Wed 16 May 2007
Vivolo Cucina
138 E. 74th St. (Park & Lexington)/212-717-4700
Weekdays 8am–10pm, Sat 9am–10pm.
The Edge: Reliable northern Italian fare. § Takeout reasonably priced. § “I count on this place.” “Very dull seasoning, and can be overcooked.”
Food & beverages
Takeout
quality style service value: 33 32 32 30
Wed 16 May 2007
Trois Jean
154 E. 79th St. (Lexington & 3rd Aves.)/212-988-4858
Daily noon–10:30pm, (closed Sun July–Aug).
The Edge: Very good traditional French fare. § Takeout dishes include salads, cassoulet, and other traditional items. It’s most famous for desserts, which include tarts, mousse, and crème brjjjjjlèe, plus its chocolate pyramid, a birthday must. No delivery. § “Atmosphere—like a real Parisian bistro.”
Food & beverages
Takeout
quality style service value: 42 42 35 30
Wed 16 May 2007
TriBakery
186 Franklin St. (Greenwich St.)/212-431-1114
Weekdays 7:30am–6pm, Sat 8:30am–4pm.
The Edge: Hollywood casual. § A needed addition to the neighborhood, backed by Robert DeNiro, Bill Murray, and others. At the retail counter in this new neighborhood casual spot, takeout includes baked goods, ice cream, and basic home- cooking items. No delivery. § “Pleasant!”
Food & beverages
Takeout
quality style service value: 40 40 28 32
Wed 16 May 2007
Pranzo Fine Foods
1500 2nd Ave. (78th St.)/212-439-7777
Weekdays 7am–10pm, Sat–Sun 8am–9pm.
The Edge: Takeout favoring standard American and Italian favorites. § For breakfast, more American than Italian, including assorted muffins and smoked-salmon platters. For evening, hors d’oeuvres include smoked-salmon triangles, assorted mini quiches, mini shrimp and crab cakes, and goat cheese bruschetta. Dinner specialties include salads, pastas, and grilled items representing various regional Italian specialties. Keep it simple and it’s okay.
Food & beverages
Takeout
quality style service value: 32 32 37 35
Wed 16 May 2007
Poseidon Bakery
629 9th Ave. (44th & 45th Sts.)/212-757-6173
Tues–Sat 9am–7pm, Sun 10am–4pm.
The Edge: Traditional Greek desserts and dinner items. § Since 1925 has offered dinner pies, including meat and cheese, spinach and feta, spinach, potato, and cabbage and onion, plus party-size appetizers. Always available are 70 different types of streudels. Standard desserts accompany dinner. Find both fresh, handmade and machine-made phyllo dough. Will ship nationwide. Prices are reasonable. § “The only place I can find fresh (not frozen) phyllo dough.”
Food & beverages
Takeout
quality style service value: 36 30 34 36
Wed 16 May 2007
Petite Abeille
107 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.)/212-604-9350
Weekdays 7am–9pm, Sat–Sun 9am–7pm.
The Edge: Waffles you’d dream of. § A Belgian cafe and catering shop. Best known for its multiple waffle options, but also salads, quiches, beef stew, and of course, fabulous chocolate desserts. Delivers locally.
Food & beverages
Takeout
Wed 16 May 2007
Petak’s
1246 Madison Ave. (89th & 90th Sts.)/212-722-7711
Mon–Sat 7:30am–8pm, Sun 9am–8pm.
The Edge: Reliable if ordinary. § Upper Upper East Side takeout which provides okay food. Serves the hard-working overextended families that live in the area. Best for its good breads, simpler salads, and basic desserts.
Food & beverages
Takeout
quality style service value: 20 30 30 30
Wed 16 May 2007
Once Upon a Tart
135 Sullivan St. (Houston St.)/212-387-8869
Weekdays 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–8pm, Sun 9am–6pm.
The Edge: Expensive catering service for mostly corporate clients. § Catering items are primarily salads, soups, and sandwiches served in baskets and platters. The desserts are the best of all, including poached-pear tart and other fruit tarts (whatever’s in season). Individual fruit tarts are $4 to $5. There are a few tables for eating in. § “Simple but nice.”
Food & beverages
Takeout
quality style service value: 40 35 35 30
Wed 16 May 2007
Mitchell London Foods
22A E. 65th St. (Madison & Fifth Aves.)/212-737-2850
Weekdays 8am–7pm, Sat and Sun 9am–6pm.
The Edge: Great home-cooking. § Simple excellent foods. For fine home-cooking, try the roast chicken and mashed potatoes. Good tarts for dessert. You rarely get something here you don’t love.
Food & beverages
Takeout
quality style service value: 42 39 35 38
Wed 16 May 2007
Marche Madison
931 Madison Ave. (74th St.)/212-794-3360
Daily 6:30am–8:30pm.
The Edge: Luncheon treats. § Nice breads and desserts (cookies, brownies) and salads. Mostly a breakfast/lunch place. § “Great breads.”
Food & beverages
Takeout
quality style service value: 40 40 30 20