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Some good eats recommended by May:
'ino
Italian cafe
Average Main Course Price: $10
21 Bedford St (West Village)
between 6th Ave and Downing St
New York, NY 10014
212-989-5769
www.cafeino.com
Don't let the diminutive size of Ino fool you — this Italian wine bar serves up munchies that are huge on taste! Lone lunchers or small groups are most common here, and you will see many worker-bees who have dashed out for a quick noontime bite. Favorites are the creative sandwiches and the classic bruschetta. Light appetites should try the Panini, which comes in variations such as prosciutto with soft Italian cheese and sweet onion or roasted vegetables and goat cheese.
Chat 'n Chew
Average Main Course Price: $12
10 E 16th St (Union Square)
between 5th Ave and Union Square
New York, NY 10003
212-243-1616
www.chatnchewnewyorkcity.com
Homesick for the family-friendly diner you'd find in "Anytown, USA?" Then, the Chat 'n Chew offers just the right mix of Americana and home-style cooking to make you feel like you've been transported to the Midwest. The soda shop dressings and antique Coca-Cola signs provide ample décor for a place that specializes in such catchy desserts as their superb "Häagen-Dazs Milk Shakes" and devilish chocolate cake. TRAIN: N, R, L 4, 5, 6 to 14th St-Union Square.
Amy's Bread
American/Bakery
Average Main Course Price $7.00
75 9th Ave (Chelsea Market)
New York, NY 10011
212-462-4338
www.amysbread.com/chelsea.htm
This quaint little breakfast and lunch stop, located in the trendy Chelsea Market, is popular for its delicious, homemade baked goods. Inside, you'll see Amy's latest baked offerings like "Organic Rustic Italian," "Organic Whole Wheat Baguette," or "Black Olive Fougasse" stacked in the bins around the counter. Breakfast fare includes a vast selection of scones, muffins, sticky buns, Irish soda bread, and more. Neighborhood folks crowd in daily for Amy's unique take on traditional lunch fare — a grilled cheese and tomato with cilantro and chipotle or ham with swiss on potato onion dill bread. TRAIN: A, C, E, L to 14th St.
Mama's Food Shop
American diner
Average Main Course Price $12.00
200 E 3rd St (East Village)
between Aves A and B
New York, NY 10009
212-777-4425
www.mamasfoodshop.com
This is comfort food better than what your own mama served! When New Yorkers hunger for meatloaf and mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese or down home fried chicken, this is where they go. Mama's gets raves for their reasonable prices as well as their satisfying grub. If you aren't in the mood for Mama's Food Shop, try Stepmama (a grill across the street) or Mama's Milk (a coffee bar next door.) Alcoholic beverages purchased from Mama's Milk are permitted in the Food Shop. TRAIN: F to 2nd Ave
Angelica Kitchen
American/Vegetarian deli
Average Main Course Price $10.00
300 E 12th St (East Village)
between 1st and 2nd Aves
New York, NY 10003
212-228-2909
www.angelicakitchen.com
The line out the door will show you that vegans and carnivores agree — Angelica Kitchen is a wonderful dining experience. Anyone worried that vegetarian fare isn't filling hasn't tried the sweet potato croquettes flavored with pecans, garlic, fennel and caraway, with an onion-dill glaze. Other filling favorites are the hot, open-faced tempeh sandwich and the "dragon bowl" composed of steamed sea veggies, rice, beans and tofu. Don't forget to save room for the delectable desserts — the lemon-almond torte wins raves among regulars.
