Going to NYC w. my vegetarian wife for the Red Sox-Yankees series in 2 weeks. Hopefully the games will matter.

I have spent little time in NYC, and I'm not on an expense account this time, so I'm looking for good places that won't cause bankruptcy. They can be cheap to moderate. We're planning on going to Norma's for brunch, and thought we might try 71 Clinton Fresh Foods.

Any commments on these or other recommendations would be appreciated. My wife is a vegetarian and eats milk and eggs, but not chicken or fish. I don;t mind interesting ethnic recommendation in "transitional" neighborhoods.

Thanks in advance. http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/smile.gif

Aside/ Rant: (Not that anyone reads these boards).

By the way, I'm not so happy with the "New Flyertalk." In the old days, I would have posted this in the Buzz (maybe), been scolded by UpgradeMe, and gotten 12 suggestions within 12 hours. Here I'll be lucky if anyone sees it.

Oh well. Just my 2 cents. I lament the denigration of the activity that used to be on this board. Not that anyone is going to read it.

The Hell's Kitchen area has a huge number of ethnic and inexpensive restaurants.

8th & 9th ave, from the 30's to the 50's. The ones in the 40's fill with theatre crowd.

A good source is http://www.chowhound.com

There are many excellent places, depending on
the cuisine and the neighborhood you'll be staying at.

slawecki's suggestion are on the mark - 9th Ave from 57th through 40s have many good restaurants.

There is Grand Sechuan International on 50s & 9th, and excellent Chinese restaurant. There is Rice & Beans, a small Brazilian place opposite GSI. There is Julians on 55th & 9th Ave...

try www.fat-guy.com (http://www.fat-guy.com)

great web site dedicated to nyc restaurant reviews..

First, I agree that it's a shame that no one reads these boards. Of course, making those comments here is just preaching to the choir.

Second, I've heard nothing but good things about 71 Clinton Fresh Food (I never plan far enough in advance to actually be able to get a seat), but from my look at the menu, it certainly wasn't what I would call cheap.

My suggestions, trying to keep in mind places where a vegetarian will be happy:

1) Zen Palate. There are several of these (see www.zenpalate.com). (http://www.zenpalate.com).) Asian vegetarian food--very good for what it is.
2) Frank. 88 Second Ave. Good Italian food. You will have to wait in line.
3) Bright Food Shop. 216 Eighth Avenue. Mexican/Asian fusion. I'm actually not 100% confident I remember a lot of vegetarian fare, but this sprang to mind so I'll trust my gut. There are numerous decent plain old Mexican places as an alternative, but that's boring.
4) Josie's. 300 Amsterdam. Good, healthy, dairy-free (not all vegetarian, but there are plenty of choices).
5) Grimaldi's. 19 Old Fulton Street in Brooklyn. It's a trek, and you'll have to wait in line, but it's worth it for the best pizza in New York.

Unfortunately, you have no shot getting into 71 Clinton. They book a month in advance, and if you haven't called by noon a month before, forget about it.

I would heartily second Frank & Grimaldi's. I also like Katz's on Houston ($11 sandwiches but you won't have to eat again) and Big Wong on Mott (just try to spend over $25 for two)

Actually, 71 Clinton has a couple of chairs for walk-ups, but you have to be pretty lucky to land one.

Angelo's Coal Oven Pizza on W. 57th is pretty good, and 2 can dine easily for under $30.

The pizza is very good and they make a nice calzone too. Although it's pizza, it's sit down and not too bad inside.

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Who is John Galt?
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