Eating at Café Chelsea. NYC. Does this Popular French Bistro live up to the Hype?

[@zeniaclarissa7091]

You’re the only food vlogger that I trust whole-heartedly. You’ve got that humble, real, raw, and relaxing vibe that made you stand out from others! Pls don’t ever lose that. Love your channel, James! ❤️

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words!

[@ej5284]

I’ve put a ton of places on my NYC bucket list without fear or anxiety thanks to your channel. Thank you for sharing your experiences!

[@Jamesnu]

Nice! Thank you for watching!

[@infinitelimitlesslightx5437]

I get anxiety too ❤

[@daviddawes293]

Why do you have anxiety?? I’m a lifelong new yorker and don’t let the sensationalized news stories scare you.. it’s nothing like what they want you to believe..

[@ej5284]

@@daviddawes293 because I like to plan out my trips meticulously and you don’t know how a good a restaurant is always by yelp reviews.

[@TheDvreyna1975]

Just had lunch at Le Coucou due to your glowing review and I was Blown Away!

[@Jamesnu]

Awesome! I'm glad that you enjoyed it!

[@wendyred37]

I just started watching your videos; I really enjoy them.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! That makes me happy to hear!

[@bjammin187]

Always enjoy your food experiences. You are a true connoisseur. Congrats on 50k

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much!

[@GaddZZooks]

I think I’ve said it before, but you bring a quality to food reviews that is reminiscent of the golden age of the Food Network.👍

[@Jamesnu]

I appreciate the kind words! Thank you so much!

[@Galaxyngc7331]

Your channel is rapidly growing because your videos are awesome. You will be at 100,000 soon. Please keep doing what you are doing. Love your videos!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the support!

[@beetroot48]

Congratulations, James, on reaching 50k subscribers!🎉 As one of your fans who has followed you for some time, I’m so proud of how you’ve grown your channel with solid restaurant reviews delivered in style. You’re a fine gentleman.

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks so much! I appreciate the kind words!

[@54diggerdown]

Very nice of you to say thank you. It shows that you put a lot of time into maintaining and even improving your production qualities. I started watching while laid up after knee surgery and never stopped. I've even shared some of your videos. Thanks again

[@Jamesnu]

@@54diggerdown Thank you so much for the support!

[@pattiannharris4659]

I loved your smile while you were enjoying that chocolate souffle!

[@Jamesnu]

It was hard not to smile when the souffle was so good!

[@chefahi1299]

Here’s to 100K Sir, have a feeling it’ll come sooner than later. Love it.

[@jamesj5612]

yes there are certain other reviewers with millions of subscribers who just set up a camera with no editing other than music and keep spamming the word "umami".

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the support!

[@DeeDeeH20]

What a gorgeous meal and the ambiance was beautiful.

[@Jamesnu]

It was a great looking restaurant for sure!

[@amybishop9787]

Great news about the 50k subscribers - definitely deserved, I’ve dipped into a few other restaurant review channels and turned off very quickly, yours is, in my opinion, the best

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much!

[@ryanlong1]

Congrats on the achievement! My 4 year old twins love food shows and yours are a go to. Good lighting, edited well, and never any questionable material. Even a less than stellar experience is presented kindly.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much! That makes me happy to hear!

[@MegaJacques1234]

Another great job James...wonder if they had a staple beef bourginon, which is a must at a good French bistro. Congrats on the viewership - your channel is growing exponentially and will continue to! Keep 'em coming!

[@Jamesnu]

@@MegaJacques1234 Thank you!

[@ebboy5]

Nice review! I visited Cafe Chelsea earlier this year and enjoyed myself. For the most fabulous roast chicken, head on over to Le Gratin; one of Daniel Boulud's restaurants. The half bird was succulent, ever so juicy, and well seasoned. It came with a FULL SIZE dish of gratin potatoes as well; all for just one person! Cheers!

[@Jamesnu]

Nice! I'll definitely have to check Le Gratin out. Thanks for sharing!

[@bowerthomas1078]

Im honestly shocked that you only have 50k, it’s super solid content and you’re very fair

[@sanitary103]

He’ll blow past 100K in no time.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I try my best!

[@vladhilling6697]

Congrats on the 50k! I love your videos! Can’t wait to continue to watch your journey of growth as one of the key food review KZbinrs! Thank you for amazing content!

[@Jamesnu]

@@vladhilling6697 Thank you!

[@SchmittsPeter]

Always great to see a pleasant channel grow. All the best for the future.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@patriciarogers9592]

Congratulations on reaching a new milestone in subscribers! You deserve it! I appreciate all the work you put into these reviews!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much!

