Corner Cafe & Bakery, 1645 3rd Ave (NE corner of 92nd)

One day I was exploring the Upper East Side with my roommate when we stumbled across a new bakery. Not only was there a delicious smell of fresh baked bread, but they also owned a restaurant, where presumably said fresh bread was also served. So, on another parental visit, mom, dad and I explored the new Corner Cafe & Bakery.

Normally I have a sick ability to remember what everybody I'm dining with had to eat. For some reason, the only thing I can remember from this meal was that my mom had bacon, and it was delicious. She either had a turkey club or a blt, both items I've seen my mother eat and for the life of me I can't remember which it was. I can't even remember what I had to eat because that bacon stuck out like a sore thumb. Also, the bread was fresh and delicious because, of course, they made it at the bakery a few feet away.

The Corner Cafe is small, but the service was good and the staff was friendly. This was some time ago, and it was fairly new, but I saw it was still thriving and can only imagine the fresh bread just keeps bringing diners back time and time again.

WHAT TO BITE? BLT, $11.95.

Fetch, 1649 3rd Ave (btwn 92nd & 93rd)

When I lived on the Upper East Side I found exploring restaurants to be a good use of one's time, since lets' be honest, once you move below 42nd Street you find any excuse not to have to go above it. My parents were still living in Westchester during that time and fortunately for me were willing to visit often, since my work schedule didn't allow many leisurely trips home. On one such occassion, Dad and a good friend of mine decided to walk North on 3rd Avenue and see what we could find. We stumbled upon Fetch, which stole my heart because the owners are heavily involved in animal rescue, and the food is quite good.

Fetch is technically a family place, so don't go between 7am and 9pm if you're really not in the mood to have a screaming toddler at the table next to you. 99.9% of the time I don't want to see children in a restaurant, but I won't fault parents for bringing them to a place like this. Where they certainly should not be is at Marea on a Saturday night. No seriously. It's weird.

The ambiance is friendly and inviting, there are pictures of pet owners and their dogs on the wall, and they even have an adoption wall so you can cry after eating your eggs. The food is pretty standard, with a few pleasant surprises. They have these philly cheese steak egg rolls that apparently are a little slice of heaven. Too bad I was still off red meat when I was dining there. So, if you find yourself WAY on the Upper East Side, maybe after visiting one of our fine NYC museums, walk a few avenues East and grab some food at Fetch.

WHAT TO BITE? Philly Cheese steak Egg Rolls, $10, Cobb Salad (with fresh corn!), $11.

La Follia, 226 3rd Ave. (NW corner of 19th)

Valentine's Day dinners can be a lot of pressure, I'm sure. Frankly, I'm not a big fan of the holiday asides from it's an excuse to eat some chocolate, which I'm also not the biggest fan of. I was pleasantly surprised by the price fix menu at La Follia, unfortunately for me it was comprised of slight "V-day" variations of their normal menu, and I can't return until perhaps next year for what was quite possibly the best truffle polenta of my life.

The restaurant is split into two parts, so it makes the ambiance a little calmer, and quieter. I don't enjoy having to yell in order to articulate a point in my conversation. The wait staff was attentive, and the runners quickly brought the food out. Maybe again, because it was a pre-set menu with limited dining options, but let's chalk it up to the wonderful runners out there. There are steps leading into the kitchen, which I think can only spell catastrophe for the staff, but everything managed to go fine, with food placed on the bar and then brought over either by a runner or waitstaff.

The restaurant itself is warm, without being overdone. They have small plates of meats and cheeses, and the menu includes some health conscious items as well as a lighter take on some Italian classics. So grab your significant other, or a friend, and walk over, enjoy the evening together and get a new spin on an old food.

WHAT TO BITE? The polenta, $8 and whatever you do, try the truffle fries.. your dining companion will be jealous, $5.

dishes, 48 Grand Central Terminal (42nd btwn Park & Lex)

I was blessed with the ability to live with my parents for the first two years of law school. That is, when I wasn't living in the library. The first year, my mom was working in Westchester as a librarian so, was doing the reverse commute from Grand Central. Sometimes, when I came home before midnight and hadn't succomb to fast food row near the law school, there would be a delicious pot pie from dishes waiting for me at home.

