Grotto Restaurant

Located down metal stairs near the Grand Street hub, at 100 Forsyth Street, Grotto has been attracting the hip LES set to it's lovely subterranean hideaway restaurant and bar. I have eaten there several times in the last few months and last night it was warm enough to eat in their backyard patio which is lined with wooden benches and green and white striped cushions and pillows continuing the nautical theme from inside. We were early and the staff was barely ready though being the lone diners has it's quiet advantage. Three kinds of bread including a fluffy focaccia, a nice bagette, and a sesame seeded bread arrive with a ramaden of good Italian extra virgin and salt. Next our salad of arugula, imported parmigiano, roasted artichokes and a Meyer lemon dressing arrived and was looked lovely and tasted tart, refreshing and very flavorful. The artichokes could have been warmed slightly as they were cold. My dish of spaghetti carbonara was good with pancetta pieces on top of a creamy carbonara. My friend's clams vongole pasta dish looked very prettily presented and she claimed it to be one of the best ever as she ate it with vigor. There are also secondi meat dishes here which sound quite good. The prices here are generally reasonable with pastas under $20 and using lot's of good imported ingredients. The space inside with it's dark wood walls , ship like windows and narrow bar with a giant vase of beautiful flowers and exposed brick walls make for a romantic dating or drinking option. The bathroom is lined in grey slate marble and smells good with a burning candle and flowers it is one of the prettiest and cleanest I have seen in weeks.

Japanese Midtown Lunch Cart

Near "The Rock" there are many quality lunch carts like Daisy Mae's Barbeque etc. to feed the office surge at noon. On 50th. Street there are two Japanese guys with makeshift home storage units packed with fresh food to go. These guys come from restaurants nearby hoping to syphon off some of the surge. I tried the first guy on 50th. Street going from 6th. - 7th. Ave who sells a chicken or fish meal for $6., rice extra. There was a choice of broiled mackeral, soy bean paste with veggies and a spring roll with sweet red, yellow and green peppers. The other dish was skinless chicken pieces with a mystery sauce, the soy bean paste, and two shumai. I opted for the fish which came with chopsticks, no napkins and was in a plastic dish with partitions. The food was good- freshly made, the fish was a tad fishy, though went well with it's accompanying dishes. The soybean paste and spring roll were both very tasty and for $6, it can't be beat. A small salad with dressing is an extra buck.

Wildwood Barbeque

Located at 225 Park Ave. South and 18th. Street in an area saturated with grand restaurant visions, Wildwood jumped into the burgeoning barbeque scene in what is fast becoming a mecca for great barbeque right here in the Big Apple. Wildwood is big and bold with beige and brown colors and cushiony booths and steele beams running across the ceiling's cavernous space. A snazzy bar area to the left of the dining space with lot's of libation choices that will surely draw a happening after work crowd. Now for the sit down and food. This is a BR Guest restuarant so service is first rate. I was seated at a spacious table for four before the lunch crowd surged. A waitress told me about the all natural beef used and sauces and condiments on the table. I ordered the "Three Little Pigs" plate with spare ribs, pulled pork and a jalepeno sausage with 2 sides for $21.50. The lemonade was not housemade so I stuck with water. When the cue came with the sides I was excited not only by the sheer size of the plate, but by the glistening shine on the large meaty ribs. Those ribs were tdf(to die for), made to order by Big Lou in the kitchen, large meaty, smoky and tender. The pulled pork also shined with the signature house sauce, the other sauce which was raspberry flavored tasted totally artifical to my palate so I avoided it. The sausage was also tasty. Now for the sides- creamed spinach tasted like fresh spinach with a lighter than usual cream sauce and was tasty. The mac and cheese was a total wash that was made with small cheesy shells with a slightly toasty bread crumb like crust- that was b&b(bland and boring). Overall, the space and meat rocks! The bathroom offers a large rustic sink, red tile and western style wood doors, spiffarama!

