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Father's Day Restaurant: Dovetail vs. Craft

post #1 of 9
6/15/11 at 5:59pm
Thread Starter 
On short notice, we found out my parents are going to be coming up to NYC for Father's Day weekend. We had to very quickly make dinner reservations, so our choices are limited. However, we came up with two decent options: Dovetail and Craft.

I've been to Dovetail before and very much enjoyed it. One of the better meals I've had in NYC and I'd highly recommend it to anyone. Additionally, it's in our neighborhood so it's extra convenient.

Craft, we've never tried, but have wanted to for some time. Location is not quite as convenient, but that doesn't matter so much.

The one kicker is that my dad doesn't eat meat, so we want to pick a place where he'll have plenty of seafood and vegetable options. Thoughts? Thanks.
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post #2 of 9
6/15/11 at 6:18pm
When I lived on the UWS I ate at Dovetail relatively frequently. Now I live in Queens and work downtown and Craft is my go to spot when I want simple, well-prepared food (actually I had dinner there last night). If with a group of more than 2 (as you will be), I give the edge to Craft. Ordering a number of dishes (right not the agnolotti, hen of the woods mushrooms, and octopus* are my favorite of the seafood and vegetable options) and sharing at Craft is a real treat: upscale family dining at its best (at least in NYC). I think the desserts at Craft are a bit better than those at Dovetail as well (the rhubard crisp is my current favorite -- though it is a love or hate thing -- and I also like the clafoutis and the cherry tart a lot, as well as the rhubarb sorbet). All that said, you really can't go wrong with either of those choices. If you end up at Craft, I am pretty darn familiar with the menu as well as the drink offerings so feel free to pm with any pre-dinner questions. *The octopus has a sausage component that is easily eaten around for vegetarians (i.e., not in a sauce and in large discernible bites) and is one of the best components of the dish, so don't ask for it prepared without.
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post #3 of 9
6/15/11 at 6:31pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks, nm. Craft sounds pretty promising--particularly for a family meal. How's the wine list compare to Dovetail's?
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post #4 of 9
6/15/11 at 7:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mafoofan View Post
Thanks, nm. Craft sounds pretty promising--particularly for a family meal. How's the wine list compare to Dovetail's?

Sadly, I don't recall Dovetail's list well enough to make a comparison, and don't want to simply make a best guess. I will say that the Craft wine list (http://www.craftrestaurant.com/craft_wine_list.php ) is relatively accessible, there are a number of strong (if a tad expensive) options by the glass, and some good options under $100 for bottles.
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post #5 of 9
6/15/11 at 7:23pm
I am guessing your family is not staying through Monday? Only reason I ask is because Dovetail does a vegetarian tasting on Monday's. One half of the menu is strictly vegetarian while the other half has seafood. Sounds like it would be right up your dad's alley.
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post #6 of 9
6/15/11 at 7:26pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Axelman 17 View Post
I am guessing your family is not staying through Monday? Only reason I ask is because Dovetail does a vegetarian tasting on Monday's. One half of the menu is strictly vegetarian while the other half has seafood. Sounds like it would be right up your dad's alley.

Yeah, we noticed that. No, they're leaving Sunday. On the other hand, such would suggest they are more than capable of pulling off a satisfactory fish/vegetable meal.
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post #7 of 9
6/15/11 at 7:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mafoofan View Post
Yeah, we noticed that. No, they're leaving Sunday. On the other hand, such would suggest they are more than capable of pulling off a satisfactory fish/vegetable meal.

Agreed. Monday tasting aside, I would still opt for Dovetail over Craft, dishes are more interesting and I enjoy the room more. I would only go with Craft if you thought the straight ahead to food would appeal to your dining companions ie they tend toward simpler food.
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post #8 of 9
6/20/11 at 12:50pm
Thread Starter 
Just to update: we wound up at Dovetail simply because it was more covenient at the time. Food was fantasic--just as good as I my earlier experience there. The pistacchio-crusted duck was a standout. The salmon was the weak link in the five-course tasting menu we did--perfectly competent and not at all bad, but forgettable compared to the rest of the meal.
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post #9 of 9
6/20/11 at 1:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mafoofan View Post
Just to update: we wound up at Dovetail simply because it was more covenient at the time. Food was fantasic--just as good as I my earlier experience there. The pistacchio-crusted duck was a standout. The salmon was the weak link in the five-course tasting menu we did--perfectly competent and not at all bad, but forgettable compared to the rest of the meal.

glad to hear that you enjoyed your meal and that one of my old favorites is still putting out high quality food.
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