OT: Smax and Mrs Smax are going to the states.

[smax]

Booked kinda last minute (and yes i'm a bit annoyed we're going before tourzilla starts again).

We land in San Francisco on the 12th. We're going to drive from San Fran to Vegas via Yosemite and Big Sur. Then on the 24th flying from Vegas to New York for Mrs Smax's birthday.

We're meeting some rellies in SF and NY but does anyone have some cool recommendations of places on our journey where we can stay/eat/dance?

[Madgrad]

The Smaxs do America! That's great! Watch out for the wild animals in Yosemite!

[policerule]

sounds like you're covering a lot of area on your trip! nice plans...

what does mrs. smax like to eat/do?

[smax]

mrs smax likes to eat well and dance til late. who doesn't?

jus' somewhere that anyone's been to or heard of... you know, "so-and-so is a nice place ta eat/stay/dance in san fran..."

[policerule]

oh! thought you were talking about new york. someone else will have to take san fran... i know nothing.

have a great time and wish mrs. smax happy birthday!!!

[smax]

oh yeah prule, Sf and new york and anywhere on the journey...........

[policerule]

[quote="smax"]oh yeah prule, Sf and new york and anywhere on the journey...........[/quote]

i'll try to come up with something, but i would bet that susan, donna or nancy could help you out on that one better than myself.

there is a new place that looks interesting... it's called "ninja", but i've never been there, so i can't vouch.

http://www.ninjanewyork.com/index2.html

[smudge]

I still have lovely dreams about the steak I had at Balthazar in NY a couple of years ago. 80 Spring St. I believe it can get mad busy of an evening - so book.

http://www.balthazarny.com/

If you need east village dive bar recommendations I have a couple, but you need to be prepared for the Glasto-like toilets

[policerule]

there is also a pub that is pretty fucking cool. if i remember correctly, they used to have passages or back rooms during prohibition that are pretty cool to look at. it's called "chumley's"... i'll try to find it. it's in the village.


here it is:

http://nymag.com/listings/bar/chumleys/

[nancyrose]

Hi smax! Sounds like a great trip you're planning!

I did a similar West Coast trip some years ago, and it is gorgeous! If you're traveling as far south as Big Sur, you really should stop in Monterey which is just north of it. It's a lovely town...great shops, restaurants, Monterey Bay Aquarium, etc. If you're looking for a FABULOUS dinner and don't mind dropping a few bucks, try to get a reservation at Fresh Cream in Monterey (Make sure to call/email now). Casanova in Monterey also has wonderful food and is charming and romantic! Just south of Monterey, don't miss "17-mile drive" through Pebble Beach...spectacular!!

Check out links below:

http://www.mbayaq.org/

http://www.freshcream.com/

http://www.casanovarestaurant.com/

http://www.beachcalifornia.com/17mile.html

I have LOTS of other recommendations for you...just thinking about your trip is making me so envious (but in a good way, of course!)!! I'll get back to you here with more info for NY, too...but please feel free to email me if it's easier.

[mairinpgh]

Yes, Chumley's was a cool pub in NYC, but sadly has been closed since last April 07 due to a partial wall collapse:

http://www.observer.com/2008/chumleys-m ... n-expected

I only know this b/c it used to be my fav drinking spot whenever I visit NYC

(also, Balthazar is fun, its steak & pomme frites are great, and always a good spot for bizarre celebrity spottings - but if you are splurging, Le Bernardin is simply the best restaurant I've ever been to. But it costs more than your plane ticket, probably)

[policerule]

[quote="mairinpgh"]Yes, Chumley's was a cool pub in NYC, but sadly has been closed since last April 07 due to a partial wall collapse:

http://www.observer.com/2008/chumleys-m ... n-expected

I only know this b/c it used to be my fav drinking spot whenever I visit NYC

(also, Balthazar is fun, its steak & pomme frites are great, and always a good spot for bizarre celebrity spottings - but if you are splurging, Le Bernardin is simply the best restaurant I've ever been to. But it costs more than your plane ticket, probably)[/quote]



aw, man! that really sucks about chumleys... that sucks.

i've always wanted to get to le bernardin, but the price tag has been a factor for me as well. someday... sigh.

[nancyrose]

Le Benardin is great, but the atmosphere can also be a little "stuffy." For really fabulous food, you can't go wrong with Union Square Cafe or Gramercy Tavern. They're both pricey, but not outrageously so.

One of my favorite places to eat in NYC is a small Italian place in Soho..pretty simple, just amazingly perfect ingredients, and fairly inexpensive by NYC standards. Despite having been there about a dozen times in the past few years, I'm blanking on the name...I'll be back with it after a little research!
(ETA: Found it! Mezzogiorno! http://www.mezzogiorno.com/ )

You CAN'T come to NYC and miss Central Park, and while you're there, you can grab a good bite (or even just a drink) at The Boathouse Cafe. It's nicely located on a lake in the park, and if you're so inclined you can also rent a rowboat or take a gondola ride after lunch.

More later....

[TheEqualizer]

If you are a foodie, you GOTTA go to The French Laundry in Yountville.

[TheEqualizer]

For New York, I like Per Se (same chef as French Laundry) and wd-50. NY and SF have just TONS of great restaurants. It all depends on what food ya like.