Eating at Cathédrale. NYC. Beautiful Restaurant or Over-Hyped Space from the Tao Group?

[@thesolarengineer]

James, you video editing and narratives really keep inproving with each review. Hat's Off x100!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I always try to improve with every week.

[@JoelMenchaca-ne9hl]

Your formula for videos is so solid. The preview and summary at the end, and the method of not talking in the restaurant, all these things make for a great review style. Thank for your videos.

[@Jamesnu]

@JoelMenchaca-ne9hl Thanks for watching! I really put a good amount of time into each video, so it means a lot to me to hear that they're appeciated!

[@adventureswithaustin11]

yes this guy rocks

[@Mattshank-uo6jl]

Good review James. Looks like a beautiful restaurant, but if I went I would have reservations for the dining room and show up early to enjoy HH in the bar. Then head into the dining room for the tasting menu part of the meal. Have to check it out if I get to NYC.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Yeah, that's a good move. Start in the bar and finish in the dining room.

[@nikip9161]

During my 3.5 year stint waiting tables, paying attention to your customers is paramount. Weeds aside, one needs to get it going, strongly so, it's an integrity thing. I loved waiting tables, making people happy with delicious food. Importantly, once again, integrity comes into the mix. Never serve a dish you wouldn't eat yourself. Food is beautiful, chefs and cooks make it taste that much better, let them, and never be an a-hole. I appreciate this video, I fully agree with you on the atmosphere. Well done, James.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much and well said!

[@lalalalacacestbon]

It has been almost a month that I can't have a lunch without watching one of your videos 😅 They are so great, thank you and please keep going !!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much!

[@GregCurtin45]

I would give this more than one like (if I could) just for the background music. So many Tuber's don't think about setting the mood of the video or the appropriate volume. I am so happy this isn't another steak video! I appreciate that you spoke about the slow service while acknowledging that you were not in the dining room. Obviously, the money is made on alcohol and not discount diners. Not that you needed to defend your credibility but pointing out that you were sitting at the bar serves as a cautionary tale to viewers wanting to go there. Thank you for your time and effort put into filing, editing, and posting your experience.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much! I always try my best to make a good video. It makes me happy to hear that my effort is appreciated. Thank you for watching!

[@dianalong2024]

Thanks James! Just got a chance to view this video... Wonderful take on this restaurant.I appreciate all your food selections..I also perfer an atmosphere of privacy, to some extent. Thanks for treating us to this experience.❤

[@Jamesnu]

@@dianalong2024 Thanks for watching! I really appreciate it!

[@patriciaroggero1150]

You make my Mondays always thank you for another great review

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!

[@pisces3121]

I really appreciate your mannerly style of eating. So many food bloggers shovel huge amounts of food, talk at the same time, and chew ferociously, which, makes me ill. Thank you for a classy presentation. I'd love to tag a long with you any day!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I always try my best to be respectful at these restaurants.

[@adventureswithaustin11]

love the videos bro im hooked after del monicos steakhoues video keep it consistency is key i hope to travel to new york also what editing software do you use>

[@Jamesnu]

@@adventureswithaustin11 Thank you! I use Adobe Premier.

[@adventureswithaustin11]

@@Jamesnu bro I use that too lol guess I gotta practice more 🫡

[@michaelfelsinger-k2i]

Imagine having to tip after all that ! As an Australian, it just proves to me that 'compulsory' tipping is ridiculous. Good to catch up with you again, James ! Cathedrale is well-named. I expected to see Quasimodo swinging from the ceiling but he's still waiting for Esmerelda to take away his plate. Food looked very good. I wish we had a Tao in Sydney. I really like the concept. Thank you for another superb review and I can't wait for you to hit 50k subscribers. All the best, my friend !

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much! Yeah, even with the poor service it still was a great looking restaurant with good food.

[@PeterMigliorini-x4o]

Very interesting critique & review. I appreciate your dining expectations which should never be compromised. Your viewers expect no less from you! Thank you for sharing! This is Peter M; out!

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching!

[@bb57365]

Gorgeous space. Those 5 buck appies are the way to go. In that amazing setting. Very nice. Thanks.

[@bb57365]

People working, a rarity.

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, those $5 courses were great!

[@Arthur-nr5ci]

Fine dining is a tough space for KZbin from what I've seen but you do an awesome job. Loved the Per Se, Le Cou Cou, and Alinea videos! I enjoy Alexander the Guest as well because I'm a sommelier, so really get into the wine reviews he does, but yours are very down to earth and efficient. Keep up the great content!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!

