Customer Reviews

Mike Colameco's Food Lover's Guide to New York City

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an amazing book that both New Yorkers and visitors should have, a food bible of where to eat. Each review is like a personal recommendation from Mike Colameco who not only is sending you to great places, he is telling you what is best on the menu. From the most well known, to the places you couldn't discover in years of eating in New York, Mike leads you from neighborhood to neighborhood, food places of every cuisine and price. This book will please the most adventurous eaters and those who just don't know where to go.
It's obvious that the author has spent years of eating to fill this book with all these incredible spots and that he is the ultimate food lover sharing the best with his readers.

Mike Colameco reviews restaurants, wine bars, food stores, etc. with his usual straight-on comments: although he has years of chef/reviewer experience, we listen to him because he seems to get to what will appeal to the "foodie" looking for real advice. Other reviewers can expound on their knowledge of products and methods, but he knows what will entice the searcher - why is this place special? Even though Mike sometimes admits that this neighborhood or that kind of preparation aren't his thing, we still get an honest overview of what to expect. He's sent us to many places because he's made them seem so appealing, and we're even willing to try some places (e.g. ethnic menus, etc.) that we wouldn't have thought of! On his PBS show, we always know when the chef has "hit the spot" when Mike tilts his head and smiles! This book puts it all on the page - now he needs to update it every year!

Mike Colameco has written a book that can best be described as a tour of NYC through food. He takes you into the restaurants, gives you background on the chef and staff, and good advice on the selection and ordering of food. It is a foodie's answer to dining in NYC. I have used this guide 3 times since I ordered the book and have not been disappointed with the restaurant selections. Buy this book for yourself and then purchase another 1 as a gift. It would make a nice hostess gift for those upcoming holiday parties. Thank you Mike!

Mike Colameco's Food Lover's Guide To NYC is the "take-out" menu for New York City. When visiting the city, even for the day, this culinary manual should always be a companion. The book will take you to every place you will want to eat. Trust It! Mike knows how to cook, and believe me - he certainly knows how to eat.

This gem of a book has been a long time in the making, and hopefully, Mike will bring us more of what he has to offer.. Mike has a great connection to New York and everything food, just watch his PBS show. His love and passion for food, fun, and knowledge, almost blow the binding off this book!! Just to get a grasp on what New York offers, foodwise, is a major undertaking. This book is the War and Peace for New York dining, a volume that is a must have for any 'foodie', or someone looking for overt and covert dining experiences, or just Mikes wit and charisma!!

Colameco's Food Show on PBS, and his Food Talk show on WOR. 710AM, have been a staple in my home. Mike has a way through his gift of communicating to the viewer, listener, and know reader, a humble, but informative grasp on what food lovers want in a broadcast. His nonsense approach to his craft has given him the drivers seat in the New York culinary world. I don't think I would buy this book if Mikes name was'nt on the cover. He's not a critic, he's just like you and me, and wants to share his knowledge of food with everyone.

In a word, Mike is New Yorks food scene "Foot Soldier", a man of the people!! What more could you want in life in New York than great food, great wine, laughter, and the occasional guitar chord!! Mike has earned his due, this guide will not disappoint!!

....and as Mike would say, "eat well at every occasion"!!

[...] I think as New Yorkers we owe it to Mike to put into practice what he has given us and try to form some small groups to do what he does and get out there and experience this great resource. Or if your a single female, looking for a date, that would be a great way to break in Mikes book!!

Think of all the laughs, and maybe we can get him to join us sometime!!

See ya out there!!

While this is probably the best current book on NYC food, beware that it only contains listings within Manhattan. As any serious NYC food lover knows, some of the best chow in NYC is in the Outer Boroughs. I still recommend this book for the great detail on what's available in Manhattan. However, it is odd to have completely omitted the awesome chow in The Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island and especially Queens.

I found most of the reviews in the book to be refreshingly honest. Not only does the author make recommendations on what to buy, he notes if certain items are over-hyped and nothing special.

It should be noted that several of the shops included went out of business before the book was published (e.g. Payard Patisserie). That is an unavoidable fact for any book trying to cover this high-turnover industry in Manhattan. These books tend to be outdated with a couple of years. Make sure you call and verify that a business is still open.

I really hope that Mike Colameco will write a book covering each of the other boroughs with the same attention that he has devoted to Manhattan.

Mike Colameco gives you an in-depth review of many restaurants in New York City. He was once a chef and the reviews are very detailed. He also includes markets and restaurants for many different budgets.

I faithfully watch Mike's food show on NJN Public television. I bought the book when I found out about it. After reading it, I bought one for my two daughters to share when they visit New York City. I read it off and on for pleasure. Mike is down-to-earth, well-read, and a literate describer of the food neighborhoods of New York. I don't go to NYC often, but now I have a real food resource. When I go there for a day or a weekend, I need to know where I am going to eat, otherwise I am overwhelmed. I do check the city restaurant guide and am always reassured by the Zagaat sign. However, Mike's book is more useful because it covers a range of tastes and prices. I appreciate his index of restaurants by price and by location. I would not mind having a simple map of Manhattan labeling the neighborhoods tucked in there somewhere just to orient us outsiders. I can always get the address information online. Another great feature is his guide to the markets and specialty stores.

What a great guide to the perfect place to eat or go shopping for food in NYC. My husband and I are fans of Mike Colameco and find his judgement about restaurants to be very similar to ours. We use the guide and have bought it as a gift for family members.
I especially enjoy his personal comments, historical references and suggestions for outstanding menu items at the restaurants. It is well worth the price and a sure way of having a good meal in New York.

If you are interested in NYC restaurants, this is the resource for you. A chef himself, the author looks at restaurants as a patron and a chef. In each restaruant reviewed, Mike Colameco gives you the chef's background, the kitchen, ambience, and, of course, the food information in great detail. I never make reservations without referring to this book.