The New York Diet

The title is a misnomer. Dieting is probably the dumbest thing to do in New York unless you were suddenly considering stopping shopping. My husband and I have sometimes planned a whole vacation around a series of restaurant openings. Sure, we love the Vegas-on-the-Hudson offerings of Battali, Colicchio, Robuchon, and the like, but what we really like are the more hidden neighborhood offerings scattered profusely around the city. A blog about the great restaurants of New York could go on forever, so here is a brief compilation of some of our favorites.

First, our perennial favorites Balthazar and Pastis: The perfect brunch or dinner in the coziest atmosphere possible (Dorothy, am I in Paris?). Then almost any Danny Meyer restaurant (don’t miss Gramercy Tavern or the Modern). For the food orgy of your life try Per Se (Thomas Keller’s French Laundry for the Big City) – bring your American express and wait as your taste buds explode in happiness. Feeling hip and on your game then try the Waverly Inn. Need to call on your best contacts for this place, but the mac and cheese and chicken pot pie really are that good. My husband likes a shave at the Sporting Club followed by dinner at Freeman’s Alley. He says in a town geared to the exultation of everything woman, it is nice to find a small corner in the Bowery for men to be men.

Feeling the need for a great steak – head to Quality Meats (wins for best interior). Hate to chase the mainstream media, but Chef Gordon Ramsey’s London is exquisite.
Gabrielle Hamilton (Anthony Bourdain’s favorite) still continues to amaze at Prune. For a perfect taste of Korea nothing beats the Momofuku trio (Ssam Bar, Noodle Bar, and Ko).

Anyway, now I’m hungry. So bring your appetite, don’t just order a salad, always try at least one desert and never go home hungry