Top 10 Restaurants to Dine at When Visiting New York - Written by a New Yorker By Kathy Kuo

Usually out of towners when they think of New York dining, they think of very lavish, expensive food with interior décor designed by well known star-chitects with even more well known celebrity chef's endorsing the restaurant name. While those restaurants (Olive, Spice Market, or all the Jean Georges for that matter) are fantastic restaurants- they should be, because outrageous sums of money are dedicated to their marketing, and management team, where the taste, quality of food is just one of the important factor in the well oiled machine that is the culinary food experience. However, I want to highlight some of my favorite restaurants that are all a bit under the radar, and should be on your list of restaurants to hit if you are visiting from out of town.

Incidentally, in case you're wondering, I have been living in New York for 7 years, and have tried lots of local cuisine from Asia to Africa, so I do have a palette that enjoys and recognizes ethnic foods. I should also mention that I eat out pretty regularly, about 5 times a week, but I am not in the restaurant biz, nor endorsing any particular restaurant. Just my faves, since great food/ experiences are meant to be shared!

Below is the list of restaurants that I will actually leave my neighborhood on the UWS to dine at- and repeatedly dine at:

1. Casa Mono- Tapas-

Incredibly small space- but they do have a sister wine bar next door called Bar Jamon that allows you to sip on excellent Riojas while you wait. This is also a really smart business tactic, so they never really lose customers to long waits. The food is really based on Catalan style tapas, and not the northern Pinxchos variety, and it is more "done up" than you're typical run of the mill tapas bar that serve tortillas (Spanish omelets loaded in butter and potatoes) and croquettes. They serve a mean razor clam dish, and braised short rib. Although I'm not a fan of sweet bread (that would be brain...) it's pretty darn good from what I've heard. Décor is simple, dark woods, and ambiance is dark and cozy.

2. Sakagura- Japanese/ Sake Bar

A completely random location in the basement in midtown east, but if you're looking for the best braised pork belly, authentic yet exquisite Japanese street food and sake served the way it should be (not in a box, but iced in a traditional hollowed out glass server) this is where you should try. It is in the basement of an office building, but if you go around late April, early May, it is filled with actual cherry blossoms attached to each column. Sensational! There is no sushi there- only prepared cooked food, and no, you won't find any chicken teriyaki there either. The miso eggplant and green tea truffles are to die for.

3. Bon Chon Chicken- Fried Chicken/ Korean-

More of a late night spot, this K-town bar/ restaurant is located on Fifth right off 32nd, and has a seedy looking entrance with a random red velvet rope to go upstairs. Twice I have gone and it has smelled like baby powder, but if you can get past that disconcerting smell- once you taste the fried chicken, you will never have fried chicken anywhere else. Deep fried in olive oil, there are two flavors- garlic and garlic. Go with either one =) And get the spicy ones. They also have popcorn made with cayenne pepper and raisins- bizarre combination, but really tasty. Beer is served by the pitcher. Other Korean food available too- but if you're just looking for K-food- there's more options right around the corner. Here's fried chicken at its best. Incidentally, lots of non-Koreans frequent this spot as well.

4. Bobo- Pan- American cuisine-

Bobo stands for bohemian bourgeoisie- it is hidden downstairs on the corner of 10th street and 7th Ave, and once you enter, you'll feel that you're in someone's townhouse that you secretly wished you lived in. I really go there because the ambiance is so spectacular which almost discredits the excellent menu there, but the décor is to die for. Bookshelves lined with vintage books- crusty chandeliers, and a staircase clad in plaid and wool. Very chic yet intimate. In the summer, the outdoor garden opens up and is a real treat to out outside (sans tents). Get the Wagyu sirloin or the seared sea scallops. Good date spot.

