Where to eat: I’m a huge fan of ramen…but authentic ramen is really hard to find! Look no more - Minca is probably the most authentic you will find. Literally tastes like ramen in Tokyo! It’s basically a “hole in the wall” spot with maybe 15 seats, two cooks and one server. I haven’t tried Kambi yet, but that’s next on my list.

What to eat: For a light appetizer try the gyoza, I prefer the pork but the shrimp is just as good. I recommend the Basic Ramen Spicy - but you can custom how “hot” you would like it from 1-3. You can select your noodles, I prefer thin…and your broth, either chicken or pork - the pork being a “heavier” broth.

536 5th St. btw Avenue A & B - East Village, New York City *cash only

Where to eat: I finally tried BaoHaus about a week ago…I’d been hearing about this place from all of my friends at Epiphany. Using only Niman Ranch antibiotic/hormone free pork and skirt steak, these authentic Taiwanese Gua Bao (steamed bun sandwiches), are delicious.

What to eat: The “Haus Bao” is their signature sandwich, as seen Food Network’s Ultimate Recipe Showdown last March, which uses all natural Hanger Steak, but I have to admit my favorite is the “Chariman Bao” - made with braised, all natural, Berkshire Pork Belly. The “Uncle Jesse” is a vegetarian bao sandwich using pan fried tofu coated in sweet potato starch. Don’t forget to try the “Bao Fries” - which aren’t actually made from potatoes, but are actually sweet, fried, slices of bao bun served with a sweet sesame sauce.

137 Rivington St./Norfolk - Lower East Side
*Open Late - until 2am

Where to eat: Another one of my favorite spots is Westville East…this remains on my weekly rotation!! Everything on the menu is great.

What to eat: Since the entire menu is phenomenal…I’ll just highlight a few of my favs from the standard menu (although their specials are all yummy): Corn on the cob (with lime), Beer Battered Cod Fish & Chips, Grilled Hot Dogs, Grilled Chicken Reuben Rye, and the Westville Cobb Salad. The market sides are delicious…a few recommendations: Artichoke Hearts with Parmesan, Grilled Asparagus, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and the Sweet Potato Fries! You must try the blended mint-lemonade - one of their specialties. As for dessert?? Homemade oreo cookies, carrot cake and cobblers are just a few items…AMAZING!

173 Avenue A - East Village, Manhattan

Where to eat: This placed saved my life last week…thanks to someone very “responsible” - I ended up here after a very long Thursday night…Hotel Rivington to Greenhouse to Juliette to M2…yikes!! Mamoun’s is super fast, really inexpensive and the Falafel sandwich is amazing!

119 Macdougal St. btw Bleecker & W. 3rd - Manhattan

Where to Eat: Thanks to the MacRandas for taking me to Honey”s Kettle in Culver City this past week…CRACK chicken!! This place is not to be missed.

What to eat: Fried chicken, Biscuits, Cole Slaw, Fries…and the sauces there are the key ingredient!

9537 Culver Blvd., Culver City

Where to eat: The popular Peruvian chainlet Pio Pio, is literally one of my favorite spots in the Upper Westside… The food is delicious and the prices just can’t be beat. You can literally feed a small army for about $30. With five locations in the city, the “Salon” is my favorite and has the most space…Great place for casual birthday or dinner parties - and the Sangria is so yummy! Just had the best lunch yesterday with the crew - still dreaming about the sauce!

What to eat: Papa Rellena, the Matador combo (marinated rotisserie style chicken pio served with rice & beans, tostones, salchipapa and avocado salad), Tres Leches or the Flan for dessert is a must…just remember it’s all about the sauce!

702 Amsterdam Avenue/94th St. - Upper Westside/Manhattan

Where to go: PDT is the hot-dog joint for grown-ups. Actually, it’s the cocktail-lounge annex to Crif Dogs, an East Village mainstay known for its deep-fried Jersey-style franks. Accessed through a vintage phone booth within Crif Dogs, PDT (short for Please Don’t Tell) is a snug, sexy speakeasy with a twist: Along with its high-quality classic cocktails and a well-chosen selection of beer and wine, patrons can order food from Crif’s kitchen next door. The idea is genius and a time-saver: food you eat when you’re drunk, served while you’re in the process of getting that way!!

113 St. Marks Place (Btwn Avenue A & 1st Ave.) - East Village/Manhattan

Where to eat: Australian run and owned - the food is consistently great at Ruby’s and reasonably priced…Everything is delicious and fresh with selections that range from pasta dishes, salads, and amazing burgers and chicken sandwiches! Somewhat of a “hole-in-the-wall”, the vibe is very relaxed but tends to get crowded.

What to eat: I absolutely love love love the Bluey (Chicken sandwich…add avocado)!! Apple-Prosciutto Salad, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Posh BLT, Bronte Burger and the Sticky Date Pudding…yum!!

219 Mulberry St. - SoHo/Manhattan

Where to eat: One of my favorite pizza spots in the city, the two best slices are clearly
the Artichoke and Margarhita. The artichoke tastes like yummy creamy spinach/artichoke
dip spread on thick pizza bread sprinkled with parmesan cheese…and the margarhita is
your traditional New York slice with fresh tomato, basil and cheese. Be prepared for a bit
of a wait, but it’s well worth it…..CRACK I tell you!!

*Cash only…but open late until 4am!

328 E 14th St (between 2nd Ave & 1st Ave) - Manhattan

Where to go: I’m not really into the traditional “sports bar” scene so The Blue Seats is pretty much an ideal spot. You can watch any game, tv show or movie here…I had a great time in a private booth watching Game 6 of this years World Series!! Each private booth has 5 flat screens in different sizes or private viewing rooms. They have seven different types of mini-sliders, the Sloppy Joe and Lobster Roll are great. Call for resos…

157 Ludlow St - Manhattan