Oh, and PS: been there, done the crowds, love it. Especially when the word gets round that the authorities are about to come through, and everything mysteriously shuts down. My dil and I take small wads of cash and leave the purses at home. It'll probably drive my husband nuts, but oh well.

We just haven't ever eaten there. Thanks again for the suggestions.

Maybe it's me, but you lost me here.

The area around Canal St. has some storefronts that sell knockoffs. Or "brand name" items that aren't the genuine thing. They get raided periodically. You have to be careful from whom you are buying.

Ah yes, Canal St., home of the Sako and Roullex watches. :-). Actually the whole area around there is full of these junk shops. Even Little Italy. Mulberry St. is pretty much the same as Chinatown now. A lot of the great Italian restaurants are gone. Nowadays when we want good Italian we go to Arthur Ave in the Bronx.

Another tip. Thanks. I just don't get up there enough to keep up. We used to have wonderful Italian just walking into a place we would happen upon.

But do you remember Ferraras for cannolis...in the 80's?? And in Coney Island...Carolina's and in the West Village ...Sevilla? And Ratner's on the lower east side ? And Cheese of All Nations on Chambers Street? This is how we became foodies and most of the places are gone, but what wonderful memories. This was in the 80's and we learned about international foods this way...How about the indian food in 'little india' in the 26th street area? I guess I am showing my age but we did learn to cook ourselves and we are so happy that we had these experiences. I don't think itis possible to duplicate these menus again unless you can do it at home.

Welcome to Talk of New York

u crack me up!

You're a good egg!

Our favorite is also Bamboo Bisto, however we have been Koyami several times and fund the food very good, service very good and attitude just fine.I don't need atmosphere if the food is good at a good price, but that's me. They couldn't do enough to make sure our dinners were good. Sakura is also good but I thought service was very slow and prices a little high for what you got. Food was good though. That said no one compares to Bamboo Bistro!

It is also what's so bad with TOTV. Not staying on topic.

Pffffffffffffffffft! :D

Our favorite Chinese restaurant in or around TV. Mongolian beef is my favorite and we have always found the wait staff and the owner to be gracious.

we will try them sometimes good food is hard to find...are they a chain?