Would love to hear an honest current LB report. I was disappointed the last time I was there but the wife is dying to give it another try.

It was an excellent meal overall but I will say I was let down a bit.

As I said earlier my only other 3 star experience has been EMP (pre remodel) and for me, LB was clearly below in both food and service quality.

Went with my fiancé and got the Chef’s Tasting ($225 pp). Standout dishes were the lobster tail w/ pappardelle and truffle, dover sole, and white tuna/japanese wagyu. Disappointments were the salmon (very bland) and langoustine (they had to sub this for the crab since they didn’t have crab).

Desserts were extremely disappointing which was shocking for me. A tart grapefruit sorbet with orange granite that was a passable palate cleanser and a pear dish that was essentially poached pear, light whipped cream in a meringue and pear juice. Have had much better desserts at restaurants that cost 25% of LB. The petit fours were unbelievably good though, but still.

I liked the style of serving the dishes and the waiter adding the sauces table side. Plenty of (excellent) bread selection available to mop up what was left on the plates. My favorites were the pumpernickel and the sesame roll. Service was prompt and attentive as you’d expect at this level of restaurant but nothing above and beyond like I got at EMP.

A possible source of my disappointment is that me and my fiancé are not big wine people, so we drank a cocktail each and 2 beers with our meal. Beer list was short and at the level of what you can pick up at a bodega. I understand that their wine program is supposed to be crazy good, possibly have the GOAT sommelier, etc and that my preferences are not normal so the wine may be a bigger plus for some. At EMP however they put together a custom beer pairing with sours, saisons, IPAs, barleywines, barrel aged stouts etc and the beer list was world class. Just a little something extra there.

If I went back I would do the 4 course menu ($160) I think and get some things I would’ve liked to have tried like the scallop dish and apple dessert.

I loved LB but I'll admit the wine pairings with the Chef's Tasting put it over the top for me. Could see having a different perspective if I drank Sam Adams with the meal.

Thanks for the writeup. I don't drink at all anymore, and my wife is satisfied with two glasses of champagne, so I'll take that into account.

I went to EMP several times when I did drink, and agree that their system allows more tailoring to beer, cider, or sparkling.

Thanks again.

Fantastic tr

I still can't believe I'm the only one to mention Sake Bar Hagi in this thread. Maybe nobody else likes weird (delicious) food at good prices and fabulous sake

Anyone ever have the fried chicken and caviar at Momofuku ? Plan on going in the next two weeks for a birthday and deciding between the two options.

I wanted to...then I saw the price. Would love to know what it's like though so please TR if you do.

If you’re going with a large group maybe it makes sense to order it as part of a larger order, assuming you’re prepared to spend a few thousand.

I wouldn’t suggest ordering that as the main entree for your group. You’re just not going to get $600 or whatever it is of quality caviar, it’s a ripoff but people pay for the novelty of it. Personally I’m not a big fan of caviar and fried chicken is fried chicken, so I’m looking elsewhere on their menu

Anyway just want to re-suggest mediterreneo (ues). Have been here a few times now and their pasta is fantastic. Super under the radar and cheap (dinner for two will be sub 100 with drinks)

Obv not fine dining but worth a visit if you want quality authentic Italian on the cheap

To the surprise of no one, axe throwing is now a thing in Brooklyn, with open bar of course. Reasonably diverting as a goof but I can't imagine doing it once a week or anything.

If you want caviar, just walk down a few blocks from Momufuku to Russ & Daughter, buy a tin, throw your vodka in the freezer, and save a lot of money.

Any of you guys been to Cosme yet? Any reviews?

Brought my fiancé there for her birthday last year...thought it was overpriced but a pretty great meal. Some pics



Cobia al pastor



Duck carnitas



Corn husk meringue dessert

Best thing by far was the corn husk meringue thing...top 3 dessert I’ve ever had. Duck carnitas were also really great/unique. I will say their fresh tortillas are the best I’ve had. I think I got what was pictured and 2 other small plates plus 2 cocktails each and the bill was like $350 after tax and tip. It was very good just think you can get better bang for your buck elsewhere. Not sure if it’s possible to order the corn husk dessert at the bar but late night post-dinner cocktails + that would be pretty sweet.

