The sense of time is both seductive and deceiving. Caf la Fortuna was one of my favorites. Every two or three nigiri rounds will be broken up by a cooked dish like tempura fried hake in a mushroom broth. I think I miss the "Appetizer Stores" the most when I visit NYC, you can still find "Deli's" but "Russ & Daughters" or "Zabars" and "Murray's" seem to be the only places mentioned on eGullet. Craving some really good oysters, roast chicken, bacon cheddar burgers, and big plates of Caesar salad? There must be a bunch of them around, since there are so many pre-WWII buildings in the neighborhood that were obviously designed for well-to-do people to live in. Beef-bone broth arrives in a delicate Ginori porcelain cup. Geodes form in small spaces. Weren't a bunch of those around in the 1970s and earlier? Director, New Media Studies, International Culinary Center (take my food-blogging course). Ephemeral New York in THE NEW YORKTIMES! 84th St.; 212-874-4559. Although I am new to the neighborhood, after decades in Washington Heights, this sweet, lovely essay captures so much about what I love about the West Side (my sons used to call the top of Washington Heights the real upper west side) and New York City more generally. This slow-cooked rib is incredibly melt-off-the-bone and youll never regret having it! 74th Street Cafe & Steakhouse2121 Broadway, nr. Lived here in the mid 70s on WEA with my husband since the mid 1970s. If someone had a birthday, the wait staff would sing and serve a birthday cake with sparklers on it. Great spot for an espresso and biscotti. Loved this! And the kitchen is as at ease with the muscular flavors of octopus a la plancha as it is with balancing the subtle flavors of a spring-pea risotto with Maine lobster and lemon verbena. Recently, while reading a novel published in the 80s I discovered a reference to it. Restaurant 222 - on 79th St. Also, for double bonus points, can you tell us what Al Buon Gusto's slogan was? Are you certain that Al Buon Gusto took the SQC space after closing on 72nd? I though at that time the space was Peretti's, though maybe I'm not pr Yo quiero pancakes! When youre eating hefty pieces of king salmon and Japanese mackerel, youll really feel like youre getting your moneys worth. Im convinced to this day that this man had psychic abilities. I'll have to check with my wife to try and remember the slogan. Did it have something to do with meatballs? Yes, the ABC space did become Peretti's You can choose to add Labneh cheese to your dish to make the flavor even more phenomenal! According to William Grimes in the New York Times, Cafe des Artistes has been in business since 1917. Our goal is to help you easily find the best food and things to do in the city! . Carmines (2450 Bway, 90th/91st) huge portions, family style Italian. rely on virtuosically prepared product, from silvery iwashi (Japanese sardines) and tuna otoro, to ikura (roe) cured in-house and a tangle of uni tongues from Hokkaido. Lovely recollections. Cafe Edgar on 84th Street, named after Edgar Allen Poe, because he lived in that building where he wrote The Raven. And the waiters at The Saloon on roller skates! The space is akin to a more enlightened Shopsins: handmade, idiosyncratic, with lots of handwritten notes, but perhaps a few more sculptures of Ganesh. Come by and immerse yourself in their French-inspired menu and award-winning wine list, they can never disappoint you! Whatever.). Booked 10 times today. I hung out on the UWS a lot during the late 80s and moved here in 1993 so this brought back so many memories! He must have been 15 or 16, making me 9 or 10. Hesitate no more, and lets jump right into the best Upper West Side Restaurants that we have specially picked for you! That would make it 1974. Went there at least once a week for years, and yes, everbody knew my name. another Cherry patron! There was a lovely cashier who made it to Cashier of the month with the fastest grocery bagging. And dont worry, its not as spicy as its name might suggest. Go with a Thai iced tea and a fresh egg bagel. Gramercy Tavern. Thank you, neighbors! And yes, Victor's (Cuban) was somewhere up there, before it opened on 52nd Street. This year Ive been working in DC and cant wait to go back!!! Or thin slices of fatty beef? this is going to be a great thread to read, albiet not one I can contribute tomy only reference was the rib place on 72nd? by the dakota, in Stop by for a half-bird with skin that tastes like its coated in brown sugar, and add a side of boiled green bananas. Loyal fans routinely swing by for their craveable food and the menu with a roster of all-time favorites. Ephemeral New York was interviewed in a July 25 piece in The Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation's blog, Off the Grid. Tel: (212) 737-1700. Noms Magazine is a food lifestyle publication based in Vancouver. Shun Lee West43 W. 65th St., nr. 5. If you think of the best place in the Upper West Side to serve the best dumplings, think of Jing Fong. If youre going to brunch at Jacobs Pickles, bring a handful of Tums and a big group of friendsthen order a bunch of heavy Southern comfort food with reckless abandon. Thank you so much for this, Marianne! But for 40 years, for 24 hours a day, among the snappy hot dogs and frothy papaya drinks, Grays Papaya has given New Yorkers (and temporary New Yorkers) a place to stand and watch life go by. Born and raised here since 1957 it does change and your mention of many businesses that have gone made me so nostalgic . Upon entering, youll be amazed by their bustling atmosphere and the stunning aroma of steamed dumplings in the air. As is the food. Chocolatier Lagusta Yearwood of Lagustas Luscious applies a ridiculous old-school punk-DIY aesthetic to her sweets. WebDaniel is known for its lobster bisque soup and filet mignon. Tags: Big Nick's Burger and Pizza Joint, East Village Eye, East Village in the 1980s, Lou Reed, New York City 1984, Those were the days. I live on the upper west side and I have to say, restaurants don't last very long. Even in the fairly short time I've been in my current apartment, WebBest Seafood in Lorton, VA 22079 - Father & Son Seafood, Tasty Crab, The Secret Garden Cafe, Crafty Crab Woodbridge, The Harbour Grille, Captain Bobs Crabs & Seafood, The What a rich place were privileged to know. Weighed in a bowl, these ingredients are then whisked into a kitchen in the back and emerge, mere minutes later, as a delicious dried hot pot. When you stop by Charles Pan-Fried Chicken, an employee behind the counter might shout something like, I got that cornbread, and the whole team will reply with Oooooooh in unison. Normally they have plenty of room to sit, but you will have to show up early for a table on weekends! Feels like heaven all the time! Map. Nicholas Braun has a new bar. The Society is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the culinary arts. You were so adventurous and brave and gained many memories. Al Buon Gusto was there? Bird Dog offers the most useful luxury of all. Will it be pigs ear, sliced into ribbons like meat fettuccine? Columbus Ave; 212-362-3800. . 72nd St.; 212-799-0243. I've mentioned some before. The nightlife of the hood has slowed down, but now drinks on the rooftop terrace have replaced our crazy days:). The neighborhood bistro was no more. Tap a Keg, Marvin Gardens, th bar restaurant on 79 and Columbus (northwest corner). 13. It fell into disrepair -- no surprise here -- in the early 1970s and closed in 1974, to be reopened by Warner LeRoy (at the time best known as the creator of Maxwell's Plum) in 1976. 3 years later we moved on up to West 53rd off 8th which was also like the wild west and we spent most nights at, conveniently, Studio 54such good times and not much money needed. Earn 3X Points. a few kids and a move to the suburbs might have blurred this memory.. corrections appreciated. Think Big, Charavari (now Citibank on 81st), Ruperts, Lucys (with the blue whales in your drink), Fujiyama Mama (fried ice cream with sparklers for your bday) and MEMPHIS! 89th St.;212-724-2650. One requirement for identifying yourself as a New Yorker is being able to name your favorite neighborhood diner. Not knowing anyone with only $500 in my pocket I came to New York to pursue acting and dancing just like Gene Kelly had done. Among them are the house slice, grated post-oven with two-year-old parmesan and sprinkled with a greenhouses worth of basil, and the Angry Nonna, made spicy with Calabrian chile oil and soppressata, and sweet with honey. Opera night at Caffe Taci was the best. Dont believe us? The casual set-up makes this place perfect for a meetup with a friend or a date near Amsterdam Avenue and 107th Street. Kaito on West 72nd Street serves a 15-course omakase for less than $100 that doesn't follow the same progression as most other high-end options in the neighborhood. Loved reading itespecially during a time when the Upper West is not getting such great play. These small bites are often accompanied by only a touch of homemade soy sauce or exotic salt. Dont forget to rub that apricot and chile jam all over and enjoy it! You're welcome. Start it right with the creamy, delicious Sasso Chicken Liver Mousse. No-one's mentioned Gitlitz yet in this thread, the good Jewish delicatessen that was for many years on 77 St. and Broadway. The square pepperoni one is worth a trip across the city, and the classic margherita with fresh basil is just about as noteworthy as the one at Di Fara. Lucknow, the capital of Awadh, the state in Uttar Pradesh from whence Gaurav Anand draws culinary inspiration, is renowned for its transcendent taste. They totally nail it! What a great article, and what a great place to have been for three decades! Gramercy Tavern is a popular restaurant on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. My "Uncle Levy", opened up "Hebrew National", "Zion" and "Morgan David", Deli's on every few blocks that he set up, operated and sold after they became established. Leonti103 W. 77th St., nr. Loved this, thx so much!! The southwest corner was a revolving door of places. We moved five years ago but still read the WSR and again thank you for the beautiful memories! How many generations of Columbus Avenue we have seen! But Im not sure how many patrons know about the almost ridiculous pedigree of chef Phillip Kirschen-Clark (Ducasse, Dufresne, Liebrandt). Im moving back to where I was born in a month or so, Ill miss all of it but I already have been missing so much more. The article includes this photo of a cool-looking Reed taken in front of an anonymous pizza shop somewhere in New York City, with a great chalkboard menu beside him (veal and peppers parm $4.75). Typically, these mix of traits make for an extra awesome Restaurant Team Member - Crew (1122 - Upper West Side). Tags:Big Nick's Burger and Pizza Joint, East Village Eye, East Village in the 1980s, Lou Reed, New York City 1984, old pizza parlors New York City, Upper West Side in the 1980s, Velvet Underground Posted in Bars and restaurants, East Village, Music, art, theater, Random signage, Upper West Side/Morningside Hts | 2 Comments . 