LOVE Artisanal! Happy to go wherever is most convenient for most. I'll be in the high 50's and Madison.

Eliz

I'm game too. I live in midtown east.

Could work for me and DH, too! Will know better as we get closer to the date. Keep us posted.

Hope the weather cooperates--please let it be all snowed out by now!!!

What about an early-ish lunch, like 12:15 on Sat? Should give us plenty of time.

Midtown is usually most central -- there are a ton of places midtown west or east. In the past, we've gone to sort of moderate places that can manage a big group but it depends on how many can make it.

Also, do we want to do anything after? Will throw out a thought for Whole Foods (though it's very busy and super casual) or somewhere else in the Time Warner Center, Columbus Circle, since there's a huge Williams Sonoma there where we can drool on the La Cornues.

Alternately, there's the Union Square area with kitchen & tile showrooms nearby.

I like Artisinal but both the rug district and 200 Lex, which are nearby, are closed on Sat.

I'd also suggest Eataly, which is my newest obsession, but it will be the world's biggest zoo on a Sat.

Anything in mind Eliz?

I'm in Manhattan and apart from the East Village I'm willing to go anywhere.

There is a place in Manhattan that sells upscale gourmet food and supposedly gives out tons of free samples as you walk around. I'll look it up again and let you know.
Early in the day would eliminate any chance of working. Due to our budget overload, I need to at least be able to work most of each weekend day until we catch back up. I will have to make the next one :(

I'm always up for the meatpacking district. But, beyond the food, the next biggest attraction in that area is the High Line -- not exactly the best place for an after-brunch group outing in February! (Still, a great location for a summer NYC TKO brunch, I would think)

Roc, I was just at Williams-Sonoma at the Circle yesterday! They are having a 25% off rug sale (ending today) but, alas. The rug I'm looking for was not there. :-(

As for other places, I'm open but especially to those locations that are near major transport hubs.

ohhh I love Artisanal! I'd weigh so much if I lved in NYC. Have fun!

I think Artisinal came to mind because I am trying to channel that feel for my house!

ABC carpet's restaurant (forget the "new" name) is also yummy, and of course a great spot for decor eye candy.

But since I'm driving in from CT location doesn't matter to me and I defer to the locals. Whole Foods at Columbus Circle has a place to eat, does it not? Never been.

marthav -- you know I am waiting to see "the" rug your eventually find. For me, right now, there is a moratorium on rugs, shoes and dishware. LOL

I'll be in Conneticut at an art opening in which I have 5 pieces. Sorry to miss it.
Rayna

Rayna ~~~ waving ~~~ so sorry to miss you and your sweet DH.

Yes, WF Columbus has a giganto self-service set up with pizza, sushi, hot tables, salad bars etc etc. Went there when mindstorm was in town (perhaps she'll join us!) and if there are enough of us we can pin down tables. Very busy, inexpensive. Though arguably, not as comfy as a quieter place with reservations. There's also Red Eye Grill and Trattoria dell'Arte (more upscale) opposite Carnegie Hall and other places farther west (towards theater district) and east.

But since we're all usually here and elizpiz is coming in, she should really be the one to say what she wants to eat.

trattoria dell arte? thats still around? the place with the giant body parts?

Hi all!

Exciting! Lots of interest and all about my favourite topic - where to eat :-). I'm sorry about the people I won't have a chance to meet (waving to dianalo and raynag). I'm in NYC a fair bit for business - usually during the week - so I've been able to try lots of places. But of course there's nothing like a native NYer to give recommendations. Where I'm a little more sketchy is on the topic of where to go afterwards, if others are so inclined.

I was originally thinking ABC Carpet area (mtnrdredux, the restaurant is ABC Kitchen and it's fab, and name appropriate!), because you have ABC, plus Fishes Eddy and I think Design Within Reach is close by? In terms of restaurants, I love Locanda Verde and it might be a fun place to try for lunch. Depends, as Rococo has said on whether people want cheap and cheerful or what. Certainly don't want to impose a place that's more than what everyone wants to spend for a casual lunch. And of course that may not be close to *anything* else (Flatiron district).

Bottom line is I love everything (sadly), will eat anywhere and am more jazzed about meeting everyone so I will go with the flow. Maybe we can start with a tally of how many "yeses" to give us an idea of how much room we'll need, and if everyone's okay with 12:15 pm as Rococo suggested (that works for me).

Eliz

Per this thread there are 4 yes (mtnr, marthavila, blondelle, moi) and 2 maybes (catmom + dh) so with you eliz that looks like 7.

Last time we talked about this marthavila had suggested Spice Market, in the meat packing district. It's a very cool place but like Locanda Verde also not near kitchen showrooms.

But sounds like you don't care about the after eliz. So what's your pleasure? Locanda?