[@michaelandrews9495]

Thank you. I’ve never been to New York, would love to visit some day. Meantime I can enjoy vicariously through you. ❤❤❤

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching! I hope that you get the chance to come to New York sometime.

[@donduffey5292]

Thanks!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much! That's very kind! I really appreciate it!

[@donduffey5292]

@@Jamesnu it’s only a duece James, but being a life long Bartender I’ve learned that it adds up. Thanks again

[@carlatullis2980]

James, congratulations on your 50 K subscription I tell you those raviolis and the chocolate soufflé oh my gosh, I could almost taste The food

[@JimmiAlli]

Thank you for the lovely video. It’s so great that they give complimentary bread and panisse! 😊

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching! I was certainly grateful for the free panisse.

[@chubbs500]

The perfect ending to that dinner was a Shake Shack double... Nothing against elegant food, but a man's gotta eat! Nice video James.

[@Jamesnu]

@@chubbs500 Haha! Thank you!

[@donduffey5292]

You seem to hit the spot’s, for the most part, that I have interest in. You’re a great reference James. Thanks

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you for watching!

[@herpderp297]

Very happy to see your channel growing! 🎉 The quality and effort you put into your videos are truly appreciated. Just remembered someone I know is visiting NYC, I immediately suggested LORE based on your earlier review-I’m sure they’ll love it based on their preferences (if they can visit). Your LORE review was the first video that KZbin recommended to me from your channel and I immediately loved your channel and knew there was going to be great content to be consumed. I’m not even American, but it felt great being able to recommend something in NYC thanks to you! 😊

[@Jamesnu]

@@herpderp297 Thank you so much! That makes me so happy to hear! I really appreciate the support. It means a lot to me!

[@KEMET1971]

The only time I wish I was in NYC is when watching your vids. Great experience, thanks once again.

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching!

[@thomas11483]

I am a manager at Cafe Chelsea. Loved your video. Anytime you want to return please let us know :)

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much!

[@MichaelSeuss]

Yoooo I love how you show NY fine dining! Appreciate you my guy 🔥🔥

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@MichaelSeuss]

@@Jamesnu No doubt King 👑

[@CountDankula0]

I've been watching a long time now you deserve more than 50k subscribers

[@Jamesnu]

@@CountDankula0 Thank you! I appreciate the continued support!

[@pieguy279]

Haven't been to any of the upscale restaurants you've reviewed, but love watching every video.

[@Jamesnu]

@@pieguy279 Thank you!

[@Montecitodesign]

Excellent photography, spot on editing and a nice “conversational” narration. Your honest culinary reviews are highly recommended. Well done, indeed!

[@Jamesnu]

@@Montecitodesign Thank you! I appreciate the kind words!

[@JTA8130LV]

I enjoy your reviews, they seem very professional and are informative. I look forward to new postings, since we will not be making our annual December trip to NYC, your reviews are a fix for me missing the City.

[@Jamesnu]

@@JTA8130LV Thank you so much!

[@looncan3743]

Wooohoo, congrats on 50k - very well deserved🎉

[@Jamesnu]

@@looncan3743 Thank you!

[@patrickltan]

"That chicken seemed like it jumped straight out of the fires of hell and onto my plate." Magnifique!

[@spoken2]

been following since about 29k, you deserve the notoriety, good sir.

[@Jamesnu]

@@spoken2 Thank you! I appreciate the continued support!

[@bb57365]

Dessert stole the show. Congrats on 50K. Well deserved.🎉

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! It was a great dessert!

[@MrBluesilverred]

James, Congratulations on 50K plus subscribers! I always have loved your reviews! Onward and upward, Cheers!!

[@Jamesnu]

@@MrBluesilverred Thank you so much!

[@singbike5832]

Congrats on 50K+ subscribers! You deserve all those and more. Not only are you a good restaurant critic, balancing pros and cons and using descriptive language, but your videos stand out with their filming and editing. I remember Hotel Chelsea having a very seedy, run-down reputation. I had recently looked it up and it looks like they've turned it into a trendy hotel. The funky vibe definitely isn't my thing - and I still think it looks creepy, honestly - but the restaurant looked really nice.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much! Yeah, the hotel really has evolved.

[@corgiowner436]

Your content is great. I feel like I’m chatting with a friend over dinner. Also jealous you can eat all that food and remain so fit!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Yeah, I'm pretty thankful for my metabolism because I love eating!