There is almost anything you can imagine at Dishes. That's why I can't categorize it as one particular theme. It has some traditional american dishes (like my pot pie), some latin american dishes, southwestern style, even asian noodles. It's actually perfect given its location, so commuters passing through not knowing what the heck they want to eat for dinner can have options. They also have a massive list of pre-designed sandwiches, targeting the same audience, as well as numerous salads. Oh, and did I mention they have Balthazar croissants? Yum without the two hour wait.

So if you find yourself at Grand Central, wanting to pick up something to take home, or are heading somewhere else and want a little picnic lunch, not only should you check out Grand Central Market but definitely make a pit stop at dishes. The hot entree's change, but they are always wonderful.

WHAT TO BITE? Personal chicken pot pie, $5.50.

Bao Noodles, 391 E. 2nd (Btwn 22nd & 23rd)

When the weather is disgusting and cold as it's been, sometimes a large bowl of spicy Pho is all you need to take the edge off. Set in a small, but comfortable space, Bao Noodles delivered so much more than a good meal. Not only was our waiter patient with our questions, he was so friendly, it was hard for us to get moving to our second location.

After a day of shopping, the girls decided to get some Pho. One beef, one chicken, and one spicy beef and pork, hue style. Within minutes the giant bowls of soup were at our table and we were all working away. Whether you want to do the fork/spoon method, or my preference, the chopstick/spoon method, you're going to quickly be warmed by whatever dish you decide to eat. There are non-soup dishes, lots of slow braised iron pot dishes, and a plethora of rotating specials, including ice cream. Try the durian ice cream if you've ever been tempted but didn't want to purchase the fruit itself and fill your apartment with the stench.

While the restaurant is small, they take reservations, and despite the website warning, they did accept credit card. I plan on going back and trying the salt and pepper shrimp. Yum!

WHAT TO BITE? Spicy beef and pork - hue style, $8.95.

Mermaid Inn, 96 2d Ave (btwn 5th and 6th)

I came to The Mermaid Inn for the first time with a friend who sadly I've lost touch with, but who I will always think of whenever I dine here. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the restaurant is split in half with a few steps and a narrow hallway, with the front of it being a typical "New England Seafood Restaurant", while the back is reminiscent of a glass covered version of a typical crab shack in Maryland.

The food is standard, no frills New England serving everything from catfish to salmon, shrimp to escargot (including a few dishes for non-seafood diners such as short ribs and roasted chicken). The atmosphere is always loud enough to keep dining companies occupied, but quiet enough for conversation. In the summer, they open the windows in the back and the front so it's fantastic for Second Avenue people watching, which is my personal favorite. They also do not put any endangered fish on the menu, which you have to respect them for. Your meal will end with a fortune telling fish (like a mood ring, but in the shape of a thin plastic fish) and an espresso-sized cup of chocolate pudding, since they do not have a dessert menu. You'll walk away with meal that is healthy, the chef pulls the reign in on his use of salt, which few in New York seem to do these days, and for seafood, wallet friendly.

WHAT TO BITE? Happy Hour and a Half, $1 clams, or if you're dining in the evening try the Rainbow Trout, $23.

Paul & Jimmy's, 123 E 18th (btwn Park & Irving)

My Grandparents are very particular about where they eat. When you have been on this planet as long as they have, I can't blame a person for saying "this what I want, this is where I'm going, no I will not try something new". Paul and Jimmy's also happens to be around the corner from my Aunt's apartment where she's been for the last 30 years. It's traditional Italian, except for Penna alla Vodka, which I love, but is about as Italian as pepperoni. I also found out recently that my favorite dish, tortellini della nonna was taken off the menu and replaced with a similar, yet different enough dish. So, I'm a little sad, but I guess I'll resolve myself to having the vodka sauce, please.

Unfortunately, Paul and Jimmy's has been underneath a scaffold for the last few years due to construction in the brownstone above them, which asides from breaking some laws, is a shame since their outdoor seating is so lovely. The inside of the restaurant has a gigantic mural on the back wall, which reminds me of the touristy restaurants in Italy. Maybe that's what this place is, but I like it. The wait staff is always so kind and they don't rush you. Again, that could be attributed to dining here usually around 5pm, but regardless I've always felt like my meal is something to be enjoyed, not rushed through. There are some large tables in the back, so it's nice to go with a big group. Note, it's not family style.

