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 - Big Daddy's Diner (up from a 2)

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

Seriously - I used to think Big Daddy's Diner was just like every other diner...but, now I can't stay away. Their pancakes are stellar...fluffy-mcduffy...melt in your mouth!!! Tater tots ("TOTS"), Chicken-Lickin Sandy, Very, Very Veggie Burger, and the Big Daddy Sundae are among my favorites. If you want a hearty meal, big portions and deliciousness - hit up the Big D's!!! :)

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.

3 - Friend of a Farmer

LAST VISIT: 12/2009 http://www.friendofafarmernyc.com/

This place has the BEST chicken pot pie I have ever had. When it is chilly in NYC and you want a hearty comfort food situation...head here. The place is decorated like a country cottage so you feel like you are at grandma's while eating the smoking hot chicken pot pie. The cornbread served before the meal is a wonderful tease.