Those of you following this thread know that Gazelle, formerly known as Gazelle from Hell and Canthearya (and known to me as Gazelle from Hoboken) is coming to New York on May 20, 2003 and looking to have dinner with the New York Dopers.
I thought it would be nice if we could all go out to dinner in Chinatown, and then possibly walk up to Little Italy for dessert.
We’ll be meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, at a Chinatown restaurant to be announced. (The one I was thinking of has too many steps – if anyone knows of a good handicapped-accessible place in Chinatown, I’d love to hear it.)
It is my belief that there is literally not one wheelchair-friendly restaurant in Chinatown. That said, Congee (on Bowery at Grand) has a wheelchair-accessible bathroom and I think the number of stairs to enter is slight – I’ll reconnoiter tomorrow.
I’ve not been there, but the Times and the Voice both had good things to say about it and it’s pretty reasonable price-wise.
Shoot! The SO and I will be in NYC this weekend (May 10-11) so we will have missed meeting the NYC Dopers again (Except for the lovely afternoon tea we shared with Eve and Oxymoron at the Algonquin)
I’m getting really excited about this! Chinese food goooood. I need to watch that Seinfeld episode so I can quote it throughout the meal and annoy everyone.
Pleasantly Vibrating William, thanks again for coordinating this. You make me feel all gooshy inside.
I’d volunteer to look for places myself (considering that I’m the one who needs the accomodations), but I’m truly bogged down with papers and studying for finals - thanks, whomever’s checking it out for me.
There is an excellent, Chinatown-quality restaurant in Chelsea which is located on the ground floor of London Terrace: Grand Sichuan (Zagat food: 23). I can swing by and see if it really is accessible.
We could follow it with a trip four blocks down Ninth Ave to La Bergamote, which is one of the better French pastry shops (Zagat food: 25), albeit tiny. Alternately, there’s the Antiques Cafe on 8th, which is so new it’s not listed anywhere yet, I’ve tried it and it’s good.
It always amazes me how few accessable places there are out there. It’s not you that’s a pain in the ass, Cosmo, but the damn restaurants.
I appreciate the help in locating appropriate places. I’d prefer going into Chinatown itself for the atmosphere and the easy access to Little Italy, but as usual, flexibility will be the key.
Sorry you won’t be able to make it gobear, and I’m looking forward to seeing the rest of you.
I’ve bookmarked this thread, and will bump it if I dont see a new post from Gazell, giving us all the details. Have a great time, and since I’ll be there in July, be sure to give us all the juicy details. I really want to know how the food is, as that is one of the things I’m looking forward to. Be safe, and be happy!
Time for a bump. Spoke with Billdo, who suggested that I present the results of tonight’s location check.
Grand Sichuan has an eminiently wheelchair-friendly entrance - bathroom is unclear.
La Bergamote was, unfortunately, closed when I did my research. But the Antiques Cafe is brand new, open til 1 am on weeknights, and completely accessible. Another option we can check on the way is Rafaella on Ninth, which is at 9th & 21st, it’s also wheelchair accessible.
I’ll be calling Pleasantly Vibrating William tomorrow at his work/home/cell/whatever after I check into the ho and tell. (I had a friend whose daughter called 'em that. Mixing up “show and tell” and “hotel,” I s’pose. I like it.)
(and I’m there, of course)