Pukk
Thai Vegetarian
Average Main Course Price $8.00
71 1st Ave (East Village)
Between 4th & 5th St
New York, NY 10003
212-253-2742
www.pukknyc.com
Green is the dominant color at this funky, East Village Thai, and for good reason. The menu is all-vegetarian. That in no way limits the kitchen's capacity for creativity, as evidenced by appetizers like spinach toast or Thai pancake with curry dip. Main courses take things to a whole other level, and it doesn't matter if you go for the gravy noodles, the pineapple red curry with tofu, or the spicy watercress duck (made with soy) — chances are good your palate will feel roundly rewarded. Best of all, the great prices let you pull off the trifecta: Trendy, healthy and thrifty. TRAIN: F, V to Lower East Side-2nd Ave
Tartine
(no relation to the one in SF)
French/European
Average Main Course Price: $15
253 W 11th St (West Village)
New York, NY 10014
212-229-2611
no website
Don't be surprised if you have to wait in line to get into Tartine — this cozy French bistro offers delicious , authentic fare at very un-New York prices! Locals gladly wait knowing they will be feasting on traditional favorites such as rich quiche with red peppers, onions, goat cheese and basil; crispy Croque Monsieur; and special French onion soup topped with a flaky crust instead of the usual cheese. Make sure to try the tarte tatin with homemade ice cream for dessert. Tartine does not serve alcohol, but feel free to bring your own wine. TRAIN: A, B, C, D, E, F to West 4th Street Washington Square Station.
Joe's Shanghai
Chinese
Average Main Course Price: $15
9 Pell St (Chinatown)
New York, NY 10013
212-233-8888
www.joeshanghairestaurants.com
The incomparable steamed soup dumplings served with pork or crabmeat make this humble gem popular with people from all over (the long waits attest to this). Joe's Shanghai also warrants high marks because it offers superb Hong Kong-style delicacies such as shredded turnip shortcake, braised duck and spicy yellow fish. If you're in a hurry and can't wait, try Shanghai's younger sister, Ginger. TRAIN: J, M, Z to Canal St.
New Green Bo
Chinese
Average Main Course Price $10.00
66 Bayard St (Chinatown)
between Elizabeth & Mott St
New York, NY 10013
212-625-2359
no wesite
Those in the know like to avail themselves of the great food and service they find at New Green Bo, one of the true "great deals" in Chinatown. Neighborhood denizens note this popular neighborhood eatery for its fabulous fried rice cakes and traditional dishes like yellow fish potage. It should be a law: No visit here is complete without your having sampled their delicious dumplings. TRAIN: J, M, Z to Canal St
Grimald'sbetween Elizabeth & Mott St
New York, NY 10013
212-625-2359
no wesite
Those in the know like to avail themselves of the great food and service they find at New Green Bo, one of the true "great deals" in Chinatown. Neighborhood denizens note this popular neighborhood eatery for its fabulous fried rice cakes and traditional dishes like yellow fish potage. It should be a law: No visit here is complete without your having sampled their delicious dumplings. TRAIN: J, M, Z to Canal St
Italian pizza joint
Average Main Course Price: $13
19 Old Fulton St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-858-4300
www.grimaldis.com
Famous for its delicious, coal-oven baked pizza and old-timey jukebox, this charming little pizzeria is tucked away under the Brooklyn Bridge. They use only the freshest of ingredients, including fresh mozzarella made on the premises. Grimaldi's consistently wins "Best of..." awards, and is the definite favorite of locals. It may be a little out of the way, and you may have to wait for a table on weekends, but you'll find this eatery to be well worth the visit. No slices, whole pies only! TRAIN: A, C to High Street.
Anytime
American/burger
Average Main Course Price $10.00
20 Skillman Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-218-7272
www.anytimeny.com/index.html
A bevy of late-night delights hides behind Anytime's grubby Williamsburg facade. Open until 5am on weekends, Anytime serves up appropriately filling and scrumptious food for the clientele that stumble in at odd hours. Burgers are thick and juicy, and there's even meat or vegetarian lasagna for those craving some comfort food. The mozzarella sticks and tater tots also make for great snacks on the way home after a night out. Even better? Anytime delivers, so you don't even have to leave home to get a fix.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-218-7272
www.anytimeny.com/index.html
A bevy of late-night delights hides behind Anytime's grubby Williamsburg facade. Open until 5am on weekends, Anytime serves up appropriately filling and scrumptious food for the clientele that stumble in at odd hours. Burgers are thick and juicy, and there's even meat or vegetarian lasagna for those craving some comfort food. The mozzarella sticks and tater tots also make for great snacks on the way home after a night out. Even better? Anytime delivers, so you don't even have to leave home to get a fix.
