NYC - the Americas

Below, a sampling of some of my recent and/or favorite Americas-based restaurants in NYC:

Angelica Kitchen

300 East 12th Street
New York, NY 10003-7201
212-228-2909

This is an intriguing vegan spot. I wouldn’t call the food fantastic, but I suspect that’s due to the vegan-ness of it all. Still, if you’re looking for a very healthy meal, this is the place.

BG Restaurant – See NYC 2010 - New Year Stops

Blue Water Grill

31 Union Square West
New York, NY 10003-3203
212-675-9500

This lovely restaurant has been a favorite for many years. It has slowly morphed beyond its original European-style fish dishes, to incorporate other influences such as sushi. It is a great spot for a light lunch or dinner. The space is gorgeous too - lovely vaulted ceilings right on Union Square.

Cookshop

156 10th Avenue
New York, NY 10011-4758
212-924-4440

This is a fantastic restaurant in Chelsea! One of the earliest proponents of locavorism, this place turns out a seasonally influenced menu that is excellent. They also have one of the most addictive appetizer/snacks ever - Fried Hominy.

Mesa Grill

102 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10011
212-807-7400

This is Bobby Flay’s very first restaurant. It’s located close to Union Square and it serves up what you would expect - well-executed, grilled creations with a Latin edge.

Prune

54 East 1st Street
New York, NY 10003-9313
212-677-6221

This is a tiny restaurant - Tiny! But it serves up food with excellent taste and panache. It is basically all about American comfort food. I loved it for brunch (the Egg En “Cocotte” was tasty).

Shake Shack

Southeast Corner of Madison Square Park

New York, NY 10010

212-889-6600

This little shack is a purveyor of gourmet burgers and dogs, not to mention fantastic shakes. It’s a great lunch spot, though you will have to go early or late to beat the constant lines....

Trestle on Tenth

242 10th Avenue
New York, NY 10001-7002
212-645-5659

I tried this new spot, without knowing much about it, with my Cousin and Aunts this summer. I have to say, I was pretty impressed. The menu is European-focused and executed with precision. The wine list was excellent and had some interesting finds on it - including many German and Austrian offerings.

Union Square Café

21 East 16th Street
New York, NY 10003
212-243-4020

I love Union Square Cafe. It has a time-less elegance to it. The food is Italian-inflected and delicious. The below-street level dining room is comfortable and spacious. All together lovely.

Zarela’s

953 2nd Ave # A
New York, NY 10022-7757
212-644-6740

When I first moved down to Texas, no one would believe that I’d had real Mexican food before moving there and I would always respond by telling them about Zarela’s. This colorful restaurant on the east side is a fantastic introduction to regional Mexican cuisine (read this is not Tex-Mex nor is it Mexi-Cali). I used to love going here with my parents and still go back every chance I get.