5. Morimoto- Big Box Japanese

It's easy to dislike this meat-packing, cavernous, overly loud Japanese restaurant filled with wait staff trained on ex-banker expense accounts. Owned by Iron Chef Morimoto- filled with beautiful people (on weekdays), it happens to be a cut above the other "Nobu knock-off's" around the corner- Matsuri, Buddah bar, Buddahkan, Tao, or Asia de Cuba- really because Tadao Ando designed the interior. Walking through the half semi circle door with massive flapping curtains makes you feel like you're entering into a time warp, but sensibly done. The large bi-level open space is utilized well by frosted/ dotted glass partitions set on an angle to maximize user space, yet create semi-intimate dining areas. The food is, well, spectacular. Miso glazed cod, rock shrimp tempura are the staples.

6. Fornino- Pizza

Trekking to Brooklyn for good pizza hardly seems worth it, though it seems that enough people do it for that other pizza place (Grimaldi's)- which is highly overrated owing to good PR and press. Fornino's is located on Bedford Ave off 7th and they make the most killer truffle oil/ mushroom pizza. For a closer slice (in Manhattan)- John's Pizzeria is pretty good and worth the hype, though on the wet side. Another nod to good pizza is- Posto pizza in Murray Hill- though they recently kicked out Jimmy Fallon because he bad mouthed another establishment on Twitter with the same management- which is just really just bad for business. Every New Yorker loves Jimmy Fallon.

7. Peter Lugar's Steakhouse- Steakhouse-

Anywhere where they mock you for asking for an espresso or cappuccino is legit in my book. This place actually lives up to the hype, and isn't laden in butter like Ruth Chris or a hit/miss like Prime 112. There are certainly lots of great places for a slab of juicy meat in the city, but I'm listing this place as a steak house because you come here only for steak, and really nothing else though there is fish on the menu. In addition to their steak for share, they have the best key lime pie, and tomato salad (best when loaded with the Lugar steak sauce on top!) It used to be only construction workers, and men in blue shirts that go, but nowadays if you can get a table, its worth making the trip to BK. They only take cash, and yes, their own credit card- the Peter Lugar credit card.

8. Malatesta- Italian Trattoria

Located on the corner of Christopher and Washington, this small intimate Italian restaurant is completely no frills- and only takes cash. The cool wait staff all speak Italian, and they don't take reservations- partially because they know they'll fill their tables at any given night- and partially because they just really don't care about making anyone a priority no matter who you are. (They once made Christy Turlington wait behind me- what?) Pasta is simple, home made, and the way it should be. Get the Spinach Gorgonzola Gnocchi or the rack of baby lamb.

9. Ippudo- Japanese Ramen, cooked food

In the heels of Momofuku Noodle Shop, and Sobaya, comes this new ramen hot spot, Ippudo in the East Village. As much as I love David Chang's usage of Berkshire pork in everything- his soup bases are almost too salty, and "Anglo-saxon-afied" whereas Ippudo's house ramen gets it just right. In addition, the pork buns are also a cut above their competitors. Get the Shisito peppers, pork buns, and try the sake unfiltered if you've never had it that way before. Plan in waiting about 90 minutes for a table, even on a Monday night. There's a bar across the street to get your drink on first, but it's worth the wait.

10. Peasant (downstairs)- Rustic Italian

If you've ever dined at Peasant upstairs, you'll realize just how much Italian you really don't know. Obscure phrases such as "Polpi in Purgatorio" (is that octopus in purgatory?) make you wonder what you've been eating all along in those other Italians places. Food is exquisite, but lets face it, it's easy to find stellar food at $25 per entrée, but how about the same quality food at half price just downstairs? Peasant downstairs is literally right below the one upstairs. You walk through these large wooden doors that are unmarked which feels like you're entering into a bomb shelter- but once you're inside, it's the completely unexpected warm exposed brick and beam construction, thick heavy curtains lining the walls, and flickering candle light on each long slab wooden table that makes you feel that you've just entered a dimly lit Michelangelo Antonioni movie in the 1970's. Romantic, inviting, and the noise level at a good boisterous, but still low enough hear your friends talking. The food is generally meant for sharing- simple salads, rustic pizzas, and a fierce charcuterie plate make this a low key, yet supremely rich dining experience.

