But I signed my year lease and now officially live in the affluent, polo shirt wearing, small dog carrying, Starbucks on every other block, preppy overly-white Upper East Side of Manhattan. I was honestly still shocked by how goddamn expensive everything is from groceries to the closest Chinese take-away spot. I mean it's the same MSG filled (and delicious) broccoli with garlic dish that they make in Brooklyn for about half as much - right??
That being said, I'm not about to learn how to cook a week's worth of meals for one. I was perusing the magical interweb at work today and found a useful list of UES restaurants to check out:
American (new, regional):
- Alice's Tea Cup Chapter II (soups, sandwiches, tea house)
- Central Park Boathouse: Don't come here with high food expectations, but do come here for the unbelievable scenery~grab a drink at the bar while you watch lovebirds canoeing in the pond
- Post House: They call it a steakhouse, but I'm not so sure that I'd eat a hunk of beef in this uber fancy environment~lovely setting for brunch~perfect for quiet conversation
- Swifty's: The ultimate Upper East Side brunch joint~eat your eggs in intimate quarters surrounded by professional ladies-who-lunch and their Wall Street hubbies
- The Wright at the Guggenheim Museum (New American)
Bagel:
- Pick-a-Bagel: Grab your warm, homemade bagel with a hefty slab of schmear and walk over to Central Park to enjoy it at a park bench
Bakery:
- Two Little Red Hens (bakery)
Chinese:
- China Fun: Perfect food for a hangover, breakup or girls-night-in-pig-out~greasy and heavy, but super delicious
French/bistro:
- Bistro Chat Noir: French served in a beautiful, bright atmosphere~grab brunch then head over to Central Park, which is just up the street
- L'Absinthe: Gorgeous French serving tasty bistro fare
- Sel & Poivre: French fare served in a homey atmosphere~great prix fixe dinner special!
Indian:
- Tamarind: Delicious Indian served in a casual setting with wonderful outdoor seating in the warmer months
Italian:
- Serafina Fabulous Grill: Decent and reliable Italian with a vast menu of familiar favorites~warm and charming atmosphere
- Uva: Great place for small bites and wine or a full meal~Italian food served in a charming atmosphere~make sure to try the cheese with black truffles!
Mediterranean:
- Beyoglu: Fantastic Turkish/Med served in a pleasant bi-level space~hummus, Greek salad and mezzes to die for
Mexican:
- Burger One (burgers, Mexican food)
- El Paso Taqueria (Mexican)
- Maya: Haute Mexican served in a cool atmosphere
- Mustang Grill: A great summer hangout...grab a table outside and sip on tasty frozen 'ritas and chomp on chips and salsa
- Taco Taco: Mexican that's just about as authentic as it can get in NYC~charming, festive and small space
Middle Eastern:
- Ravagh (delivery): Delicious Persian cuisine serving wonderful grilled meats, dumplings, breads & dipping sauces
Pizza:
- Mimi's Pizza Kitchen (delivery): Some of the city's best pizza by-the-slice
- Totonno's (delivery): Dishing out some of the city's best pizza pies~great penne a la vodka, chicken/eggplant/meatball parmesan sandwiches, house salad & homemade tiramisu
Sandwiches/salad/soup:
- E.A.T: Truly delicious food-to-go made with the highest quality ingredients~something for everyone to enjoy
- Le Pain Quotidien: Belgian bakery/cafe serving great sandwiches, salads, soups & pastries~eat-in or take-out
Sushi:
- Sushi of Gari: Definitely listed in The Lunch Belle's top-five sushi restaurants in NYC~fantastic rolls served in a no-frills atmosphere
Vegetarian:
- Candle 79: The Belle's pick for some of the best vegetarian cuisine in town~make sure to try the polenta fries~chic atmosphere
Now I just need a dinner companion! Any single, good-looking, interested men folk with wicked awesome Boston accents willing to come down for a good meal? :)