heights. It is a few blocks from the Brooklyn Bridge and, I think, from the promenade (from where I hear you can get spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline). I'm not sure it's worth the trip from near the Shubert, only because you do have a lot of other dining options near the theater; but if you go to Brooklyn, this place is worth checking out. It appears to be a neighborhood favorite, as on the Sunday afternoon when I was there the place was packed and the line was out the door. The split pea soup was good and the shrimp in the shrimp fra diablo (verra spicy marinara sauce on that linguine, btw) were plump, fresh, and plentiful. But if you go on Sunday, get there early because they close at 3 or 4 (I forget which). http://www.menupages.com/screenmenu_b.asp?restaurantid=41239&areaid=32 I'll also vouch for the size of portions (huge!!!) and quality of food at Junior's. The matzo balls in the chicken noodle soup were light and fluffy; my only complaint is that I don't think I saw any actual chicken in the soup, but the flavor was good. The strawberry shortcake cheesecake has a layer of yellow cake and is to die for. Of course, if you want cheap and quick, IMO, you can't beat a hot dog from a street vendor. For $3, I had lunch while (almost literally) running from my hotel to the Shubert! Nothing spectacular, but they're not bad, either. And there are carts on lots of street corners.
DancingDigits		#20	[-]
Posts: 3515 04/09/08 1:48 AM Reply Quote More Recent Posts	Good suggestions, CreepingIvy! I've seen both Super Mac and Clark's discussed on Chow.com. It's not just Brooklynites at Clark's. People do make a special trip there from other boroughs, so the food must be good. It just seems that those staying in midtown are mainly interested in nearby restaurants. However, in the other thread, I've been urging those that are there for more than one night, or are making multiple trips to see Spamalot, to branch out into other neighborhoods, such as Greenwich Village, the Meat Packing District (Chelsea), and Chinatown/Little Italy. (And that's barely scratching the surface--there are over 6,000 restaurants in NYC!) To NOT check out other places is really short-changing oneself.