3 - Ravagh [Persian]

LAST VISIT: 4/2010 http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/ravagh-persian-grill02/

This Persian delight was so good I forgot to get a picture before I devoured everything on my plate. A simple order of hummus, chicken kabobs with rice and steak kabobs with fries and 20 minutes later my tummy was beyond satisfied. I love this place because the menu and decor are simple. You know you are going to get great food and there is no nonsense about it. Mediterranean food is likely my favorite genre of food...and Ravagh knew how to make me fall in love.

3 - H & H Bagels

LAST VISIT: 4/2010 http://www.hhbagels.com/

H&H is worthy of two pictures. Their bagels are THE BEST. Seriously, for those who think there is not a difference, you are out of your mind. H&H consists of the usual NYC busy bagel joint fare: a long line of people salivating at the thought of that bagel oozing in their mouth. They are always fresh, usually you are lucky enough to get one right out of the oven. The service is FAST, FAST, FAST. You will see the line often go out the door however, you will rarely wait longer than five minutes. West coasters who think they have had a good bagel are being fooled. You have to take the flight over to NYC to H&H to experience a "real" bagel. WOWO - they are divine...have I convinced you yet?!?! :)

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.

2 - Rosa Mexicano

LAST VISIT: 1/2009 http://www.rosamexicano.com/

There is a debate in NYC - Who's guac is the best: Dos Caminos or Rosa Mexicano??? I fell in love with the Dos Camino's guac just shortly after moving to NYC, so I had to take the challenge to determine which guac was best. Sure enough, Dos Caminos' guac won the metal of honor. Rosa's version is similar however, it was bland. It seems to lack the flavor and kick that any guac requires. Their food was in a similar boat - their interpretation of Mexican fusion didn't get me flying off my seat only to return a week later. It wasn't horrible, but my expectations were too high and the food was average.

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!