Balthazar - NYC

This Soho staple continues to impress it's ever growing clientele with every breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner it serves. The Tower of seafood was out of this world and well worth the Benjamin it took to get it. I recommend the Bar Steak with fries. Succulent bites of juicy meat melt in your mouth almost instantly. The smell of the butter on top is enough to make you want to lick the top of the steak before cutting it. The fried here are out of this work and rival that of Pastis in the meatpacking district. It's always busy so get a reservation and stick to it.

Best thing on the menu: the fries!!!!

Tavern On The Green - NYC

You want to propose to someone, impress a client or just look like you have money be my guest and go here. The food is “eh” and the ambiance is borderline gaudy. But it is a NYC icon so what the hell go for a snack. A very expensive, sub par snack. Enjoy those 30 seconds of feeling like a big shot.

Best thing on the menu = the mints in the bathroom

La Esquina - NYC

A SECRET RESTAURANT!!! Skeptical...so was I. On the Corner of Kenmare and Lafayette lies an unassuming taco bar but come 6pm a nice lady with a clipboard emerges from the "No Admittance" door and brings those lucky to have obtained a reservation (through a special number) into Mexican food heaven! Down 3 flights of stairs, and through the kitchen to Tequila bar nirvana we go. Once seated we had our pick of small plates and full entrees. I have a weakness for small plates so tapas it was! We enjoyed every mouth watering morsel as we admired the dark, cavern like decor. What this secret dinning room lacked in windows and light it more than made up for with taste sensations such as the Truffle quesadilla and empanadas. Completely lit by candelight we sat and marveled at how each small plate brought back memories of Mexico. The staff, food, decor...simply amazing. I cannot wait to return.

Best Thing On The Menu: EVERYTHING!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMyHuCVaRaE&NR=1

Funniest clip ever!!!!

The Dove Parlor - NYC

So I had the pleasure of spending some time here last night and I have nothing but fabulous things to say about this little gem in the West Village. Set 6 steps down from bustling Thompson street, this old world English tea room serves unique cocktails and delicious finger foods. The Honey Dove is their signature drink: a blend of honey, soy milk and Cognac. Not one of my faves but definitely something to try around the holidays given it's creamy egg nog texture. The lights are dim, the big band jazz music fairly loud and the crowd small and eclectic. Comfy charming seats and mini doilies under every drink complete this hot spot's old world charm. Get here before it gets popular! Check it out:
http://menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp?areaid=0&restaurantid=43304&neighborhoodid=0&cuisineid=0

Best thing on the menu: The Toast Tower - you get a little taste of everything!

Nolita House - NYC

In a word….crap. While the food wasn’t terrible the service was horrendous. The waitress seemed confused as to where she was, what her job was and why we kept asking for food. I asked for whole wheat toast and my sandwich came out on a white role. My friend’s turkey burger came out pink in the middle. Turkey isn’t pink. The owner was great and took off some of the bill while trying to salvage our broken relationship. Even though free brownies and cheesecake would normally solve most of the world’s problems, it was not going to work here. Save your money and go to a place that can afford a flyswatter.

Best thing on the menu = the beer….because if you drink enough of it you’ll forget how bad the food and service is

Yama - NYC

The sushi is on steroids!!!! Each piece I had to literally cut to fit in my mouth and trust me my mouth is huge! We shared a platter for two between 3 people and had some left over and I eat like a man!

Best thing on the menu = white fish was yummy at Yama!

Mottsu - NYC

This is a staple if you’re in the Soho/Noho area. The great service and fresh fresh FRESH sushi make this little spot a must visit. Each piece of fish tasted superb and it was the first time I was full from a sashimi platter. In the Spring/Summer they open the glass window and you get a nice breeze while you snack on wonderful treats from the sea. I can’t say enough positive things about this place. Definitely go ASAP but walk slow down Mott or you might miss it!

Best thing on the menu: The sashimi platter and the spicy tuna mayo! Put it on anything!

Bond Street Sushi - NYC

Probably the most fantastic meal I have ever had in NYC. It's best to leave your loud friends and family at home for this one however. It’s super quiet and at some points the “zen” atmosphere is enough to put you to sleep. I feel like I should have been getting a facial instead of stuffing my face full of free edamame. The food was fantastic as was the service. PS the little rock in front of you when you sit down is not edible.

Best thing on the menu = crispy rock shrimp and lobster tempura. Mmm mmmmmmm

Pipa - NYC

Just awesome. At first you think you mixed up the address with a chandelier shop but alas you come to your senses and THANK GOD you do cause you'll need all five. This place boasts a sexy yet friendly decor, excellent little tapas, and the sweetest sangria I've had the privilege of drinking. We laughed, we cried, I stuffed my face and where else can you shop for a new chandelier and have dinner at the same time? 

Best thing on the menu: The calamari. Your non fish eaters better make this your exception to the rule or just don't go.