Indochine

Walking into Indochine you know you hit a scene still around since the '80's. After waiting for a few minutes for the model hostess to greet and seat us, we soaked in the palm tree laden scene. Finally, seating us in a nice though tight corner spot our model waitress appeared. Offering us the signature lychee martini which was good though not overly thick and as flavorful as it could be. Next, we ordered some appetizers which included the steamed Vietnemese Ravioli with chicken, shrimp, bean sprouts and mint wrapped in rice paper with housemade peanut sauce. Also ordered were whole baby prawns with heads on and accompanying plum sauce. The appetizers were all first-rate period. Next up were the main courses. Mine was called Vietnamese Boullabaisse which included sea scallops, prawns, baby squid, prawn, shrimp, squid, mussells and cabbage in a lime leaf and galagal sauce for $22 bucks. Delish, fresh and flavorful. All of the seafood eaten here was clearly from the ocean and of very high quality. Other model/waitresses came over to check on our food enjoyment. Located across the street from the Public Theatre and the other modelizer spot Butter on Lafayette Street, the food does rate and the eye candy rocks too if you don't mind a little 'tude along the way. The bathrooms here are something out of colonial Vietnam with whitewashed wood doors and ceiling fans cooling us off after a steamy, sexy meal.

The Brooklyn Flea

I discovered this place through the Wednesday Dining section of the NY Times which initially was a little unusual as this is mainly a vintage/antique market. This happening Sunday outdoor flea is located in the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn in the back of Bishop Loughlin High School on Layfayette and Vanderbilt. When you see the hip crowd lounging on the steps of the high school you know the word is out - this place rocks. With 100 plus vendors serving up vintage clothes, bric a brac, furniture and collectables there are lot's of interesting wares if this stuff moves you. There is even an outpost of Housing Works Thrift Shop where I bought a pair of cute sandals for $8.00. The reason the spot made the Times Dining section is because of the scant, but interesting food offerings. Some of Mexican and Salvadoran folks from the Red Hook ball fields which are often featured on food and travel channels are there serving up papusas and killer quesadillas. My pork quesadilla with pico de gallo, guacamole, grilled scallions, lime, hot sauce and radishes on a fresh, thick quesadilla for $6 was rockin'. The lines were long for the papusas and grilled corn so I am hoping more food vendors are on the way, I hear they are. Also, there were the Blue Marble ice-cream folks who make organic ice-cream and their chocolate was dense and delish though the cone might have been out in the sun too long.

Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory

Having eaten home-made ice-cream every day last summer at the East Village Ice Cream Factory, I decided to try the ice-cream in it's original incarnation. So I ventured out the the Greenpoint outpost of the Brooklyn ice-cream factory, their other factory is near the Brooklyn Bridge which is a lovely spot and packed in warmer months with lines of we scream for ice-cream kids. Getting to the Greenpoint outpost is a trip so to speak on the G train to Greenpoint Ave. and then another 8 blocks to this isolated but charming ice-cream spot. It looks like an old-fashioned ice-cream parlor from the outside with a green and yellow striped material awning and inside with small tables and books about old-Brooklyn. The flavors include vanilla, chocolate, coffee, butter pecan and peaches and cream. All fresh ingredients are used in the production of the ice-cream. This ice-cream is almost identical the the East Village spot as it's owner was an alumni of the original Brooklyn joint, though the Brooklyn spot is a bit more pricey and the East Village Ice Cream Factory makes their fruit flavors with real bits of fruit in smaller batches. One scoop is $3.50 here and two were $5.50 with toppings extra. A bathroom is in the back in case you need it before the long hike back to the G.

Vinnie Vella's Pizza

Vinne Vella is a an actor who has opened a pizza place on Metropolitan Avenue two doors down from the great Cheeks bakery(see Brooklyn new school bakery). The space boasts exposed brick, pictures of lots of celebraties with Vella and Frankie playing in the background. Clean, steal tables also lined with pictures offer a spiffier pizza eating experience with nice condiments on each table. Now for the pizza, which it boasts is the best thin crust pizza. Well the round pizza at $2.25 is good and thin with a sweet light tomato sauce, cheese that looks like it was added before the sauce a la L&B Spumoni Gardens(more on L&B) shortly. The pizza does have a nice bite though the flavor is not exceptional. Pies run from $13-$15 for a large plain pizza and up to $21 for specialty pies with movie names like Casino, Anaylze This etc.

Westville east

With two locations one in the East Village and the other in the West Village, Westville boasts an extensive menu of salads soups and main plates. It's extensive menu made me fear the food may not measure up though the space was so inviting I took the risk. The East Village spot located on the corner of East 11th. and Ave. A. is an airy spot with whitewashed walls and a few pieces of local art hanging. Some comfy cushiony seating and a casual environment with good food make Westville very popular with a youngish crowd. I ate here for lunch and enjoyed my gazpacho with avocado for $6, which was tasty. Two vegetable dishes one of grilled lemon asparagus and the other artichoke hearts with parmesan was filling. Larger plates with fish, fries and a salad run from about $16-$18. The sweet fries looked especially good. Brunch here is muy popular with many creative edd dishes including fried eggs with turkey hash, toast and salad for $8.00. Foodwise, the grub is tasty enough with an emphasis on the fresh and brunch is cheap. The bathroom looked like a silver spaceship with silver popcorn walls and a teeny sink, fyi.

