Grand Szechewan on 2nd Ave. & 55th for authentic Chinese food.

Hallo Berlin on the west side for german sausage & beer. Used to also operate a sidewalk cart, but don’t think they still do.

Frank’s, on 10th & 15th St., one of the oldest steakhouses in the city & still owned by the founding family. Porterhouse & block potatoes.

Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, but for the markets, not the restaurants. Puts Little Italy to shame.

The Jackson Diner in Queens. Linoleum floors, formica tables & some of the best & cheapest Middle Eastern food in town. Interesting neighborhood too.

Jacques Torres’ chocolate shop under the Brooklyn Bridge (Brooklyn side). Makes a cup of hot chocolate that tastes like pure melted Callebaut.

Red Rose Restaurant, also in Brooklyn. Classic Brooklyn neighborhood red-sauce Italian place.

Corner Bistro in the West Village for hamburgers