XO in the land of Brotherhood...Providence

Early bird at the Steakhouse. No Steak for us ,but the Branzino was terrific. The service,patient(grandchild in tow). We got to sit under the mural of historical figures ,media celebrities and Buddy, the former Mayor with the scarlet past and now in  reentry mode.

Best Veal Piccata Ever

Gerhardt[nice man) will seat you soon...sometimes, but if you are there for the veal piccata remember what my nieces said{see title above} and wait. There is energy and buzz. Tom Selleck was sitting up front the last time I was there. And I must have stared because he looked at me with a practiced return glare;sorry ,but why were you up front? Architect, Richard Meier, had the same seat on an earlier occasion and didn't mind my stare{I was checking out the veal}. Second Ave bet 84 and 85 on Manhattan Isle.

La Fenice dont hondela with the gondela

69st and Broadway. penne arabiata, fine wine list,baked sole,grilled vegetables, art and Marco,a

fine host, but no reason to quibble with the prices because it is fine dining with joyful service in an open air setting .Sidewalk french bistro chairs to enjoy the Fall.

Pete Seeger and Chili Fiesta at Bklyn Botanic

Next Fall :don't miss The Chili Fiesta , Bklyn Botanic Gardens. Yesterday folk community organizer, Pete Seeger , his grandson and Guy Davis (back Oct 27)  .

Chillis to buy and chili to try.  Mark's corn chowder, Thai and vegi Chilli,burritos, , Bklyn Lager. The hootenanny  inspired the crowd and wowed the kids. All under a huge tent so the drizzle and mist just added mood.

The tv ad says Fushimi is Zagat rated...but

Zagat seems to be talking about a restaurant on Staten Island...not the one advertised in Bay Ridge.

Maxwell's Bar lives

Tribecca Grill was one of Drew Nieporent's and Robert De Niro's first restaurants and dinner last night at Greenwich and Franklyn
was as good as ever...artichoke garganelli...shrimps and white beans...ribs and jeanne marie whites. But the large center bar which once stole the show at Maxwells Plum on Third ave remains the center of gravity here in its not so new home.

A Better "Barrio"

7th av in park Slope and 3rd street...a few months old but now ready for its close up. Superb cilantro shrimp...watermelon/mint margaritas and cute little tortillas..gazpacho verde with melon. Black bean empanadas.