Comments on: The Beat’s Guide to MoCCA Fine Dining http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/ The News Blog of Comics Culture Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:10:39 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.2 by: albert o http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3342340 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:13:54 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3342340 thanks for the suggestions! baoguette was great! thanks for the suggestions! baoguette was great!

]]> by: Paul G. http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3336478 Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:48:17 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3336478 Good suggestions all, Heidi! I had forgotten all about Lamazou. Penelope is wonderful, but the brunch crowd is brutal. On a nice weekend like this, the waits may be intolerable if you have a table to tend to. Apollo Restaurant at Park and 25th is the exception to the "No Park Avenue" rule. It's a rock solid diner, with heaping portions and reasonable prices. Strictly lunch and closed on Sunday, though. Good suggestions all, Heidi! I had forgotten all about Lamazou.

Penelope is wonderful, but the brunch crowd is brutal. On a nice weekend like this, the waits may be intolerable if you have a table to tend to.

Apollo Restaurant at Park and 25th is the exception to the “No Park Avenue” rule. It’s a rock solid diner, with heaping portions and reasonable prices. Strictly lunch and closed on Sunday, though.

]]> by: The Beat http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3334199 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:41:12 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3334199 Ruwan: Great additions! I also forgot BONOBO, the hardcore vegan/macrobiotic place on 23rd and Madison. Ruwan: Great additions!

I also forgot BONOBO, the hardcore vegan/macrobiotic place on 23rd and Madison.

]]> by: Ruwan Jayatilleke http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3334084 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:29:52 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3334084 you missed Penelope, Pizza 33, Mickey D's, and Chinese Mirch. fail! you missed Penelope, Pizza 33, Mickey D’s, and Chinese Mirch. fail!

]]> by: Ken Wong http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3333909 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:49:06 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3333909 That little hole-in-the-wall is Frank's (previously mentioned by Raina). Don't let the small space discourage you, the friendly staff works quickly. I'm not sure if they're open on Sunday, though. For those looking for their morning coffee, I'm pretty sure there's a little Dunkin' Donuts hole-in-the-wall over there, too. And I think I saw a new Chipotle's on that same block. Also on 23rd in that same area in case anyone needs last-minute fixes: Duane Reade, DaVinci Art Supplies, Vercesi Hardware. That little hole-in-the-wall is Frank’s (previously mentioned by Raina). Don’t let the small space discourage you, the friendly staff works quickly. I’m not sure if they’re open on Sunday, though.

For those looking for their morning coffee, I’m pretty sure there’s a little Dunkin’ Donuts hole-in-the-wall over there, too. And I think I saw a new Chipotle’s on that same block.

Also on 23rd in that same area in case anyone needs last-minute fixes: Duane Reade, DaVinci Art Supplies, Vercesi Hardware.

]]> by: The Beat http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3333309 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:09:16 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3333309 I have had nothing but very greasy experiences with Totonnos! There's actually a pretty good pizza place on @#rd but it's a littlr hole in the wall...can't remember the name. One place not to go...THE PIZZA PUB. Don't be fooled, kids! The pints are fine but the pizza, not so much. I have had nothing but very greasy experiences with Totonnos!

There’s actually a pretty good pizza place on @#rd but it’s a littlr hole in the wall…can’t remember the name.

One place not to go…THE PIZZA PUB. Don’t be fooled, kids! The pints are fine but the pizza, not so much.

]]> by: Jeff Trexler http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3332888 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:33:57 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3332888 "Best pizza" = fightin' words! Seriously, as with Indian restauants, this is a great area for pizza. Haven't been to Waldy's yet, but I'll be sure to stop by soon. For a neighborhood venue just up from the Armory, Vezzo on Lex/31st is excellent. http://www.vezzothincrust.com/index.html There's also the storied Totonno's on 2nd Ave btw 26th & 27th http://www.totonnos.com/27th.html And just a few blocks down, for those who like their pizza from restaurants spelled with an "i", there's La Pizza Fresca Ristorante on 31 E. 20th, as well as the famous Una Pizza Napoletana on 349 E. 12th. http://lapizzafrescaristorante.com/home.html http://www.unapizza.com/ “Best pizza” = fightin’ words!

Seriously, as with Indian restauants, this is a great area for pizza. Haven’t been to Waldy’s yet, but I’ll be sure to stop by soon.