[@JosePerez...]

Thank James for sharing your experience and food choices at Cathe'dral . All the dishes looked amazing, I will definitely add this to my next place to eat when in NYC. Sorry to hear you had to wait so long service at the bar. Jose P.

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, it wasn't fun waiting, but the food was at least good.

[@TuckerSP2011]

Thank you for your balanced review James. Yes, it definitely makes me wonder if these are the a la carte portion sizes. The interior was very dramatic looking. Another enjoyable review!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Yeah, if they were actually the full a la carte sizes then I'm glad I at least paid the Restaurant Week prices for them, because they're pretty costly.

[@Seasider70]

That dessert looks rich in every sense of the word.

[@Jamesnu]

Indeed!

[@colegreen1291]

Nice Hamilton Khaki..... Movin on up.... You deserve it!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I just got that watch, and I've been loving it!

[@tomawen5916]

You are lucky you got a half way decent meal for a "restaurant week" menu. Here in Milwaukee, one particular "Brazilian-style steak house restaurant whose name will be un-named (ahem)" , their "restaurant week" menu was their salad bar.....Great review. Thank you!

[@Jamesnu]

Yikes! Thank you!

[@mariojohnson4695]

I’m from Milwaukee and I think I know the Brazilian steakhouses you are talking about. I’ll remember that the next time restaurant week comes up next year.

[@VanessaEvans-j3z]

I love a good happy hour 🎉

[@Jamesnu]

Same here!

[@og_mg_94]

Hello! A big thank you for your fantastically edited and presented videos. After watching your channel all summer I've been inspired to embark on a Michelin star trip of my own. I'm headed up to Vancouver with the goal of 3 stars over the course of 3 nights. Reservations are all booked. Now my only question is, do you have any tips for a solo diner in a Michelin star setting? Thank you for your time!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I hope that you have some great meals! As far as tips, I would say just enjoy the experience and don't think too much about the bill. Money comes and goes, but just focus on appreciating the moment.

[@og_mg_94]

@@Jamesnu Thank you for the advice! I particularly appreciate your words after seeing your Alinea video. You speak so beautifully about the importance of time with loved ones. Part of the reason for my trip is to honor the memory of a parent that has passed. We also enjoyed eating wonderful food together. Like I said, your channel is appreciated by a foodie that was looking for that final push to start enjoying the experience of dining out again! Thank you for sharing :)

[@johnm7882]

James I hate waiting too. But thanks for taking one for the team. This video was just like the food you ate, exquisite 🤌

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much!

[@Coldplayguy1]

Love the review and the Hamilton Khaki field.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I just got that watch.

[@s_przybylowicz]

At least you were able to marvel at the fancy architecture while you waited ages for your next courses!

[@Jamesnu]

That's true!

[@DA99983]

Great review. totally agree on the"club restaurant thing". Goes along with dining at the movies and sushi at Studio 54 ( long dead before that started) . Would definitely want to see the space . I guess Buddha Bar of Paris is a hot concept again! .

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much!

[@shane9209]

Another great review! Thank you sweety ❤

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching!

[@s.macintosh-jc9rf]

Hi James, Thank you for your review of Cathedrale. It seems like the food was terrific but the service was less than optimal. And I agree with you about eating at the bar. Thanks for continuing your excellent commentary on food and restaurants! Best Wishes, Peter

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much Peter! Yeah, it wasn't a perfect evening, but I at least enjoyed the food.

[@alexanderchu312]

Nice review! The restaurant has been on my radar. In my experience, restaurant week meals are smaller portions so they’re usually not great deals. Good to know about the happy hour!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Yeah, you never know with Restaurant Week, but that was definitely a solid Happy Hour.

[@Julia-ub1ul]

We ate in one of their restaurants in NYC. We enjoyed it

[@Jamesnu]

Nice! That makes me happy to hear!

[@lisalaurentz1551]

Thank you for another beautiful review James! Where are you going for your (our lol) next adventure? 🕺

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Next week my video will cover a very special restaurant. I'm really excited about that one!

[@NicHare-o6c]

Looked like a great meal. Thanks for the wonderful review!!

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching! It was definitely good food!

[@johnned4848]

A great heads up. Sounds like the Happy Hour is great. And maybe get there early before the riffraff show up. Another great review

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Yeah, Happy Hour is a good time!

