Manhattan Kosher Restaurants

[Mocha]

They're actually empty quite a bit. I was there a lot during the summer for lunch and they were far from full. It's a big spot, and there's a lot of overhead between rent and staff, so they need a lot of business to be profitable. Kosher restaurants in FiDi don't have a great track record. I feel like there have been a bunch that have opened and closed in the past 5-10 years.

No kosher restaurant is killing it during lunch unless your the Diamond Dairy. I've been there about 3 times this summer at night and it was pretty full. Additionally almost all the party rooms were in use when I was there. The tabs from those rooms can easily be a few grand each. And once again don't forget his rent per/sf is much lower than most other kosher locations in NY.

[CS91]

No kosher restaurant is killing it during lunch unless your the Diamond Dairy. I've been there about 3 times this summer at night and it was pretty full. Additionally almost all the party rooms were in use when I was there. The tabs from those rooms can easily be a few grand each. And once again don't forget his rent per/sf is much lower than most other kosher locations in NY.

Ya but I think that he only got that insanely good deal on the rent for the first year.

[Mocha]

Ya but I think that he only got that insanely good deal on the rent for the first year.

He is still not paying retail if thats the deal your referring to. (Heard from a very reliable source)

[CS91]

He is still not paying retail if thats the deal your referring to. (Heard from a very reliable source)

The deal I was referring to was when he took over the venue, he got a great deal because the person before vacated last minute and they offered him a good deal if he took it over ASAP and didn't renovate. Something like that.

[Dave A]

Ate at Reserve Cut for the first time.  Generally prefer assortment of apps over a main, so that's what I did.  Some thoughts on the food:

• Porcini Mushroom -- out of this world, worth the exorbitant $17 price tag
• Chilean Sea Bass sushi roll -- excellent
• Lamb Gnocchi -- very disappointing
• Aromatic Baby Back Ribs -- overcooked, disappointed
• Toro Aburi - good, not great
• "Snicker Bar" dessert -- excellent

[Mocha]

Ate at Reserve Cut for the first time.  Generally prefer assortment of apps over a main, so that's what I did.  Some thoughts on the food:

• Porcini Mushroom -- out of this world, worth the exorbitant $17 price tag
• Chilean Sea Bass sushi roll -- excellent
• Lamb Gnocchi -- very disappointing
• Aromatic Baby Back Ribs -- overcooked, disappointed
• Toro Aburi - good, not great
• "Snicker Bar" dessert -- excellent

Very much agree on the appetizer move. Baby Back Ribs - is that the thin beef strips? If yes then I must agree. But I cant believe you didn't get the tacos.

[tzifanya54]

Anything decent for lunch near Columbia hospital? (Prefer dairy).

[stbaum]

So I'm sure this has been "chewed" over (haha) many times here but: Reserve Cut or Le Marais? dh owes me a really nice birthday dinner (no gift last year means a double gift this year ).

should i stick to what i know i like at Le Marais or venture out and try RC for the first time? or perhaps just go over the bridge and do etc/nobo, etc...

[CS91]

So I'm sure this has been "chewed" over (haha) many times here but: Reserve Cut or Le Marais? dh owes me a really nice birthday dinner (no gift last year means a double gift this year ).

should i stick to what i know i like at Le Marais or venture out and try RC for the first time? or perhaps just go over the bridge and do etc/nobo, etc...

RC without a doubt. IMO, quality at Le Marais has dropped substantially lately.

[lunatic]

Mikes

[CS91]

Mikes

Also a good option, but I personally think RC is better. Not by much though.

[Dan]

Mike's is better than RC for dinner unless you're a real sucker for ambiance.

RC lunch OTOH is a good value.

[stbaum]

Mike's is better than RC for dinner unless you're a real sucker for ambiance.

RC lunch OTOH is a good value.

Mikes

no thanks. those portions for that price? i'll take my business and my appetite elsewhere

[Dan]

Mike's isn't designed to get full of an entree. I don't view that as a flaw.

His apps, soup, and fries are all fantastic. No reason the entree needs to massive.

Even with this additions, you still won't be paying more than at RC, but the food quality is better overall IMHO.

[stbaum]

Mike's isn't designed to get full of an entree. I don't view that as a flaw.

His apps, soup, and fries are all fantastic. No reason the entree needs to massive.

Even with this additions, you still won't be paying more than at RC, but the food quality is better overall IMHO.

good to know. we personally don't usually get apps. just a decent steak and a good drink and we're happy

[Dan]

good to know. we personally don't usually get apps. just a decent steak and a good drink and we're happy

That works at LM where fries and salad are included.
Won't work at Mike's/RC/Pardes/TPG/etc where they're not.

Mike's corn soup and duck gnocchi though are 10/10. As are his short ribs and passion fruit frozen daiquiri.

[stbaum]

That works at LM where fries and salad are included.
Won't work at Mike's/RC/Pardes/TPG/etc where they're not.

Mike's corn soup and duck gnocchi though are 10/10. As are his short ribs.

like i said, we usually end up at LM so i'm used to that. i just really want to try something somewhere new.

[Dan]

like i said, we usually end up at LM so i'm used to that. i just really want to try something somewhere new.

Then be prepared to pay 2x-5x more to be full. LM is a great value, but variety is good.

[Mocha]

like i said, we usually end up at LM so i'm used to that. i just really want to try something somewhere new.

If youve never been to mikes then its a great place, but its been basically the same menu for the past 10 years. Getting really old.

Reserve adds things constantly.

If you do go to Reserve and end up with a steak, please get the chateaubriand for 2. Its outrageous. All the other steaks are good, but they're just a steak. Im personally bored of "just a steak".

[stbaum]

If you do go to Reserve and end up with a steak, please get the chateaubriand for 2. Its outrageous. All the other steaks are good, but they're just a steak. Im personally bored of "just a steak".

will keep that in mind. thanks!