WHAT TO BITE? Since my favorite dish was cut and replaced with the Tortellini della Panna, I'm going to go to another classic: Pollo all Scarpariello, $20.

Pure Food & Wine, 54 Irving Place (btwn 17 & 18)

I was a vegetarian for a long time. Not a phase lasting a year or two, not a "sometimes" vegetarian, but a full out, ovo-lacto vegetarian. My mother did not dote on this new found obession. She made one dish for the family, and if it had meat, I could make something for myself. Unfortunately, this was in the 90's through early 2000, before vegetarian was "cool" and when there was only 1 brand of soy products that could only be found at a trip to the local health food store. I had tons of cookbooks teaching me how to compensate for the nutrients a healthy diet normally gets from meat, and I tried my hand at a lot of delicious meat substitutes. Then I went to college and started phasing back in fish, then slowly chicken, and during law school, red meat (which I still really only eat out at a restaurant or dinner parties where it's being served). I still incorporate a lot of soy into my diet (I love Smartdogs, Boca Burgers and Morningstar Farms "Sausage" Patties) and when the raw food diet hit New York City, Pure Food and Wine was something I just needed to try.

First off, the space where Pure Food & Wine is was once where I, along with Julia Roberts, used to get our hair done. Not because it was some place fancy, not because I have unruly hair, but because again, it was across the street from where my Aunt lived. So when it turned into a restaurant, we decided to check it out. It had just opened, so there were not a lot of diners in there, but I remember having red wine. I might actually have been too young to drink, but I was with my Aunt, who could be my mother, so I don't think they cared. Then the dishes came out. I loved mine. It was so creative, it was so crunchy (I hate mushy veggies) and so full of flavor. My Aunt did not. I don't know if she's been back since. I decided to return a few years later with some work-friends when the outdoor patio was open. Again, I thought my meal was delicious, I do find it's not a crowd pleaser so, don't take picky eaters here. It's also a little pricey, especially for food that isn't cook and doesn't use expensive meat products. I don't find that so awful, because at least you're putting good food into your body instead of (delicious) fried bites or (delicious) nachos.

WHAT TO BITE? Sweet Corn & Cashew Tamales with Chili Spiced Portabello, $26 and the Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart, $16

Ethos, 495 3rd Ave (btwn 33 & 34th)

I came to Ethos for the first time with a friend when we were just wandering the area. It looked go, so we went inside for a "light" meal. Greek food is great for that. Since that first time, I've been back a handful of times with friends and family and never have been disappointed. The restaurant has large windows which open onto the street during the warmer months, and the high ceilings and exposed brick walls dotted with paintings and greek pottery make it unlike many restaurants in the area.

I almost always try something new when I go there, but I always start with tzatzki. Theirs is one of the best I've had, it's so tangy with the perfect balance of lemon and herbs. Their pita bread is also fantastic, definitely not what you get at the grocery store. Not even close. They bring you your check and dessert, which I think is one of the most fantastic things restaurants can do (even if it means they pad the prices a little to compensate) and, I'd love to go here with someone greek who can tell me what it actually is. It's a little cake, drizzled with honey, that's fluffy and filled with some sort of creme/custard. That's a poor description, but regardless, it's delicious and something I definitely look forward to at the end of my meal.

NOTE: There is another location in Midtown East (51st & 1st)

WHAT TO BITE: Tzatzki, $6.50 to start, charcoal grilled whole fish, $25.

Session 73, 1359 1st Ave (@ 73rd)

I forget exactly how I came across Session 73. Two very dear and amazing friends lived around the corner from it, so I'll give them credit for stumbling upon it when exploring the neighborhood. Session 73 is an Upper East Side bar without carrying the stigma attached to some of its neighbors. It's velvet curtains and plush couches give it a lounge atmosphere, but it's long bar, stage for live music, and "private" back bar area make it a great oasis in the land of beer pong and overcrowded frat parties.

I've been for dinner numerous times, and the tapas style lends itself to late dinners that quickly turn into dance parties. Ranging from Asian to Southwestern, the food has all those familiar bar bites you'd like to have. A little more expensive than I'd like to spend when traveling so far from home, but the all-in-one ambiance makes up for it. Friends have danced on their bar, friends have made out next thier bar, friends have taken pictures of drunk girls falling asleeping at their bar. The bands range from awesome to not, so find a good one, get there early, enjoy some food and then dance (or sway) the night away.