[@777midori]

Congratulations James! 50k is a well deserved milestone and your content has only continued to improve. I love eating a meal while watching your channel. Onward to 100k! 🎉

[@JosePerez...]

Hello James , Cafe Chelsea looks like one great please to dine at . Congratulations 🎊 again on 50k subscribers! I walked pass this place numerous times , I think I may just grab a bite here next time . The dinner choices were perfect, that ravioli looked simply delicious. The main course chicken and salad was a nice touch to your dishes , another great blog in the books James thank you so much for sharing your experience at Café. Chelsea. Jose P.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the continued support! Yeah, Cafe Chelsea is a pretty solid restaurant!

[@JosePerez...]

@@Jamesnu My pleasure James, your content & video reviews are awesome !

[@rationalbacon5872]

Congrats - and you definitely deserve waaaay more subs. These vids are works of art.

[@Jamesnu]

@@rationalbacon5872 Thank you so much!

[@s_przybylowicz]

A sheet of ravioli seems like an ideal way to consume ravioli! Congrats on 50k subscribers 🎉

[@Jamesnu]

@@s_przybylowicz Indeed! It's very efficient! Thank you!

[@roboliver9980]

Been to many a bang average French bistro some of the worst in France itself. That looked very good and consistent across the courses. Pleasant and relaxing atmosphere too by looks of it. Congratulations on the 50k you deserve many more.

[@Jamesnu]

@@roboliver9980 Thank you!

[@G78.]

James I love your videos thanks from Ireland just subscribed 🍀🍀👍👍

[@Jamesnu]

@@G78. Thank you so much! I appreciate the support!

[@stacylamb5607]

I looked forward to your video every Monday . Congrats on 50 K subbies .

[@Jamesnu]

@@stacylamb5607 That makes me happy to hear! Thank you!

[@davidstephenson9251]

Well done on passing 54,000 subscribers. You deserve it. You make some of my favourite food videos. Keep up the good work and congratulations.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you very much!

[@kennethwu115]

Hi James. That chocolate dessert looked out of this world !

[@Jamesnu]

It was so good!

[@s.macintosh-jc9rf]

Hi James, First of all congratulations on your reaching 50K subscribers! Quite an accomplishment and I am very happy that I am one of your subs. The Cafe Chelsea looks great architecturally and the food was first rate for my eyes. What I really enjoy from a distance is your variety of restaurants. Just so interesting as well as ‘appetizing’, the food that is! Merry Christmas 🎄 and a Happy New Year 🥳! I look forward to another year of food adventures with you. Congratulations again, and best wishes to you, Peter

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much Peter! I really appreciate your continued support! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you as well!

[@YASTravelsEatsWell]

James: very much enjoy your videos. You consistently add a lot to the foodie universe! Congrads 50k subs❤😅

[@Jamesnu]

@@YASTravelsEatsWell Thank you so much!

[@jenniferdegrote3298]

Love your videos. Youre a humble guy and I enjoy seeing your appreciation for fine dining ❤

[@Jamesnu]

@@jenniferdegrote3298 Thank you so much!

[@gregtalks2327]

Congrats on 50,000! You truly deserve it.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much!

[@stiffybnyc]

James - Congrats on 50K! You edits are so sharp and cinematic. You are on to something really great. Keep it up!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the support!

[@Seasider70]

Congratulations on your 50k subs. You're essential to my week.

[@Jamesnu]

@@Seasider70 Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@ClymenusKing]

Congrats on the 50k! Onwards and upwards!

[@Jamesnu]

@@ClymenusKing Thank you!

[@catherinecrane1027]

I love your facial expressions and hand gestures as you eat 😉😂 you love your food . I do to . I already started following your style of enjoyment of eating .

[@Jamesnu]

@@catherinecrane1027 Haha! Thanks!

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing a very nice dinner meal. The pasta looked really nice. The kitchen with the greens was cute!! But the chocolate dessert looking really really nice and I would have had coffee with it I know coffee late at night is interesting to have but I would with a great meal.😊

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, coffee would've been perfect with that dessert.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

😂 Hahaha! I hear you. You are welcome. The hotel there with the restaurant is nice as they get over some pasted history. ☺

[@acharis-Annie]

Congratulations, James, on 50,000+ subscribers. 🎉🎉🎉 The food looked good, especially dessert.

[@Jamesnu]

@@acharis-Annie Thank you! It was definitely a good meal!

[@elvenstein]

Congrats on all the growth!

[@Jamesnu]

@@elvenstein Thank you!

[@jillr759]

Ever so proud of you James and your baby blues!

