A Few Surprises in 2009 Zagat Guide

Daily News' Bob Kappstatter and Tanyanika Samuels share the 2009 Zagat mentions with us in today's paper.

We were actually more surprised by who did not make the list this year after being featured last year. Firstly, the hugely popular Bruckner Bar & Grill failed to get one of the coveted Zagat listings for 2009. Wonder what happened there... Has anyone noticed any change in service/ownership/food quality there?

The second snub which surprised us was Willie's Steak House on Westchester Avenue. BoogieDowner contributor Simone Davis actually recently did a review of Willie's and raved about it. Any idea from long-time Willie's devotees as to why they'd not get a mention this year?

Not hugely surprising was Roberto Paciullo's latest hot spot, Zero Otto Nove, getting a nice write-up. BoogieDowner actually doesn't understand all the buzz around this place... the food is good, but the cavernous and sort of loud atmosphere reminds us of a kitschy Long Island restaurant. Plus, it also kind of comes off as a spot created specifically as a back-up for all us commoners who don't feel like waiting 2 hours next to a gaggle rich old ladies from Connecticut for a table at the original Roberto's around the block.

Your thoughts on the Zagat findings?

*Photo of Roberto Paciullo outside of Zero Otto Nove courtesy of Bob Kappstatter/Daily News*

~ErLu

Listing of the Day: Belmont Rental

693 E. 189th Street 2 Bedrrom 1 Bath - $1125/mo

Split this rent with a friend and you live in a fun neighborhood with food and cafes and great culinary shopping for $562.50 a month! Can you even get parking for that in Harlem?

Belmont is very close to the Bronx Zoo and the NY Botanical Garden for fun. The BX12 bus runs down Fordham Rd. to the B/D at Grand Concourse and further to the 4 at Jerome Ave. And hey, since you'll be saving so much money on rent, why not treat yourself to a Metro-North ticket at the Fordham stop at Fordham Rd. and Webster Ave. and be in Grand Central in 18 minutes?

Fordham University is also a neighborhood presence with tons of cultural things to offer, and lectures, and lots of goofy white kids in the neighborhood. Another added bonus from Fordham University, on top of stability, beauty and top notch education it brings to the hood, is A-10 division one hoops. Season tickets for Rams basketball are only $195 (another great way to spend all that extra cash).

This apartment is in Belmont and close to 187th and Arthur Avenue, which are great stretches lined with cafes, restaurants and pastry shops. My favorite 187th restaurant is Tra Di Noi, but to be honest if you lived here you would be REQUIRED to go to Emilia's on Arthur Ave. - simply the best! And try to get a table at Mayor Bloomberg's beloved Roberto's on Crescent Ave. - very good, but in my opinion, a tad overrated.

Save money, have fun, eat well, rent in Belmont.

Full Listing

~ErLu

Listing of the Day: Rental Steal in Little Italy

2311 Beaumont - 2 bedrooms, 1 bath $1250

Split this rent with a friend and you live in a fun neighborhood with food and cafes and great culinary shopping for $625 a month! Can you even get parking for that in Harlem? Belmont is very close to the Bronx Zoo and the NY Botanical Garden for fun. The BX12 bus runs down Fordham Rd. to the B/D at Grand Concourse and further to the 4 at Jerome Ave. And hey, since you'll be saving so much money on rent, why not treat yourself to a Metro-North ticket at the Fordham stop at Fordham Rd. and Webster Ave. and be in Grand Central in 18 minutes?

Fordham University is also a neighborhood presence with tons of cultural things to offer, and lectures, and lots of goofy white kids in the neighborhood. Another added bonus from Fordham University, on top of stability, beauty and top notch education it brings to the hood, is A-10 division one hoops. Season tickets for Rams basketball are only $190 (another great way to spend all that extra cash).

This apartment is in Belmont just off of 187th street (the southern edge of this block is 183rd, the northern 187th - don't ask why), which is a great stretch lined with cafes, restaurants and pastry shops. My favorite 187th restaurant is Tra Di Noi, but to be honest if you lived here you would be REQUIRED to go to Emelia's (no fancy inter-web link, but they don't need one. It's that good.) on Arthur Ave. - simply the best! And try to get a table at Mayor Bloomberg's beloved Roberto's on Crescent Ave. - very good, but in my opinion, a tad overrated.

Save money, have fun, eat well, rent in Belmont.

There is no fee for this apartment because the company actually owns it.

There is an open house tomorrow (Tues. Aug 19th from 6-7pm). Check it out and report back.

Full Listing

~ErLu