Oh gee. I hadn't realized I had mentioned Spice Market before. I really do like that place, don't I? lol. BTW, as a Brooklyn girl, can I also stir the pot of suggestions with mention of (insert an "ahem" and drum roll here). . . a bridge crossing? Maybe to Williamsburg? To someplace like Marlow and Sons perhaps?

Okay. On a more serious note, I repeat that I am open to just about any dining experience with the GW TKOs. Never been to Locanda Verde but that sounds like a great choice as well as a great occasion to check it out!

I sure am sorry I won't be up there that week. My brother's apt is across the street from Trattoria dell'Arte. Would have been fun to see old and new faces. Maybe next time. I will be in the city in early July. Hey Rayna...it has been SO long since we had lunch with you and your DH ! And Martha...and rococo..sigh...c

It's a date and we have a winner!

MV, the restaurant gods have spoken :-). I called ABC Kitchen, Locanda Verde and Spice Market and the only place that was able to accommodate us was Spice Market for 12:30 for 7 ppl.

C, so sorry we will miss you! One day, I swear...

Really looking forward to this! I will send a reminder out in advance and pls feel free to email me with any changes/cancellations. More people are welcome to join in if they can.

Eliz

Terrific. I am going on vacation at the end of this week and wont be back until the 24th. Should I look for updates here? Or give you my email or?

Hmm, thats interesting, i just noticed --- you can add your email to your member page? I will have to do that.

Sounds great to me, Eliz! But, before we seal this deal, I Just want everyone to know that the cuisine of Spice Market is inspired by Southeast Asian street food:

http://www.spicemarketnewyork.com/menus.php

As you can tell, I love this place -- the food, the ambiance, service -- everything about it. I highly recommend it. But if you are not up for a Southeast Asian culinary adventure, in the meatpacking district, please speak up now!

Caroline -- we will always save a place for you at the NYC TKO table whenever you come back to the Big Apple! Meanwhile, not to worry: we'll be sure to raise a symbolic glass to you on the 26th! :-)

Here is a link that might be useful: Spice Market

That is sweet Martha ! The menu looks fantastic ! Next time eliz.c

Darn.... I'm thinking of coming up to visit my boys sometime toward mid March. OH WELL... maybe next time!

So, inquiring minds would like to know if the res for Saturday at 12:30 at Spice Market is under elizpiz and if not??

Anyone else planning to attend?

403 W 13 at 9th Ave. (courtesy of my genius button)

I'm still down. Any more TKOers who wish to join our lunch group are more than welcome! Just speak up asap so that we can be sure the reservation numbers are right.

If you are driving, I suggest you come a bit early. Finding a parking space in that location, especially on a Saturday afternoon can be tough. Somehow or other, though, I've always managed to find a spot on Washington Street right around the corner. (Washington is a little cobblestone street Between 9th and 10th Aves.

BTW, Eliz, if you haven't already done so, someone needs to call Spice Market and request an especially good seating for our "special"group. (I've previously done this as a member of Open Table and it has made a real difference.) In this case, it probably wouldn't hurt to tell them that we're a web-based affinity group that includes professional bloggers, interior designers, kitchen designers and cooks. :-)

Thanks, Roc, for the genius button!

Hi MV, Roc, elizpiz catmom et al
Rocs told me about this get together and suggested I think about popping down to nyc for it. I think I would like to join in the meet and greet. I'll be coming in from Boston so will get an early(ish) start to be in NYC by 11:30 or so. Should be able to be at the restaurant by the witching hour.

So hope there is room for a straggler. Really looking fwd to meeting you all.

The more the merrier mindstorm!

Hey gang!

Okay, here's the count I have so far (based on posts above):

- Rococo
- Martha
- Catmom + DH
- Mtnrdredux
- Blondelle
- Mindstorm (happy to have you!!)
- Moi

...for a grand total of 8. Did I miss anyone?

Mtnrdredux doesn't have email enabled on her page and she's away until the 24th so hopefully she'll check in here when she comes back. I've emailed Blondelle to see if she's still in.

Martha, thks for the tips! I will call SM. The reservation is under Pizzinato.

Eliz

yay mindstorm!

Bumping this to get the final headcount...feel free to email me off line from My Page.

Eliz

Are all the NYC TKOs, et al. on board now? Zeebee told me yesterday that she's joining us. And Mindstorm too? Woo hoo! Anyone else? Last call!

Hi ElizPiz,

Just got back from vacation today. I am planning to come on Saturday. I will email you as well. Thanks again for arranging!

On train en route now. Sorry I didnt email, eliz, but was busy to check in here for updates until now. Oh well; too late to turn back. See you in a few.

We'll try to leave on time--late night (coffee should kick in soon!).

See ya later!

I'm on my way! See you in . . . well a few New York minutes!

Well - where are the pictures!?

One of these days I'm going to get to NYC to meet and greet Roc. Expect to see a few of you too!