[@2Wheels_NYC]

First off, congrats on the 50k! You'll have that play button in no time! We just walked the Highline a few weekends ago, then settled in in the West Village. This would have been a perfect spot to wind down, and certainly one to add to my "James List." Thanks for another great review sir!

[@Jamesnu]

@@2Wheels_NYC Thank you so much for the continued support! I really appreciate it!

[@tomahern8967]

Another solid review and that ravioli looks amazing so did that chocolate soufflé and chicken. Well done and congrats on the 50k subs!

[@Jamesnu]

@@tomahern8967 Thank you so much! It was a great meal indeed!

[@meeky0420]

Congratulations on 50k! Keep up the amazing work.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@hubertl75]

I love your vlogs! There is this "je ne sais quoi" to it of calm and intense enjoyment to it that I really appreciate. I have traveled, worked, and lived in the US and the lighting in the restaurants in the US has always irritated me. I come from "Duvel" country, Belgium. In Europe, we love to see what we eat. Very often in the US (as in Café Chelsea), one cannot see the food one eats very well. I usually joke to the waiting staff asking them to bring me more candles or a couple of flashlights so I can see what I eat. We like coziness but we hate eating in the dark.

[@Jamesnu]

@@hubertl75 Thank you! I know what you mean. Dim lighting can create a nice vibe, but I much prefer a brightly lit restaurant.

[@MarkO-vi7cp]

Great review, James. It brought back very fond memories I have of Cafe Jacqueline here in San Francisco.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@bonus1331]

Your turn of phrases had made me laughing more than once! The chicken came straight from the fires of hell"???🤣. Great video. Living in Manhattan and eating well; what a dream.

[@Jamesnu]

@@bonus1331 Thank you so much!

[@marshabailey1121]

Tha was a very pretty room. What a lovely ambience.

[@Jamesnu]

Indeed! I really enjoyed the look of the restaurant.

[@emmashoesmith8161]

So happy to see a video from my favourite foodie youtuber!!! How is it possible you haven't a million subscribers!!!???❤

[@Jamesnu]

@@emmashoesmith8161 Thank you! I appreciate the kind words!

[@ChicagoGuy72]

Congrats on the 50K+ subs!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much!

[@fleammm]

Loved the video thanks man!!

[@Jamesnu]

@@fleammm Thanks for watching!

[@chrisbender1614]

Great video James

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@johncornell3665]

Great review and that ravioli looks amazing. Proud of you hitting 50k on KZbin. I really enjoy your videos. Just something about the format that you follow. Congrats and look forward to more, James! That dessert looked like chocolate overboard. Incredible!

[@Jamesnu]

@@johncornell3665 Thank you so much! Yeah, that dessert might have been the highlight of the meal.

[@TuckerSP2011]

Congratulations on 50k James! You deserve many, many more. That looked like a very nice restaurant and it wasn't off the chart crazy expensive. I could just imagine how everything tasted thanks to your descriptions.

[@Jamesnu]

@@TuckerSP2011 Thank you so much!

[@lisalaurentz1551]

Congratulations James! And thank you for another fabulous review! And once again after watching it ...... I'm starving! 🤗💯🤌

[@Jamesnu]

@@lisalaurentz1551 Thank you!

[@eddie_d1233]

I passed there last week and was surprised to see such a nice looking restaurant at the Chelsea. Glad that you had such a nice meal.

[@Jamesnu]

@@eddie_d1233 Thank you!

[@Nvlutey27]

I ate at that original Shake Shack before it became a big chain, man one of my favorite food memories, so good.

[@Jamesnu]

@@Nvlutey27 It's a great restaurant!

[@NoahEats]

I really think the originator of that ravioli just had an unsteady hand! More milestones to come with your channel!

[@Jamesnu]

Haha! Thank you!

[@brittondurham88]

Congrats on 50k ❤

[@Jamesnu]

@@brittondurham88 Thank you!

[@williamsmith5549]

Yet another spectacular review, James, thanks as ever! History's irony is so wild sometimes; I still remember visiting Chelsea in the early 90's (ok, so I'm DATING MYSELF HERE, ok, lol???), and the Hotel Chelsea was still um....questionable...in its charms? Anyway, definitely gonna try this new space next visit. BTW, would you ever consider doing a review of one of the big Dim Sum parlors in Chinatown? I know I would love to get your impressions! Looking forward to the next installment, of course!

[@Jamesnu]

@@williamsmith5549 Thank you! Yeah, I want to review all kinds of restaurants.

[@agpc0529]

War and Peace size thickness is a quote I am stealing.

