My NYC | Eateries

New York City is an extraordinary place.  To quote Jay-Z, it’s the “Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there’s nothing you can’t do in New York.  The streets will make you feel brand new, the lights will inspire you.”

I have yet to find a City that compares.  Manhattan is an island of contradiction, a city of diversity, a place where ambition is the driving force.  Where creativity and commerce intersect and art and business team up.

It was New York that encouraged me to open my mind.  To embrace challenges that, to most, seemed impossible and to take on life with fearless enthusiasm.

In New York, you work hard and play hard, and on those special occasions when, amid your eight million neighbors, you find a solitude that allows your mind to quiet and prompts your body to breathe in the City’s dynamic inspiration, there’s no better place to be.

Perhaps the best thing about New York is its staggeringly eclectic mosaic of cultures and realities that allows each person to design their own personal town within the chaos of the colorful metropolis.

This is the first of a series of posts where I gush about the places that make up my New York and turn the concrete jungle into a warm and friendly home.  With a growling tummy and overactive taste buds I’ll begin the series with my favorite scrumptious eateries.  Bon Appetit!

EATERIES

‘Ino – True to it’s name, this is an itty bitty wine bar that serves delicious antipasti and panini.

Westville – The smallest spot with the biggest organic veggie menu.  Their hotdogs are good too.

Da Andrea – Good home-cooked Italian food.  Though it sounds like a terrible contradiction, my favorite server, Atilla, makes every dinner warm and friendly.

Aki on West 4th – If you like bold, creative sushi and you’re lucky enough to score one of their 14 seats, you must dine with Chef Nakanishi.  To all you sea urchin fans, the Uni Coco will change your life.

Le Singe Vert – For an authentic and casual French dining experience (without the French attitude), it’s all about The Green Monkey.

August – The wood burning oven, cork ceiling, and indoor atrium make this spot as cozy as any can be.  Dinner is great, but starting your weekend with their baked pancake in a cast iron pot is a must do.

The Spotted Pig – I can go on and on about my favorite West Village gastropub, but I can already taste my favorite dishes and it’s making me hungry so I’ll just say this.  Go there, order the Roquefort Burger or Ricotta Gnudi or Cuban Sandwich or Pork Belly and be sure not to skip on the fresh veg.  Don’t be afraid of their crispy pig ears and special awful concoctions they’re definitely worth a try.

Grey Dog’s – Tasty sandwiches on the most amazing freshly baked bread.

Freemans – Hidden at the end of an ally, decorated with taxidermy, and bustling with happy diners.  This unusual restaurant serves up traditional home-style food.  Start with the Grilled Cheddar Toast and your taste buds will thank you.

9 Chatham Square – Dim Sum baby.  In the heart of Chinatown, this is an unusual Chinese restaurant in that it’s more like a diner than a ballroom.  Everything is yummy, but be sure to end your meal with a coconut pastry fresh from the oven.

Joseph Leonard – A new restaurant in one of my favorite spaces now serving up seasonal dishes and giving American fare an unusual twist.

Café Habana – For some high energy Latin flavor this place can’t be beat.  Start with the grilled corn and work your way through their well edited Latin cocktail list.

La Bonbonniere – When you leave this historic greasy-spoon you’ll probably take the scent of the smoky grill with you, but it’s well worth it.  A traditional family run NYC diner serving cheap, simple, food.  I suggest ordering a stack of blueberry pancakes for the table and designing your own omelet.

Cafe Edison – For me, this is the best matzo ball soup in NYC.  It doesn’t hurt that the restaurant is located in the historic art deco Hotel Edison and the ceiling is like a dreamy cloud of ornate moldings.

Mary’s Fish Camp – For fresh, no fuss, fantastic fish, Mary serves up the best.

The Standard Grill – At the base of the Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District, nestled under the High Line Park is this cool restaurant and beer garden.  The place is large enough to feature three areas with different ambiances so even the fussiest group will be satisfied.