Dinner Spots -

1) Schiller’s Liquor Bar – 131 Rivington Street – (212) 260-4555.

Schiller’s, owned by restaurateur Keith McNally of NY landmarks Pastis and Balthazar, serves continental dishes with a creative cocktail menu and simple wine list that consists of “decent, cheap and good” options. Straight to the point, which I liked. I recommend going a bit early for pre-dinner cocktails at the bar. The ginger cocktail was balanced and fresh, and the bartender was fun to chat with. It’s a great scene! Once seated, I recommend ordering a carafe of ‘decent’ red and white for a group of four, the fries to start for the table (thinly sliced and perfectly crispy) salmon entrée and finishing off with the apple crisp and banana split.

I loved the Schiller's post card

2) Café Mogador - 101 Saint Marks Pl. – (212) 677-2226.

My friend and I happened into Café Mogador on Thursday evening. The bustling energy and cozy patio was too good to pass up. This cute neighborhood gem serves Moroccan/Mediterranean cuisine. My friend and I split a mixed greens salad, an order of humus and pita, and the lamb couscous.

3) Artichoke Pizza -238 E. 14th St. – (212) 228-2004.

Wow, am I glad we found this place! Artichoke is a new pizza joint in the East Village that’s become a quick local favorite. We tried a slice of their famous artichoke pizza – thick crust, creamy sauce, and meaty artichoke chunks – and the thin, crispy crusted margarita. Both slices were perfection, but one could have been a meal.

Brunch Spots -

1) August – 359 Bleecker Street (Between Charles & West 10th) – (212) 929-4774.

This quaint brunch spot in the west village has the European charm. We sat on the outdoor patio, which was warm and inviting. Friendly service and a great atmosphere. I would go back in a second! I ordered the Ham and Egg Galette – two plump over-easy eggs resting on top of a strip of ham and layer of cheese, delicately wrapped in a crepe. What a present! If you’re in the mood for something a bit more filling, go for the Wood Oven Baked Eggs en Cocotte Alsatian style.

2) Paprika - 110 St. Mark’s Place (Between 1st ave and avenue A) – (212) 677-6563.

Cuisine from the Northern Valtellina Region of Italy. I went for brunch, but I’ve heard both lunch and dinner are fantastic as well.

A Few Other Notable Highlights -

1) 16 Handles - 153 2nd Avenue (Between 9th and 10th St) – 212.260.4414.

Cafeteria style frozen yogurt…16 flavors and 16 toping options.

2) Cafeteria – 119 7th Avenue – (212) 414-1717

A sceney late night food stop.

4) City Winery - 155 Varick Street – (212) 608-0555

NYC’s first custom crush facility. Beautiful space with a stage for concerts.

5) Clinton Street Baking – 4 Clinton Street (Between East Houston & Stanton) – (646) 602-6263

If you can’t make it here for brunch like me, go for the biscuits. Mmmm.

6) H & H

Classic neighborhood Jewish deli. Best loxs and bagels I’ve had.

7) Seeds of Peace

Seeds of Peace is a non-profit organization that brings together young leaders from conflict regions in the Middle East and South Asia in Maine, for a week long camp where they gain the leadership skills required to advance reconciliation and coexistence. My friend who I was visiting, Ali Landes, works in the fundraising department, so I got a quick glimpse into the organization. Great cause!