Dining out in New York City
New York City has been welcoming the "huddled masses yearning to breathe free" for a long time. Each new immigrant group brings its dreams and cuisine to America. Taking a tour of New York City seems like a global gourmand's getaway when you experience the international delights, an experience often enhanced with live music and entertainment. Here is a sampler of the better restaurants that will make your New York stay memorable.
Simply Pasta is a longtime favorite for tempting Italian dishes - well worth the visit. Soho-Eastanah offers tasty Southeast Asian food in an exotic Malaysian setting, complete with straw huts and bamboo for enchanting atmosphere.
For great homemade pasta, tasty beef dishes and tempting seafood, visit Trattoria Trecolori, where you can't go wrong with their Festival of Pasta - or their fine desserts.
Pomodoro Pizzeria is worth a special trip to Little Italy, where you will enjoy some of the finest Italian food in New York. Another Little Italy favorite is Caffe Palermo, with its heavenly coffees and tempting gourmet pizzas - simply everything Italian! Picasso restaurant is a smart choice when you are feeling deliciously Spanish; their specialties include paella and a great selection of Spanish wines.
New World Grill, between Eights and Ninth Avenues, proposes soups and salads with lively flavors in colorful combinations. Easy-to-like appetizers are crispy shrimp in a blanket with Asian dipping sauce, steamed shrimp and salmon dumplings with ginger-sesame dressing. Grilled focaccia crust pizza changes topping daily. Burgers are thoughtful takes on turkey (with jack cheese and veggie saute') and sirloin (with melted mozzarella, grilled onions and oven fries). Entrees range from fresh seafood such as grilled salmon with mashed potatoes and steamed carrots in citrus sauce to savory shepherd's pie with creamy mashed potatoes amid seasoned ground beef. New World Grill also proposes 35 wine choices chosen for value as well as quality.
If you want to dine out with one of the thrilling views of the City you should definitely go to Nirvana Penthouse, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Central Park, all 843 acres of it, will spread before you. Only the richest and the most privileged New Yorkers command such a vista from their luxury apartments of Fifth Avenue, Central Park West and Central Park South. At Nirvana the view is included in the bill of fare. There you will have a chance to taste superb Indian and international cuisine. Meat lovers can opt for lamb, beef, or chicken kabobs. Kulfi, traditional Indian ice cream, ends the feast on a wistful note.
To enjoy American restaurant go to Hooter's, between Broadway and Seventh Avenue. Wings, seafood, sandwiches, salads, cold beer are all served by the world-famous Hooter Girls. Casual dining with 50s and 60s jukebox music; inside and outside seating. Purchase famous New York City Hooter wearables and souvenirs.
Mickey Mantle's Restaurant, 42 Central Park S., is also a good choice. Enjoy specialties like chicken-fried steak with creamy gravy, herb-roasted chicken, history-smoked ribs and blue corn nachos. This sports-themed restaurant features 10 TV monitors, a memorabilia museum and a sports art gallery.
For American Quick Service go to McDonald's of Times Square, between 46th and 47th Streets. "A must see" McDonald's open 24 hours and one of the busiest in the world. Featuring a unique décor, outstanding service and a perfect view of Times Square. Specializing in group sales.
For more than 20 years Francisco's Centro Vasco, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, has been servicing classical Spanish cuisine - and their house specialty, Maine lobster.open daily for lunch and dinner.
Been to the Carribbean lately? You will fell as though you have been transported to the islands at Meson Caribeno, 78 Carmine St., Greenwich Village. At this charming atmospheric spot you can try spicy, curried Meson Caribeno Chicken or a tasty ceviche salad - fresh tender scallops marinated in lime juice. Cocktails are sever here as well.
For Thai cuisine go to Siam Inn Too, 854 Eights Avenue and 1718 Second Avenue. This restaurant offers some of the City's best Thai food on both East and West Side. Recommended by many of NYC's finest critics. Dishes are carefully created according to taste.
At Seeda Thai II, between Eights and Ninths Avenues, you will enjoy authentic Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. Recommended by the New York Times and Gourmet. Seeda Thai II is "one of the best reasons we know for Thai-ing one on," according to Playbill. Lunch and dinner, pre-theatre and after-theatre. Near the Theatre District and major hotels.
Buon Appetito!