WHAT TO BITE? Eggplant Parm Fritters, $10

JG Melon, 1291 3rd Ave (@ 74th)

People who have lived on the Upper East Side for years rave about this place, but a lot of transient "New Yorkers" brush off the wait and decide to go elswhere to satiate their burger cravings. Well, JG Melon's has a long wait, but trust me, it's worth it. The burgers and fries are the best you'll find in the area, and some say in the city (I'm not going to weigh in on the Best Burger debate, having just started eating red meat a few years ago). But not only that, it's such a neighborhood gem, there's a friendliness between the servers, the patrons, even the owers, that is rare to find in dining these days.

Yes the wait is long, but that's because when you get a table, all you want to do is sit and enjoy your food. Slowly. How food is supposed to be enjoyed. During the warmer months there are tables on the sidewalk, not too many, but it helps alleviate the crowd. Inside you have a typical pub, nothing fancy, but with large tables that can be pulled together for groups celebrating a post-softball team victory.

Oh, one downside is that they are cash only, but with prices so low, you won't need much more than a $20.

WHAT TO BITE? Cheeseburger, $8.75 and Pecan Pie, $5.95

Hi Life, 1503 2nd Ave (@ 76th)

I had to been to Hi Life with my friend one night when she watned fish and I wanted a burger. Since it's a little more difficult to find a place that has both of those things, let alone does both well, we stumbled upon a new bar that opened in the area when we were both living there. Our meals were great, the service was fantastic (despite their lack of honey mustard, which understanably really bothers my friend).

We returned again later, this time with her boyfriend who was in town visiting and sat in a small area they have in the front of the restaurant that is set up more like a lounge. Instead of a table and chairs there are a few benches and small tables that you can order cocktails and small plates to. I really enjoy when restaurants do this, because a lot of times I only want something small to eat, or I'm going with someone who wants food but I've already eaten. Anyway, this little lounge area has ample seating, enough for a few groups of people and faces Second Avenue, so it's fantastic for people watching (especially drunk people watching after happy hour when people are crawling home to continue drinking on their couch/in the shower, before venturing back out to play beer pong at Paddy O's). We happened to be privy to what I find all too often in New York, the awkward First Date. This couple sitting in the area with us certainly had met online and most definitely were having their first in-person interaction. The three of us sat their, analyzing the body language, realizing the guy was defintely not feeling his dining companion and was trying to find ways to speed up the remainder of their date.

Our food came, which was a happy distraction. The restaurant has a lounge menu, which includes pigs in a blanket, so we dove into those. There are also rotating food and drink specials all week, from half priced sushi to prime rib dinner to $5 martinis at happy hour (4-7pm).

WHAT TO BITE: Yellowfin Tuna with Wasabi Crust + 2 sides, $18.95.

Caffe Buon Gusto, 236 E. 77th (btwn 2nd & 3rd)

After studying abroad, one of my traveling companies and I would get lonesome for the relaxing evenings we had overlooking Rome and eating mountains of pasta. Such moods would often lead us to Caffe Buon Gusto, where you can compliment any pasta with any sauce (much like the famed Pastarita Pizzerito "chain" in Italy). The food is fantastic, the atmosphere at both locations is relaxing, and the service is always wonderful... especially when your dining companion attempts to set you on fire.

Often times I'll complain that restaurants in New York try to cram in too many tables. Then I remember that life is a business, and they need to serve more customers. Caffe Buon Gusto is a small restaurant, where the table generally consists of a bread basket, candle, oil and vinegar, your plates and glasses and not an inch of visible tablecloth. Now, the delicious bread basket has a fatal flaw. No, not that it magically gets refilled, but because they line it (or at least that day they did) with a paper napkin. Well folks, I'm pretty sure you can see where this story is going. Candle + paper napkin + small table + fearful friend = blow it out in the direction away from fearful friend and closer to me. Needless to say, we all had a great laugh after and were returned a bread basket (napkin free) and continued our evening.