Allison

There were many cameras flashing, lemme tell you (but not mine) - anyone going to post? Thanks Elizpiz for setting it up and for our party favors. It was SO GREAT to meet you all.

I just knew if I looked at this thread today there would be pictures! I'm going to print them off so I can visualize as I read posts. Thanks all!!

It's so good to put faces with the names! Thanks for posting the pictures.

Next time I will be there! You guys look great and look like you had a great time! Soooo jealous!

Wish I could have been there! It's great to put faces to names. So glad you guys had a chance to meet and have fun! You had a lot of company with you in spirit!

I didn't take any photos, but in honor of ElizPiz and the lovely group I will share my favorite dessert recipe. Eliz gave us all one of her faves!

It was adapted from two different recipes. (all art is derivative). Very yummy and impressive. Hope it doesn't get weird when I cut and paste ....

Pear Quince Tarts with Salted Caramelized Pistachio Brittle
Yield: Serves 12
Ingredients
1 sheet (about 10 by 12 in.) frozen puff pastry (14-oz. package), thawed (I use DuFour)
3-5 ripe yet not mushy pears, I prefer Bartlett
About 1/3-1/2 cup quince paste
1 large egg, beaten
About 2 tbsp. raw sugar
1/2 pint whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 375. Lightly butter 2 large baking sheets. On a floured surface with a floured rolling pin, roll out pastry to 16 by 18 in. Cut pastry in thirds lengthwise and in half crosswise. Cut in half again crosswise. With a wide spatula, transfer the 12 rectangles to baking sheets.
2. Core pears and cut into ~1/4" thick slices; do not peel. Arrange, slightly overlapping, on pastry rectangles, leaving a ~1/2" border bare (angle slices if necessary). Use at least 1/4 pear for each tart, or as much as half a pear. Warm the quince paste (carefully and briefly on a low setting) in a microwave oven to melt, then brush over pears. Fold border over edge of pears, stretching slightly and pressing down to hold. Brush edges with egg, then sprinkle sugar over tarts, especially pastry edges.
3. Bake until pastries are browned, 25 to 30 minutes.
4. Whip 1/2 pint of fresh whipping cream and 1t vanilla extract, just until stiff peaks form.
5. Serve tarts warm or room temp with pistachio brittle (see below) on the top, and whipped cream on the side.

Salted Caramelized Pistachio Brittle

Servings: Yields 2 cups

Ingredients
1 cup salted whole roasted shelled pistachios
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt (very important to the flavor)

Directions
1. Line a baking sheet with foil or waxed paper. Butter the foil or waxed paper.
2. Microwave the nuts on high for 1 minute so they will be warm when you add them to the caramel.
3. Pour 1/2 cup water into a heavy 3-quart saucepan. Pour the sugar and salt in the center of the pan and pat it down just until evenly moistened (there should be clear water all around the sugar). Cover the pan and cook over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves, 2 to 4 minutes. Uncover and cook without stirring until the syrup begins to color slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook, swirling the pot gently if the syrup colors unevenly.
4. When the caramel is a pale to medium yellow, about 3 minutes more, add the warm nuts. With a heatproof silicone spatula, stir gently and slowly to coat the nuts with caramel. Continue to cook until a bead of caramel dribbled onto a white plate is reddish amber, about 3 minutes more. Immediately scrape the mixture onto the baking sheet and spread it as thin as you can before it hardens. When the caramel is slightly cooled but still warm, slide the foil or wax paper with the caramel nuts into a zip-top plastic bag and seal the bag. Cool completely. Chop or crush.

NOTE The the timing to make this varies widely with the btu of your burner, gas vs electric, etc. Hang in there if it takes longer. Watch it like a hawk in case it takes less.

What a great looking group! Wish I could have been there!

how did i miss this??? i've been down with a head cold, so i guess i would have been out anyway, but again, HOW DID I MISS THIS?

so sad. do it again!!!

thanks for the pics! you guys look like you had a great time!

This is so cool! I hope everyone had a great time! Thanks for sharing all the pictures!

Next I think we need a Jersey/Pennsylvania/Delaware gathering....

Looks like it was a ton of fun! GWebbers are apparently a great looking bunch. Love putting the faces to the GW handle. Thanks for sharing all the pics.

I love to see these pictures, looks like u all had a great time! I saw the thread as the plans were being made... And I LOVED Spice Market the one time I ate there, but I had a house warming party I could not miss. Next NYC meet I hope I will be able to attend!

How was the food at SM? I hope it's still good!!

Glad everyone had a good time. I agree - a great looking bunch! Thanks for sharing photos.

hellonasty--it was yummy!!!

Wow! This is so great. It looks like you all had a fabulous time. Jane you look terrific! And mindstorm! Finally a face to the name!

Ivette