A born aesthete - industrial designer, model, television host, buyer and decorator-entrepreneur Kathy Kuo returns to her roots as an Interior Designer with her stylish boutique Kathy Kuo Designs. http://www.kathykuodesigns.com

Drawing on her jet setting lifestyle and extensive experience working in fashion and design all over the world, Kuo offers an eclectic line of furniture, home accessories and linens with a global flavor and elegant presentation. Kathy Kuo's designs can be found at luxury department stores such as Neiman Marcus, Robb & Stucky, as well as at the homes of Halle Berry, Renee Zellweger, and Robert Redford. Her designs have been featured in numerous home decor magazines including Architectural Digest and Elle Decor.

Kathy Kuo enjoys sharing her signature style with design professionals and discriminating retail shoppers.

Boston Irish Pubs - Great Food, Music, and Brew For You to Enjoy By Susan Vik

Boston Irish pubs offer much more than just Guinness and other brews. These lively fixtures on the Boston bar and restaurant scene are where you'll also find delicious casual and affordable food including Irish favorites, some of the best live music in town, and in some cases, DJs and dancing as well. I'm going to tell you about 2 of the best - although if you visit Boston, you'll want to visit others as well.

The Black Rose is located in Boston's downtown Financial District, just around the corner from historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the oldest part of the city. For more than 30 years, the Black Rose has been serving some of the best Irish pub food in the city, along with Boston favorites featuring fresh seafood and local produce. In addition to being well-prepared, many of the dishes incorporate yummy Irish Cashel blue cheese, Irish cheddar, and best of all, Irish stout. Whether you order bangers and mash or local New England clam chowder, you'll enjoy your meal along with a pint or two.

However, the reason why the Black Rose has earned such a loyal following among Boston Irish pub fans is its live Irish music. Past performers have included diverse musicians such as the Clancy Brothers, flutist James Galway, The Chieftains, Liam Clancy, and even a member of U2. The first floor tends more toward traditional Irish music, with occasional sing-along help from the happy customers, while the second floor features contemporary Irish rock groups. Who knows what future stars you may hear there?

Not far away is Kitty O'Shea's Boston Irish pub, also near Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Kitty O'Shea's is part of a popular Irish bar chain, although its the only U.S. location. The attractive pub features gorgeous stained glass windows showing Irish scenes and has other decorative items from Ireland, but the food is decidedly American. You'll find a tasty assortment of nachos, wings, potato skins, mozzarella sticks, hot artichoke dip, and other standard Boston bar food, as well as an assortment of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and a few standard entrees such as fish and chips.

On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, music transforms Kitty O'Shea's into a popular dance venue as DJs spin a mixture of Top 40, hip hop, techno, and house music on both of the pub's floors. You may not hear much traditional Irish music, even from the occasional live bands, but the high energy crowds appreciate the Irish hospitality at the bar.

These are only 2 out of the many Boston Irish pubs - perhaps a couple of dozen right in the city - that are an exciting part of Boston nightlife. Ranging from traditional to contemporary, they have something to please everyone.

Find out about more Boston Irish pubs and other Boston nightlife at http://www.Boston-Discovery-Guide.com, where Susan shares more information about top Boston attractions, restaurants, city neighborhoods, hotels, and fun things to do.

Joe's Stone Crabs - Miami Beach By Ashley Dortch

There is an obvious reason that Joe's Stone Crab in South Beach Miami has been around for 95 years, and it's not just the location... Joe's stone crabs serves up the freshest, cleanest, most delicious stone crabs this side of the Mississippi (does Mississippi have stone crabs?)... The waiter told us that the stone crabs have been caught locally in South Florida for years.