[@bkm2797]

Beautiful interior, nothing like an old historical church redesigned into a restaurant. The food did look appetizing, but as you said, the portions looked small. Regarding the need for more staff, especially in the bar area was probably due to an employee or two calling in sick, rainy days are the most common days for that sort of thing, so maybe give it another try since you enjoyed the food. Question; how long did you have to wait, was it several minutes or was it longer, and did the waitstaff apologize for the delay? Thank you for another solid review James, always appreciated.👍❤️

[@PradeepRaajkumar1981]

Ultimate Fine dine.. you are food James Bond... mate...

[@Jamesnu]

Haha! Thanks!

[@PradeepRaajkumar1981]

@@Jamesnu 007 Foodie Americano Gracias Merci Chow Mate

[@fkcoolers2669]

James, have you ever eaten at Chambers? It's on, not surprisingly, Chambers St over in Tribeca. It has one of the absolute best wine lists anywhere in the city, especially if you enjoy French wines. Also a great little wine shop close by. Not sure if it would make a good vid, but it would make a good experience.

[@Jamesnu]

I haven't been there yet, but I know of it. Thank you for the recommendation! It's definitely the type of restaurant that I would like to try.

[@johncornell3665]

Looks like a great meal, and quite a bargain. Great review, thanks for presenting!

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, the food was definitely good!

[@davehugstrees]

Great video. This seems like a pretty impressive space and the prices seemed reasonable, but it doesn't look like my vibe. Anyway thanks for the review.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! That's fair enough.

[@KEMET1971]

Beautiful restaurant! Thank you for the great experience as usual. There was a stunning woman that passed behind you during your intro. Unfortunately she suddenly vanished.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you for watching!

[@user-or6yn8pm3c]

Sant Ambroeus has atmosphere if that is what you are looking for in a restaurant. Its a more upscale Italian.

[@Jamesnu]

That's a restaurant that I haven't gotten around to trying yet. I hope to get there sometime.

[@Perez-bt8yk]

Same poor service at COACOO chicken spot - Flat Iron --thank you for trying it for us. Usually Restaurant Week portions are smaller

[@jpbanksnj]

Everything looks amazing. Too bad about the busy bar and the service hit it took when it got busy. Faroe Island Salmon is a go-to when I see it on a menu, and I also buy it locally and make it at home all of the time. I think despite the service issues, that whole meal was a great value.

[@Jamesnu]

It was definitely good value. I'm glad that I had the chance to try the Restaurant Week Menu. Yeah, that salmon was delicious!

[@marcosmariscal7321]

Went to Papi Steak in Vegas for my birthday. Food was great but people were so drunk that two different people fell out of their chairs and the staff couldn't possibly have cared less. Pretty funny overall I must say.

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, that's definitely an interesting dining experience!

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

Not bad for the price, and some very elegant looking dishes. I know how frustating it can be whenever waiting for service. So many restaurants are understaffed, except for the very popular ones. The atmosphere inside though seemed very inviting.

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, overall it was still a decent experience even though everything wasn't perfect. I'm glad that I gave the place a try.

[@mariamjaziri6719]

Amazing, thank you for sharing

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching!

[@NoahEats]

I'm going just for Happy Hour!!! I wonder how it compares to Cote of that nightclub feel

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, you can't go wrong with the Happy Hour!

[@Foodietourshow]

Really love your videos

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! That makes me happy to hear!

[@clifbradley]

Wearing a Hamilton today. Stowing the Rolex until you go to a Michelin star restaurant

[@Jamesnu]

I wish that I had a Rolex, but yeah, I just got the Hamilton and it's a great watch.

[@oscarduarte4261]

You have an awful eye for watches. Your previous comments on this channel about Pepsi , and or Batman are so ignorant 🤣

[@tomahern8967]

The presentation of the food looked good! The service does lack at times and never eat at the bar!

[@Jamesnu]

I agree! Even though the service was a bit off towards the end of my dinner, the food definitely looked and tasted good!

[@jelsner5077]

You should place your cutlery on your plate on the diagonal to signal you are finished eating. (I don't know if that would have helped in that restaurant).

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, unfortunately I don't think it would've made much of a difference, but the food was at least good!

[@mrjaxthecat]

T.I.P. - To insure promptness. I always tip, but in your particular situation I would have left a smaller tip. The Happy Hour drinks and menu look great!

[@Jamesnu]

Fair enough. Yeah, I definitely would've enjoyed trying more off the Happy Hour menu.

