L'Artusi - West Village NYC

Multi-leveled West Village Italian hot spot with staying power, L'Artusi is locally sourced, thoughtfully composed and consistently excellent.   There is a sleek comfortable marble counter that looks into the kitchen, and is a great place to be entertained while eating incredible food.  Not your average Italian, there are lots of vegetarian options as well as excellent, innovative crudos and many lighter dishes.  The pastas do, however, shine- both classics like Orecchiette with sausage or modern twists like gnocchi with rabbit cacciatore. 

Address:  228 West 10^th St, New York, NY

Website: www.lartusi.com

All'onda - Union Square, NYC

View from the street.

My favorite restauranteur in NYC is Michael White. He does Italian food incredibly well-and I love his seafood preparations. The chef at All'onda cooked with Michael White and there are a lot of similarities with his menu and the menu at Marea or Ai Fiori. Anyway, I also am obsessed with sea urchin recently and read about a specific sea urchin pasta that I needed to try. I ventured to this union Square hot spot and was not disappointed.

Website: Allondanyc.com
Address: 22 East 13th Street, New York, NY

The Clam - West Village, NYC

This was my second time at this quaint west village eatery. The room is inviting with exposed brick walls, a metal tiled ceiling and a sleek marble bar. Heavily focused on seafood, and as the name implies, clams, the menu has both the predictable and the unexpected. The food is seasonal, simple and really fresh tasting. 
Great neighborhood spot with friendly casual vibe- seemed like a lot of regulars/locals.

Website: Theclamnyc.com
Address: 420 Hudson Street, New York, NY

Soto - West Village, NYC

Sushi bar- was packed shortly into the evening

Simple, almost austere sushi joint that has stood the test of time. High quality fish prepared in creative ways. Great uni dishes- my most recent sushi obsession.


Address: 357 6th Ave, New York, NY
Website: Link to Menu

Maestro's Steakhouse - Midtown, NYC

From Maestro's website.

Good for an expense account, large group dinner. Huge multilevel mid-town place that could be anywhere, Miami, Vegas anywhere. Packed with large parties, it's a lively and efficient place to drop a lot of money on good but not great food. I forgot to take photos of the steak and sides- what you would expect with a NYC steakhouse with a couple of standout dishes- king crab black truffle gnocchi and lobster mashed potatoes were scrumptious.



Address: 1285 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY
Website: MaestrosRestaurants.com

Via Carota - West Village, NYC

The bar at Via Carota - great place to dine solo

After enjoying my meal at Buvette so much, I found myself at another of chef Jody Williams restaurants last night, Via Carota. This is a joint venture with another popular West Village chef, Rita Sodi of I Sodi fame.  The menu is Italian and heavily leaning toward well sourced preparations of local and seasonal foods- loads of veggies.  The restaurant is simple and welcoming, with a huge marble bar and bistro style tables with mismatched flea market chairs and antique decor.


Address: 51 Grove Street, New York, NY
Website: ViaCarota.com

Solo Farm & Table - South Londonderry, Vermont

We are lucky to know the proprietors of this secluded Vermont farmhouse sophisticated dining spot. In an unassuming renovated home with lovely gardens and grounds, you'll find impeccable service, incredible Spanish influenced food and a super cozy relaxed place for an ideal date night.


Address: 95 Middletown Road, South Londonderry, VT
Website: SoloFarmandTable.com

Buvette - West Village, NYC

Chalk wine map on the wall highlighting wines
by the glass and where they are from

This neighborhood gem is another no-reservations, cramped space that serves some well-prepared, simple, heavily French influenced "gastroteque" fare. The chef, Jody Williams, made a name for herself in mostly Italian spots, but does casual French well. Be prepared to be shoe horned into impossibly tight seats and to hear every word of your neighbors conversations.


Address: 42 Grove Street, New York, NY
Website: Buvette.com

The Spotted Pig - West Village, NYC

This British gastropub turned celebrity hang out is on a quiet west village side street. You'll know you've found it when you see the crowds of people swarming around the front door. It's fame has only risen with the success of chef owner author April Bloomfield's recent book "a girl and her pig" as well as her having been awarded a Michelin star at two of her 3 NYC restaurants .

Lovely and lively bar scene- the seats are first come first serve- no reservations- don't be fooled this is a full contact competition for a spot. On a rainy Tuesday night at 830 I waited for 40 minutes.

I'd say half of the people in the restaurant were having the burger- for good reason. This is the chargrilled burger with Roquefort cheese and shoestring fries served with spicy Dijon mustard and ketchup. This is the reason for the Michelin star. Trust me-this is a damn near perfect burger.

Address: 314 West 11th Street, New York, NY
Website: theSpottedPig.com

Martha Washington Hotel - NYC

Sleek lobby - hipsters waiting to munch on Danny Meyers delicious pizza. Tiny rooms tastefully decorated with extra comfy bed pillows sheets. Good location in heart of flatiron district close to tons of great restaurants.

Address: 29 East 29th Street, New York City, NY 10016
Website: ChelseaHotels.com