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.

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.

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.

The Barking Dog, 150 E. 34th (btwn Lex & 3rd)

My dad and I ventured to the Barking Dog around St. Patrick's Day because I'm pretty sure he wanted some Irish food and I'm also pretty sure Mom was out of town and making Sheppard's pie for one is entirely too daunting a task.

You have to be a dog lover to like this place because plain and simple, they let dogs dine there too. With so many buildings in Manhattan no longer allowing dogs (or only allowing them to be a measly 20 pounds), it's nice to find a place where not only are dogs allowed, but are welcomed.

Service overall, especially on a busy Saturday brunch can be a little slow, and I've had friends tell of mixed reviews with the food, but I've always had a good meal. As crowded as it gets it's never too loud, and the Murray Hill location has some outdoor seating which is especially nice if you're with your puppy (and yes, they will forever be puppies).

WHAT TO BITE? Wild Mushroom Omelet w/ hashbrowns, $10.95. I forget if my dad liked his...

Vnyl, 102 8th Ave (@ 15th street)

Sometimes for dinner you feel like eating out without having to fuss with a restaurant. You want a home cooked feeling meal without just sitting at the counter eating a bowl of mac n' cheese at Smac. That's when I go to Vynl in Chelsea (also with a location in Hells Kitchen that is just as welcoming). They have an expansive menu ranging from Asian to traditional American, so whatever you're craving, they are likely to have it, or at least a version of it you've never thought of trying before.

I find I come here more with people who are watching their weight because it's easy to find something "light" without just eating a salad, and without compromising other diner's meals. They also always have a seasonal drink special at happy hour which can't be passed up. The ambiance is based on, you guessed it, vinyl records, and each bathroom has a theme based on a musician (the Cher bathroom on the UES location - now closed - was actually my favorite!) The Chelsea location had Glee viewing parties this year, and always has a concert playing on the wall next to the bar.

WHAT TO BITE? BBQ Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich, $15

Pete's Tavern, 129 E. 18th St. (@ Irving Pl.)

I've been coming to Pete's Tavern since I can remember. My Aunt lives across the street so, when we were kids, our dining options were limited to the area near her apartment, or the area near FAO Schwartz. Pete's is where you go for a no-fuss meal, be it a pot of mussels, a burger, or my personal favorite, brunch.

I know there are a few (crazy) people out there that have a huge disdain for brunch. I am not one of them. Growing up, and still to this day, Christmas is centered around brunch. You got to have the sugary cereal, cinnamon buns and my favorite, bacon. I'm an eggs kind of girl, so a cobb salad marries those breakfast flavors and beefs it up a little bit. There is the bacon, egg and cheese, all on my plate, in a slightly different medium, but delicious all the same.

I was challenged once that Pete's Tavern didn't have a Cobb Salad. I was told I was crazy, that I was mixing up my restaurant and dismissed as not being a reliable source for food information. Well, as you can imagine, that got my goat. I immediately pulled up menupages on my iPhone and showed in big bold letters under the Brunch Menu "Pete's Cobb Salad". Pete's is unassuming. They serve consistent good food made by methods I can only imagine have been used since the place opened in 1864.

WHAT TO BITE? Pete's Cobb Salad (brunch only!), $7.95 or a charcoal grilled burger, $9.95.

Jane, 100 W. Houston St. (btwn Thompson & La Guardia Pl.)

How could I have any trepidation about visiting the Smith's sister restaurant, Jane? I didn't, and I was well rewarded with a delicious meal. My dad has called me on more than one occasion to meet him at Arturo's next door for pizza, but this chilly fall evening, I was all about Jane.

Slightly smaller than it's East Village twin, the Smith has a warm and inviting atmosphere with small tables that allow for privacy and quiet conversation. Whoever does the lighting at these two restaurants is a genius, because everyone looks wonderful. The bar/waiting area is on the smaller side, but unlike some restaurants, who will for now remain nameless, there is somewhere to sit or stand while waiting for the remainder of your dinner party.

The stairs leading to the bathroom slightly terrify me. Maybe it was because of the 4" heels and lack of a banister, but I managed to get up and down without wiping out. The service was fantastic and when the check came there wasn't a single gasp in awe of the bottom line.

I would recommend Jane for a date or dinner with friends, especially those picky eaters who don't want their food covered with sauces made of words they cannot pronounce. I wouldn't necessarily come here with a large group though, while the high ceilings give the allure of more room, it is designed more for intimate dining.

WHAT TO BITE? Grilled pork chop, with mac n' cheese, $20.

The Smith, 53 3rd Ave (btwn 10th & 11th)

Some friends of mine celebrated NYE here last year, and since their meal I had been wanting to try it. Numerous times I walked bye, the table wait pouring out into the street. What was so great about this place? And where were they proposing to fit all these people? Once I had my first meal here, I finally could answer those perplexing questions. Not only is the bar menu fantastic in complementing their food, but you have a generous portion for the right price. And there are two floors.


To me, The Smith is comfort food. I went here the night after I passed the New York bar exam for a burger and fries (and a few too many passion fruit mojitos). I've dined here with a large group of friends and devoured the skate and a side of brussel sprouts. I've even sat at the bar with a friend and indulged in mac and cheese a few too many times.


I would recommend this place for anything from a large group (who wants to fork over $90 on a birthday dinner?) to a date, to a picky eater, to a food snob. There is likely something on the menu to fit any appetite... or budget.

WHAT TO BITE? Skate a la plancha, $21 with a side of brussels sprouts, $5.