DiFara's Pizza

To make it to DiFara's Pizzeria on the corner of Ave. J. and East 15th. Street in Brooklyn is like making a pilgrimage with other pizza pilgrims to the pinnacle of NY pizza. An old school reno from the 70's this run down joint is lined with over 25 of his written accolades which laud the pizza king Dominic DeMarco. Dominic still makes the pies as he has done for 40 years and it exciting to watch him create his rounds and squares. Streching the dough, adding the tomoato sauce, cutting the mozzarella cheese(he uses regular and buffalo milk) as well as romano cheese which adds sweetness and then drizzles extra virgin olive oil onto the pie then into the conventional pizza oven it goes. After baking, for the finale is he uses a scissor and cuts fresh basil onto his perfectly baked pies. At $4.00 the pizza should be good and it is great. I have been going to DiFara's for years since high school when it was just a neighborhood spot with two of my high school friends who lived nearby. Tasting it again after so many good and mediocre slices recently was just a pleasure. The round which I liked a little more is so perfectly baked and juicy with all the cheeses and good olive oil the it was an hmmmmmm! The square was so flavorful and well baked it was alot of taste in a bite. For a rainy Sunday the place was packed. There is a bathroom behind the counter, though it is not the most customer friendly little toilet arrangement.

The Great American Health Bar

The Great American Health bar has been in it's same spot on 57th. Street since at least the eighties when many including myself opted for healthier food after dance classes nearby. The place looks like a California diner circa 1979. This place is no bargain, but still does a ragin' business with their made to order salads with lo cal house-made vinegaigrette. Salads numbers 1-9 or your own mix runs from about $8.95 to $14.95. The Tasty Avocado includes spinach and romaine, very fresh avocado, tomatoes, peppers and mushrooms. Though not cheap at $13.94- it is tasty. My fave for a dinner salad is the cheese tortellini and spinach salad which has spinach, grape leaves, tortellini, feta, hard boiled eggs, red onions tomato, and cheddar. Alot of cheese and very tasty. There is squeezed on the spot orange juice by the great machine that takes the whole orange and spits out the juice(very popular in Spain), Other fresh squeezed juices are available as well. The low fat frozen yogurt has always been popular here and still is and is offered in a variety of flavors with extra toppings. Main dishes are pricey and I think the salads are a more interesting food option. The bathroom has been updated to marble, but still retains that old-school smell.

Isablella's Cucina Intaliana

Isabella's on Grand Street on the LES offers the real deal in pizza, a genuine brick oven pizza not just brick face like some NY "brick oven" pizza joints. An interestingly eclectic decor with charming chandeliers and a smallish table arrangement give the place a local, borough like feel. The pizza here is made to order and is the real deal. Luckily, for those looking for just pizza Isabella's offers a mini version of all their pies. You can watch them make and fire your pie in the oven. I have always opted for the mini margherita which at $6 is only a little more expensive than a DiFara's slice. The m.m. arrives hot out of the oven, nicely charred, with 4 small slices topped with a piece of fresh basil on each slice. I opt to dine alfresco in the lovely weather and they include fresh parmigiano and red pepper flakes. By the by, a cute bathroom is available in the back just in case you need it. The pizza is just hmmmmm delicious- one of the best all around pizza flavors around town. Other pies include ingredients like olives, sausage, ricotta and speck(bacon) which are more expensive than the margherita though no minis cost more than $13. Isabella's also offers pasta with homemade looking bread, but with pizza this good and cheap well the choice is obvious.