[@jamesallison4875]

Thanks Andrew. Glad it’s you and not me!!!

[@Jamesnu]

Haha! Thanks for watching!

[@geishasha]

Still waiting for somebody to do a review of Dorsia.......sigh........

[@Jamesnu]

It's very hard to get a reservation there. Haha!

[@fkcoolers2669]

I know it's a little late, but 8:30 or 9 perhaps?

[@iChiief]

Impressive...very nice...Let's see Paul Allen's food review.

[@Jamesnu]

@@iChiief Haha!

[@Jamesnu]

@@iChiief Haha!

[@plumsink]

I'm with ya on noise and general commotion. Noisy places and fine dining don't mix too well in my book.

[@Jamesnu]

I know what you mean.

[@BlackJesus8463]

Cant do steak tartare but I guess the olive tapenade helped a lot. lol

[@Jamesnu]

Fair enough. It was definitely a nice complement to the tartare.

[@JWP452]

Pete Wells is now listed as a "former restaurant critic." I hope you apply for the job at the NYT.

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, that would definitely be a dream job!

[@patriotdefender808]

Restaurant owner here. Keeping costs down and expecting lots of employees to provide you with great service are a fine balance. Are you willing to pay much more for better service, or do you prefer less service with a more reasonable cost? Perhaps you should try working in a restaurant? That way you might get a better understanding of how this balance is a challenge.

[@Jamesnu]

It would take a server 15 seconds to clear my plate away and send in my order. That was poor service and poor management.

[@maryandrews8128]

Food looked great!

[@Jamesnu]

It was good food for sure!

[@darrengantt]

This is the type of restaurant that I enjoy only when someone else is paying.

[@Jamesnu]

Haha! I know what you mean.

[@NotThatKindaKaren]

No way could anybody H8 Tao!!! It took my breath away! I was allowed to check it out on the way to Racket (club). I made a video & you can hear how shook it made me-the beautiful, loving vibe, kind employees-Huge Buddhas-the one laying down, was as long as the room-probably 50 ft approximately. I did not get to see the koi pond and the sitting Buddha. I may just post it on youtube. You will hear the emotions it gave me-I was absolutely blown away!🤯

[@jesseeigner7352]

what about christos in astoria?

[@Jamesnu]

@@jesseeigner7352 I'll get there eventually.

[@schulzeg]

I think service really does matter when it comes to a dining service. I have made decisions to not return to restaurants with poor service, even if the food was excellent. It simply ruins the experience. We eat with our eyes as well as our mouths, but distractions can make return visits an easy decision.

[@Jamesnu]

That's a great point!

[@herpderp297]

As someone who isnt american, could someone explain what restaurant week menu is?

[@Jamesnu]

It's a sort of event where restaurants will have special menus with a fixed price to lure in customers during down periods. The menus are meant to provide good value.

[@jonathanbarnes7641]

Can you please do a review of the Sushi 🍣 place offering Omakase for $950 called MASA seems like and interesting place? I think it has 3 Michelin stars ✨!

[@Jamesnu]

That's definitely a restaurant that I would like to go to one day, but it's very expensive.

[@nyrmetros]

USS Intrepid tour video soon?

[@Jamesnu]

Maybe someday. It's such a neat ship!

[@nyrmetros]

@@Jamesnu looking forward to it!

[@stringbeanseventeen]

James, Have you ever looked into 53? I think its connected to MOMA.

[@Jamesnu]

@@stringbeanseventeen I just looked it up. Yeah, that does look pretty interesting!

[@corgiowner436]

I’ve eaten at restaurants in Houston during Restaurant Week and thought they reduced their portion sizes.

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, some restaurants really alter their dishes for Restaurant Week, but not all of them.

[@JimmiAlli]

Thank you for the video - gosh the salmon sounds very overpriced, especially as it was so little. 😢

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, that was a tiny bit of fish, but at least it tasted great!

[@pvoss07]

$15 bucks for octopus at a higher end restaurant is pretty damn great (especially since it seemed well cooked). Feel like I've been seeing octopus' in the high 20's to low 30s lately . . .

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, that's definitely a great price, but it was the Restaurant Week price. Normally, I think it's a bit more costly.

[@renesagahon4477]

I Couldn’t agree more about restaurants like papi. … I’d fix my self a sandwich and eat in my car first

[@Jamesnu]

Haha! I know what you mean.