The stone crabs are served pre-cracked with a piquant mustard-mayonnaise sauce, complementing the cool, fresh stone crabs with a lively kick. I found a recipe for the mustard sauce on Epicurious.com, however I have yet to try it out, so do not take my word for it.

* 1 tablespoon Colman's dry mustard, or more to taste,
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 2 teaspoons Worcestershire
* 1 teaspoon A-1 sauce
* 2 tablespoons light cream
* salt

Interesting fact about stone crabs from Joe's website: "The claws make up half the weight of the whole crab, they are removed by carefully grabbing from the rear and twisting. The crab is returned to water and the claw regenerates. It takes between 12 to 24 months to reach legal size again"... Fact or Fiction? I am still skeptical.

I had ordered the evening's special, Soft Shell crabs battered in oats over rhubarb, baby corn and spinach in a creamy sherry sauce... divine! The crunchy dry texture of the batter contrasted perfectly with the creamy, soothing consistency of the sauce... the rhubarb and baby corns were crunchy (cooked beautifully), and the spinach leaves soft, but still green, not overcooked. The whole dish was beautiful.

For the sides, we ordered the spinach sauteed in garlic (very garlicy) and the hash browns... Both fantastic. The hash browns were seasoned with salt and pepper and had crispy outer crust. Our waiter informed us that these were the two staple side dishes... rightfully so.

And of course, had to order the Key Lime Pie for dessert... This was key lime pie done right... Yellow, creamy, not too tart but just enough, with a thick crumbling pie crust. Beautiful.

As much as I rave, the only way to fully experience these world famous stone crabs is to try them yourself... Be prepared to be impressed.

http://foodofmiami.com

Canestaro Restaurant - Best Boston Italian Restaurant Near Fenway Park By Susan Vik

Part of the fun of going to a Boston Red Sox game in Fenway Park is stopping at one of the nearby restaurants or bars for a bite to eat before the game or for a celebratory dinner afterward. When you want something more that a beer and a hotdog, a great option is Canestaro Restaurant - which also happens to be one of the best Italian restaurants in Boston. As a bonus, the affordable prices mean that you can go back again and again.

Located just a couple of blocks from Fenway Park, Canestaro's is also close to Boston University, Northeastern University, the Colleges of the Fenway (Simmons, Wheelock, Emmanuel), and several of Boston's famed medical research hospitals, and draws fans from all of these areas, as well as the neighborhood.

So why is Canestaro's so popular? That's easy: everyone loves the home-style Italian classics. This is where you can get traditional favorites like Italian wedding soup, which is a tasty rich chicken broth filled with tiny mushrooms, spinach, and tiny pasta. Pair that with, perhaps, a caprese salad - ripe tomatoes layered with mozzarella and basil on top of crisp romaine - and it's more than enough for a meal, especially if you add a few grilled shrimp or grilled salmon to the salad.

The antipasto platter overflows with provolone cheese, mortadella, prosciutto, salami, roasted peppers, olives, and other good things on a bed of greens, and likewise could be a meal by itself.

But unless you become such a regular at Canestaro's that you have ample opportunity to try everything on the menu, you may want to consider some of the pastas or main course specialities. The seafood pastas are especially good - for example, lobster ravioli with a creamy "pink" tomato sauce laced with garlic and pecorino romano cheese, and shrimp scampi with tomatoes and mushrooms tossed in a lemony white wine sauce and served over linguini.

Main course dishes such as Chicken Marsala and Stuffed Shells are especially interesting because of the emphasis here on fresh vegetables, high-quality ingredients, and careful preparation. I especially love the Eggplant Parmesan with homemade marinara sauce. You'll find lots of other classics as well - Chicken Piccata, Sausage and Peppers, and Fettuccini Alfredo. In addition, Canestaro Restaurant offers lots of reasonably priced sandwiches, steaks, burgers, and fish straight off the grill, and absolutely fabulous pizza.

