We could eat out in our neighborhood every day for a year, and never go to the same place twice. The variety and the quality of places is simply unimaginable. Walking to dinner was nightly entertainment. And stopping by for cannoli and sorbet after dinner was such a treat (even if I didn't pronounce cannoli like they wanted me to!). Some favorites: Extra Virgin - perfect atmosphere -great food, and great people watching from our seats on the sidewalk. A real neighborhood place. The Little Owl - only about 10 tables and very very delicious. Suzie's - we had to go to NY to get good Chinese! John's of Bleecker St. - everyone debates over the "best pizza". Our vote goes to John's. Others places that evoke fond memories: The corner mini mart - getting a bagel sandwich for breakfast (bacon, egg, & cheese) for $1.50 was a great start in the morning. A Salt and Battery , La Bonbonniere, the pub below the sidewalk where a bucket of beer was $11, the candlelit Italian place no wider than 25 feet, Italian place on the sidewalk (where our neighbor Mario Bulto eats on Sundays), Italian at the place in the meat packing district. Italian at the place near "The Garage". Italian street food at Chelsea market. Did I say Italian enough?
It was fun to just wander in and find cool spaces on our own like The Blind Tiger Ale House (very much an English pub) or the Spotted Pig (gourmet food but sophisticated pig decor) and then come home and find those very places are listed in guide books as a "best of" NY place.
