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.

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.

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.

Paquitos, 175 3rd Ave (btwn 16th & 17th)

Mexican food growing up was either when mom had taco night, or if the family happened to be in Connecticut and stopped in at Pancho Gringos. When I left for college, I was introduced to "fast-food" Mexican (I didn't have Taco Bell until I was in my 20's) when Chipotle joined my culinary conquests. It was wonderful, and I even made sure to stop at the ONLY one in Manhattan, at the time, when I was home over winter/summer break. The line would go out the door, even when they weren't giving out free burritos, and it still does today. This is not a post to hate on Chipotle, I will forever love you, but you lack nachos and sometimes, that's what I want with my tacos.

For some reason I was dying to have a good tamale and decided to try the hole in the wall next to my apartment, because my hole-in-the-wall Chinese place had turned out exceptionally well. Paquitos, with a few locations in the city (link goes to the one in the East Village that has a full bar and outdoor seating) was exactly what I was looking for. I went in for a tamale and came out with a small Mexican-American feast. Their pico de gallo is the freshest, most flavorful topping I've ever had and their menu, only about half of it is shown online, is always growing. The portions are massive, a burritos and nachos can easily serve two, and they are absolutely accommodating when it comes to substitutions. Oh and the sweet plantains, though they don't always have them, are done just right. It's a no frills place that has exactly what you're looking for, even if you didn't know you were looking for it. The Third Avenue location has ample seating inside, and although I usually eat at home, you could definitely sit there and devour your food, I don't think anyone would mind.

WHAT TO BITE? Carne asada burrito, $6.75 and nachos (add pico de gallo!), $3.95.

The Pump, 80 Pine Street (btwn Pearl & Water)

I had my first meal at The Pump a few years ago when I was working at a law firm in midtown. I probably ordered the wrong thing because I didn't find it all that appealing. Now that I work downtown, there is one across the street from my office (yay) that I live at, especially now with the bad weather.

What The Pump does is what there should be more of in New York City. They take good food and keeps it healthy so you don't have to do all the work. I eat breakfast at home, but if I didn't, I'd come here. Egg whites are par for the course and the seasonal muffins they have keep me going all morning (for those mornings when I'm too lazy to cook for myself). Lunch is my favorite. The concept is, you pick a protein (spicy bison meatballs, oven roasted turkey, chicken breast, beef or tofu) served in a plate with rice (or a veg), in a low-carb wrap, or as a salad, and add on your veggies (seasonal veggies + tons of others), add some healthy fats, squirt on a little sauce and there you have it. All the veggies have fantastic flavors as they are either grilled, roasted, or mixed with fresh herbs, and the sauces steer far away from the fat/calorie contents you find in a lot of dishes.

WHAT TO BITE? Get a bison plate over brown rice (or herbed spaghetti squash if in season), tomatoes with basil, caramelized peppers and onions topped with grass-fed cheddar cheese, some sweet red hot sauce, $11.25 and devoured in under 2 minutes.