For a neighborhood venue just up from the Armory, Vezzo on Lex/31st is excellent.
http://www.vezzothincrust.com/index.html

There’s also the storied Totonno’s on 2nd Ave btw 26th & 27th
http://www.totonnos.com/27th.html

And just a few blocks down, for those who like their pizza from restaurants spelled with an “i”, there’s La Pizza Fresca Ristorante on 31 E. 20th, as well as the famous Una Pizza Napoletana on 349 E. 12th.
http://lapizzafrescaristorante.com/home.html
http://www.unapizza.com/

]]> by: Bon Alimagno http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3332869 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:09:37 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3332869 Best Pizza: Waldy's on 6th Ave b/t 27th & 28th St. http://www.waldyspizza.com/ And the Temple of Meat: Hill Country, 26th St. b/t 6th Ave and Broadway. http://www.hillcountryny.com/home.php Best Pizza: Waldy’s on 6th Ave b/t 27th & 28th St. http://www.waldyspizza.com/

And the Temple of Meat: Hill Country, 26th St. b/t 6th Ave and Broadway. http://www.hillcountryny.com/home.php

]]> by: The Beat http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3332804 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:38:35 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3332804 L"Annam is indeed still around, and pretty good, although I feel it has gone downhill a bit of late. Noodles on 28, inexplicably located on 29th and 3rd, has decent Chinese food. Their dumplings are great. I still miss Sam's Noodles, which had the ducks in the window and everything, but got town dwon to turn into one of those horrible jerk/jock/meatpacking wannabee bars. Vatan is amazing! L”Annam is indeed still around, and pretty good, although I feel it has gone downhill a bit of late.

Noodles on 28, inexplicably located on 29th and 3rd, has decent Chinese food. Their dumplings are great. I still miss Sam’s Noodles, which had the ducks in the window and everything, but got town dwon to turn into one of those horrible jerk/jock/meatpacking wannabee bars.

Vatan is amazing!

]]> by: Rafael http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3332773 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:08:29 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3332773 L’annam is still around. For Burritos I would recommend a walk up to 32nd /2nd Ave to Baby Bo's. I like the fresh salsa for the chips and just about all the entrees I have tried. Staff is friendly and efficient, atmosphere is unique. Then there's Vezzo on 31st/Lex which serves thin crust pizzas. L’annam is still around. For Burritos I would recommend a walk up to 32nd /2nd Ave to Baby Bo’s. I like the fresh salsa for the chips and just about all the entrees I have tried. Staff is friendly and efficient, atmosphere is unique. Then there’s Vezzo on 31st/Lex which serves thin crust pizzas.

]]> by: neil kleid http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3330513 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 03:07:42 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3330513 If you're up for a small walk, Paddy Reilly's Music Bar is on 29th and 2nd... not that far at all. Great, great Irish bar. If you’re up for a small walk, Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar is on 29th and 2nd… not that far at all.

Great, great Irish bar.

]]> by: Ali T. Kokmen http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3329320 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:19:51 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3329320 When I worked kinda sorta in the neighborhood, I used to go to a great Vietnamese restaurant L'annam on 3rd Ave, between 27th and 28th; if it's still around, that might be worth considering. A little further up on 3rd Ave, between 28th and 29th is the tasty-and-legendary Indian vegetarian place Vatan--very nice, so treat yourself if you're inclined. Of course, also in that neighborhood is my fave Turkish restaurant, Turkish Kitchen, if you're really willing to spring for a pricey--but worth it!--meal. Can't pass up an opportunity to mention that place! When I worked kinda sorta in the neighborhood, I used to go to a great Vietnamese restaurant L’annam on 3rd Ave, between 27th and 28th; if it’s still around, that might be worth considering. A little further up on 3rd Ave, between 28th and 29th is the tasty-and-legendary Indian vegetarian place Vatan–very nice, so treat yourself if you’re inclined.

Of course, also in that neighborhood is my fave Turkish restaurant, Turkish Kitchen, if you’re really willing to spring for a pricey–but worth it!–meal. Can’t pass up an opportunity to mention that place!

]]> by: Hexo http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3329173 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:45:22 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3329173 Don't forget 7-11 on 23rd st between Park and Lex. You can get cheap food, slurpees and beer. What more do you need at Art Fest. Also keep your eye out for He-man. He wonders around the neighborhood. http://www.observer.com/2009/style/hopeful-he-man-madison-square-park Hex Don’t forget 7-11 on 23rd st between Park and Lex. You can get cheap food, slurpees and beer. What more do you need at Art Fest.

