OK, as a native New Yorker who makes it a point of going out for dinner once a week, I have a few recommendations:
BBQ - Nobody, and I mean NOBODY beats Virgil's on 44th between B'way and 6th. The ribs are so tender, Great-Grandma can leave her teeth at home. The prices are reasonable for Manhattan (About $125 for four people if you stick to basics) The Pig Out is $27, and be prepared to get stuffed with this. They have other stuff besides BBQ. The Chicken-fried steak is to die for. I can safely say they do not have a bad thing on the menu. CAUTION: They use a "dry-rub" which may make the ribs a bit dry. Sauces are on the table.
Brazilian - Churriscaria Plataforma is a cows worst nightmare. Located on W. 49th between 8th and 9th avenues (Closer to Eighth on the south side of the block), this place will make Godzilla full. The appys are on a giant steam table, which are watched over by lovely ladies. The asparagus rissotto would have Gordon Ramsay bowing in respect. The red beans and bacon mix will have you begging for more. They also have a lot of fish at this station.
However, the stars are the waiters who bring you mounds and mounds of different meats. A virtual orgy of carnivorous bliss. From Bacon-wrapped Filet Mignon to giant beef ribs to hot sausage to chicken mini-legs. 25 different meats to choose from. Try them all! After all, it is "All-you-can-eat"! It is pricey, drinks are separate, and you will drop around $65-75 per person. CAUTION: You NEED to know when to say when in this place. As I said, Godzilla will leave full. What does that mean for you?
CAFE/BISTRO: There are plenty of them in NYC. My choice is Cafe Europa. They are dotted all over the place in Manhattan. I usually go to the ones on either 57th and 7th (on the corner) or 43rd and 7th (Again, on the corner). The coffee is fabulous, their freshly-pre-made sandwiches are good for your needs. The BBQ brisket with Hash-brown on an onion roll is excellent. The quiche is solid. Not a bad place to grab a sandwich so you do not get raped by the Open prices.
COMFORT FOOD: You want something weird? How about Mac n' Cheese? Well, S'Mac is a little hole in the wall on the Lower East Side (12th Street between First and Second Avenues). They serve Mac n' Cheese the way Mom used to make. You order at the counter, and they bring it to you in a hot skillet (and I MEAN hot! You WILL burn yourself if not careful) My fav is the Cheeseburger, with hints of mustard and ketchup. It is not fine dining. They will serve you your meals, but the utensils and stuff you need to get from the cabinet they set up.
DESSERTS; Two places: If you want to take it with you, I STRONGLY recommend Beard Papa on Broadway and Astor Place, The Coffee is incredible. This place, though, you come for the Cream puffs. I live in Brooklyn. There are so many bakeries that do them. However, I go out of my way to come here. They are so light and tasty, you will not want to stop at 8 or 9! If you want to sit down, I recommend Max Brenner on 14th and Broadway, across from Virgin Megastore. This is Willy Wonka times 10! Anything involving chocolate, you can get here! Chocolate crepes, to the chocolate fudge cake bucket you eat with a spatula. Get your Hot chocolate in a "hug mug", and relax. CAUTION: The service can be very spotty at times.
These places are centrally located in Manhattan. There are others in the outer boroughs that I would recommend strongly (Like Angelo's Bakery on 86th and 25th avenues, just under the subway station. Old school Italian pastry that you go miles out of your way to get to take with you.).
So, I hope you find this list informative. Hope you enjoy the Open.
Peace,
Ray C.
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