While I have only ordered a non-pasta entree once, I hear that when you have it delivered (as many of my fellow classmates in law school did) they provide you with your entree, a side of pasta, a small salad and bread for the same price. Pretty fantastic, I think. What I go for however, is the pasta. It's pasta here, not macaroni. The other day I caught myself saying I never had good carbonara in the United States. I think I might have tricked myself into remembering this falsehood because carbonara is so deliciously bad for you. But when in Rome (or the Upper East Side), one can indulge in a fresh pasta complimented by a lavishly rich sauce, or any of their other numerous sauces (my flaming dining companion loves their pesto). You can also add on some protein to the pasta dish, I go for the sausage. If a seemingly endless bowl of pasta isn't your thing, try one of their delicious eggplant dishes (they do the trifecta: parmigiana, rollatina or bolognese). And you'll most certainly want to leave room for dessert. Great for a date, or an intimate dinner, but I wouldn't go here with a terribly large party unless you plan on renting out the place.

PS - This location only takes Amex so, Visa and Mastercard holders, stop bye the ATM first.

WHAT TO BITE? Carbonara over your choice of fresh pasta, $11.95

Sala Thai, 1718 2nd Ave (btwn 89th & 90th)

Growing up, the only food from Asia I was exposed to was the local Chinese restaurant, and once a vietnamese place near the WTC. Dad sometimes ordered sushi when we went out as a family for Chinese food, but that was really it. So when I decided to try ordering dinner from Sala Thai, I wasn't entirely sure what I was in for. Let's end the story simply with, I alternated ordering from here and China East every Sunday for about 2 years. Always quick to bring my delivery, always friendly on the phone, and always a good meal. I've never dined here, and frankly until I looked up the location to write this blog I didn't even know where they were located, but now I feel bad because the poor delivery guy had to either walk up/ride his bike via the giant hill connecting Second and Third Avenues at this point on the upper east side. But I tipped him well, so I'm sure it wasn't too terrible of a burden.

When you need Thai in your pj's and you're on the upper east side, give sala a call. You'll be happy you did.

WHAT TO BITE? Chicken Cashewnut, $10.95

Milano Market, 1582 3rd Ave (@ 89th)

Milano Market might be the number one reason I would move back to the upper east side. Before there was Buon Italian in Chelsea Market, and way before there was Batali's infamous Eataly, there was Milano Market. When I craved Italian food, especially before meeting friends and sunning in the park, we'd stop here and get some food. They have everything from cured olives, to delicious meats, fresh cheeses, wonderful bread and tons of prepared food that was most certainly prepared with time and detail.

Not only can you walk in here and get just about any Italian delicacy, but they have the basics too. Like San Benedetto orange 'soda' which is the total opposite of sunkist but way better than organgina. There isn't anywhere to eat, but that's ok, all the more room to stuff the store with a massive selection of mulino bianco cookies. Yum.

WHAT TO BITE? Go for the pre-made dishes, they vary in price, but one of my favorites is the fusilli ricotta salata, $4.49/lb.

Amber, 1406 3rd Ave (@ 80th)

One of my good friends gets excited every time Amber is mentioned. I sometimes forget in the city of sushi places every corner, how good the sushi is at Amber. Some complain that it's expensive, but good sushi should be a few bucks more. When I go out for sushi, especially when I don't know the reputation of the restaurant, I get a roll, just in case the fish isn't so great, the other items can mask the taste (or lack thereof). When I go to Amber, I get sashimi because the fish is that good. If I get sushi a la carte, it's also fantastic because they put a small amount of rice under the perfectly cut piece of fish (Alton Brown would absolutely approve!)

I went last night for dinner and went for the sushi a la carte, spanish mackrel, salmon and yellowfin. Last night the salmon was wonderful, nay I should say it was beautiful. Note, the rock shrimp tempura, which I've had only a handful of times but was craving last night was a little disappointing. I've also gone to Amber's sister restaurant, Aquamarine where I almost always get the Yaki Udon, not because the sushi is subpar but because the udon is so wonderful. I've been meaning to try Amber's udon but the sushi is just so superior (and the groupons to eat there that appear so frequently) make it such a treat.

The decor in all of the Amber restaurants range, but it's definitely on the trendy side, a little dark and comprised usually of some sort of natural element, be it a giant stone waterfall or exotic plants an flowers. It's great for a date, with friends, with family, with large groups or small. Enjoy some tea, enjoy the lovely staff, and most importantly, enjoy the sushi!

