Have I mentioned lately how much I love answering your reader questions? Please, please keep them coming — the more niche, surprising and specific, the better. I want to know exactly what you’re looking to eat, who you’ll be with and the vibes you crave. Drop ‘em in this form, send them over email at [email protected], or keep an eye on my Instagram stories for prompts.
Ah, another Lincoln Center question
Looking for a great place to eat before attending a show at Lincoln Center. One person is gluten free. — Diane
Great places near Lincoln Center is one request we’ll never stop getting, so I’m always excited when I have a new answer to offer you. After a recent ballet matinee, I had a lovely dinner at the Columbus Circle location of Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill. The sushi is what you’d expect: a long list of maki, nigiri or sashimi (divided by Pacific and Atlantic fish), special rolls (I loved one with salmon, yellowtail and tuna) and a few chef’s choice platters. And — I just called to double check — they have gluten-free soy sauce.
308 West 58th Street (8th Avenue)
Festivities for forty-somethings
Best spot to celebrate a 40th birthday with a large group? And after party bars for that age group. — Allison
Happy birthday to you! Or to whomever you’re writing on behalf of! I’m not sure how big of a group we’re talking, but anytime I hear “group dinner,” I think Leo. They’ve got plenty of long tables, indoor and outdoor, and the vibes are festive but the volume never feels like an assault. Pizza is, famously, the best party food, and you can’t miss with any of the sourdough pies here. If it were my party, I’d order a few of the San Guiseppe with spicy sausage and onions, a couple rich white clam pies, and some margheritas for the less adventurous. Caesar salads, oiled-up butter beans and spritzes all around.
Then, and this is the best part, you’re in a great area for barhopping: The Quarter Club is right across the street if you want a pseudo-dive with screens, Maracuja has a pool table and Nightmoves takes big group reservations for their (age-appropriate!) club and light-up dance floor.
123 Havemeyer Street (Grand Street)
Date night within your budget? That’s amore.
Date idea for someone who was laid off and poor but doesn’t want to deter the classy ladies. — Smith
Oh, man. I hope this period is short-lived for you, and you’ve got plenty of support. Even when you’re back in the working world, I think you’ll appreciate Malatesta Trattoria in the West Village, a restaurant that’s charming, sneakily romantic, and, the best part, all of the pastas are sub-$20. A meal of grilled calamari, an arugula salad, penne all’arrabbiata and veal meatballs will run you about $67, and most carafes of house red wine are less than $30. And, as a bonus, you’re just a block away from Pier 45, and taking a walk by the water after dinner is as romantic — and free — as it gets.
649 Washington Street (Christopher Street)
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