2 - 5Ninth Avenue [New American]

LAST VISIT: 6/10/2009     http://www.5ninth.com/5NinthInfo1.Html

5Ninth is an ADORABLE spot to dine. The restaurant is crisp and clean and their outdoor seating area is too cute. However, I wasn't overly impressed with their food. It wasn't horrible and I don't have specific complaints, but it just didn't stick out in my mind as being super fab. Their menu is small so that was a bit limiting - I had a nice time, but I am not dying to go again.

3 - STK [Steakhouse]

LAST VISIT: 4/24/2009     http://www.onelittlewest12.com/stkny/

If you're going to dinner at STK you can't anticipate a quiet romantic evening at some old men's club steakhouse. STK is upbeat and packed at all times. The food matches the atmosphere - fun and stylish. Their steaks and sides are tasty!! Beyond dinner dessert is also fantabulous. They have cotton candy on their menu and the flavor changes daily. When I went with a group of friends we all dove into their Green Apple flavor and it was OUTRAGEOUS - it tasted just like you were biting into a greet apple!!!

2 - Old Homestead [Steakhouse]

LAST VISIT: 11/20/2008 http://www.theoldhomesteadsteakhouse.com/

Old Homestead is like any standard steakhouse in the US. The food was good, but did not exceed other outstanding steakhouses I have tried. It's location [Meatpacking] is of course fun, but nothing on the menu set OH apart from the rest...also, the atmosphere is pretty typical. Try OH for a standard experience, but don't go to be wow'd.

2 - Pastis [French Bistro]

LAST VISIT: 12/18/2009 http://www.pastisny.com/

Pastis is known for celebrity sightings and fun atmosphere. Well, it is just that. It is a cute place with a fun French feel, but the food is mediocre at best. Also, it is pricey. I was so excited to try Pastis, but my excitement was killed when my $34 Steak Frites was comprised of mostly fat and hardly any flavor. The service was also sub-par. I was a little bummed and left asking myself, "Why is this place always packed?"

2 - Fig & Olive

LAST VISIT: 7/15/2009 http://www.figandolive.com/

I was disappointed in the food at Fig & Olive. It wasn't bad, but of course I expected phenomenal food. I had the opportunity to dine at their Meatpacking location - the decor and ambiance is outstanding, but with the food, it doesn't make for a complete package.

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 - 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!