Hudson Clearwater is one of my go to’s when in Manhattan. I try and go every time I am in town. It’s a local joint in the Village which is a great neighborhood. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the food is excellent always and anytime. I love the feeling of this place too. It’s small, intimate, not fancy and I never want to leave. You just can’t lose here. Enjoy.

I like The Dutch. It’s in the SoHo Neighborhood of Manhattan and only a few blocks from the West Village. Another cool neighborhood. Nothing fancy here, the prices are reasonable, really good vibe and the food and drinks are tasty. One of their specialties is their fried chicken and it was delicious. I like this place.

I love small, intimate, funky joints. Huertas is just that. It’s located in the East Village which is one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city. Huertas serves Basque-influenced fare, evoking the lively eating and drinking culture of Northern Spain and creatively inspired by NYC. I started out with a Seafood Tin called Caballa. Mackerel in Olive Oil, Aioli, Pimentón, Lemon, Herbs, Bread followed by a fresh Tomato Salad and then Arroz. Saffron Fried Rice, Shrimp, Bacon, Peas, Pea Leaves, Egg, Aioli. Everything was so good including the cocktails. A great little joint!

Gramercy Tavern is one of famous restauranteur, Danny Meyer’s, signature restaurants. It is in the Flatiron District/Union Square area of Manhattan which is a cool area. You can either eat in the main dining room which is fancier and has a bigger menu or eat in the Tavern which is walk in and a smaller menu. I choose to belly up to the bar in the Tavern and the food was outstanding along with the service and ambiance.  I had the Island Creek Oysters, Roasted Veges with 3 dipping sauces & the Gramercy Tavern Cookie Plate with Milk. Was a wonderful experience.

As you know, I love dive joints. Hole in the wall places. But that doesn’t mean I don’t like upscale too. Especially when it is in a fun and festive atmosphere. Cosme is just that. Cosme is a restaurant in New York City’s Flatiron District serving contemporary Mexican-inspired cuisine. World-renowned Chef Enrique Olvera and his team create dishes rooted in Mexican flavors and traditions, while also celebrating local and seasonal ingredients from the Hudson Valley and surrounding region. Cosme’s beverage program focuses on artisanal spirits and mirrors its cuisine, letting the high quality ingredients shine. One of their specialties is the Duck Carnitas with onions, radishes, cilantro. It is for sharing and the duck is slow cooked and is out of this world! I will be back.

The first NYC restaurant from Tokyo chef Takatoshi Nagara, Mr. Taka Ramen dishes up a compact menu of Japanese snacks and several varieties of ramen, plus beer and sake, in a cozy, simple storefront with light-wood tables and an open kitchen. And, this joint is in the Lower East Side which is such a fun area of New York City. Nothing fancy here and really good! So good I went back a 2nd time before I left town.