[@kyleyounger8287]

Love your videos 🎉❤

[@Jamesnu]

That makes me happy to hear! Thank you!

[@patriciaroggero1150]

Yummmmm thank you for a great review

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@Goynen]

Ravioli & Souffle looking sensational ! Again great Monday Report from NY

[@Jamesnu]

@@Goynen Thank you!

[@stringbeanseventeen]

Now that you've hit past 53k you need to try out the restaurant called 53 in Midtown. Happy to say I was here before 50k. Love the videos!

[@glennbond8266]

This all looked nice. Great looking food. Have to go there. Thanks!

[@LukeBWoodVideos]

James, praying this becomes full time for you. Great video!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!

[@kurtzcol]

the strawberry sorbet on the menu really caught my eye

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, it sounds pretty good!

[@patrickwong4824]

Congrats James on hitting 50K. I see nothing but Bluesky in your future.

[@judyannkiwi]

Shake Shack, you can't go wrong as a backup. i don't know that Bread and Butter look just right. I enjoyed your take on this place. Thanks to your review, I have always wanted to try it, and now I will.

[@Jamesnu]

@@judyannkiwi Thanks for watching! I hope that you enjoy it!

[@sanvy4367]

Excellent now onto 500k :D

[@Jamesnu]

@@sanvy4367 Thanks for watching!

[@viciousvictortee1298]

Congratulations 🎉 on 50k Your channel is fun. You should have no trouble getting to 100k In 2025.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I appreciate the support!

[@kage122]

as soon as you mentioned the size of the pasta dish i erased my thought of this being a course to share lol thanks for that

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, it's definitely not a dish for sharing.

[@Abefroman-lq3md]

Le Yum! Salutation’s from Belfast Northern Ireland 🇬🇧

[@Jamesnu]

@@Abefroman-lq3md Thanks for watching!

[@LifeUnchained1987]

Hi James, I just want to say that I really appreciate your videos and I also think you need to understand that you’ve put a lot of positivity on the Internet, having a lot of people go out and try different restaurants, give attention to good businesses and motivate people to live their lives, especially the foodies . The other thing is that I know that you mentioned that you have some social anxiety, and I have the exact same thing, but you can consider me a friend. And then the other thing I like about your video is that so negativity on the Internet, videos of people wasting food people being disrespectful in Walmart, or people doing sociopathic behavior, so you an example of somebody being successful who isn’t a degenerate, and that is much appreciated and very inspiring. I know I talk to you about drones if you’re doing a travel video 100% I would recommend that. For restaurant reviews, I know that I’ve talked to you about some of the downsides, but I want to add that it’s also hard because most restaurants in Connecticut that I go to are right by the road so I have to make sure it doesn’t hit a bus or large 14 wheeler or 18 wheeler truck and it’s hard to get good angles. And all the drone does is add to the cinematography, but the big thing with food or travel review is the story The other thing is that I really appreciate one of the recent videos that you did because inspired me to go to Ted’s restaurant which is 30 minutes from where I live in New Haven and it also inspired me to buy the same book about the best burger joints in America. And And I’m starting to get some momentum with my food reviews so I like watching your videos and other peoples videos and reviewing places. Also, AEW has three shows in New York City this three day weekend so I’m definitely gonna be looking at spots around Midtown Manhattan, where the Hammerstein ballroom is.

[@Jamesnu]

@LifeUnchained1987 Nice! Thank you so much for the great comment! I really appreciate it! I hope you enjoyed Ted's Restaurant, I hope to go there one day. Yeah, I would also like to get a drone in the future too. With most of my restaurant reviews, I probably won't be able to use it, but it's nice to have that option.

[@LifeUnchained1987]

@ what I did was use Progressive Leasing, it’s good if you have good credit or even bad credit, DJI mini pro three is a good option if you want to save money, but the other one is a DJI mini pro 4 and with batteries and everything it should be around 1100 With the pretzel lacing, I was paying $125 every two weeks

[@keilnirby]

I've given up meditation for James' reviews.

[@Jamesnu]

Haha!

[@infinitelimitlesslightx5437]

Merry Christmas to you James ❤

[@patrickfreeman205]

On to 100k! Food looked great.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

I heard that Arthur C Clarke wrote Space Odyssey in that hotel. Sometimes sitting in a beautiful cafe is worth the price of admission alone, even if the food isn't the best. I've been on a French dessert kick lately, can't go wrong with dessert at a French cafe.

[@Jamesnu]

@@pizzareviewsonthego Yeah, it felt pretty neat to be eating in a building with so much history.