3 - Po' [Italian]

LAST VISIT: 6/9/2010    http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/po01/

Last night I went to Po' and left feeling full...even this morning I am still full. The prices are reasonable and the portion size is OUTSTANDING, except the fact that you will likely eat it all and be overly full. I ordered the Cavatelli (toasted garlic, broccoli & bread crumbs) and it was OFF THE CHAIN! For an appetizer (on the house) our waiter brought us White Bean Bruschetta which was tasty! The atmosphere of Po' is tiny, quaint and charming. It is a great find in the West Village for sure!

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 - Bianca [Italian]

LAST VISIT: 4/2/2009 http://www.biancanyc.com/home.html

I am doing this restaurant a MAJOR disservice by not having a proper food picture. Bianca is beyond beyond phenomenal! Holy moly - Gorgonzola Gnocchi???? Let me tell you - it is something to save your calories for folks...if you love blue cheese and you love gnocchi, you will DIE when you have their dish! Plus, their prices are so reasonable ~ this makes for something exceptional in NYC. For awesome Italian - don't hesitate...hit Bianca up. FYI - they do not take reservations, but wait the wait...it is worth it!

3 - Alice's Tea Cup

LAST VISIT: 3/2010 http://alicesteacup.com/

If you aren't a lover of scones and tea, you will be after visiting Alice's!!!!! They have a few locations in NYC and they all have different flavors (other than their regulars- Ham & Cheese, Pumpkin and Buttermilk) every day!!! Once while dining there with friends the server liked us so much he brought us a plate full of hot chocolate chip scones. They were to die for!!!!!

All of Alice's locations seem to hire a unique breed all which are all friendly. Service can sometimes be a bit slow, but tea and scones were meant for a relaxed environment - so sit back, relax and eat a buttery treat!

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.