16. Since it opened in the early aughts, the cafe has drawn from the shelves during the day (silver dollar pancakes, tuna melts) and the meat counter at night (skirt steak Toscana, beef Wellington with foie gras, a panoply of burgers). Steven A. Shaw aka "Fat Guy" Opening Night at Jacs, the New Spot in the Old Smile Space. Team Player; Personable; What to order: Banh Mi O.G, Bun Bo Bo, Bun Cha, Banh Xeo, Crispy Rice Cake, Address: 942 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025. I can't remember it ever not being there. Salty, meaty, and saucy, you cant say no to that one! I just have east side versions of the stories. Among the other revelations at Awadh is dum pukht, a genre of cooking wherein the protein is sealed under a layer of naan, immersed in clarified butter, and cooked slowly. Many nights after closing wed repair to Ruskays. Primary Location: New York - New York - 1122 - Upper West Side-(01122) Work Location: 1122 - Upper West Side-(01122) 269 Amsterdam Ave New York 10023. Between an appetizer and an entree, you can easily walk away having spent $30 on an exciting dinner here. Perhaps shrimp balls or squid balls or duck feet? Nice Matin. One of them would wear a Mozart wig and the birthday guest could wear the Mozart wig as well. Sinai hospital, probably a day or two after being born) until 1987 when I went to college. Of course, now it's been Cleopatra's Needle for years, the food is different, and the interior is radically changed from the former groovy but dark 60s style, but it is in the same location. Dosanko? Theres a bar area upstairs and a large dining room in the basement, and the whole space leans into the coastal-Greek theme. And the tables, though hard to come by, turn often. Bchamel replaces red sauce in a Roman artichoke lasagna, basically an artichoke in a pasta costume. Anything that comes out of the fryer is golden: carciofi, fritto misto, ricotta balls. They used to be all over the 5 Boroughs and the Suburb's, generally seemed busy to a visitor it's hard to understand why there are now so few left. Ive been here 30 years too and have watched all of those fabulous places close down and not much has taken their place. actually, a quick perusal of the current offerings confirms that time does stand still..in 1981ish, that was our destination place on the UWS, from NYUegads, rather amazing that I developed a palatte after all those onion bricks and chicken legs! I still love love love it here so thank you for such upbeat forward thinking encouragement !! 2. This is so lovely, really enjoyed reading your story, We MUST have crossed paths as we hung out in all of the same places Shake Shack (366 Columbus, 77th) great burgers, fries and shakes with a huge NYC following.. Alices Tea Cup (102 W 73rd, Columbus) Bakery The Kebab Chain Poised to Shake Up New Yorks Doner Scene. Though theres no red sauce here, the sourdough-battered chicken in pastella may just be the best fried chicken in the city. Welcome to the eG Forums, a service of the eGullet Society for Culinary Arts & Letters. Oxbow Tavern240 Columbus Ave., nr. And of course, how could I forget Ruelles; after my roomies and I went to see Dressed to Kill on 57th Street, we were so scared and freaked out we couldnt go home right away and had to go to Cherrys first. A Special Edition of Pupper West Side: Remembering Mr. PWS A Little Dog Who Led A Big Life, See Shakespeare in the Parks This Weekend Like You've Never Seen It Before -- Masked and Socially Distanced, Openings & Closings: Zaad, Kissaki, La Terrine, How Local Cops Broke the E-Bike Case: I Floored It, Captain Says. Bergamo, where the young Leonti once lived, is the Upper West Side of Italy: plush, lush, and opulent. Upon learning this tidbit, I checked it against Zagat's historic restaurant list and didn't find it. I agree with your love of the neighborhood. 12. But theres more slices at Mamas Too!, and if you cant wait in the pepperoni-slice-only line, youll want to avail yourself of these. Let the fancies have Black Seed and Sadelles. As a teenager I made my dream come true. 108 Food Dried Hot Pot2794 Broadway, nr. Too bad it closed after 30+ years. Some of these stores may still be in business on the West Side, but I haven't done a Broadway Drive in Years, Maybe I'll do one when I visit next month. Thanks to the author for writing and West Side Rag for publishing. Ela is a big, attractive Greek restaurant, and it's one of the best options for a somewhat upscale meal on the UWS. Powered by Invision Community. We especially like the hummus. (sorry) I LOVED that chain; they were all over, until when? Be the first to get expert restaurant recommendations for every situation right in your inbox. Our favorite is the pork shoulder one, but they also do them with steak, chicken, and shrimp. 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