What I miss most about living out west, aside my the amazing weather, was the culinary scene and the amazing and comfortably chic restaurants serving up fresh ingredients with unique takes. Living so close to New York City, I have the opportunity and advantage to explore some of the world’s best spots for food. And as one of my top goals for this year was to explore the area I live more, and discover great places to eat I decided to gather a few restaurants whose names have been dropped and happen to have grabbed my attention. I’ll be featuring choices for a delicious weekend brunch, perfect midweek cocktail, and indulgent desserts, but first my picks for overall dining experience in New York City. 
Lafayette, cafe and bakery, pays homage to traditional French dishes we all love, even taking guests to different regions of the country each month with an inspired menu. This place will really make you feel like French Quarters, and serves a piece of sophistication anytime of the day.
My mouth was watering just reading Fish Soup with Lobster, Crab, Mussels, Tomato and Fennel off Wallflower’s menu, and seriously wishing I was having some Panna Cotta with Kumquat Confit. Between the interesting and lovely cocktails, and French inspired dishes, Wallflower sounds well worthy of possibly my birthday dinner.
I love the inspiration behind The Clam, of course creating variations on classic clam dishes, along with meat and other seasonal local products. The Fried Belly Clam Sandwich would follow a few dozen fresh Oysters.
After checking out Buttermilk Channel’s menu you’ll realize why their Bloody Mary variations, Squash Tart and Beer steamed Mussels have me salivating. They make it even easier to get the full Buttermilk Channel experience on Monday’s with a reduced price three course option.
Restaurants whose menu is both simple yet sophisticated, and uses the best local organic ingredients always sparks my interest, especially Narcissa‘s with delicately described Brussels Sprouts and Gnocchi.
Latin inspired, Comodo‘s Brazilian dishes remind me of ones found at family or Portuguese parties and gatherings. I know the Picanha would do well with my family, while I’d fair with the Mezcal Octopus and Brigadeiro.
Lachlan had me at $1 Oyster happy hour, oh and toasted whiskey bread, and a diverse selection to complete a memorable dining experience.
There’s plenty of reasons Brooklyn based culinary spots like The Runner Restaurant are getting recognition, I mean can you honestly pass up no fuss pickled beets roasted oysters or speciality whiskey from a large selection.
If you’re looking for traditional Italian trattoria food Maialino does just that from breakfast to dessert. This is definitely the kind of restaurant to go for Sunday family lunch.
I’m a sucker for any restaurant that sustains themselves on being farm to the table fresh, which is why I’d made the trip farther north of the city for The Inn at Pound Ridge by Jean-Georges. The historical renovated home, serves contemporary rustic fare from Tuna Tartare and other fresh daily catches to seasonal sweet pea soup.