$350 after tax and tip, so about $270 before tax and tip.

Thats on the expensive side for 5 dishes + 2 cocktails. The dessert does seem like the most interesting dish.

Thanks for the review and pictures , mullens.

First time staying in NYC coming up end of April. Me and the wifey going for a show at Lyric Theatre. Best hotel to stay at near Times Square or central park? Price not a huge issue although I'm thinking $500 a night ish at the most. But a bit more won't hurt. Also top 3 things we must do while were there? Never done any of the touristy stuff but thats what were going with this trip. We'll have all day Friday and all day Saturday for exploring.

Are you tied to those areas? I’m not great for the hotels advice, but I would avoid staying in Times Square. I’d rather stay in midtown east or the village or something (or even upper west side if your budget can swing it). I believe the W in Union Square was recommended itt by several prior and that would fit your budget easily. Very easy to get from that area to Times Square for your show and checking it out if you wanted.

Of touristy stuff, I would say the High Line, 9/11 memorial, and Central Park are some of the “best”. Walking over the Brooklyn Bridge and grabbing dinner/drinks in DUMBO would be solid, too. If the wife is into art, can’t go wrong with the Met/MOMA/Whitney for museums. I also like the Cloisters, especially if the weather is nice, but that’s a bit of a trek.

Quick food wise, can’t leave without getting the pepperoni square slice at Prince St Pizza, regular slice at Joe’s, a cookie at Levain Bakery, and a bagel at Russ & Daughters.

Ended up picking the Knickerbocker. Idk how you categorize that it appears mid town to me but I’ve never stayed in city just passed through. It’s a 3 minute walk to the theatre we’re going to and about 20 min walk to cent park according to Google anyways.

Was around 500 a night for a small suite. Free cancellation so if one of you nyc vets can talk me out of it and some where better I’m game.

How is Bryant Park? That’s right next door to hotel. Cool to 420 while walking the parks? Any other places I should do that instead?

Definitely trying to get in all the tourist stuff you mentioned. Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty worth doing? Should we plan a whole morning to that or can it be done in a hour or two?

We are really excited and I appreciate any and all advice. Thanks All.

Is it possible to eat dinner at emp or Daniel or Jean georges in 2 hours or less on a Thursday evening?

We go to NYC four or five times a year and always rent apartments through VRBO, but we usually stay for five to 10 days, so having a kitchen is awesome. Much less expensive than a hotel, and I love the feel of "living" in NYC. Lower East Side is our favorite, and we have stayed everywhere, but we've been staying in Upper Manhattan / Washington Heights (don't recommend for you guys) lately so his commute isn't as long. (I work in Midtown, so everywhere is easy.)

420 probably not a good idea.

Bryant Park is a nice little park. However, we don't really do the touristy stuff, so can't help there. Some of the piers are fun/interesting (Pier 40 has the trapeze school and Pier 17 has pretty cool performers, music, etc., but might still be under construction). I do recommend Sake Bar Hagi if you like weird food, sake, and an interesting vibe, but there is almost always a wait (put your name/number on the list).

Have a great time. You can't really go wrong. We usually just run for an hour or two and then find a great spot for wine and food.

Personally, I wouldn't take the time for the Statue of Liberty. You can see her from the shore. Never been to Ellis Island, but not something I'd do. Might be cool, though.

Matcha and avocado places keep popping up by me , more and more. Landlord def going to raise my rent now.

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Dinner prob normally longer than that but I’m sure if you called EMP and explained you had a 2 hour limit they’d make it work for you. Place is incredible.

Bryant Park is pretty tiny but nice. Usually just people hanging out or eating/drinking.

Smoking anything in NYC parks is no bueno but you could probably get away with it in a less trafficked area of Central Park. Just be aware you could get a violation/fine and technically arrested if you run into the wrong cop. Unlikely, but possible.

Thinking of Aureole after checking out some menus of the other fancier places, wife is a pretty picky eater and may not enjoy some of the tastings so his option looks better and a bit cheaper than the alternatives.

You or anyone been there recently? I guess we get priority in reservations as we’re staying at the Knick which is partnered with them I guess.

I went to Aureole like 8-10 years ago and it was very very good for whatever that’s worth