Big Daddy's Diner

Big Daddy's has two locations one on Park Ave. South and 19th. Street and the other on 2nd. Ave and 82nd. Street. I have eaten at the Park Ave South location nearly a dozen times and each time my feeling is the same. Cute retro setting, freshly made grub to order, and occasionally clueless service. Lunch on Park Ave. South is bustling and for good reason, the food is good though not cheap, booth action and trivia cards make for a fun interactive lunch. The burgers are so huge and served with slaw and fries(cheese if you ask for it). Last week it was hard to finish my daddy'o burger which was grilled perfectly with melted jalepeno cheddar, thick cut bacon and onion rings- o daddy this is some burger, and served with fries for $12.93. If you are feeling in a retro mood you can order tater tots instead of fries and you can add cheese to the fries for a buck. To wash it all down I ordered a delish thick shake with chocolate, banana, chocolate syrup and whipped creme. Another lunch fave is the "holy moses" which includes, grilled veggies, grape leaves, falafel, hummus, cucumber, olives and pita for $13.93- also a gargantuan amount of food and freshly made. The salads are also huge and I have enjoyed the General Lee's chicken salad on many occasions served with napa cabbage fried chicken breast, , hearts of palm, roasted sesame seeds, mango and orange slics with an Asian sesame dressing for $13.91. I am always so full, I never order dessert. The toilet is on the first floor with a large silver antique looking mirror and pedestal sink.

Mr Skewer & Co. Brazilian Grill

I was waiting for months for this Brazilian style sort-of fast food spot to open on 14th Street between 5th. and 6th. Ave. Finally, open about 2 weeks, I have eaten here twice and enjoyed both experiences. This new joint offers churascarria style meats as well as other south american specialties including empanadas as well as specialty sandwiches and salads. Of course, the star of the show is the meat and for a fraction of a real churascarria without the huge salad bar offerings the meat here is delicious. On my first visit, I ate the skirt steak seasoned with sea salt which was perfectly cooked and seasoned delicately served with cheese bread balls(no lie)and two sides which I ordered steamed and grilled veggies which were fine and cost $11.95. Today, I tried the guacho burger for $8.45 which is served on the homemade cheese bread with caramelized onions, mixed greens, and brazilian vinaigrette. This is one rockin' burger, mine was a teeny overcooked to medium well, I asked for medium, but was highly seasoned and super tasty especially on the cheese bread. Mr. Skewer also seves grilled chicken, turkey, salmon, chorizo and other steak cuts which all look like good bets. The salads with dressing on the side appeared slightly boring as the meat here reigns supreme. There is a bathroom in the rear for your after dining comfort.

Barrio

Located in the center, center slope on 7th. Ave and 3rd. Street, this new endeavor works hard to please those who jones for quality Mexico City style Mexican in Brooklyn. Chef Adrian Leon who has worked with Nuevo Latino superstar Douglas Rodriguez, as well as manning kitchens at Rosa Mexicano and Zocalo. I ate there for brunch yesterday and was not dissappointed. Seated in the covered outdoor area, which was nice and warm with cute, colorful lights, brunch began with chips and homemade salsas. The busboy explained the green was tomatillo and the red was morita and spicy. Both were fresh and vibrant and the chips good though not housemade. My entree of baked vegetarian enchilada for $11.95 was served in a corn tortilla with black beans, cactus, roasted poblanos, anejo cheese, green salsa and topped with pickled jalapenos was very good though I might have enjoyed it more with a little something extra with it, like a little rice perhaps. The tables surrounding me looked happy and all the food, especially those topped with the lovely freshmade salsas looked enticing. Other brunch entrees include huevos rancheros for $10.50, pancakes topped with fresh fruit and sugar and chicken or steak chilaquiles for $9.25. The sides are only $2.95 including guacamole which is pretty reasonable for an add on. Lots of specialty cocktails are available and the staff is plenty willing to please. A nice clean bathroom with a little wood wainscotting is located in the main dining room. Soon arriving will be Mexican hot chocolate which I look forward to on a future brunch visit.

John's Shanghai

Located in the heart of the Theatre District on West 46th between 6th and Broadway is this old school Chinese restaurant. John's is a homey spot with a wall of teapots and Chinese sculptures in it's two-story restaurant. The restaurant offers classic Shanghai Style fare as well as housemade dumplings. The weekday lunch specials (until 4pm) include soup or egg roll or soda. They start at $6.75 for roasted meats and go up to $9.95 for the multi-meat/ fish combos. The seating is comfortable and the service fast and the food is pretty standard.

El Museo Del Jamon

Located in several outposts all over Madrid, this is one of my favorite spots in all of Spain. The museum of ham as it translates into English celebrates serrano and Iberian hams displayed all over this cafe and restaurant with hoofs in. El museo offers breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as ham and cheeses to go. The location near Puerta Del Sol is where we started our day's and they offer several breakfast specials of ham(serrano) with or without cheese(manchego) as well as the famous zumo de naranja(house squeezed juice) and cafe or hot chocolate for abut $5 U.S. Standing at the counter with tourists and Madrilenos is unbeatable Spanish experience.