The Green Table
This is a restaurant in Chelsea Market that is committed to using organic ingredients. It's a cute little place, with only a few tables, but reasonably priced.
We went there yesterday after some gallery-hopping. While we were having lunch, though, Todd started to feel nauseated, so I had to wolf down my food (a meatloaf sandwich with a sweet and spicy tomato chutney and mustardy coleslaw) so we could go. But we'll definitely go back. We like to spend our free time visiting galleries in the area and I never know where to eat. (Todd is feeling better, and it wasn't the chicken pot pie. It's much more likely that he was sick with disappointment about the photography exhibits we saw that morning. Nothing outstanding, although I really liked the series of tract houses and old barns at Robert Mann galleries, and the 360 degree views of famous sites like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Louvre at Laurence Miller were kind of interesting.)
We'll go back? Really? The menu was almost nonexistent and there have to be other, better spots in the neighborhood. I know I owe it to you, but...
Argh! I really want to try this place for a long time, we finally go, but you get sick and I don't get to enjoy my meal. Yes, you do owe me. There were about three things on that menu that I really wanted to try. (It was sort of light, girly food, the kinds of things Todd doesn't consider "real food" and I always want to have.)
For the consumate Chelsea experience, skip this new-agey, organic nonsense and head to the Eros diner at the corner of 7th Avenue and 21st St. There, if you're a guy, you'll be greeted by a hale and hearty, "How are you, Chief (or Boss, and if you become a regular possibly Baby)?" While you'll find it hard to make up your mind from the extensive menu, the chocolate chip pancakes are exquisite. With the addition of sidewalk dining this summer, the Eros has become de rigeur as the place to see and be seen in this fab Manhattan neighborhood. See you there!
The meatpacking district is not far away, and there are lots of restaurants around there. One place I've wanted to try but have not eaten at yet is Paradou (paradounyc.com).
Well, Bubba, it sounds absolutely divine. It's funny, but I have a coworker who also raves about Eros (he has made it to "Baby" status there). It's entirely possible that you two have been there at the same time. (Another coincidence, you share the same e-mail address.)
The menu at Paradou sounds great, although Todd's not big on French (I'm used to dragging him places he doesn't want to go, though). I'll have to keep it in mind.
There's a place on 10th Ave, maybe at 17th or 18th, that has a huge patio-like area. It's always empty, though, which doesn't seem like a good sign.