3 - Good (Contemporary American)

An institution that puts "Good" on its awning better be able to deliver just that - Good food. And, I am happy to report that they have GREAT food. I recently visited for brunch with a group of friends and was able to try quite a few items and my tummy was full of deliciousness afterward. Pancakes with fresh peaches, Hand-rolled orange sour cream donuts, Blueberry almond bread, Pear pecan crumbcake, Basil and goat cheese egg scramble over sourdough with cherry tomatoes, asparagus and pesto, and Banana cream cheese stuffed French toast were among the things I was able to taste. Everything was delish and I am SO glad I was able to taste so many things. I like the decor of the restaurant - it has sort of a modern antique feeling to it...perfect for eating a great brunch!

LAST VISIT: 6/27/2010     http://www.goodrestaurantnyc.com/

3 - Tribeca Grill [American Grill]

LAST VISIT: 6/10/10    http://www.myriadrestaurantgroup.com/tribecagrill/index.html

Okay...look at the picture to the right. That is Goat Cheese Ravioli with Artichokes, Favas, Cherry Tomatoes & Spinach...holy moly...it was so delicious I can't even begin to describe it. The goat cheese content was perfect...not too strong and balanced well with the light tomato broth and vegetables surrounding the ravioli. The portion size was perfect...in fact I had to wave goodbye to the last rav...:(. My husband ordered the Grilled Filet of Beef with Garlic Whipped Potatoes, Sautéed Spinach & Crispy Onion Rings which was also super tasty. You can't go wrong with onion rings on your plate!! Tribeca Grill's space is large and open, yet the bar is in the middle of the restaurant breaking up any cafeteria feel. The brick encasing gives the restaurant a classic, quaint feel. I was happy with my visit to Tribeca Grill!

2 - Boqueria

LAST VISIT: 5/28/2010     http://www.boquerianyc.com/

Boqueria is a fun Spanish Tapas restaurant. The food is good - not fantastic, but completely satisfying and flavorful. It is definitely a great place for Thursday or Friday night dinner. The atmosphere is lively and cute. A great date location. The kitchen is exposed so you can watch the cooking process. I wish I had asked for a seat around the bar of the kitchen...but I still was able to stare from across the restaurant.

3 - Quality Meats [Steakhouse]

LAST VISIT: 1/29/2010     http://www.qualitymeatsnyc.com/

This steakhouse is one of my favorites in NYC...especially the dessert that follows. Quality has their own sundaes with choice of sauce. The steak is of course delish and the sides are fantastic: parm waffle fries, crispy artichokes and yorkshire creamed spinach are among a few of the most delicious sides. The decor of the restaurant is super fun too!

3 - Craft [Haute Cuisine]

LAST VISIT: 10/1/2008 http://www.craftrestaurant.com/craft_style.php

This restaurant is the best with friends! Sharing really made it a fun time for the group that I was with. The braised short ribs of beef are TOP NOTCH - I don't even like ribs, but the meat literally dissolves like butter in your mouth - "Butta"! They have a fantastic selection and the atmosphere is modern, but not too trendy. The dessert menu is also a hit because they have a section where you can "make your own"!!!!! Holy good food Batman!

3 - Mercer Kitchen

LAST VISIT: 3/2010 http://www.jean-georges.com/

I love everything about this restaurant!!! The decor is so great - the brick, open kitchen - it is so clean and inviting. The food is fab - I have ordered the Slowly Baked Salmon, Brussels Sprouts, Truffle Mashed Potatoes every time. The meal is filling, but I don't get that buttered/greased out feeling when I am done. Everything is fresh and light on the tummy. This is a trendy place that will last - I want my next apartment to look like Mercer Kitchen!

1 - Spice Market

LAST VISIT: 1/2010
http://www.spicemarketnewyork.com/If you read my blog you know that I love Buddakan. So when I heard that Spice Market is considered a rival I put it on my "must try it" list. I have to say, I was largely disappointed. The food was nothing special and it was like they wanted a unique flavor so they used every spice in the cabinet trying to make sure the dishes had enough flavor. Well, they suceeded and got too much flavor. I wasn't too sure there was such a thing until I ate here. The atmosphere was fun and unique, but it surely didn't make up for the food. I have heard that Spice Market has gone down hill over the years and now they just cannot compete with Buddakan - I confirm, this is true.

3 - Dos Caminos (Guacamole/Chips/Salsa ONLY)

LAST VISIT: 4/2010 http://www.brguestrestaurants.com/restaurants/dos_caminos_soho/index.php

I used to LOVE Dos Caminos. It was a great fusion Mexican food experience. Recently the restaurant made several food changes and the food just doesn't seem to be as awesome as it was about six months. Don't get me wrong though, the guacamole, chips and salsa are still off the chain. My girlfriend and I went there just the other day to sit on the patio on the nice spring day and have the famous guacamole. Seriously, it isn't repeatable anywhere else. It is too bad the food hit the decline!

Go here just for the guac!

3 - Buddakan

LAST VISIT: 3/2010 http://www.buddakannyc.com/buddakan.html

For an indescribable Asian food experience you need to go to Buddakan. The food is out of control...superior to any Asian food I have had before. The service has always been top notch; the wait staff take pride in their knowledge of the menu. Items I have tried:

- Edamame Dumplings

- Hunan Beef Bao Buns

- Shaken Chili Beef Tartare

- Scallion Pancakes (if you don't get these you are making a HUGE mistake)

- Pepper Steak Chow Fun

- Vegetable Rice

- Asian Green Stir Fry (my second favorite item on the menu)

- Szechuan Crusted Ribeye

- Charred Filet of Beef

- Glazed Alaskan Black Cod

- Sweet & Sour Chicken

It is hard to go wrong at Buddakan. The atmosphere is so chic and you will want to dress up for the occasion. I find it best to go with four or more people - it conducive to sharing!!! If you are only here for a day or two I would put this on the list for dinner!

3 - SushiSamba

LAST VISIT: 3/2010 http://www.sushisamba.com/

This is some of the most yummy food I have stuck in my mouth.

Here are some of my favorite things:

- Crispy yellowtail taquitos
- Assorted vegetable tempura
- Beef tenderloin and aji panca anticuchos

- Peruvian corn
- Neo Tokyo rolls

The mix of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine is genius and the restaurant's atmosphere is super fun. The wait staff are eager to help you order and are patient with inquiries.