WHAT TO BITE? If you can't take advantage of the great lunch special, try the sushi/sashimi a la carte, most traditional pieces average $3

Sarabeth's East, 1295 Madison Ave (@ 92nd)

Sarabeth's is a New York brunch institution. Famous for its jams which you can buy in stores across the country, it also has a fantastic brunch. I've been to a few of their locations, but the one on the upper east side is my favorite because there is a small area upstairs where you can get a table. Makes it more private and quiet, and is great if you're having an intimate breakfast party (or birthday brunch!).

On the weekends there will be a wait just about as bad as Balthazar, but it is certainly worth it. Sarabeth's takes a country home spin on its meals, you have a few options, but it's basic food dressed up and complimented with a fresh baked muffin or croissant. Great place for Mother's Day brunch, or a girls weekend. The staff is friendly, though a little overwhelmed at times, but will help you out with whatever you need. Stop in at any of their locations with an appetite and you won't be disappointed.

WHAT TO BITE? Country breakfast, $14.95, with a pumpkin muffin.

Jackson Hole, 1611 2d Ave., (btwn 83 & 84th)

Jackson Hole apparently has some of the largest burgers in Manhattan. I believe this, not because I've eaten one, but because I've been at the restaurant and seen it happen. This was part of the 15+ years of my life when I wasn't eating red meat, so I came here with a friend and had a chicken sandwich. It wasn't anything fantastic to write home about, but it was massive. The side of fries was massive too. I'm not sure who they think they are feeding, but it is great for sharing with a friend or loved one, because you probably shouldn't eat the entire thing. Unless you're training for an eating competition, or if you lost a bet at Mad River the night before.

It's a no frills place, with some tacky decorations on the wall but simple (huge) burgers. Give them a shot, see what they are like, and feel free to report back. I should return now that I eat red meat, but with all the burger joints out there, I have a lot to get to!

WHAT TO BITE? Beefburger platter, $9.90.

Effy's Cafe, 1638 3rd Ave (btwn 91st & 92nd)

I used to pass Effy's Cafe on the way home from the gym, and there's nothing the body craves more after a spinning class than carbohydrates. Though I make it a point not to take my wallet with me to the gym for that exact reason, often I'd shower, think about my next meal, and walk over and take a seat at Effy's. First of all, they serve breakfast all day, which I personally find fantastic. Second of all, it's an adorable little cafe with some of the best people watching a person could hope for. And third, it's not a Starbucks, so I'm happy to support it.

You can pick up or sit in the cafe, but be warned, on the weekend's its tough to find a spot. The good thing is Central Park isn't too far away, so you can get your food and then take a seat near Jackie O's reservoir.

WHAT TO BITE? Spinach quiche, $6.95 or the Tel Aviv Salad, $7.95.

Brother Jimmy's, 1485 2nd Ave (btwn 77 & 78th)

If you went to an ACC college, at some point you will find yourself at a Brother Jimmy's. When I first moved to the city, a friend of mine would organize saturday game days at the upper east side location, which I believe is considered "the original". I also had the pleasure of living 2 blocks away from the upper UPPER east side's bait shop on 92nd and 3rd, which my roommate and I found hilarious to visit in our PJs one night.

Brother Jimmy's is loud, and if there is a remotely interesting game on it's going to be crowded, but if you are fortunate enough to get a table facing a TV playing your game, you will not be disappointed. Aside from the $2 PBRs, Brother Jimmy's also does a swamp water, which is a ridiculously sugary mixture of various mixes, alcohols and who knows what, doused in ice and then presented to the table with about 20 straws and a plastic alligator. The waitress blows a whistle as she brings it to the table and everyone hurridly sucks away only to find out 2 minutes later it was probably the worst idea they'd had in a long time. Not to say I didn't have my fair share of swamp waters, but when you're 23 you're not exactly making the best life decisions.

Just about any night of the week is going to be hopping, so it's good to go with friends, large groups, or even a date if she's into that (and there are many of us who are!). The Bait Shop has a huge back room great for alumni gatherings, and the lexington avenue and union square locations have some outdoor seating.

WHAT TO BITE? Nachos, $12.50, to accompany your Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich, $10.50 - when asked your choice of side, steer clear of the fries and find your way to the mac n' cheese.