Also keep your eye out for He-man. He wonders around the neighborhood.

http://www.observer.com/2009/style/hopeful-he-man-madison-square-park

Hex

]]> by: Grady Hendeix http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3328724 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:04:09 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3328724 Hey, look! It's my neighborhood! Best Indian - Tiffin Wallah on 28 between Lex and Park. Modern, awesome, inexpensive, vegetarian. Best Chinese - Grand Sichuan on 33 and Lex. Best Chinese food in NYC. Period. Best beer bar - Waterfront Ale House at 30 and 2nd Ave. Also has food. Best Pork - Resto on 29 btwn park and Lex. Also has tons of Belgian beer and those delicious fries. Hey, look! It’s my neighborhood!

Best Indian - Tiffin Wallah on 28 between Lex and Park. Modern, awesome, inexpensive, vegetarian.

Best Chinese - Grand Sichuan on 33 and Lex. Best Chinese food in NYC. Period.

Best beer bar - Waterfront Ale House at 30 and 2nd Ave. Also has food.

Best Pork - Resto on 29 btwn park and Lex. Also has tons of Belgian beer and those delicious fries.

]]> by: Raina Telgemeier http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3328211 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:23:34 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3328211 Frank's Pizza on 23rd at Lexington is still a nostalgic favorite for a classic New York slice. And while we're at it, here is the frozen custard menu for the Shake Shack this weekend: Thu. Earl Grey Fri. Papaya Sat. Mint Choc. Chip Sun. Berry Nice Frank’s Pizza on 23rd at Lexington is still a nostalgic favorite for a classic New York slice.

And while we’re at it, here is the frozen custard menu for the Shake Shack this weekend:

Thu. Earl Grey
Fri. Papaya
Sat. Mint Choc. Chip
Sun. Berry Nice

]]> by: Liz B. http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3328172 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:02:45 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3328172 Aaah yes I love Roomali! One of the few things I miss about working in that area is all the great Indian food! Don't forget the 7-11 on 23rd Street (a novelty for locals more than the travelers who probably see them all the time - I can't wait to get a Slurpee!). Also I am a big fan of this little Chinese bakery called Jess Bakery on 23rd St between 2nd and 3rd (which I know is a bit far, but still), they have some delightful little cakes and buns. I recommend the Dragon Ball - it's like a red bean bun covered in a crispy layer of sesame seeds and last time I was there it was a DOLLAR! Get five and eat 'em all day! They sell out fast. My favorite egg sandwich in the neighborhood is at the Pax on 23rd and Lex. I don't know why but something about the way they cook the eggs is totally delightful to me. I like it on a croissant with cheese. Aaah yes I love Roomali! One of the few things I miss about working in that area is all the great Indian food!

Don’t forget the 7-11 on 23rd Street (a novelty for locals more than the travelers who probably see them all the time - I can’t wait to get a Slurpee!).

Also I am a big fan of this little Chinese bakery called Jess Bakery on 23rd St between 2nd and 3rd (which I know is a bit far, but still), they have some delightful little cakes and buns. I recommend the Dragon Ball - it’s like a red bean bun covered in a crispy layer of sesame seeds and last time I was there it was a DOLLAR! Get five and eat ‘em all day! They sell out fast.

My favorite egg sandwich in the neighborhood is at the Pax on 23rd and Lex. I don’t know why but something about the way they cook the eggs is totally delightful to me. I like it on a croissant with cheese.

]]> by: dave roman http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3328142 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:56:35 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3328142 I will be at Pick A Bagel. Every day. I will be at Pick A Bagel. Every day.

]]> by: Calista Brill http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3328118 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:48:50 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3328118 Saravanaas at Lex and 26th is my favorite south Indian place in the neighborhood -- dosas the size of your torso, man. Saravanaas at Lex and 26th is my favorite south Indian place in the neighborhood — dosas the size of your torso, man.

]]> by: Jeff Trexler http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3328094 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:41:37 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3328094 Nice overview, one that I'm sure I'll reread with nostalgia in three years when every restaurant around here has been converted to a Chipotle's! And lest we forget, Shake Shack is Danny Meyer 2.0! Nice overview, one that I’m sure I’ll reread with nostalgia in three years when every restaurant around here has been converted to a Chipotle’s!

And lest we forget, Shake Shack is Danny Meyer 2.0!

]]> by: Helpful Hint http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3328060 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:29:24 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3328060 Don't buy weed in Madison Square Park. It's a narc hang out. Don’t buy weed in Madison Square Park. It’s a narc hang out.

]]> by: Red Stapler http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3328027 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:18:00 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/06/03/the-beats-guide-to-mocca-fine-dining/#comment-3328027 The Veggie Burger at New York Burger really can't be praised enough, especially their version of it over salad. Craisins! Yogurt dill dressing! MMMM!! The Veggie Burger at New York Burger really can’t be praised enough, especially their version of it over salad. Craisins! Yogurt dill dressing! MMMM!!

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