“Eat” listings
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Pommes Frites
Get a cone full of piping hot fries and indulge yourself in this eatery's many sauces. With more than 25 flavors to choose from, you can opt for something safer like barbecue or Dijon mustard, or test your taste buds with flavors like peanut satay and organic black truffle mayo. $ (09/2011)
123 Second Ave
212-674-1234
pommesfrites.ws -
Flex Mussels
With wall-covering images of sandy beaches, lighthouses and grassy dunes, this restaurant will make you feel like you’re summering in the Hamptons. Choose from one of 24 different flavors of mussels. From classic garlicky mussels to unusual Indian curry flavored ones, the Thai with curry coconut broth, lemongrass, coriander, lime, garlic and ginger is a must. There are even variations with bacon for those who need their meat fix. $$ (09/2011)
154 West 13th St
212-229-0222
flexmusselsny.com -
Republic
This pan-Asian noodle house’s large, open space with wooden benches and muted décor is an anomaly in a city known for tight quarters. Start off with a green papaya-mango salad, then choose from noodle dishes like pad thai and spicy coconut chicken soup with rice noodles, shallots and lime. Save room for dessert—the black sesame seed ice cream is a little dish of decadence. $ (07/2011)
37 Union Square W
212-627-7172
thinknoodles.com -
La Palapa
Named for a palm-leaf beach shelter, this East Village Mexican restaurant features happy hour deals six days a week and a back garden that almost makes you feel like you’re relaxing with your feet in the sand. The two owner/ chefs make a point of using fresh herbs in the food and fresh juices in the margaritas. Try the skirt steak in a tequila marinade or the cheesestuffed chile relleno. $$$ (07/2011)
77 St. Marks Pl
212-777-2537
lapalapa.com -
Alma 33
This new Argentinian bistro serves a superb small-bites menu surpassed only by the staff’s service and attention to detail. Start with something light, like pan-seared sardines on crostini with goat cheese and pistachio pesto. Next, try the melt-in-your-mouth signature skirt steak. Save room for a decadent dessert. $$$ (05/2011)
33 W Eighth St
212-380-7158
almanyc33.com -
Ember Room
Atmosphere is as central to this swanky new Asian barbecue spot as the flavor packed into its cuisine. The skeletons of traditional globe lanterns cover the walls for inventive décor that provides ambient lighting. Start with gingerinfused baked Manila clams with Thai basil, and move on to the red chili-glazed sea bass or Asian goulash burger with sweet-potato fries. $$$ (05/2011)
647 Ninth Ave
212-245-8880
emberroom.com -
La Petite Maison
This chic Midtown West hotspot packs quickly, so enjoy a cocktail at the bar and take in the larger-than-life celebrity portraits that complement the theme, "Tous célèbres ici" ("We’re all famous here"). Fresh tomatoes adorn each table and taste great with warm baguettes. Sample signature dishes like zucchini blossom beignets or baby artichoke salad, and save room for the wild striped bass, made richer with basil and mushrooms. Reservations are a must. $$$$$ (05/2011)
13-15 West 54th St
212-616-9931
lapetitemaisonnyc.com -
Paris Commune
With 32 years as a West Village staple, this elegant French bistro has hosted such regulars as Lucille Ball and Stevie Wonder, and still caters to a high-fashion clientele that pairs well with its haute cuisine. Start off with a generous wedge of the buttery walnut-crusted brie served with homemade marmalades. Feeling aventureux? Try the tasty ostrich steak medium rare—what owner Hugo Uys calls “the supermodel of poultry.” $$$$ (04/2011)
99 Bank St
212-929-0509
pariscommune.net -
Georgia's Eastside BBQ
This spot packs a lot of big barbecue flavor into a tiny, roadhouse-style space. Owner Alan Natkiel oven roasts huge, dry-rubbed racks of pork ribs with beer, then finishes them on the grill, for rib meat that just clings to the bone. The generous sides—cornbread, collard greens, baked beans and hand-cut fries—are some the best you'll find in a New York 'cue house. $$ (03/2011)
192 Orchard St
212-253-6280
georgiaseastsidebbq.com -
The Meatball Shop
Chef Daniel Holzman has turned meatballs into an entrée at this quirky Lower East Side shop. Mark up a laminated menu with your order—chicken, pork, beef or veggie balls. They'll come either in a bowl with sauce (spicy meat, pesto and parmesan are options) or between two slices of brioche in a “smash” (two balls, sauce and cheese). $$ (03/2011)
84 Stanton St
212-982-8895
themeatballshop.com -
Gemma
The menu at this rustic, brasserie-style restaurant is a tour de force of Italian cuisine. The shaved artichoke salad with parmigiano is tossed with the ideal amount of truffle vinaigrette, and the strozzapreti with spicy sausage ragu has just the right kick. The dishes are well-portioned and lighter than you’d expect (that means room for dessert—go with the triedand- true tiramisu). $$$ (02/2011)
At The Bowery Hotel 335 Bowery
212-505-9100
theboweryhotel.com -
The Pan American
This new eatery fuses the cuisines of all the Americas, "from the Yukon to the Yucatán," with skill and panache. Settle into your 1950s vinyl chair and enjoy the retro, South Beach vibe while you sip a spicy jalapeño margarita. Start your meal with madeto- order guacamole and salty tortillas before digging into the succulent, Latin-style pork tenderloin in a fig-red wine reduction, served with a side of apple-fennel slaw. $$$ (02/2011)
202 Mott St
212-925-9225
thepanamnyc.com