[@shadowfilm7980]

Why didn’t you just order everything from the Happy Hour menu? Cheaper that way too.

[@Jamesnu]

That is a good idea. I could probably order one of everything.

[@CaribbeanLife101]

Nice.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@niki420yuh]

I mean, by “takes a turn for the worst”, I didn’t think you were gonna say you had to wait for dessert because the place got crowded. That’s a non issue really considering where you were seated. Wouldn’t hold it against them

[@Jamesnu]

That's fair enough, but despite the crowd, it would've taken 15 seconds to clear my plate and put in the dessert order.

[@jesset1359]

W good day when ya upload

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@kristoferkristensen9021]

2:33 - black magic

[@bw2082]

I went to the one in Vegas and was not impressed. I was going to eat. If I wanted to go clubbing, I would have gone to a club.

[@Jamesnu]

Good point.

[@AnnaK-jy4he]

$5 steak tartare???

[@KarenChaney-h9j]

What up James man can you eat 😂😂 Karen forestparkga Amen

[@Jamesnu]

Indeed! I love eating!

[@beverlydavidson6749]

I too am not a fan of clubby type places . I have very sensitive hearing so loud , break your eardrums music doesn’t work for me .

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, I hate when the music is too loud.

[@jpadarath27]

Noice...

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@a.leehilliard4716]

Anything from Tao group is a waste of money

[@YASTravelsEatsWell]

James: that was a great stop! Nice location, super Happy Hour, decent food! Too bad that they were understaffed & the tables to eat in the bar area were crowded & loud! We have Miami Spice restaurant promotion for August & September with a lot of super menus ranging from $35 for lunch to $45-60 for dinner, most Monday, tuesday & Wednesdays, depending on the restaurants! Yes, there are numerous Michelin starred establishments on the list😅 As far as Papis Steakhouse is concerned it's not my cup of tea with the whores, pimps , drug dealers , loud big-mouthed street trash paying exorbitant prices for mediocre food & drink😢

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, I think it's great when cities have these sort of promotional menus for restaurants during the down times. It brings in customers and offers good value.

[@linesided]

I felt stressed watching your dining experience. Felt more like a airport restaurant "hospitality" experience. yuk.

[@Jamesnu]

It wasn't that bad. Things started out well, but began slipping as my meal went on.

[@Montecitodesign]

The music (?) you played in the background of your entire video here was nauseating. It was an interesting venue. Too bad about the service. If you ever go to San Diego, LA, places in Texas or AZ, I suggest avoiding any restaurant with a live mariachi band. They’re typically musicians of limited talent blaring their instruments and destroying the atmosphere.

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for the tip.

[@marshallgreen7815]

Money money money/. SHUT UP!

[@clifbradley]

Bro...how you going to complain about having to go to a restaurant and wear ear plugs because of the music and then you put in this loud repetitive music in your own video. We now know what you don't like because you just exposed us to it.

[@mobi9089]

I don’t think it’s that deep. He’s just mentioning that the music was a little loud and that some people may not enjoy it well others will. He even acknowledged that the atmosphere is different because he was seated at the bar and not the dinning room. He also has the choice of adding any music he wishes to his videos. I enjoy it, you may not, regardless it’s neither of our choices. I tend to focus more on the food review then the editing process and nit picks

[@bicgohill8756]

You sound mad bro 😂. Seems like all you trumpanzees are mad 24/7.

[@blackferdinand2260]

I have a feeling you work there because this is such a none issue, and the music (although repetitive and crap) was hardly something that’ll ruin the video

[@bicgohill8756]

You sound mad bro.

[@jiteshshankhpal3034]

Get a point fella

[@TimmyCramer]

Do feminist minded women in new york ask men out and pay for dinner??!! Timmy C Arizona

[@Abefroman-lq3md]

James, have you not found a place of your own yet? Resturant was just another low quality NYC joint. Nice Hamilton. I have the Titanium Khali. Salutations from Belfast Northern Ireland 🇬🇧

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! No, I still have roommates. Nice! I just got that watch and I've really been enjoying it so far.

[@Abefroman-lq3md]

@@Jamesnu Wear it in good health.

[@Abefroman-lq3md]

Why did you tip? If I had service like that in the UK I don’t tip.

[@Piggy-Oink-Oink]

They deserve a prize for slicing cheese cake the thinnest possible slice without it being too thin to stand on a plate. 🥮🎂

[@Jamesnu]

Haha! Yeah, I agree!