Desserts are worth saving room for - so plan ahead! Boston cream pie is excellent, and so are the Italian specialties - cannoli, tiramisu, and spumoni ice cream. But you'll find lots of other mouth-watering options as well - shortcake filled with vanilla custard and topped with fresh berries, a decadent triple mousse cake, and a really wonderful brownie sundae.

Combine all of these possibilities with a great wine list, plus local beers and specialty drinks, and you'll quickly see why Canestaro Restaurant is so popular with Boston Italian food lovers - whether or not the Red Sox are playing nearby.

Susan writes about favorite Boston restaurants near Fenway Park in http://www.Boston-Discovery-Guide.com/fenway-restaurant.html, where she shares additional information about http://www.boston-discovery-guide.com/canestaro-restaurant.html

Boston's Bay Village Restaurants - Top Gourmet Dining Choices Near Boston's Theatre District By Susan Vik

Bay Village may be Boston's smallest neighborhood but its location next to the Boston Theatre District means that Bay Village restaurants are top choices for before-show dinners and after-show drinks, as well as fine dining on any other occasion. You'll find one of the city's best French restaurants, a top steakhouse located in a castle, a couple of highly regarded Italian restaurants, and a couple of more casual choices tucked away in this conveniently-located neighborhood. Here are two mouth-watering options to consider.

Pigalle (75 Charles Street South, next to Radisson Hotel) is a long-time favorite with theater-goers. This award-winning French restaurant specializes in using the freshest local ingredients to prepare classic French cuisine. Chef Marc Orfaly offers an a la carte menu with daily specials, as well as several other options: a 3-course prix-fixe menu, a casual bar and patio menu featuring $1 oysters on the half shell plus many other yummy items, and special chef's tasting menus, with and without wine pairings. On Wednesdays, there's even a "kitchen vs. bar battle" that pits 3 tastes from the kitchen against 3 drinks from the bar - this may be a battle, but it's also a win-win!

What should you try here? For starters, think about the spiced carrot soup with calamari and a touch of chorizo, or the arugula salad with fried goat cheese fritters. The crabcakes, and the charcuterie platters are also wonderful. Plus Pigalle makes some of Boston's best French onion soup with fabulous 4-cheese croutons.

For main courses, consider the crispy comfit duck with herb spatzle and creamed Brussels sprouts, or the halibut baked in a flaky crust with creamed artichokes and jasmine rice. You can also get a riff on the classic French steak-frites - at Pigalle, it's a juicy flank steak with peppers, French fries, and creamed spinach.

Dessert choices at Pigalle also run to the classics - creme brulee, a pineapple tart with mascarpone pastry cream and chocolate sorbet, a cheese platter, and other tempting daily specials.

Erbaluce (69 Church Street) is the newest of the Bay Village restaurants, and Boston diners are quickly becoming addicted to Chef Charles Draghi's Piedmontese Italian cuisine. Named for an Italian grape, the restaurant features dishes that are flavored with herbs, fruit and vegetable essences, and cooking techniques such as roasting that bring out the flavor of each dish - no heavy creams or sauces here!

The menu changes a few times each week, depending on what's in season and freshest in the markets. You'll find organic meats and produce, plus dishes based on game such as wild boar that you don't usually find in restaurants. One of my favorites is the spaghetti with clams in fennel-tomato broth with bottarga, a pressed block of cure tuna or mullet roe that's shaved on top of the pasta, giving it an incredibly buttery, sort of caviar-like flavor - try this and you'll immediately start planning your next visit to Erbaluce.

With even more Bay Village restaurants to try in nearby streets, you may decide to skip the theater and just concentrate on eating. Be sure to walk around Bay Village afterwards to admire the early 19th century Federal architecture and work off all those calories!

Susan writes about other favorite Boston restaurants in http://www.Boston-Discovery-Guide.com/boston-restaurants.html, where she shares information about more mouth-watering Bay Village restaurants